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Many selective colleges add short answer questions to their supplements: a favorite book, three words that describe you, something you are curious about, a list of things that matter to you. The limits are tight, often 25 to 150 words, and the questions can feel like an afterthought.
They are not. Short answers are where readers get the quickest, least rehearsed look at you, and where a generic answer stands out most. Every word has to carry something only you could say.
The types you will see most
| Type | Example prompt | What works |
|---|---|---|
| List | Your favorite books, sources or places | Specific, varied picks that together sketch a person |
| One word or phrase | Three words that describe you | Unexpected words, each backed by a quick detail |
| Curiosity | Something you want to learn more about | A narrow question, not a field |
| Mini essay | A meaningful activity, value or experience | One moment, one idea, no introduction |
| Quick take | Your favorite way to spend a free afternoon | Honesty and personality over impressiveness |
The example prompts above are generic versions of common questions. Always answer the exact wording each college uses.
Rules for very short answers
- Skip the introduction. Your first word should already be the answer.
- One idea per answer. A short answer that covers three things says nothing about any of them.
- Use specific nouns: a title, a place, a name, a number.
- Fragments and lists are fine where the prompt invites them. Full sentences are not required for a list question.
- Be honest rather than impressive. A favorite book you actually reread beats a classic you think readers want to see.
- Do not repeat what your personal essay or activities list already says.
Weak and strong examples
Three words: hardworking, curious, kind.
Translator: for my parents at every appointment since I was nine. Tinkerer: our toaster has been rebuilt twice. Early: the 6 a.m. swim lane is where I do my best thinking.
I am curious about many topics, especially science and history, because I love learning new things.
Why do some city buses run every eight minutes and others every forty? I have read three transit reports trying to find out, and the answer seems to be politics, not math.
The weak answers could belong to anyone. The stronger ones contain at least one detail that a stranger would remember, and each one points to a habit of mind.
How to cut an answer to the limit
- 1Write it long first, then delete the opening sentence. It is almost always a restatement of the question.
- 2Remove hedges and intensifiers: really, very, truly, I think, I believe.
- 3Replace general words with specific ones, which are often shorter.
- 4Check that the last sentence adds something new. If it only sums up, cut it.
- 5Count again. Aim for 90 to 100 percent of the limit; very short answers can read as low effort.
Read next: How long your Common App essay should be
Questions
A score out of 100, a note on every sentence, the paragraph costing you most and a 10-point draft check, in 5–10 minutes. We never write a word of your essay.
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