1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Remember, you want colleges to have the opportunity to really get to know you outside of the academic & extra curricular activities you will list on the application. You want to bring college administration into your world. Choose a topic that allows you to reveal more of yourself while touching on things that have shaped you and/or truly matter to you! This is the opportunity to touch on all things left unsaid amidst the application

Early Decision

• This plan is binding and therefore best suited for the applicant who has decided early in the college search process that the selected school is their first choice.

• All required application materials must be submitted by November 1st, otherwise the application will be moved to regular decision status.

• The applicant agrees not to be an early decision candidate at any other college.

• If accepted by Spelman College, the applicant will withdraw her application from all other colleges and universities.

• Applicants seeking financial assistance will not be required to withdraw other applications, but must submit the enrollment fee deposit within two weeks of receiving a financial aid award letter from Spelman College.

• Applicants not admitted under this plan may be considered under the regular decision plan.

Early Action

• This plan is non-binding. If admitted, these applicants are not required to withdraw applications at other institutions.

• All required application materials must be submitted by November 15, otherwise the application will be moved to regular decision status.

• Applicants not admitted under this plan may be considered under the regular decision plan.