Writing Sample

Nomak54

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
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187
Hello all

What are some examples of what they want for the writing sample questions?

here they are:


Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)



What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)



Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)
 
These are not writing samples, but personal statements. (Or to use ordinary college-application terminology, “essays.”) You are not being evaluated for your writing skills (well, not primarily), but for your understanding, sincerely, commitment, motivation and direction as it pertains to USAFA and the Air Force.

What do you mean by “example”? These are very pointed and personal questions that require a very pointed and personal answer — and that must come from your own head and heart (and if you’re so inclined, your gut).

Use the search function to find the countless other threads in which candidates post their drafts for feedback. You’ll find that the most common critique is that the essay is too generic, that it could have been written by anyone.

My suggestion, which I used with my DD, is this: Answer each of the questions within the prompt with a simple, single sentence. Then, start to string these sentences together into readable prose. Flesh it out as needed. This way, you can be sure that you addressed every aspect that was asked. Then, have a trusted teacher, friend and family member take a very critical eye to it. Above all, make the essay your own. Best wishes to you.
 
+1 @MidCakePa - remember that most if the application contains "cold" bits of data (GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, ECAs) - the essays are your opportunity to provide the selection committee a view into who you are. Since the members of this form don't know you on a personal level, it is very difficult to provide you meaningful direction on the specific experiences that should be included in the essays.

Good luck.
 
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