Updated for 2015-16
It's officially December, which means the Pepperdine deadline is fast approaching. In the Common App, there are two supplemental essay questions aspiring Pepperdine students will need to complete before they can spend their next four years gazing over the beautiful Pacific Ocean from their perch atop Malibu.
We've got some ideas to help generate some material for these mini essays (50-300 words) to help you out. Here are the prompts:
1. Write a letter to your future roommate at Pepperdine. Tell them what characteristics would make you a good roommate and what you are looking forward to most in college. (50-300 words)
AND
2. As a Christian university, Pepperdine expresses its Christian principles through all aspects of academic life and administrative policy. The university affirms that truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline. Students, faculty, and staff members of all faith traditions are welcome to become part of the Pepperdine University community. Please tell us a little bit about how faith has influenced your life.
For both these prompts your goal is to use an anecdote, allegory, or other interesting tidbit to bring your writing to life. You want to "show, don't tell" as the adage goes. For example, with the first, perhaps start your supplement with a short story about your life illustrating of the traits you think will make you a terrific roommate.
For the second prompt, think about an anecdote that relates to either your own journey in faith, a turning point in your search for truth, or an object that might represent your faith, then tell that story. You don't have to be uber Christian to get in, and that's not what the admissions committee is looking for, but you do need to explain your awareness of your place in the universe and your thoughts therein in an articulate, reflective way.
Here are some brainstorming questions to get your rolling for each prompt.
Prompt 1:
--Start brainstorming by listing traits about yourself that you believe make you a good roommate.
--Choose several of these traits. Think of stories from your life that illustrate that trait. Use the story as way of connecting with the reader and answering the prompt.
--Don't be afraid to get creative in your initial list (if you have a flair for design, or if you have the entire season of Parks and Rec on your computer at the ready for late night study breaks...)
--At the end of the supplement, don't forget to answer the second part of the prompt: what are you most looking forward to about college. Be honest in your response (within reason, obvi). The goal is to write something interesting, memorable, and true.
Prompt 2:
--When did your journey with faith begin?
--Is there a tangible object that represents your faith?
--An important experience that affirmed your faith?
--A time when you acted on your faith?
That's it! Happy drafting. If you are looking for help with this whole college essay thing, our services may come in handy. Check out our page explaining ways we can help you navigate this college admissions jungle, or send us an email for more information.
Erika, The Guru.
It's officially December, which means the Pepperdine deadline is fast approaching. In the Common App, there are two supplemental essay questions aspiring Pepperdine students will need to complete before they can spend their next four years gazing over the beautiful Pacific Ocean from their perch atop Malibu.
We've got some ideas to help generate some material for these mini essays (50-300 words) to help you out. Here are the prompts:
1. Write a letter to your future roommate at Pepperdine. Tell them what characteristics would make you a good roommate and what you are looking forward to most in college. (50-300 words)
AND
2. As a Christian university, Pepperdine expresses its Christian principles through all aspects of academic life and administrative policy. The university affirms that truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline. Students, faculty, and staff members of all faith traditions are welcome to become part of the Pepperdine University community. Please tell us a little bit about how faith has influenced your life.
For both these prompts your goal is to use an anecdote, allegory, or other interesting tidbit to bring your writing to life. You want to "show, don't tell" as the adage goes. For example, with the first, perhaps start your supplement with a short story about your life illustrating of the traits you think will make you a terrific roommate.
For the second prompt, think about an anecdote that relates to either your own journey in faith, a turning point in your search for truth, or an object that might represent your faith, then tell that story. You don't have to be uber Christian to get in, and that's not what the admissions committee is looking for, but you do need to explain your awareness of your place in the universe and your thoughts therein in an articulate, reflective way.
Here are some brainstorming questions to get your rolling for each prompt.
Prompt 1:
--Start brainstorming by listing traits about yourself that you believe make you a good roommate.
--Choose several of these traits. Think of stories from your life that illustrate that trait. Use the story as way of connecting with the reader and answering the prompt.
--Don't be afraid to get creative in your initial list (if you have a flair for design, or if you have the entire season of Parks and Rec on your computer at the ready for late night study breaks...)
--At the end of the supplement, don't forget to answer the second part of the prompt: what are you most looking forward to about college. Be honest in your response (within reason, obvi). The goal is to write something interesting, memorable, and true.
Prompt 2:
--When did your journey with faith begin?
--Is there a tangible object that represents your faith?
--An important experience that affirmed your faith?
--A time when you acted on your faith?
That's it! Happy drafting. If you are looking for help with this whole college essay thing, our services may come in handy. Check out our page explaining ways we can help you navigate this college admissions jungle, or send us an email for more information.
Erika, The Guru.
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