Not Your Common Application

Northwestern students seem to agree that the University’s application form for admission sets it apart. While 277 schools across the country now accept the Common Application, Northwestern still requires its own.

The application’s writing section, known for its fairly specific, quirky essay questions, prompts applicants to be creative and complete. It also asks that they contribute an essay topic for the following year’s application. (Every question on the 2005–06 application comes from student suggestions.)

Q: If you could hold a world record, what would it be and why?

A: I would like to hold the world record for the most languages spoken. Communication is central to every other aspect of life. The more languages you can speak, the better able you are to communicate with the entire spectrum of humanity. — Chris Eckels

Q: In the spirit of Northwestern’s tradition of collaborative learning, please provide us with an original essay topic or short statement you’d like to see on next year’s application.

A: In 1992 Vice President Dan Quayle led a campaign against Candice Bergen’s television character Murphy Brown because she was a single mother. If you had a bone to pick with a fictional character, who would it be and why? — Mari Fagel