Tag: application

Common Application concerns?

Lawrence University is a Common Application user.
At least for now, the Common Application is the only way to apply to Lawrence University.

The roll-out of the new Common Application has been bumpy and buggy. Despite that fact, and all the frustrations people have been experiencing with the Common Application, I offer this piece of advice from my friendly neighborhood yoga instructor:

Take a deep breath. Hold it. Lower your shoulders. Exhale.

Your application to Lawrence will be OK. Here’s why.

Time is still on your (and our) side. We are, at the time of this post, just a little more than two weeks from our Early Decision deadline (November 1), and a little less than one month from our Early Action deadline (November 15).

If you (or we) find that problems start arising leading up to those deadlines, please know that we will be flexible. If you know anything about Lawrence, you know that we take a student-centered approach to our work with you.

If you have applied, we have your application. If you have submitted yours and wonder if we have it, please get in touch with your Lawrence admissions counselor.

If you are having issues with your application, please get in touch with your Lawrence admissions counselor.

We are considering alternatives to the Common Application, in the event that problems persist.

Watch this space for updates as they happen.

Ken Anselment
Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid

 

The Common Application essay prompts for 2014 are here!

Lawrence University is an exclusive user of the Common Application. The newly overhauled version of the “Common App” for the 2014 academic year goes live on August 1, 2013, but the Common App board has already released the new essay prompts. If you want to start thinking about the prompts, and maybe even drafting some early versions of your essay, here is what you’ll find on August 1:

Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don’t feel obligated to do so. (The application won’t accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

  • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
  • Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  • Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.