The Online Essay is a fully digital writing sample. We do not accept any handwritten paper submissions.
If you or your student are concerned about their ability to successfully type a response, here are some resources that you can consider using to improve their typing skills:
- There are many online typing programs out there. We recommend https://www.typing.com/, which has a robust free offering for students learning the basics of keyboard typing.
- Students are allowed to use scratch paper. We recommend that students create a brief essay outline before they begin so that they can keep their writing focused and minimize the time spent deleting and retyping as their train of thought changes.
- You can review our general essay strategies including how to manage time here.
- We also recommend having your student complete a practice essay using a word processor such as Google Docs, Word, or Notepad.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes, open a document for your student, and provide them with one of the sample prompts below. This will give you an idea of where your student is in terms of being able to communicate their thoughts in a short time.
- Sample Prompts:
- If you could take a class on any topic, what would you choose to learn about and why?
- Describe someone who has inspired you.
Also, please note that if your student has an accommodation that grants them exemptions from typing, you can list that accommodation on your registration form and it will be honored to the best of our ability.