Essay questions however, are somewhat different to many of the traditional 'British' essays and they are often more abundant than the single personal statement required for most British schools.
For example, UCLA asks for three essays; one on your academical interests, one focusing on extra-curricular activities and one on life challeneges. Sarah Lawrence ask for an open ended essay, what question should we ask you and why and why do you want to go to sarah lawrence.
These questions are intended both to test your writing skills but more importantly to learn more about you, beyond what you transcript and applications say. They are a fantastic oppurtunity if used to their full advantage.
There are five very common types of questions;
1) Grown as a person
2) Important issue
3) Future plans and why college can help
4) Important people
5) Significant achievement
1) is a personal question requiring an event that has changed you as an individual; it doesn't have to be a huge event as long as it is personal to you. It doesn't have to be a huge change either; nor should you focus on just how horrible a person you were before - this doesn't always impress. Although you write about an event changing you however, take respondibility for the change in the essay and show how it has changed you in future. Don't however, be overly pompous in how great you are now that you are through that event.
2) is still a personal question and for this reason, whatever issue you choose, you must support your beliefs from your own experience in life. Do not generalise any nation or culture and do not try to suggest you will one day cure world hunger. If you inetdn to write about why you think hunting is wrong, admissions officers would prefer to hear about your two weeks work experience in the slaughter house than a detailed scientific description of a puppy.
3) For this question, a good knowledge of your school is required. If you want to study animal behaviour at Soandso college, mention their extensive research into hyaena relations or the highly experienced faculty. Don't go OTT with the 'fantastically amazing brilliance' of the school. It's been done. They probably know the school's fantastic anyhow. Further to this, even if you know you're fantastic, the admissions officers don't need to hear it. Be honest with them about why you want to be there and why it will actually help you.
4) Choose carefully and portray carefully; don't try to impress with namedropping. Find someone who has qualities which you would like to have in yourself. Perhaps your future career is a scientist. If this is though, it doesn;t have to be an amazing scientist. You could describe an amazing baker, who works extremely hard and is extremely precise in his measurements. This reflects that you would like to be precise and hard-working. Don't describe the person's face etc but instead say how they made an impression on you through qualities you admire.
5) Choose something which has made you proud; even if it is only small. There is no need to be modest but don't overdo it either. If you have achieved something let them know how important it was to you and why.
Good luck - this is probably the toughest part!