Andre Said:

im having issues with a writing prompt for school. im stuck. my prompt word is fallen. suggestions?

We Answered:

There's a old phrase, a bit of a cliche', but it hasn't been used in a while. You could write a story about losing a girl friend because you found out she was seeing someone else.

The old phrase is, "My ideal has fallen." Describe her in a brief paragraph, then work in how you met, what you found in common, where and when you began to differ, and finally, when you found out she was seeing someone else.

Just an idea.

EDIT... corrected a dang typo!! Grrhhh

Ida Said:

When will the prompts for the fall 2009 application be posted?

We Answered:

I confirmed with the UC website and the prompts will remain the same. The application itself opens October 1st, so if you don't believe me, wait until then to see.

Gregory Said:

When do things fall apart in "Things Fall Apart"?

We Answered:

In my opinion, I would say when the main character's son became Christian, or when the Christians/missionaries came to his town.

Bryan Said:

Creative writing promts - give us a few paragraphs of fun!?

We Answered:

1

"Do you find me beautiful?" she asked.
"Yes," replied he, "and it has made my life all the more unbearable because of it."


The Mermaid & the Mariner:

Silver moonlight slithers, serpentine, southward, across traversed waters. It is not here, where measurements like 'fathoms' and 'leagues' hold meaning, that such creatures often are found.
But Saline cares little for caution and restraint. She heeds not the weary tales against the violent distemper of man. If only, for a moment, she might catch a glimpse, then her curiosity might be sated. But what to make of the spectacle that greets her, when her emerald tail propels her upward, beyond the surface of the sea?

There is a boat, or what remains, scattered, dashed, spewing its insides into the open maw of a moody, churlish sea.

And there, like a child, tethered to the plank which for him symbolizes life, the Mariner does cling. He is not quite a man, but no longer a youth. His shoulders are slumped. They inch towards death, which is a direction that cannot be found on any compass, though always our souls needle points towards it.

And it is in that moment, whilst the raging storm tremors in fury meant for all souls foolish enough to challenge it, that she feels sorry for him. It is at that moment, she decides he must be saved.

And it as at that moment, whilst dragging his fever-wracked shivering body away, that something eternal is born.

Something that will not die, though in the days to come, it will be given little space to live.



Didn't quite follow the assignment, but isn't that what writing exercises are for? For some fun and exploration? Thanks for the great idea!

Jason Said:

What is the best way to study for the MCATs(I haven't even started my pre-med courses)?

We Answered:

Wow, flashbacks. Been there, done that - 1994 decided I wanted to go to medical school and had to not only study for the MCATs but also take all of the pre-meds.

My suggestions:
1) make sure this is what you want to do - to be successful, this has to be a passion, and you need to make studying and grades a top priority (avoiding the college parties in most cases, etc).
2) ace each pre-med class. Not just ace it, make sure you get the top score. If you take that attitude, you will build a foundation of knowledge that will serve you well not only for the MCATs but also medical school.
3) purchase a Kaplan MCAT study course - worth the investment. Study it an hour or two per week, and learn it. Master it.
4) make time for other things in life - although you should be mastering the MCAT and pre-med info, medical schools want variety - and someone who was also into acting, or comedy, or painting, or a mechanic, or anything other than medicine is always attractive.
5) for the next 8 years or so, you'll need to set small goals each week and make sure you meet them, making progress in little steps at a time.
6) do it for the right reasons - who knows what the $$$ will be for doctors in the future, and student loan debt is often so huge that most doctors are far from rich. Become a doctor to make a difference, to help people, to change the world. Don't do it for the money, many other ways to make money.

Good luck!

Lloyd Said:

What aspect of "The Fall of the House of Usher" would be good to write an essay on?

We Answered:

The connection between Usher and his sister (sorry i can't remember their names)

I don't remember exact details, but I remember discussing this in class about descriptions in the book relating Usher and his sister as one person.