an essay about unwritten rules

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How Unwritten Rules Shape Your Culture

You won’t find your company most important rules in the employee handbook. The rules that people follow are usually unwritten.

By Gustavo Razzetti

October 6, 2017

In the workplace, behavior matters more than words

“Let me tell you how things work here.”

The first day at a new job is rough.

We’re excited and proud, but also feel nervous. Will I fit in? Will the reality of the job match my desires?

The first day at a job is when expectations meet reality. And that’s why both employers and employees feel anxious.

The first contact with the company’s culture makes us wonder if we’ve made the right decision.

That’s what recently happened to a former client when she had just finished her onboarding at her new job. Maggie was sitting at her new desk while trying to memorize the company’s vision statement.

“Let me tell you how things work here” — someone from the spontaneous welcome committee said.

This aspiring leader was reminding Maggie of the most important lesson at a new job; fitting-in is more than just being liked. It’s about behaving according to the unwritten rules that govern an organization.

Unspoken rules define your culture

“Culture is the behavior you reward and punish.” — Jocelyn Goldfein

Maggie — a former client — is a high-performing, confident, and driven executive. That’s why she was so successful at her previous job.

But her smarts seemed less valuable now.

One month into her new job, Maggie was called to her boss’ office to discuss her performance. Maggie works in a large training organization in the business development department. Written rules say she should be making ten calls per day.

As her boss was reviewing the stats, Maggie couldn’t understand what was going on. Since she’d joined, thanks to her vast network, she was closing business at almost twice the rate of the rest of the team.

She was “accused” of making fewer calls than expected.

As illogical as it might sound, this particular company rewards fitting-in over being extraordinary.

In this case, the unspoken rule seemed to be: “playing by-the-rules matters more than results” or “ bosses reward mediocre employees and fear top performers.”

The behaviors organizations promote and tolerate, determine their real culture. They are more powerful than any written rules – or a mission statement, for that matter.

Many times, unspoken rules encourage mediocre behaviors from both employees and managers.

This pattern creates a paradox in the workplace.

Companies believe that the most talented people are expensive. If they just analyze the salary/ cost, maybe so. The truth is that organizations pay mediocre employees way too much.

The ROI on mediocre employees is much lower. That’s what makes them more expensive – especially if you factor in how they negatively affect top performers.

Mismanagement makes unwritten rules official.

Understanding Your Unwritten Rules

“You can observe a lot by watching.” — Yogi Berra, baseball catcher

As I discussed in a previous piece , an unsafe or toxic culture harms not just employee retention, but your bottom line too.

That’s what unwritten rules do: they erode trust. People want to survive, rather than to do their best work.

There’s often a gap between the ideal state that organizations communicate and their reality. This lack of transparency is what feeds unwritten rules.

Steve Simpson, the author of Cracking the Corporate Culture Code, explains how research in Australia and New Zealand has shown a dangerous gap between the desired culture and the actual operating one.

When managers’ behaviors are different from their words, employees become cynical about the organization’s mission and values, the author states.

Many senior managers speak about wanting a culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, open communication, and teamwork, but their behaviors are promoting mediocrity, fear, politics, and individualism.

Here are some examples I’ve seen in both large corporations and fast-growth startups. Use them to reflect on how your organization talks and behaves.

Sound familiar? Which behaviors are promoting unspoken rules? Why?

I’m not telling you to lower your organization’s ambition, but when a company’s visions and goals are disconnected from reality, they fuel skepticism.

That’s why I’m always helping my clients build and promote a culture of transparency .

Being candid about the reality of how an organization operates will inspire people to help you. Doing the opposite will only widen the gap of trust.

How to deal with the unwritten rules in the workplace

If you are a manager:.

Provide a safe space for people to speak up: Are people rewarded for sharing their ideas? Do you let team members speak up first? Are you actively listening to other opinions? Or simply pretending there’s an open dialogue…

Make sure everyone abides by the same rules: Some organizations allow favorites or bosses to play outside the written rules. This creates a sense of injustice and unfairness.

Address the tensions between written and unwritten rules: Encourage your team to bring up their observations. Don’t just ask them to do so, regularly touch base to address silent issues ( or the stinky fish , as we call it)

Become more aware of your own behaviors: Are you consciously and/ or unconsciously behaving in a way that promotes unspoken rules rather than being consistent with the values you preach? That’s okay. We all make mistakes. Make necessary adjustments and, most importantly, let your team know you are challenging your behaviors.

To show you are serious, behave boldly: Your actions — what you reward and punish — is the standard that will define your team’s behaviors. Don’t just make statements; leaders need to behave boldly. The more risks you take , the more your team will trust your words.

Acknowledging your mistakes will build trust. Embracing vulnerability not only shows that you’re human, but also that you trust yourself and are confident enough to confront your own flaws .

If you are a new employee:

Be patient. There’s always a gap; comparing things now with how you felt at your previous job won’t help.

Don’t fight what’s different; try to learn and reflect.

Ask questions, rather than provide solutions. As I told Maggie, most people resist ideas from newcomers – even if they’re right. If you detect something that can be improved, present your observations as a question.

Challenge the team to reflect and find a solution rather than show them how wrong they are. Most probably, they have tried to “change things around here” before.

The problem with unwritten rules is not just that they define informal behaviors; it’s that they represent the real culture, one that is not aligned with the company purpose .

Addressing and adjusting behaviors will help build a healthier culture. Promoting transparency drives the necessary safe space for people to speak up and resolve these tensions .

Unspoken rules are just symptoms; what do they say about your company?

Which management behaviors are promoting those unspoken rules?

Who benefits from those unspoken rules?

What do you think?

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Let Innovation Thrive

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Why the unwritten rules may be most important.

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Remote work reduced opportunities for chance hallway or water cooler conversations, which often lead ... [+] to incidental learning.

It is lonely at the top. Senior leaders achieved the highest ranks within their organization often due to hard work, recognized accomplishments and deep-rooted networks. Once they get to the top level, they are often isolated, shielded from the truth of what is happening in the trenches. They get half-truths and omissions.

What about on the lower rungs of the corporate ladder? How do they share information, perspectives and serendipitous conversations that lead to innovation?

Innovation commences by seeing the gaps in people’s thinking and making those connections. What opportunities are there for information to flow? Are there clogs and detours in knowledge sharing? Do people have ample opportunities to seek out the gaps and make connections?

While there are multiple benefits to remote work, an issue of contention is the lack of chance hallway or water cooler conversations, which often lead to incidental learning. New employees, especially junior ones, will be unable to connect with more experienced employees and develop relationships. We need to reconsider how we are redesigning our work.

Work relationships matter

Join any organization and you will be handed documents, manuals, playbooks, handbooks, standard operating procedures and websites to reference. It is referred to as explicit knowledge —information and ideas which are documented. This is critical as it teaches you what to do, how to do it and where to go to solve problems.

There is another type of knowledge that is equally, and if not more important, that of tacit knowledge , the traditions, cultures, insights and mental models that are often subconscious and in our minds, but are an integral part of the tapestry and culture of the organizations. It is not codified and you can only access tacit knowledge when there is trust.

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Best covid-19 travel insurance plans, building ties.

Ties are the relationships between people. If we have strong connections, we build trust. It is with those with whom we have strong connections that we can turn for assistance and support. We build strong ties with those who understand and can empathize with our situation.

Tacit knowledge, the type where a hidden curriculum of unwritten rules and traditions are shared, is more likely exchanged with those we know well and trust; with those, we have strong ties. The downside is when you know each other well, you are less likely to develop new ideas, as you tend to discuss topics with which you are familiar.

As we redesign the future of work, we must consider the role of how knowledge is transferred among people. In her new book, Redesigning Work , London Business School professor and member of the Thinkers50 top management thinkers ranking, Lynda Gratton, outlines a four-step process for redesigning work.

Understand what matters

Test your assumptions and collect critical data about your employees and organization. Ask yourself these questions:

Which skills, networks and jobs are crucial for productivity?

How does knowledge flow within the organization?

What do employees want from work and the company?

Reimagine the future

Once you have a basic understanding of what really matters, how can you reimagine work to leverage this knowledge? Gratton suggests the following ideas:

Create an office space where conversation flows, and incidental learning can naturally happen.

Make the home a source of healthy living and working.

Consider how focus and coordination can be supported by the way we structure the working hours.

Model and test ideas

When you have a hypothesis, it is time to test it against multiple variables. Ask yourself these questions:

Will the model be relevant and useful in the short, medium and long term?

Will the model work to aid in skill transitions?

Is the model equitable and fair to employees across the country?

Act on your model and create new ways of working

Work to inculcate the new model into the practice and culture of the company.

Create a practice that engages people with the design choices and makes them agents of change, thereby being part of the process.

“What Lynda Gratton has always been concerned about is the human dimension of business. She constantly reminds us that we are social beings first, and business people second. She has championed the shift from competition to collaboration as the economic imperative,” shares Des Dearlove, the cofounder of Thinkers50 which ranks the top management thinkers in the world.

As we consider the future of work and redesign our physical spaces and opportunities for human interactions, Lynda Gratton’s ideas create a framework to test assumptions, learn best practices and take a giant leap into the future.

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Why You Should Write Down Your Company’s Unwritten Rules

Karen Niovitch Davis

What goes unsaid can have a profound influence on employees’ actions.

Unwritten rules and ways of doing things — both good and bad — are ingrained in the corporate world. Often, these norms become so enmeshed in company culture that leaders don’t even think about them. But if a company’s norms aren’t regularly revisited to ensure they align with the organization’s goals — and if leaders aren’t careful about how their behavior contributes to them — they can morph from a positive force to a destructive one. That’s why leaders need to periodically revisit the firm’s unofficial rules. Write them out, so that you and your employees can compare notes about what’s expected of them. Consider whether unspoken rules reflect the kind of behavior you want to promote. And when norms change, overcommunicate so that everyone is on the same page.

KD Karen Niovitch Davis is a partner and the chief human resources officer of the strategic communications firm Prosek Partners.

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UChicago Essay Examples

As one of the world’s top-ranked universities, the University of Chicago deeply values inquisitive and creative learners. For that reason, UChicago essays that worked are some of the most captivating and unique college essays out there. Hopeful applicants will benefit from reading UChicago essay examples. In fact, beyond just reading UChicago essay examples, closely analyzing UChicago essays that worked is an excellent way to prepare.

Are you thinking of applying to UChicago but not sure what goes into writing UChicago essays that worked? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’re going to read some UChicago essay examples and see why they impressed admissions.

In this UChicago Essay Examples article we’ll look at:

Recent UChicago essay prompts
Several real University of Chicago essay examples
Why the UChicago essay matters
Tips for writing a UChicago essay, and more!

As one of the best universities in Illinois , the Midwest , and the world, UChicago demands top-tier essays. And with our expert analysis of UChicago essay examples, you’ll be better prepared to craft your own..

How many supplemental essays does UChicago have?

There are two supplemental essays required for the UChicago application. These prompts can be found on the university’s site as well as in the Coalition Application or Common Application . It’s important to note these prompts—and, accordingly, UChicago essay examples—vary from year to year. However, you’ll find similarities among UChicago essays that worked regardless of the prompt.

The first prompt is required of all students and is essentially a “why UChicago” essay. A “why UChicago” essay that works will follow the general framework of any other “why school” essay.

UChicago essay examples for the second required essay change the most between admissions cycles. This is because the second essay responds to one of several prompts created by UChicago students.

For both required UChicago essay examples, there is no set word limit. However, the University of Chicago admissions office suggests 650 words for the UChicago extended essay example. As for the “why UChicago” essay, the suggested word limit is lower, at 250-500 words. Regardless of your final word count, UChicago essays that worked use their words effectively, as we’ll see soon.

What are the University of Chicago supplemental essay prompts?

UChicago essays that worked will respond to the unique prompts in an innovative and inquisitive manner. That being said, UChicago essay examples vary greatly as the prompts change yearly.

UChicago posts its current prompts as well as some of the favorite prompts of the past years. In fact, you can even find past favorite University of Chicago prompts from as far back as the nineties. As prompts change, so do UChicago essay examples; however, elements of Uchicago essays that worked are pretty constant. With that said, let’s look at the current UChicago essay prompts.

The first UChicago essay prompt is required of all students:

How does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago., the second essay—the uchicago extended essay.

The second required essay for the UChicago application is inspired by current students. In the most recent application cycle, it asks students to respond to one of the following options:

Essay Option 1:

Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – inspired by emmett cho, class of 2027, essay option 2:, “where have all the flowers gone” – pete seeger. pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – inspired by ryan murphy, ab’21, essay option 3:, “vlog,” “labradoodle,” and “fauxmage.” language is filled with portmanteaus. create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – inspired by garrett chalfin, class of 2027, essay option 4:, a jellyfish is not a fish. cat burglars don’t burgle cats. rhode island is not an island. write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. – inspired by sonia chang, class of 2025, and mirabella blair, class of 2027, essay option 5:, despite their origins in the gupta empire of india or ancient egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. what modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why – inspired by adam heiba, class of 2027, essay option 6:, there are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. but of course, some rules should be broken or updated. what is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist (our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. enjoy) – inspired by maryam abdella, class of 2026, essay option 7:, and, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option in the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). be original, creative, thought provoking. draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the university of chicago; take a little risk, and have fun.

Soon, we’re going to check out some UChicago essay examples. However, you may notice that our UChicago essay examples don’t respond to the current prompts. That doesn’t mean that these UChicago essay examples aren’t helpful! Responses to these prompts will vary greatly based on each student’s story. All UChicago essays that worked are valuable tools to aid you in writing your own college essays.

Demystifying the UChicago Extended Essay

When considering how to write a UChicago extended essay example, think about how unique all of the UChicago uncommon essay examples are. There is no one-size-fits-all way to craft impressive UChicago essay examples; rather, there are infinite ways to approach them.

While that may feel overwhelming for some students, try to focus on the creative liberty the UChicago essay examples allow. Because the University of Chicago essay examples are so unique, students have a grand opportunity to express themselves.

What’s the goal of UChicago essay examples? Well, the UChicago extended essay example has a slightly different goal than “why UChicago” essay examples. The prompts are admittedly “provocative.” After all, this competitive university wants the most curious, inquisitive minds in the nation. Accordingly, successful UChicago essay examples prove that admitted students aren’t afraid of thinking out of the box.

In the end, although the prompts seem quite different from other college essays, the goal is the same. UChicago essays that worked share more about each student: their interests, background, life experiences, or tastes. The exciting part about the UChicago uncommon essay examples is the rare opportunity to embrace your quirkiness or get serious. The choice is yours!

UChicago Extended Essay Example

The first of our UChicago uncommon essay examples touches on some themes common in more traditional diversity/background/life experiences prompts. Read the first of our UChicago essay examples closely. How does the writer share more about themselves in an eloquent manner while still responding to this unique prompt?

UChicago Extended Essay Prompt:

A neon installation by the artist jeppe hein in chicago’s charles m. harper center asks this question for us: “why are you here and not somewhere else” (there are many potential values of “here”, but we already know you’re “here” to apply to the university of chicago; pick any”here” besides that one). – inspired by erin hart, class of 2016..

In a culture where Bollywood’s ‘item girls’ receive fame and glory for their provocative dancing and scant clothing, I am often filled with shame and even disgust for my own Indian heritage. Films and television soaps reinforce gender stereotypes of dominating male characters, while their female counterparts are either passive homemakers or desirable ‘item girls.’ These movies are mainstream and celebrated in my culture, watched by children and grandparents alike.

How can I embrace and respect my culture if this inequality pervades? Because I notice these things, and define them as blatantly sexist, does that make me less Indian?

In a culture where dowries are still regularly exchanged between families, I cannot help but notice the objectification of women that is culturally acceptable and ubiquitous. I cannot understand how Indian women all over the world permit their future family to request money and goods equivalent to their supposed ‘worth.’ This is the feminist and Western approach to dowries However, if I look closer, there can be a degree of justification to this practice. The parents-in-law are given money and luxurious goods for the bride in order to protect her if her husband and breadwinner can no longer work.

While this reasoning does offer some justification for the persistent existence of dowries in the 21st century, it brings new objections to the presumption that the bride will not contribute to the family’s income. I see the world through two lenses as the clash between Eastern and Western culture pervades my every thought and action.

During rare family gatherings, the few times I get to see my extended family, the joy of the reunion is mellowed by what I see. The men and children lounge into the couches, sipping tea and crunching bhel (Indian snack), while chuckling and debating over current events. In the kitchen congregate the women, busy cooking and giggling with each other, but in a constant frenzy to prepare the next meal or brew more tea. Distracted by the simmering chai, this room lacks the same fervent discussion of prevalent global issues. The living room and kitchen stand divided between the men and women. As a female young-adult, I am confused as to where I belong- to which room do I go? While we are one family, the divide remains firm. I feel sick to my stomach, as I alone perceive the waves of sexism that ripple beneath our facade.

Adding to this confusion are my looks. I am a rich mocha, but with too much crème, and suddenly I no longer look Indian. My unique ringlets add fuel to my accusers’ claims. Too pale, and too many curls. I have been called nearly every ethnicity in the globe, from African-American to Latina to Russian. When I explain my Indian heritage, aghast, they cry, “But you can’t be Indian!” Hurt, I leave questioning my appearance and the personality I project.

On the other hand, Hindu culture reveres female empowerment through the worship of powerful female deities such as Kali and Lakshmi. This hypocrisy baffles me. Why I am here? Why am I Indian, when everyone questions my ethnicity, and I, myself, question certain practices?

I realize, I am here to question and ponder, because thinking about the life and environment in which you live is critical. Because the fact remains that I absolutely love my culture. The passionate, unrequited urges to dance at every occasion in a flurry of vibrancy cannot be found anywhere else. I love the intrinsic and irrevocable respect for the knowledge and experiences elders bring. Also, I appreciate the emphasis on family as ultimate supporters and best friends. I even love the sense of duty and service that being a daughter brings. Outwardly, perhaps, I don’t conform to the typical model of an Indian girl, reserved and soft-spoken, with thick, straight hair and rich mocha skin, but I have the heart and soul of one.

Why This UChicago Essay Worked

With endless ways to respond, this writer’s UChicago extended essay example offers the reader a unique look into her life. She contemplates the many clashes in her own culture and her way of thinking and navigating the world. However, in her final reflection on precisely why she’s “here,” she affirms the centrality of her culture to her sense of self.

The author of the first of our UChicago essays that worked dissects aspects of her culture that disquiet her. The reader sees an inquisitive person who’s always questioned cultural norms that others within her family might not have. Of course, she doesn’t completely reject a culture because she doesn’t completely agree with it. On the contrary, she’s able to find and appreciate the parts that have shaped her into who she is. Additionally, while she may not exemplify what’s “typical” of her culture, she recognizes that it’s nevertheless intrinsic to her experience. And she loves it.

UChicago essays that worked often show growth. In the first of our UChicago uncommon essay examples, the writer shows how she’s navigated the inner conflict she experiences around her culture. In the end, even though she doesn’t come to a conclusive answer, the writer accepts the ongoing process of questioning. Moreover, she recognizes her culture and her surroundings aren’t mutually incompatible, but that she must find her own balance. This willingness to accept ambiguity and keep questioning is certainly important at an elite institution like UChicago.

More UChicago essay examples

Let’s continue with the UChicago uncommon essay examples. Again, as you read this UChicago extended essay example, note features common among college essays—not just UChicago essay examples.

UChicago Essay Prompt:

Share with us a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, pieces of music, musicians, performers, paintings, artists, blogs, magazines, or newspapers. feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed, or add a category of your own., uchicago essay example.

Downton Abbey makes me fantasize about the elaborate fashions of the 1900s, with long taffeta gowns and hats bursting with feathers and jewels, each lady is a vision of elegance. Each episode and season leaves me fascinated by the grandeur and magnificence of the house, which stands in stark contrast with the peeling grey wood of the downstairs kitchens and servant halls. The servant’s staircase is shabby and dull, and runs parallel to the vibrant tapestry-covered marble staircase for those upstairs. I am puzzled by the smooth refinement of upstairs, juxtaposed with the panting bustle of downstairs.

I constantly marvel at the writers’ ability to craft characters to whom I can relate, despite the gap of a century. The world they lived in is so vastly different from today, yet people of all ages experience comparable emotions such as jealousy, passion, and shame. I am left breathless by the fact that each character faces similar challenges of familial disappointment, honor, and struggle to find a purpose in life; just as we do today.

Technology may change, but human nature remains the same. In addition, the rich historical background of Downtown Abbey provides intricate context to the larger historical events I learn in class. I am transported from merely learning about the implications of World War 1 and the Spanish Influenza, to learning about how these impacted the daily lives of people.

Downton Abbey is more than merely a television show to me. Calling my grandmother in England to discuss in the elaborate plot twists and new character developments has brought us together for a shared passionate experience in the same living room. We avidly discuss Mary’s slew of new suitors and Daisy’s latest heartbreak via video chat. Excitedly we giggle over birth of baby George and Ms. Pattmore’s witty retorts. In a unique twist, Downton Abbey has become something that transcends the thousands of miles that separate us.

In addition, Pride and Prejudice couples my love of fairytales with my irrevocable feminism.

Forever imprinted in my mind is the first time I attempted to read Jane Austen’s masterpiece, as a plucky third grader who brought the book to reading circle. At that young age, I was merely fascinated by the drama of five girls, each with their own tantalizing personality. But now, I realize the subtle life lessons concealed within each page. This novel makes me squash my teenage urges to judge and categorize people instantly, instead realizing that there is something to be learned from all people from all walks of life- especially the people from whom I am the most different. This subtle yet sparkling wit of Mr. Bennett reminds me to laugh more at the chaos and confusion life often brings.

The dysfunctional and hilarious family dynamic provides comedic relief and reminds me of the 19th century equivalent of a reality show. I admire Jane Austen’s subtle yet thought-provoking feminism through Elizabeth, as she pokes fun at her best friend for marrying without love for money and position, something she could never do. Also, I am inspired by Elizabeth’s passionate resolve against being ‘anybody’s fool! I am drawn by my love for English literature, which provides a window to discover historical intricacies that mirror a universal human experience.

Why This UChicago Essay Stood Out

The second of our UChicago essay examples hooks the reader and shows the author’s ability to connect with others. Much more than simply saying, “I like Downton Abbey because of the costumes”, the writer describes in detail the wardrobe and architecture. UChicago essays that worked provide ample details to help the main idea—and the writer—come to life for the reader.

Then the writer goes on to show how humans share the same feelings and experiences, which transcend time periods. This shows the reader how the writer is capable of empathizing and relating to people even through their differences. As the author points out, human nature is the same no matter the time period. Their personal understanding of this will ideally motivate humanistic, world-changing work at UChicago and beyond.

Focusing on the personal impact

Although this writer includes their grandmother in the essay, notice that the focus comes back to a lesson. Writing about experiences with friends or family in college essays is by no means off limits. However, those who do so should use a strategy like this essay. In other words, the essay should ultimately discuss personal impacts or lessons on character.

Finally, the writer touches on the book Pride and Prejudice and the feminism portrayed within the book. Through this point, we learn more of the author’s values as well as traits in characters—in people—that they admire. She again ties the book to the underlying theme of her essay which is the universal human experience.

This multifaceted essay engages the reader, answers the prompt, and allows some insight into the author’s values and way of thinking.

How do you write a UChicago essay?

Logically, University of Chicago essay examples vary: a UChicago extended essay example differs in many ways from UChicago essay examples. However, while UChicago essays that worked may look very different, they serve the same greater purpose. Above all, writers must show admissions who they are and why they belong at UChicago.

“Why UChicago” essay examples will follow the format of a “why school” essay. Students should get specific as they reference opportunities, programs, faculty, or extracurriculars found only at UChicago. Additionally, UChicago essay examples should demonstrate just why the writer belongs on campus. How do your values align with those of the university? What will you bring to the school’s community? UChicago essays that worked should also show that UChicago is a good fit for the student—it goes both ways.

More ‘Why School’ essay examples

Before writing, check out some successful “why school” essay examples from a variety of different schools. Of course, pay special attention to the “why UChicago” essay examples. Additionally, don’t miss essay tips from the University of Chicago admissions team. Given the competitiveness of UChicago admittance, UChicago essays that worked must all stand out.

Why This College Essay Sample

As for the UChicago uncommon essay examples, they can be approached in a myriad of ways. Firstly, be sure to choose the topic that excites you the most. Which immediately catches your eye? If you can’t decide, brainstorm for each first to see what you can write. Then, choose the topic with the most potential for a meaningful essay you want to write. Successful UChicago uncommon essay examples are founded on genuine excitement about the essay, so choose a topic that excites you.

You may want to free write to get your ideas flowing. From there you can choose the “meat” of your essay out of a slew of words. University of Chicago essay examples must be unique to get you admitted. UChicago essay examples that worked ranged from serious to humorous. Don’t be afraid to have fun and get creative. The main goal is to share with admissions more about yourself. And, of course, show off your writing chops!

Determining a College Essay Topic: Reflection Exercises to Try

Does UChicago care about supplemental essays?

In short, yes, absolutely! Understanding why different University of Chicago essay examples had success will do wonders for students writing their essays. The essays are a pivotal part of the UChicago application. And as one of the best universities in the nation, UChicago wants students with well-crafted essays

Of course, there are many factors that contribute to college acceptance, such as GPA and extracurriculars. Students will want to polish each part of the application, which starts early with your high school curriculum choices.

Making sure that you meet all of the University of Chicago requirements and the UChicago application deadline is also imperative. After all, there’s no use in writing perfect UChicago essay examples if your application is incomplete or late. Start planning your application early so you have documents in hand well before the deadline. With this in mind, most colleges use a holistic evaluation process when considering candidates. With such unique essay prompts, it’s clear that University of Chicago admissions wants students who rise to the occasion. That means students who passionately, creatively, and inquisitively respond to the prompts.

You’ll notice that all the UChicago essay examples provide some valuable insight into the writer’s life and personality. These wouldn’t have been apparent from other parts of the application. That is to say, your essays should help to fill in your picture, so to speak. Admissions officers read essays to learn more about students to ensure that their values and goals align with the university.

Need more help with your UChicago essays?

While we’ve checked out a couple of UChicago essays that worked, there are plenty more resources on the topic! In fact, you can check out more University of Chicago essay examples and see just why they worked, too. Reading UChicago uncommon essay examples will help inspire you to write your best UChicago extended essay example.

The UChicago acceptance rate is one of the most selective in the nation at 5.4% . In light of that, applicants should do everything possible to make their application stand out. Read our how to get into UChicago guide for more tips on being a competitive candidate.

While our “how to get into” guides cover each step of the application process, we have additional resources beyond UChicago essay examples. Watch our webinar for more valuable insight on how to write and edit your own UChicago essays. You can also take a look at UChicago admissions’ announcement of the most recent prompts in the video below.

Chicago Essay Examples – 5 Takeaways

What have we learned from these UChicago uncommon essay examples? Here are 5 key things to keep in mind to make sure that your University of Chicago essay examples are successful.

5 Tips for Writing Chicago Essay Examples

1. start early.

This goes for all aspects of the college journey, from the demographic info to the essays. The UChicago application deadline can creep up with everything else busy high schoolers have going on. Don’t let it take you by surprise! Specifically, successful University of Chicago essay examples have almost certainly undergone more than one revision. Start your essays well before the UChicago application deadline to make plenty of time to brainstorm, outline, draft, and edit. Before applying, check out all of the application deadline options to see what works best for you!

2. Choose your topic carefully

In order to write your best essay, you’ll want to choose the topic that most excites you. Which prompt caught your immediate attention? And, can you respond fully to the prompt in a way that shows more of your personality and values to the University of Chicago admissions team? The strongest University of Chicago essay examples brimming with passionate language and excitement.

3. Get creative

You’ll notice that UChicago uncommon essay examples usually hook the reader. This is where the favorite writing phrase comes in handy: show, don’t tell. When writing your essays, don’t merely list your points. Captivate the reader with descriptive language and attention-grabbing narrative strategies. The successful University of Chicago examples almost read like a story that you just don’t want to put down.

4. Meet the requirements

While there is no official word limit for the UChicago uncommon essay examples, there are “recommendations”. Successful University of Chicago essay examples are often 250–500 words for the first prompt and about 650 for the second. Obviously, be sure to answer both required essays!

5. Show who you are

This is the most important part of all college essays. Of course, comprehensively answering the prompt is also vital, but applicants must also tell admissions about themselves. Don’t just repeat other parts of your application; use the essays to share something about yourself that admissions wouldn’t see otherwise. Most importantly, be yourself! One of the most common mistakes applicants make is trying to write something that University of Chicago admissions officers want to read. Answer the prompts in an authentic and unique way.

Overall, remember that UChicago uncommon essay examples are an opportunity to stand out among a pool of qualified candidates. At one of the most selective universities in the nation, UChicago uncommon essay examples catch the eye of the admissions team. So, be sure to read several UChicago uncommon essay examples possible before starting your own. They’ll surely spark inspiration as well as show what’s worked in the past.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after dissecting the UChicago uncommon essay examples, don’t worry! CollegeAdvisor’s Admissions Experts help students in every step of the college application journey, specifically with the University of Chicago requirements. They offer personalized support with everything from creating a college list to writing essays to applying for financial aid.

Don’t focus on rankings and acceptance rates when planning your essays—just creatively show who you are through your prompt responses. Have fun when writing each UChicago essay! After all, people call them “uncommon essays” for a reason. UChicago wants you to think outside of the box when responding to their one-of-a-kind UChicago essay prompts.

Sarah Kaminski wrote this article. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Why does getting ahead at work require you to be a sheep?

The unwritten rules of work and why you should break them

Every company has its own subculture. A series of rules and attitudes that are whispered in corridors and obeyed by everyone. Accepting these behaviours holds us back

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Every company has its own culture and way of doing things, and within that lived reality are what we call the unwritten rules—which must be followed to get ahead at a corporation. These are not usually written down in a company handbook but are left implicit—unwritten—for employees to decipher on their own.

Most learn about these rules by asking team members, seeking feedback, inquiring about what gets rewarded or discouraged, or just simply by observing what does or does not work.

While some of the unwritten rules might be useful and constructive (increase your visibility, build relationships, network, etc.), some unwritten rules can seem to take on a life of their own. How do you know when an unwritten rule is simply dysfunctional and has gone past its sell-by date?

After speaking with companies for years, here are some examples of dysfunctional ‘unwritten rules’ that I’ve come across:

Walk faster around the building (so you look like you’re busy)
Don’t reply to emails too fast (so you look like you’re busy)
Sit closest to the CEO in a board meeting
He/she who speaks loudest and longest wins
Leave a jacket on your chair so it looks like you’re still around the office
Send an email late at night or on weekends to appear dedicated
Don’t smile too much
Have a strong handshake

These unwritten rules are ridiculous, and they just perpetuate illusions. In addition, they are also left up to interpretation. For example, a woman in the UK was advised by her mentor not to smile too much because it made her appear too feminine. Since when has smiling been a feminine characteristic? At the same company, her male colleague had also been told the same unwritten rule. However, when he asked why, he was told it could compromise his sense of gravitas. Same rule, different interpretation.

This makes me wonder if an unwritten rule can be different for people of different genders, how does it work across nationalities? A woman from Latin Europe once told me that when she travelled to northern Europe she consciously tried not to smile more than necessary, as she noticed the culture was quite serious and she was keen to fit in. What are the global implications of doing business therefore if you have an unwritten rule that does not translate well in another region and/or culture?

Here’s my central dilemma, if we ask employees to bring their whole selves to work, but also tell them they have to change their style to be more conforming, what are the chances that this group will be diverse? Will we merely perpetuate stereotypes further by forcing people to abide to dysfunctional rules?

While some unwritten rules can be powerfully effective in navigating through the workplace and can help you succeed, some unwritten rules need to be avoided at all costs. Being aware of both types is a necessity.

What unwritten rules are alive and well in your organisation? Do they help or hinder? Tell us in the comments.

Allyson Zimmermann is the senior director at Catalyst Europe

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The Undiscovered Power of Unwritten Rules

Home Essay Examples Sociology Social Norms

Combination Of Written And Unwritten Rules In Society

Category Sociology
Subcategory Social Relations
Topic Social Norms

Social norms are a combination of written and unwritten rules. Typically, they are not something we are taught about outright. Some things like manners are taught at a young age but for the most part, we learn social norms through observing situations in our everyday lives. For example, when we are in unfamiliar settings, we look to those around us to gauge what the appropriate behavior is and then adjust our behavior accordingly. The reason social norms are put into place is to keep society running smoothly. This looks different for each and every society because norms vary from location to location. What may be seen as normal for some places can be seen as rude or odd in other places. Although we may follow the norms of our region, we may not be consciously aware of them. When we visit different locations or when people act contrary to the rules of society, we may become conscious of them. By the time we reach adulthood social norms are ingrained into us to the point that the mere thought of breaking them causes feelings of stress and anxiety.

The downfall of social norms is that those who march to the beat of their own drum will either have to conform or be ostracized. When people break norms, they are looked down on, shamed, and frowned upon. If you do not fit neatly into the box that is our society then you will not be accepted. For this reason, I felt extremely hesitant to break social norms in public. Nevertheless, I was able to muster up the courage to break two. The first was at a local college fair. I, along with one of my former professors attended this fair in order to advertise our Psychology department. There were several rows of tables, each row facing a certain direction. We had our table facing in the opposite way. It was not long before a woman came and suggested we face our table in the “right” direction. This person happened to be another representative from a different department at PNW. We did not move our table. She then sent a man over to us who proceeded to tell us to move our table. We ignored him as well. The first person came back to us and sternly told us that we should move our table to face the same direction as everyone else’s. We eventually moved our table to face the “correct” direction to appease her. The lady seemed satisfied by the fact that we listened. My former professor on the other hand felt that it was ridiculous that something so trivial was bothering others so much. My professor did not believe that we should conform our behavior to match everyone else’s. However, I was far too uncomfortable to continue. What made this task particularly difficult for me was that other people were noticeably bothered by our actions. I was very uncomfortable and anxious and felt as if there was a spotlight on us. I feel as though the lady thought there was something wrong with us. This seems to be where the fundamental error came in, it seemed she felt that we were intentionally trying to make things difficult for everyone else. She seemed almost embarrassed for being associated with the same school as us.

Our writers can write you a new plagiarism-free essay on any topic

The second instance of me breaking a social norm took place in a Walmart. The lines tend to be extremely long in Walmart and they typically stretch far past the aisles. Space is left in between the aisle to allow people to pass by. I stepped into this space and cut a bunch of people in line. I was very nervous to do this because I was unsure of how severe people’s reactions were going to be. Another thing that made it harder for me was that there were so many people around to witness me. The customers behind me and even those in front of me were visibly angry and confused. They immediately confronted me saying that I cut them in line and that it was unfair to those who had been waiting. They told me to get back to the end of the line to wait like everyone else. I tried to convince them that it was a mistake, but they did not seem convinced. The fundamental attribution error certainly played a role in their reactions. They were very angry and did not think that it was a mistake. I was not given the benefit of the doubt, they assumed that I was just a rude person that did not care about inconveniencing others. The atmosphere went from being relaxed to being tense just from such a simple act. Throughout the entire experience, I felt extremely embarrassed.

If I were required to break social norms every day, I would feel very uncomfortable at first. However, over time I would become desensitized to the consequences and I would become more lenient about it. Although I would be more lenient when it came to my behavior, I would likely not feel that way when it came to the behaviors of others. The fundamental attribution error would still play a role in my judgment of others. I would see them as rule-breaking heathens and myself as the exception to the rule. I would probably start making excuses as to why it was ok for me to break the social norms. As we learned from class our attitudes tend to follow our behavior. Rather than thinking “I am a bad person for breaking the norm” I would probably start to think things such as “this norm is so ridiculous.” According to our textbook “a trifling evil act can whittle down one’s moral sensitivity, making it easier to perform a worse act” (Myers $ Twenge, 2014, p. 131). In other words, committing one misdeed makes it easier to perform another misdeed. For example, people who commit smaller crimes with little to no consequences find it much easier to commit larger crimes in the future. Similarly, if I started off by breaking small social norms here and there the consequences would no longer be a big deal to me. The more norms I break the easier it would be for me to break even larger social norms.

After breaking these two social norms I noticed how much power is placed on them. Something so insignificant has the power to change how people look at you as a person. Not following these simple social rules can cause you to be outcasted by society. These situations have taught me to be more sensitive to those people who are unaware of the norms of our society. I can only imagine how much distress they are under when they are put into unfamiliar situations. I definitely ¬¬see the negative side to social norms. So much power and emphasis are placed on something so trivial. While there is a negative side to them, they do still serve an essential role in society. They provide a structure for society and allow us to know the appropriate behaviors for specific instances. This makes things more predictable and allows for less confusion. Social norms also allow for harmony amongst citizens because we have an unspoken agreement on what is acceptable and unacceptable to do. Without norms, things could become chaotic. Social norms allow you to get by in life on autopilot because if you know what is expected of you, you do not have to make a conscious effort.

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A Guide to the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

August 8, 2023

As you prepare to apply to the University of Chicago, we all know that admission is far from guaranteed, with an acceptance rate of approximately 5%. However, the challenge doesn't stop there. The essays required for UChicago are anything but ordinary. While i t's clear that UChicago's unique essay prompts deviate from the norm, their underlying goal remains the same as any other university: to gain insight into your perspective, understand your goals, and determine if your values align with what UChicago seeks in its students. To guide you through each of the prompts, I have outlined the questions, how to go about tackling them, and more tips to help you write the UChicago supplemental essays 2023-2024 .

The UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

UChicago prides itself on its thought-provoking supplemental essay prompts. Use these as an opportunity to introduce yourself, what you’re passionate about, and your ambitions and goals. Although there is no set word limit for any of the prompts, InGenius Prep counselor Natalia Ostrowski, who worked as the Assistant Director of Admissions at UChicago, recommends that you limit the first essay (“Why UChicago”) to a page (double-spaced in 12-point font). The second essay—the more unusual one of the two—should be about two pages, double spaced, and in 12-point font.

Natalia also adds, “Remember, this is not the time to write another personal statement or about your extracurricular activity, research, or summer experience. Regardless of the question you choose to address, this is a chance for you to show the reader how you think. They want to see how your brain works, how you explore and connect ideas and concepts.”

Question 1 (Required)

Although there is no strict word limit on this “why UChicago” essay, don’t go overboard with what you like about the university. Admissions officers already know it’s a great school. When reading your response to this question, admissions officers are looking for whether you’ve done your homework on UChicago to determine how much you’d fit into the college. Below are a few questions that Natalia suggests you ask yourself to brainstorm for this essay:

Why is the Core important to you? (And don’t just copy/paste what you wrote for Columbia and vice versa—they’ll know)
What specific majors are you interested in and why?
Has it always been your dream to work with [ insert professor here ] or study abroad in [ insert location here ]? Why?
Which activities are you excited to contribute to? Why do you want to be a Maroon (yes, UChicago has sports!)?

Emphasize the community aspect —how do you hope to find your people on campus? Is it the opportunity to participate in student organizations such as Humor Magazine or the intramural wiffleball team that call out to you? Or are you keen to explore Chicago’s Revival Community Improv Theater within walking distance of the college? You might want to continue your community involvement work from high school by participating in the Neighborhood Schools Program, The Civic Knowledge Project, or one of the college’s several organizations that help give back to the greater Chicago community.

Since you have space, you can provide context on who you are, your passions, and the kind of values you hope to bring to UChicago. Whatever you choose to write about, make sure you prioritize what you’re looking for from your college experience and how UChicago is the ideal place to explore these interests or goals. Show admissions officers that you have done your research and can convincingly argue for your place at the school, clearly outlining the parts of campus you wish to commit to.

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose One)

Now we get to the more peculiar essays. But where do you even start? Natalia affirms that “Admissions officers want to see how your brain works. It doesn’t matter what you write about or which question you answer—your ideas and how you write about those ideas is what matters.” She also adds that from your essay, “Admissions officers will be able to have a glimpse of who you might be in the classroom, or when you’re deep in discussion in the dining halls or dorms, or walking through the snowy Harper Quad on your way to get some hot chocolate at Hallowed Grounds.”

The takeaway for admissions officers reading your UChicago supplemental essays should be to understand what makes you tick and how you are going to contribute to the community. This is the goal you should keep in mind throughout your writing process.

Essay Option 1

Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – inspired by emmett cho, class of 2027.

There are two key words in this prompt: undo and necessary. When we undo something, we reverse or negate its effects, essentially returning it to its original state or erasing its impact. On the other hand, the term necessary refers to something that is essential, required, or crucial for a particular purpose or outcome.

In the context of this prompt, it is crucial to recognize that in each pairing of things that undo each other, something must first be created or established before it can be undone. This raises two essential questions that need to be addressed: 1. Why is it necessary for the first thing to exist at all? In other words, what purpose or function does the first thing serve that makes it indispensable? For example, consider the use of pencils. Pencils are essential tools for writing, drawing, and expressing ideas. The existence of pencils enables us to visually communicate, create art, or simply jot down our thoughts. Without pencils, the act of writing or drawing would be significantly hindered, limiting our ability to convey information and express ourselves effectively.

2. Why is it necessary to have the ability to undo this creation with the second thing? Once the first thing is created, there is a need for its potential reversal or correction. This is where the second thing comes into play. Taking the example of pencils and erasers, erasers are essential tools that allow us to correct mistakes or make adjustments to our writing or artwork. Mistakes are an inherent part of the creative process, and having the ability to undo or erase them gives us the freedom to refine our work, improve accuracy, and strive for perfection. Without erasers, the permanence of mistakes would hinder our progress and limit our creative freedom.

When selecting two "things" to discuss in response to this prompt, it is important to choose items that offer ample room for exploration and analysis. The chosen "things" should be able to be examined from multiple perspectives and angles, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their significance and the necessity for their existence and subsequent undoing.

Essay Option 2

“where have all the flowers gone” – pete seeger. pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – inspired by ryan murphy, ab’21.

Aside from potentially sharing your taste in music, this prompt invites you to pick a question that you really want to answer! There is no right or wrong song to pick (and no wrong or right answer to the question), but you should find a song that allows you to play with different ideas -- “play” being the key word here!

When selecting a question from a song title or lyric, consider the themes and messages conveyed in the song. Is there a question that stands out to you, one that raises intriguing possibilities or challenges conventional wisdom? Perhaps it's a question about identity, societal norms, or the human condition. Whatever question you choose, make sure it ignites your passion and allows you to think outside the box.

Then, approach the question from various angles, drawing on different disciplines to provide a well-rounded analysis. Consider the historical context, philosophical implications, psychological interpretations, or even scientific theories that relate to the question. By incorporating different perspectives, you can showcase your interdisciplinary thinking skills and demonstrate your ability to connect ideas from various fields.

Essay Option 3

“vlog,” “labradoodle,” and “fauxmage.” language is filled with portmanteaus. create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – inspired by garrett chalfin, class of 2027.

This prompt is an opportunity for you to showcase your ability to think outside the box and make unique connections between two seemingly unrelated concepts. However, the true essence of this prompt lies in the explanation of why these two things are the "patch." This is where you can truly demonstrate your thoughtfulness and analytical skills.

Start by carefully considering the characteristics and qualities of the two things you have chosen. Think about how they complement each other or how they can be combined to create something new and meaningful. This is your chance to show admissions officers that you have a deep understanding of the concepts you have chosen and can articulate your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Use imaginative language and creative metaphors to bring your ideas to life. Consider incorporating anecdotes, personal experiences, or examples from literature, history, or popular culture to make your essay more relatable and memorable.

To take your essay to the next level, consider including your thoughts on language and communication. Connect your portmanteau back to the broader themes of language and how it shapes our understanding of the world. Discuss the power of language to bridge gaps, convey emotions, or challenge conventional thinking. By demonstrating your awareness of the significance of language, you show UChicago that you are not only a creative thinker but also someone who appreciates the complexities of communication.

Essay Option 4

A jellyfish is not a fish. cat burglars don’t burgle cats. rhode island is not an island. write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. – inspired by sonia chang, class of 2025, and mirabella blair, class of 2027.

Choose your own adventure here, but be ready to defend it! This defense should be multifaceted, considering historical, philosophical, scientific, and other perspectives. For example, if you choose to write about the misnomer "peanut butter," you could argue that despite its misleading name, it has become an iconic and beloved food product that holds a special place in culinary history. You could delve into the origins of peanut butter, discussing how it has evolved over time and become a staple in many households. By considering various lenses, you can construct a persuasive argument for why this misnomer should be kept. On the other hand, if you choose to create your own misnomer, it's essential to explain your creation thoroughly. This means providing a clear definition and rationale for why this new term is more accurate or fitting than the existing one. Let's say you come up with the term "moonflower" to describe a nocturnal plant that blooms under the moonlight. In your essay, you would need to explain why "moonflower" is a more appropriate name than the current term used for such plants. You might discuss the visual imagery and the poetic connection between the plant and the moon, emphasizing how this new term captures the essence of the plant's behavior and adds a touch of mystique.

Whether you choose to defend an existing misnomer or create your own, it's crucial to present a well-reasoned argument. Consider the implications and consequences of your choice, and anticipate potential counterarguments. This prompt offers an opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills and your ability to construct persuasive arguments.

Essay Option 5

Despite their origins in the gupta empire of india or ancient egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. what modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why – inspired by adam heiba, class of 2027.

This is a great question to explore your sociological and anthropological interests! When considering the game that you believe will withstand the test of time, consider its significance to a particular group and its individuals. By analyzing the game's importance from a sociological perspective, you can uncover the underlying reasons why it holds such value and why it is likely to endure. Take, for example, the game of soccer. Soccer is a sport that is deeply woven into the fabric of many cultures around the world. It transcends language barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds in a shared passion. The significance of soccer goes beyond the physical act of playing the game; it represents teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges. These values make soccer an important part of many communities, providing a sense of identity and belonging. Furthermore, soccer has a rich history that spans centuries. From its early origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day global popularity, soccer has stood the test of time. It has evolved and adapted, but its core essence remains the same. The simplicity of the game, with its basic rules and minimal equipment requirements, allows it to be played anywhere, from professional stadiums to makeshift fields in remote villages. This accessibility and universality contribute to its enduring appeal.

Think about games that have proven their enduring appeal through their universal nature, rich histories, and the values they represent. What games provide a sense of belonging, intellectual stimulation, and cultural identity, making them likely candidates for continued enjoyment in the future? By addressing the concept of timelessness and exploring the sociological and anthropological aspects of the game, you can present a compelling argument for why it will endure.

Essay Option 6

There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. but of course, some rules should be broken or updated. what is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist (our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. enjoy) – inspired by maryam abdella, class of 2026.

The specific rule you choose is not as crucial as your analysis of the rule itself. A possible start is exploring the ideas of "good," "bad," relevance, and more. Or you could c hoose a rule that resonates with you personally. Rather than opting for a generic cliché like "don't judge a book by its cover," strive for advice that is specific to your interests and goals. This unique advice will allow you to exemplify it with anecdotes from your own life, providing a deeper understanding of who you are as a student and why you would be a valuable addition to the University of Chicago.

You might also want to consider exploring the concept of "unwritten" rules in your response. Let's say you choose to tackle the unwritten rule of "always follow the traditional path to success." In your analysis, you could explore the idea that this rule may not be as relevant in today's rapidly changing world. You could discuss how traditional paths to success, such as attending a prestigious university or pursuing a conventional career, may no longer guarantee fulfillment or happiness. By providing examples from your own life, such as pursuing an unconventional passion or taking a gap year to explore different interests, you can illustrate the importance of breaking this rule and forging your own unique path.

Alternatively, you might choose to examine the unwritten rule of "never show vulnerability." In your analysis, you could delve into the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a strength that fosters connection and growth. You could share personal stories of how embracing vulnerability has allowed you to form deeper relationships, learn from your mistakes, and develop resilience. By challenging the notion that vulnerability is something to be avoided, you can demonstrate your willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace personal growth.

Ultimately, the more specific and personal you are in your explanation, the better the admissions officers will understand who you are and why you would thrive as a future UChicago student.

Essay Option 7

And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option in the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). be original, creative, thought provoking. draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the university of chicago; take a little risk, and have fun.

If you don’t like any of the other options, take a look at 30 of the previous years’ questions that UChicago has provided to inspire you! The question “What can actually be divided by zero?” might appeal to you more than any of the new prompts for UChicago supplemental essays 2023-2024 -- a nd that is perfectly okay!

Note that UChicago is giving you an incredible amount of choice here by providing access to their past prompts. If you decide to go the alternative route and come up with your own question, it HAS to be good enough. It wouldn’t be the wisest decision to go with your own silly prompt with the plethora of options in your arsenal. Take the time to consider your topic and answer – but most importantly, Natalia adds, “don’t use an essay you used for school!”

While UChicago doesn’t prefer that you answer questions 1-5 rather than 6, carefully weigh your options before you decide to pick number 6. Is there nothing you might have to say for the first five essay questions? If that is indeed the case, and you’re willing to take the risk (and UChicago appreciates risk-takers) put your unique spin on a previous—or completely original—question!

Additional Tips for Writing the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the UChicago supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process:

Standout essays for standout prompts : The prompts for the UChicago supplemental essays 2023-2024 are without a doubt, highly unique. It’s okay to feel intimidated, and you might choose a prompt that asks for a more academic-leaning response if you’re not a creative writer. While it’s fine to find an option that’s tailored towards your assets, note that other applicants will be writing all sorts of weird and highly imaginative essays. So you need to come up with something memorable and original to stand out from the competition.
Don’t let the prompts discourage you from applying to the school : While the prompts set by the University of Chicago are definitely unusual and undoubtedly tricky, they are not impossible to answer. The school has set a standard for similarly quirky questions and hundreds of students still get in every year. So the minute you see these on the Common App, don’t be tempted to run away and remove UChicago from your school list. It’s a great school, and if you have a strong application to compete with other top students, don’t miss out on the chance just because the supplemental essays seem a little intimidating!

The UChicago supplemental essays 2023-2024 can add depth to your application and help admissions officers understand who you are and what you’re looking for from your college experience. Whichever prompt you choose, it is crucial to present a well-reasoned argument. By exploring various lenses and providing a thorough explanation, you can impress the admissions officers with your creativity and persuasive abilities. The task at hand might seem like a tough uphill battle, but it’s definitely not impossible. Good luck!

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October 5, 2023

Tips for Answering the University of Chicago Supplemental Essay Prompts [2023-2024]

Question 1 (Required)

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago. (Recommended 250–500-word limit)

The key to responding effectively to this prompt is demonstrating your knowledge of the University of Chicago while explaining why and how is a unique fit for you. Think this through, do your research, and share your excitement. Consider your experiences so far both inside and outside of the classroom. What do these experiences reflect about you? Think about how you go about learning, your sense of community, and your longer-term goals. How might the overall educational experience at the University of Chicago allow you to delve deeper or explore something new? Use specific examples (courses, traditions, clubs, surrounding community, other things that attract you to the school), and explain how they connect to who you are (your values, character, what you enjoy) and the opportunities available to you at the university.

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one, recommended word limit around 650 words)

All the following prompts are just jumping-off points for you to express something that excites you and reveals something unique about you. They are somewhat playful in nature but serious in asking you to express your stake and articulate your position. The focus is on how you share your ideas. What you discuss conveys deeper connections to your values and personal character. Each potential response provides insight into the kind of student you might be at the University of Chicago and how you might interact within the educational community.

Essay Option 1: Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. Name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – Inspired by Emmett Cho, Class of 2027

Think about the relationship between things – push and pull, yin and yang, dusk and dawn. Articulate the importance of seeing both sides and how each thing is essential for the other. Explain the intricate balance and interdependence.

Essay Option 2: “Where have all the flowers gone?” – Pete Seeger. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – Inspired by Ryan Murphy, AB’21

This is a fun and very broad prompt. Your response allows you to demonstrate your thought process and perspective on specific subjects or the world in general. You can use a question from any song lyric as your starting point to discuss just about anything! As you consider different songs, try to avoid anything that might be construed as offensive.

Essay Option 3: “Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – Inspired by Garrett Chalfin, Class of 2027

This is your opportunity to be playful and purposeful with language. You can embrace this prompt as a chance to make connections between seemingly unrelated things. Express your creativity. You can combine any two things. The focus here is on your ability to explain why they are such a good match.

Essay Option 4: A jellyfish is not a fish. Cat burglars don’t burgle cats. Rhode Island is not an island. Write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. – Inspired by Sonia Chang, Class of 2025, and Mirabella Blair, Class of 2027

To address this prompt, you must demonstrate your argumentative skills. This might be a good prompt for someone who enjoys debate. Whether you are coming up with a new name or justifying the inaccurate name, you must be able to clearly articulate your position.

Essay Option 5: Despite their origins in the Gupta Empire of India or Ancient Egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. What modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why? – Inspired by Adam Heiba, Class of 2027

This is another potentially fun prompt! Hmm…pickleball, spike ball, ultimate Frisbee, a new boardgame, a virtual reality video game? The specific game you choose is less important than your ability to articulate why it will withstand the test of time. Make sure to share your personal connection to the game you discuss.

Essay Option 6: There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. But of course, some rules should be broken or updated. What is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist? (Our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. Enjoy!) – Inspired by Maryam Abdella, Class of 2026

The way you respond to this prompt will reveal something about how you view the world and operate within it. It might also relate to a sense of fairness, right and wrong, or unfounded assumptions. When is it okay to break the rules? Focus on explaining why you would prefer that a certain unwritten rule did not exist and consider the potential repercussions. Again, this is an opportunity to share your personal connection or affinity with whatever rule you discuss.

Essay Option 7: And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

As this prompt indicates, you can choose your own adventure! You can also respond to any prompt from previous years (the school provides a link to these prompts on its website).

The University of Chicago asks students to submit the extended writing prompts. This practice demonstrates the high value the university places on students’ ideas and perspectives. It also speaks to the school’s desire to attract applicants who will be active and engaged members of the on-campus community. Remember to start early so you have time to write and revise your responses!

Marie Todd has been involved in college admissions for more than 20 years. Marie has both counseled applicants to top colleges and evaluated more than 5,000 applications for the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts; College of Engineering; School of Kinesiology; School of Nursing; and Taubman College of Architecture. Want Marie to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch .

Related Resources:

Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
The Essay Whisperer: How to Write a College Application Essay
College Admissions: Mining Identity for College Essays, Personal Statements

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How to Write the University of Chicago Essays 2023-2024

The University of Chicago is famous for its unconventional supplemental essay prompts, and this year is no exception. While there is one traditional prompt that asks you to write about your interest in UChicago, the star of your essay package will be your response to one of seven incredibly outside-the-box prompts (with the seventh being a choose your own adventure).

Because the brainstorming you’ve done for all your other college essays is unlikely to help much here, you want to make sure you leave yourself extra time to really give these prompts the attention they require. One thing you’ll quickly realize is there’s no way to “brute force” your answer—you just need to be patient and let your ideas develop.

In this post, we’ll break down each prompt for you, so that, while you’ll still have to harness your own creativity, you can be confident in your overall approach.

Read these UChicago essay examples to inspire your writing.

Before You Begin Writing

The University of Chicago’s prompts are famous (infamous? both?) for being different, quirky, and sometimes downright weird. Have you ever seen the word cheese or pie in a college essay prompt before? I’m guessing not. But don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed—the weirdness of the UChicago prompts makes them ripe with opportunity to explore your passions, interests, and personal oddities.

You know that subject you avoid in casual conversation, because it turns you into a gushing ball of enthusiasm that could talk for hours ? UChicago wants to hear about it. Whether it’s feminist literature of Southeast Asia, modern perception of African art, or your job at Colonial Williamsburg, UChicago has happily passed you the mic.

While your creative opportunity has few bounds, there are some key strategies to conquering the UChicago essays. Keep this checklist of things in mind as you write:

Unconventional topics often require unconventional styles.

UChicago essays should definitely be viewed as a piece of creative writing, rather than a dry analysis. When you are in college, you will be asked to write thesis-driven essays, but that’s not what the UChicago essays are asking for. You need to have a clear focus, but you should be comfortable disrupting the familiar rhythms of essay prose. This can mean vivid (and I mean vivid ) imagery, addressing the reader directly, sentence fragments, CAPS, lists, and anything else! Toss in some wild jargon from your field, phrases from another language, anything you’ve got—as long as you explain them. You should try to be imaginative, engaging, and colorful while maintaining an authentic voice and staying focused with your subject matter.

Communicate who you are as an academic.

The point of your essay is still to tell admissions officers about yourself. Give them an image of how you will perform in and contribute to an academic environment. You can’t just gush about your topic—you have to prove that you can engage with it at a highly intellectual level. Explain research protocol, cite specific books you’ve read, mention your AP and IB classes, or give examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to produce results.

UChicago admissions don’t want a student who says “I love physics”; they want a student who says “I love physics so much that I stayed up until 4 am reading Cosmos by Carl Sagan, and I use meatballs to diagram the moons of Jupiter to my friends, and I took Calc III because I plan on studying mechanical engineering with a focus on aerospace materials.” Be detailed about your studies; be explicit in your interests.

Marry yourself to your topic.

Be sure to include the first person; you are the main character here, not whatever subject you’re writing about. The subject is an avenue to tell admissions officers about you. You aren’t trying to get your latest film, your famous lasagna, or your community service project into the university— you are trying to get in . Don’t be afraid to center yourself. How do these objects from your past illuminate facets of your personality? What do your interests say about you ?

And, as always, answer the prompt!

Print out the prompt, circle key words, hang it on your mirror. Read it, then read it again, and again . Sit with the prompt, get some (probably crazy!) ideas, then repeat the process! Many UChicago prompts are dense in their weirdness. Some of them take time to even understand. Many prompts will reveal themselves to you in your everyday life (after you’ve read them over and over again). Some of them just take deep thought. The key is to keep thinking and focus on what the prompt is asking. You’ve got this!

All the UChicago Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: (required), how does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago., prompt 2: extended essay (required; choose one).

Option A: Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. Name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. —Inspired by Emmett Cho, Class of 2027

Option B: “Where have all the flowers gone?” – Pete Seeger. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. —Inspired by Ryan Murphy, AB’21

Option C: “Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). —Inspired by Garrett Chalfin, Class of 2027

Option D: A jellyfish is not a fish. Cat burglars don’t burgle cats. Rhode Island is not an island. Write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. —Inspired by Sonia Chang, Class of 2025, and Mirabella Blair, Class of 2027

Option E: Despite their origins in the Gupta Empire of India or Ancient Egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. What modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why? —Inspired by Adam Heiba, Class of 2027

Option F: There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. But of course, some rules should be broken or updated. What is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist? (Our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. Enjoy!) —Inspired by Maryam Abdella, Class of 2026

Option G: And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

The pressure’s on to be unique here, since EVERY SINGLE APPLICANT to UChicago will be answering this required question. Here’s what you need to do:

Provide a tangible connection to UChicago.

This is composed of specific elements of the university that appeal to you, and UChicago’s website is a great place to delve into these. Be sure to be “particular,” as they stipulate, and give them the “specificity” they’re asking for. Examples include research opportunities at Argonne Labs, the marketing classes in the Business School, or an internship offered through the Creative Writing program.

Don’t write about UChicago’s general attributes, like fame, prestige, or “intellectual rigor.” And please don’t try to be clever and refute the old canard that UChicago is the place “Where Fun Goes to Die.” Application readers have seen this hundreds, if not thousands of times. And besides, why talk about a tired UChicago stereotype when you can talk about something cool?

Describe your intangible connection as well.

How is UChicago a place that aligns with your values, dreams, and goals? How do you vibe with it? For example, if I wanted to write about the Creative Writing internship, I would state explicitly how it draws me in:

“ I want to attend a college that values the innovative nature of indie comics publishing as much as I do. So, I’m impressed by UChicago’s commitment to providing internships in comics writing through Bult Publishing and The Artifice magazine. One of my goals as a writer is to gain firsthand experience in comics publishing, specifically small houses, and the Creative Writing program at UChicago hits the mark, resoundingly. ”

Engage with faculty and students, if possible.

This is a perfect place to talk about specific interactions, like sitting in on an inspiring seminar during a campus visit, hearing a professor speak, or seeing how UChicago has prepared a friend for his career.

However, always be sure to tie these experiences into your own goals and interests! For example, don’t just name-drop a certain Professor Smith. Instead, take the opportunity to find a personal connection to Smith’s research and how great UChicago is for supporting people like her. Your format should be

Program/Individual/Major – UChicago’s Values – My values

If you want to learn more about a specific professor or their subject, don’t be afraid to politely email them or contact their department. Many love to talk about their work and their interests, or would love to put you in touch with current students. This will better inform you about the school and give you a great edge for this prompt. And, more importantly, you’ll probably get great advice for your higher education journey. Note: the earlier you prepare for this, the better!

It’s worth noting that there is no recommended essay length, but sticking to around 500 words should do the trick. It’s long enough to share the reasons you’ll thrive at UChicago, but not too long that the admissions officers will start to get bored.

Prompt 2: Extended Essay (Required, Choose One)

Choose one of the six extended essay options and upload a one- or two-page response. Please include the prompt at the top of the page.

Prompt 2, Option A

Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. —inspired by emmett cho, class of 2027.

Brainstorming Your Topic

You’ll notice with UChicago’s prompts that, while unusual, they are usually quite specific in what they want you to write about. The challenge is that the category is likely not something you’ve ever spent much time thinking about, so figuring out what you want to write about will take a lot more effort than, for example, explaining what a particular extracurricular activity has meant to you.

Here, one thing you have going for you is that the examples UChicago provides of “undoers” cover a pretty wide range of things. You can write about a sophisticated pair, like beta decay and electron capture, but you can also write about something as familiar as pencils and erasers.

Because of this flexibility, a good place to start your brainstorming is by thinking of some of your interests, and then trying to identify a pair of undoers related to that interest. For example, maybe you’ve always really enjoyed doing your hair and makeup. A curler and a straightener would absolutely work as a topic for this prompt. Alternatively, if you’re interested in anatomy, you could write about systole and diastole, the contraction and relaxation of the heart.

If this approach isn’t getting you anywhere, zoom further out, and think about everyday activities and objects, to see if that sparks an idea. For example, maybe you’re wandering around your house, and see your mother’s old sewing kit, which inspires you to write about scissors and thread. Or perhaps you’re thinking about your commute to school, and you realize drive and reverse would work.

Remember that the whole point is to be creative. Don’t worry about what UChicago admissions officers “want” to see, because honestly, they aren’t trying to angle you in a certain direction. If they were, they wouldn’t give you a prompt that was so difficult to brainstorm for. So if something comes to your mind that you feel excited about, run with that—don’t get in your own way by asking yourself if it’s “good enough.” As long as you’re inspired, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”

Tips for Writing Your Essay

The goal of your brainstorming process is to pick “two things that undo each other.” Once you have them, you can move on to drafting your actual essay, where your goal is addressing the second half of this prompt: “explain[ing] why both are necessary.”

Although UChicago doesn’t say it outright, the key to a strong response is reading the word “necessary” through a philosophical lens. UChicago doesn’t want you to literally explain why a car needs to have both drive and reverse. That approach would lead to an overly academic-feeling, dry essay, as it’s obvious why a car needs to be able to move forwards and backwards, and remember, the point of this essay is to show off your creativity.

Rather than being literal, you want to think of how you can use your undoers to make a deeper point about how you see the world. UChicago may choose unusual packaging, but this is still a college essay, so the point is ultimately to teach admissions officers something about yourself, so that they can better envision you as a member of their campus community.

Obviously, there’s no one right way to do that, but a good place to start is by thinking of how you might connect your undoers to a story from your own life. Again, this is still a college essay, and relying on specific examples (and using descriptive writing to flesh out those examples) will make your response much more engaging to read.

For example, maybe you focus your essay on a road trip your family took when you were little, and talk about how, without reverse, you would never be able to return to the places you visited where you made such fond memories, but without drive, you wouldn’t be able to continue exploring new destinations.

You could even get more creative than that, if you’re feeling so inspired, as UChicago sets no rules for how you need to structure your response. So, to run with a different example from the “Brainstorming” section, maybe you talk about how when the heart contracts and sends blood circulating through the body is when you feel connected to the world, and can better understand the great writers of history like Shakespeare, Lao Tzu, and Ovid. When the heart relaxes, on the other hand, is when you retreat into your own thoughts, and wonder about how you can leave your own mark on this tiny planet spinning through the blackness of space.

Your approach will likely look completely different from both of these examples, but hopefully they at least help get your gears turning by giving you some general thoughts about how you might set up the “this and that” dynamic.

Mistakes to Avoid

Pretty much the only thing we’d encourage you not to do is write about one of the pairs of undoers UChicago lists in the prompt. You may be tempted to, either because you genuinely feel a connection to one of them, or because you’re just suffering from terrible writer’s block and can’t think of anything else.

Remember, though, that the point here is creativity, so using an example UChicago came up with for you will be a letdown for admissions officers. Plus, as with any college essay, you want your response to set you apart from other applicants, and there will likely be a good number of other students who end up settling for one of the examples provided.

If you really are completely stuck, we have good news for you—there are six other prompts you can choose from here! While still unusual, of course, hopefully you’ll feel more of a kinship with one of them than you do with this one.

Prompt 2, Option B

“where have all the flowers gone” – pete seeger. pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. —inspired by ryan murphy, ab’21.

If music is a big part of your life, either because you play an instrument or sing yourself, or because you are a fan of a certain style of music or even a particular artist, you may feel immediately drawn to this prompt. Maybe you even already have a line in mind that you want to focus your essay on.

However, you can also write a strong response to this prompt even if you have no musical experience whatsoever. The lyric or song title is just the leaping off point for the essay—the points you make can be totally unrelated to music. The only thing to be aware of is that, if you have a more limited musical background, brainstorming may take a little longer, as you’ll have to do more work to think of possibilities.

Regardless of your experience with music, or lack thereof, once you decide that you’re responding to this prompt the best place to start your brainstorming is with artists or songs you already enjoy listening to. Even though, as noted above, the lyric/title is just your starting point, the beginning of your essay will be much more engaging if you already have some sort of connection to it. Genuineness is one of the biggest things admissions officers are looking for in evaluating essays, and that’s a quality that’s impossible to fake. If you just google “famous songs with questions in the title,” your essay may start off feeling dry or impersonal.

Instead, open up your Spotify “On Repeat” playlist, and see if any of the songs there have a question in the title or the lyrics. If none of them do, turn to some of your old favorites, and scan those.

Ideally, the song you choose will already reflect something about you, both because that personal connection will, as noted above, make your essay more engaging to read, and, just as importantly, because it’ll make it more fun for you to write. Here are some examples of how your brainstorming process could go, to hopefully help get your own gears turning:

Your parents always insisted on playing the oldies radio station when driving you to school, so you pick the line “Will the farmer push the pen, will the writer pull the plow?” from Elton John’s “Lady What’s Tomorrow.”
You’re a huge Taylor Swift fan, so you decide to write about her cryptic line “Do you really want to know where I was April 29th?” from the song “High Infidelity.”
You have a niche artist you really like, like the Swedish singer Isak Danielson, and so you choose the line “Wouldn’t you say there’s a light in the darkest moment?” from his song “Always.”

Keep in mind that literally every song is available to you, so don’t be afraid of picking a lyric that may seem silly or “out there.” For UChicago, the more unconventional your response, the better. So, if you loved the Barbie movie, you can absolutely write your essay about the line “Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility?” from Ryan Gosling’s climactic performance of “I’m Just Ken.”

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to go with the first question you find. In fact, we would suggest not doing that, unless that question really speaks to you. You want to be sure that the question you choose can support a pretty lengthy response to it.

To ensure your question works, we would encourage you to keep a list of possibilities, and once you have 5-10, think more deeply about each one, and how you would structure an essay responding to it. Whichever one makes you feel most excited/inspired is likely your golden ticket.

The number one thing to focus on in writing your actual essay is answering your question in a way that teaches UChicago admissions officers something about you. While, like with all of these prompts, creativity is a strength, this isn’t your journal, nor is it a philosophical treatise. It’s a piece of reflective writing that will hopefully help you gain acceptance to an excellent university.

To ensure your answer to the question is not merely interesting, but also contains information about your personality, think about connections between your own life and the line you’ve selected. These connections can be on the abstract side, so long as you’re confident in your writing abilities, as you’ll need to be able to explain them in a way that your readers will be able to understand.

If you’re not sure you’ll be able to do that, we recommend sticking to more straightforward connections, as a simple essay that your reader can follow is much better than a complicated one that they can’t. To give you a general idea of how you can relate your own life to your song title/lyric, here are some examples of both simple and more complex connections you could make to the sample lyrics listed in the “Brainstorming” section above:

Simple Connections:

You like to write, and you also like to garden, so you write an essay about how people are complicated, and can have a wide range of seemingly dissimilar skills and interests
April 29th is your grandfather’s birthday, so you decide to write about all the wonderful celebrations you’ve had on this date when visiting him at his home in Maine
You write about how your favorite part of any holiday is the light-up decorations on people’s houses, as they provide light even during the darkest parts of the year, and describe some of the best decorations you’ve ever seen
You have very delicate blonde hair, and finding the right shampoo has been a lifelong odyssey, so you decide to describe some of the most humorous moments in that saga

Complex Connections:

You write a satirical piece about a writer and farmer swapping jobs for a day, and their frustrations as they try to learn new skills, and use these characters’ interactions to flesh out some of your own opinions about the world
April 29th is 4/29 numerically, and 29-4 is 25, while 29+4 is 33, so you write about where you see yourself being at these ages
You love physics, so you take “darkest moment” literally, and write about black holes, from which, famously, not even light can escape, and write a fairy tale, incorporating moments from your own life, about a photon being chased across a fictional kingdom by a massive, evil black hole
You write about the fragile “blonde” things you observe in your daily life, like a fallen yellow leaf in autumn, a delicate piece of honeycomb, and winter sunlight glinting on freshly fallen snow, and what you can learn from these things

As you can see from these examples, whether you go with a simple or complex connection, your approach can be either serious or more on the playful side. While neither is automatically better than the other, we do encourage you to have the courage to at least try something a little more lighthearted. College applications are by their nature mostly pretty dry affairs, and mixing up your tone can do a lot to liven things up and help admissions officers stay engaged.

That being said, it’s crucial that your response feels natural and cohesive, so if the only ideas coming to your mind are more along the lines of the classic, reflective college essay structure, that’s completely fine. As noted above, the strength of your essay is determined by how much it teaches your reader about you, not by the particulars of topic, structure, or any other “nuts and bolts” detail.

The only real rule when selecting a song title or lyric is one that applies to every college essay: don’t choose one that includes profanity, or that references sex, alcohol, or other “adult” topics. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying that kind of song in your free time, remember that applying to college is a formal process, so you want to come across as respectful and professional.

In terms of writing your actual essay, you want to be sure that you actually answer the question you’ve selected, even if you do so in an unconventional way—that is the whole point of the prompt, after all. So long as you follow our general brainstorming blueprint, and use your question as a narrow lens to scan your memories and experiences, you shouldn’t have issues with your ideas coming untethered from the question. But still take care that it doesn’t happen accidentally.

For example, say you write all about your grandfather’s birthday celebrations, but forget to mention what date his birthday is. That’s only one missing line in a one- or two-page essay, but without it, UChicago admissions officers will have no idea what’s going on. So, make sure that somewhere, ideally early in the essay, you clearly and obviously connect the question to your broader ideas and experiences.

Prompt 2, Option C

“vlog,” “labradoodle,” and “fauxmage.” language is filled with portmanteaus. create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). —inspired by garrett chalfin, class of 2027.

When you start thinking about possible portmanteaus, your initial thought may be to begin with more examples of existing ones, like “brunch” or “spork.” We would encourage you, however, to shy away from this instinct. Your job here is to create a new portmanteau, and if you start combing through lists of existing ones, you may have trouble getting those out of your head.

Instead, as we’ve recommended in the “Brainstorming” sections of the previous prompts, turn to your own interests and experiences. Like the other prompts, this should still be an essay about you, and you’ll have a hard time with that if you’re combining two words that you have no personal connection to.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Even if you look at the well-known examples given, there’s no real reason that, for example, cross-breeding a labrador and a poodle would necessarily result in an extremely popular new breed. Now, labradors and poodles are both kinds of dogs, so there was a pre-existing connection between these two things. But as you come up with your own portmanteau, keep in mind that the two things you combine don’t have to be obviously related. Unlike the examples given, this word probably won’t ever be used by anyone else, so the “patch” only needs to make sense to you.

For example, maybe one of your favorite memories is when a blizzard canceled school, but you and your soccer teammates met up at practice time anyways, and played “snoccer” for two hours. Snow and soccer are not obviously related—quite the opposite, in fact, as sports games are sometimes canceled because of snow. But because of your personal connection to the topic, this portmanteau will undoubtedly be able to support a strong essay.

Or maybe you are most content when knitting with your cat sleeping in your lap, and you decide to explore this feeling of comfort with the new portmanteau “knitten.” Or, to give an example of two more obviously related things, maybe apples and cinnamon is your all-time favorite flavor combination, so you decide it needs an official name, “applemon.”

In your actual response, your job is to follow the prompt, and explain why you see the two things you’re combining as a perfect match. As we’ve already touched on in the “Brainstorming” section above, your explanation should draw on your own personal experiences. UChicago admissions officers don’t want an academic essay on the chemical reactions that make apples and cinnamon such a satisfying flavor combination.

Rather, they want to hear about how your life was changed the first time your grandma made you apple and cinnamon doughnuts, and how, since then, your mission in life has been to combine the two flavors in as many different forms as possible—not just baked goods, but also cider, jam, even stuffing for your family Thanksgiving turkey every year since 2018.

With this kind of approach, your readers don’t just learn that you’re obsessed with these two flavors, but also that you’re creative, resourceful, and dedicated to tradition. The key isn’t to explain why these two things must be connected, but rather what you personally seeing this connection reflects about your personality as a whole.

If you’re having a hard time answering that question, take a step back from the actual portmanteau you’ve selected, and think of some of the qualities that make you who you are and aren’t already captured in your common app essay, or UChicago’s first supplement. Maybe it’s your sense of adventure. Maybe it’s your appreciation for melancholy things. Maybe it’s your love of animals. Whatever it is, see if you can use your portmanteau as a spotlight to shine light on this aspect of your personality.

There aren’t any major pitfalls you need to be on the lookout for with this prompt. One slightly subtler thing you ideally want to avoid is creating a portmanteau that reads clunkily. Notice that the real-life examples UChicago gives, and the ones we’ve generated, flow off the tongue. “Socsnow,” on the other hand, unlike “snoccer,” does not.

If you have two things you’re absolutely dying to combine, but can’t think of a sophisticated way to do it linguistically, that’s okay—it’s not a true emergency if the portmanteau reads a little awkwardly, so long as the essay itself is strong. But, since the whole point of the UChicago essays is to test just how creative you can be, ideally you’ll be able to come up with a word that sounds like something people would actually say.

Prompt 2, Option D

A jellyfish is not a fish. cat burglars don’t burgle cats. rhode island is not an island. write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. —inspired by sonia chang, class of 2025, and mirabella blair, class of 2027.

While you of course will still ultimately want to connect your misnomer to your own interests and personality, this is a prompt where using introspection to brainstorm may not make the most sense, as it’s possible that you just don’t have an obvious personal connection to anything that has been poorly named.

Instead, think more broadly about your life and the world around you—current events, pop culture, things your friends and family talk about a lot, and so on. Think deeply about the terms you hear thrown around on a daily basis, and if they actually make literal sense. Odds are, you’ll eventually stumble into a word or expression that doesn’t.

For an example you may have thought of before, the NFL season has just started, so maybe you decide to write your essay on the strangeness of calling American football “football” even though feet are a relatively minor part of the game. For a more unusual example, maybe you notice a container of Gorilla Glue sitting on your counter after a home repair project, and realize that, as far as you know, gorillas are in no way involved in the making of Gorilla Glue.

As you can hopefully see from these examples, and from UChicago’s given above, there are more of these misnomers scattered throughout the language we use every day than you might originally think. That’s why we encourage you to brainstorm by just sitting and thinking about the words you hear often—there’s no need to open the dictionary. Hopefully, you’ll be surprised how many you think of on your own that just don’t make much sense.

While this should still be a personal, reflective essay, the structure may be more similar to your academic essays, since you’re going to be picking a stance (should the inaccurate name be kept or replaced) and defending it. So, like in an academic essay, you might start off by talking about why your misnomer doesn’t make sense, and then focus each of your paragraphs on a different reason why it should be kept or replaced.

However, unlike in an academic essay, the evidence you give for your position should be based on your own life experiences, not on research or a particular scholar’s position on the matter. You don’t want to explain that football players contact the ball with their foot on only 5% of plays, and so the name should be changed, nor do you want to dig up Gorilla Glue’s mission statement to justify why their name is actually a good one.

Rather, your goal is to use your position on this incredibly niche discussion to make broader points about who you are and how you see the world. To do that, you want to connect your ideas about this particular misnomer to formative moments and experiences from your own life.

For example, maybe you argue for the validity of the name Gorilla Glue by discussing your belief that the natural world is more powerful than any human achievement ever could be, a belief which you have developed as a result of numerous camping, backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing trips throughout your youth.

Alternatively, you could argue against the name by talking about learning English as a second language, and how the challenging process of becoming bilingual taught you the importance of being precise with the words we use. You could then propose a new name, which may be less snappy, but is more literal: The Glue For When Every Other Fails.

If you do argue against replacing the inaccurate name, don’t be afraid to have some fun with your new idea, and even include some humor, along the lines of the suggestion above. Maybe you can also connect your new name to one of your personal experiences, like the time you and your brother accidentally broke a vase and only Gorilla Glue was able to help you stick it back together before your parents got home. If you wrap up your essay with a name that’s too literal, or present that name in a dry, unexciting way, the ending may fall a little flat compared to the rest of your essay.

UChicago already notes this in the prompt, but, along the same lines as a point we made with Option A, don’t write about one of the examples they give. The whole point of these prompts is showcasing your creativity, which you can’t do if you don’t even come up with your own topic.

On a separate note, you generally don’t want to get political in your discussion of the misnomer you pick. For example, maybe you’re inspired to write about how, in contemporary American politics, the term “Republican” does not align with what it used to mean in antiquity. That is a discussion worth having, but not in your college essay. While higher education does lean much further left than society as a whole, you have no way of knowing the political beliefs of your particular admissions officer. So, it’s best to avoid the risk of writing an essay that happens to go directly against one of their core beliefs.

Prompt 2, Option E

The key to coming up with a strong topic is to define “game” broadly. Chess and bowling have almost nothing in common, other than the element of competition. So, while your mind may immediately go to something popular like football or basketball, we encourage you to spend a little more time brainstorming, to see if you can come up with something more creative.

As a quick aside, however, if a well-known game or sport is one of your true passions, then you should absolutely write your essay about it. If you’re part of six different fantasy football leagues and co-author a football blog with your older brother, don’t overthink this one. Ultimately, genuine passion and excitement is even more important than creativity, as the very best college essays are the ones that sparkle with the student’s enthusiasm.

If nothing immediately comes to mind, though, that’s okay! Refer back to our original advice, of thinking broadly. And, as always, try to think of games that you have some sort of personal connection to, to ensure your essay will be informative and engaging for UChicago admissions officers.

For example, maybe you think back on all the fond memories you have of spending hours playing Monopoly with your neighborhood friends. Or maybe you think about your family’s vacations to the beach every summer, and about cornhole’s consistent presence in the cool early mornings, hot afternoons, and calm evenings around a bonfire.

Notice that, to repeat our first point, Monopoly and cornhole are completely different activities, so even if your initial reaction to this prompt is “I don’t like board games, though” or “I don’t like sports, though,” don’t rule it out as an option right off the bat (no pun intended).

One last word of advice, which you probably don’t even need at this point for UChicago’s prompts: don’t be afraid to think way outside the box. Maybe you’re one of the founding members of your local beach korfball team. UChicago admissions officers have probably never heard of korfball, which is like basketball but with no dribbling, no backboards, and fully co-ed teams. But they will assuredly love learning about the game, and why you think it will outlast others that are far more popular today.

As we just highlighted at the end of the previous section, remember that this prompt isn’t just “Write about a game.” Rather, your discussion of the game you choose needs to address the question of why you believe it will endure for thousands of years into the future, like chess and bowling. And, as always, although the question is somewhat academic in nature, your response should be grounded in your own personality and experiences, to show your reader what your opinion on this particular topic says about your potential as a UChicago student.

To illustrate the contrast between an “academic” response and the more personal tone you should be shooting for, compare these two potential approaches:

Approach 1: Explaining your belief in the enduring power of Monopoly by discussing how the game’s hundreds of different variations, focusing on everything from Star Wars to mountaineering, have allowed it to attain worldwide popularity and reliability.

Approach 2: Explaining how, although you haven’t played Monopoly with your neighborhood friends in years, the game played a big part in forming a strong foundation for your friendship, which lasts to this day, and you think it will continue to do the same for others far into the future.

Hopefully, the difference here is clear. The first one, while informative, doesn’t teach us anything about your own experiences, beliefs, or overall personality. The second one, on the other hand, shows that you are a loyal friend, have an appreciation for the universality of certain human experiences, and are somewhat nostalgic. Those tangible attributes will allow UChicago admissions officers to get a clear sense of how your values align with theirs, and how you would fit into their campus community more broadly.

Particularly if you fall into the category of someone who immediately has a game you truly love come to mind, make sure you stop for a second and ask yourself if you already wrote your common app essay about that topic. If the answer is yes, unfortunately you’ll need to pick a different game here, as the point of college essays is to teach admissions officers something that isn’t already captured elsewhere in your application. You’re already working with limited space, so don’t voluntarily limit yourself even further by repeating yourself.

Another word of caution is that, if you pick a highly unusual game like korfball, don’t spend too much time explaining the rules. You’re not a coach—you’re an applicant to UChicago. So, you don’t want to spend three paragraphs explaining niche penalties and strategies to avoid drawing them, as that won’t help UChicago admissions officers envision what you’d contribute to their campus community.

Of course, you do have the freedom to be as creative as you want with your response. So, you could effectively structure your essay around the rules of korfball by, for example, focusing each paragraph on a different rule and connecting the idea behind that rule to an experience from your own life. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is that the essay doesn’t become all about korfball. Like with any college essay, regardless of your topic, ultimately this needs to be an essay about you .

Prompt 2, Option F

This topic may initially seem a little trickier to brainstorm for, since UChicago doesn’t provide you with any concrete examples of the “unwritten rules” they’re talking about. But, along the same lines as much of our advice in the previous “Brainstorming” sections, if you take a step back and let your mind wander a little, you’ll likely find that you’re able to come up with plenty of unwritten rules you find annoying.

A good place to start is thinking back to your childhood. Was there something you often got yelled at for, but didn’t understand why? Maybe you used to put your elbows on the dinner table. Or you never entirely got why your mom was so insistent that your socks had to match.

You can also think about pet peeves you have today, of course. For example, maybe you hate the “driver picks the music” rule, because your music taste is different from everyone else’s in your friend group. Or you could write about a niche unwritten rules imposed by your parents, teachers, coaches, or friends. Maybe your parents insist that the dog eats after you do, but you always feel terrible watching her beg during meals. Or your lacrosse coach won’t let anyone drink Gatorade that’s not one of your school colors.

As you’re probably sick of hearing by now, you also want to make sure that you have a strong enough personal connection to this rule to write a pretty long essay about it. So, as you’re coming up with possibilities, ask yourself why you don’t like this rule. “Because I don’t” won’t make for a very exciting response.

What will keep admissions officers engaged is a link between your dislike of this rule and your personality, interests, goals for college, and so on. So you’ll want to be sure that link is there before you decide on this prompt as the one you’re responding to.

As always, once you sit down to actually start writing, the key is to make your essay about the link between this unwritten rule and yourself, not about the unwritten rule itself. And, also like with the other prompts, you want to be creative in how you flesh out that link.

For example, in explaining your dislike of your coach’s Gatorade rule, maybe you talk about how your school colors are maroon and gold, but your favorite color is purple, and you love the color so much that it’s become a fundamental aspect of your personality, so it almost physically pains you that you can’t drink purple Gatorade. You could then talk about several of the purple things you love most, and why they’re important to you, like Taylor Swift’s Speak Now , which is your favorite album, the Baltimore Ravens, who are your favorite football team, and Ursula, who is your favorite Disney villain.

Alternatively, you could talk about some of the conversations you’ve had with strangers after they notice your mismatched socks, and how to you, that shows that, while unwritten rules are supposed to enforce some order in a chaotic world, the real foundation of life-human connection—can only be found outside those rules.

Hopefully, these two examples help illustrate that you don’t have to take a “serious” approach to this prompt. As we noted in our breakdown of Option B, writing a more lighthearted response can feel risky, but in reality breaking up the overall formality of your application can be a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants who have taken a more conventional approach.

That being said, if you’re not confident you’ll be able to make it work, don’t stress. The most important thing with any college essay is that it authentically reflects who you are, and that won’t happen if you’re forcing anything or overextending yourself. Our only point is that, if you do instinctively see an unusual path leading from this prompt, don’t be afraid to take it 🙂

Keep in mind that a college essay is not the same thing as a lunchtime conversation with your friends. So, make sure that, in discussing why this particular unwritten rule irritates you, you don’t accidentally rub someone who doesn’t know you the wrong way.

For example, maybe you think it’s silly that the chef is supposed to serve themselves last, even though they’re the one who cooked the food. This position has merit—you’d likely find plenty of people on the street who agree with you. But if you frame your response around the belief that you should be the first one to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you may come across as callous or even selfish.

Instead, try to structure your opinion around positive traits, ones that UChicago admissions officers will be looking for in their incoming freshman class. For example, you could talk about how you don’t like this unwritten rule because it sets the chef apart from everyone else, which goes against your belief that food and mealtimes should be a place for people to be equal and connect. So, maybe the chef shouldn’t necessarily be served first, but being served last all the time feels counterproductive.

Prompt 2, Option G

Again, this prompt is, on the surface, granting you a lot of leeway. UChicago even ends it with an exclamation point! But you should always remember: they expect a disciplined, thorough, rigorous essay. Don’t let your sense of fun and frolic drown out your serious intellectual ideas.

Pick a prompt that inspires you to write, and connects with your academic interests. If a prompt jumps out at you, and you’re immediately filled with ideas, it’s probably a good fit. Just take it slowly, jot your thoughts down, and get to work.

Involve your personal connection to that prompt. If you’re not answering any of the 6 prompts UChicago has issued this year, the onus is on you to prove that you and the archival prompt you’ve picked are a match made in heaven. This means having a lot of knowledge and personal investment in your subject matter, and an angle/perspective totally unique to you.

If making your own question, remember this: YOUR QUESTION IS YOUR HOOK. So make sure it’s not a question that could be found on a standard-issue application, like “When did I overcome a challenge?” or “What’s a place that feels like home?” These prompts are everywhere. They won’t get the job done, and they won’t make an unforgettable first impression. But “Why did I lock myself in the basement and watch The Bee Movie for eighteen hours?” That’s a different story.

If you look at past UChicago prompts, they tend to be fond of certain things: numbered lists, fairy tales, common phrases, and items of pop culture that can be re-contextualized. They also like hearing your answers to famous questions, and you might have a unique answer to “Et tu, Brute?” or “Do you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain?” Just remember that the novelty of the question, while the hook of your essay, is not its substance. If your biography and scholarly interests don’t involve pina coladas, or rain, you might just have to pick a different question to answer – as wonderful as that eternal question is.

UChicago essays take a lot of time and thought—but don’t overthink it. The university wants to hear what you have to say, in its full form. That’s why they give you a page limit, and not a word limit—no last minute cutting! Fully develop your ideas in a way that feels natural. If a paragraph needs to be a little thicker, or if you need to include a longer quote from your favorite author, don’t worry about it. These essays can be fun to write and extremely effective.

You can look up lots of examples of essays online, but try not to get intimidated. It’s the nature of the UChicago essays to encourage everyone to showcase their expertise—which is exactly what you should try to do! You may read sample essays and think, “Wow. I’ve never spent a month in Arizona digging up fossils. How can I ever compete?” Try to reframe the essays as a Giant Celebration of everyone’s achievements and interests not a Competition.

If you’ve written your UChicago essay and are looking for feedback, you might want to check out our free peer essay review and paid expert essay review . Since the UChicago essay prompts are weird, it’s important to get an extra set of eyes on them to make sure they are clear and engaging! You can also improve your own writing skills by editing other students’ essays.

Changing the Unwritten Rules of Presidential Leadership

Extraconstitutional norms shift when the president decides and the country agrees

On June 29, 2023, reacting to a series of Supreme Court decisions in which all six Republican-appointed justices outvoted their three Democratic-appointed colleagues, President Joseph Biden lamented that “this is not a normal court.” Asked if he would support the proposal by progressives within his party to expand the court from 9 to 13 justices, however, Biden dismissed the idea as a “mistake” that “doesn’t make sense.” 1

Nine the court would remain, even though nothing in the Constitution limits Congress’s authority to alter its size by statute. But unlike those calling for change, Biden had learned the lesson of FDR’s failed effort to “pack the Court” in 1937: nine justices, although not part of the “capital- C Constitution” (the document itself), are still part of the “small- c constitution”—the extraconstitutional rules of the game that also govern how the political system is supposed to work. 2

Or perhaps Biden overlearned that lesson. In truth, multiple changes in the small- c constitution have occurred during the past two centuries, but only after they were animated by changes in norms and their accompanying customs and expectations.

Multiple changes in the small- c constitution have occurred during the past two centuries, but only after they were animated by changes in norms.

Presidents have often animated these changes. In the Miller Center–sponsored book The Presidency: Facing Constitutional Crossroads , I discussed 10 such changes, tracing each to its historical origin. In this essay, I illustrate the argument with three: Andrew Jackson and the veto, Theodore Roosevelt (TR) and the “rhetorical presidency,” and Jimmy Carter and the creation of the modern vice presidency. 3

Andrew Jackson and the Veto

Jackson’s veto of the bill Congress passed in July 1832 to renew the Second Bank of the United States was politically important at the time. It has remained important as a precedent-setting extraconstitutional norm concerning how presidents should exercise the veto power.

Jackson regarded the bank as the leading institutional bastion of everything he opposed, especially favoritism for the Eastern financial elite.

Sen. Henry Clay of Kentucky, Jackson’s Whig opponent in the forthcoming 1832 election, was so confident that bank renewal would be a winning issue that he persuaded Congress to extend the bank’s charter, four years before the existing charter was set to expire.

Although nothing in the Constitution provides any guidance about when vetoing a bill is appropriate, all of Jackson’s predecessors used the power sparingly. As the first president, George Washington established the norm that vetoes should be reserved for legislation that was of doubtful constitutionality. In the 40 years after he took office in 1789, Washington and his five successors vetoed just 10 bills, most of them minor.

Jackson interpreted the veto power differently, grounding his view in a new and expansive conception of presidential leadership. The president, Jackson believed, was a more authentic representative of the people than Congress—the only person in government who was elected by the entire electorate. Consequently, Jackson regarded the president’s judgment that an act of Congress was unwise policy as sufficient ground for a veto.

Jackson interpreted the veto power differently, grounding his view in a new and expansive conception of presidential leadership.

In his veto message, Jackson argued that the bank was an “odious” institution and that “good policy” was reason enough for him to act.

His veto survived a congressional vote to override. 4 Five months later, Jackson vanquished Clay, the bank’s leading advocate, by 219–49 in the Electoral College and 54 percent to 37 percent in the popular vote.

Jackson’s veto—and, just as important, the country’s agreement that it was properly cast—altered the existing norm of presidential deference to Congress and established a new norm that has endured ever since.

Jackson’s veto—and, just as important, the country’s agreement that it was properly cast—altered the existing norm of presidential deference to Congress and established a new norm that has endured ever since. Jackson vetoed 12 bills in eight years, more than all of his predecessors combined. The new norm for presidential use of the veto power was that presidents should feel free to exercise it regardless of whether they think a bill is constitutional. Jackson’s 39 successors have taken advantage of this transformation of the small- c constitution, casting a combined total of 2,568 vetoes, only 112 of which—barely 4 percent—have been overridden by Congress. 5

TR and the “Rhetorical Presidency”

To say that presidents in the 18th and 19th centuries were seen but not heard is an overstatement—but not by much. Presidential candidates were expected to stand, not run, for office, remaining silent while partisan allies campaigned on their behalf. Once in office, ceremonial speeches such as the inaugural address were acceptable, but speeches urging Congress to enact legislation or criticizing Congress for failing to do so were widely regarded as inappropriate.

Although nothing in the Constitution either encouraged or forbade presidential rhetoric aimed at influencing public opinion, the norm of reticence was no less binding for being unwritten.

Speeches urging Congress to enact legislation or criticizing Congress for failing to do so were widely regarded as inappropriate.

In 1868, Andrew Johnson was the target of two articles of impeachment for speeches “attempt[ing] to bring into disgrace, ridicule, hatred, contempt and reproach the Congress of the United States.” 6

One-third of a century later, the public was ready for a different style of presidential leadership. The rise of powerful national corporations had caused more people to turn to the national government—in particular, to its most visible institution, the presidency—to provide a countervailing source of power. In response, Roosevelt ushered in what political scientist Jeffrey K. Tulis has called the “rhetorical presidency”—that is, the use of popular rhetoric as a principal tool of presidential leadership. 7 Its origins lay in Roosevelt’s campaign to persuade Congress to enact the Hepburn Act, a bill to enhance the regulatory power of the federal government over the nation’s railroads.

The public was ready for a different style of presidential leadership.

The act was opposed by conservative senators in the president’s own party, who managed to stifle it in committee. Roosevelt decided to appeal “over the heads of the Senate and House leaders to the people who were masters of both of us.” 8

TR’s speechmaking tour of the country had the desired effect, and the Hepburn Act was passed into law in 1906. The small- c constitution’s unwritten rule concerning presidential rhetoric gave way to the new unwritten rule that “going public” is part of the president’s job description. 9

The small- c constitution’s unwritten rule concerning presidential rhetoric gave way to the new unwritten rule that “going public” is part of the president’s job description.

The subsequent arrival of radio, then television, and then social media as means of mass communication only enhanced the rhetorical presidency.

Jimmy Carter and the Modern Vice Presidency

Not every American admires Congress, agrees with the Supreme Court, or supports the president. But, except for the vice presidency, no constitutionally created office has been the object of ridicule. Even some vice presidents have ruefully joined in the fun. John Nance Garner, who was FDR’s first vice president, famously declared: “The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.” 10

Historically, the vice presidency’s main problem was rooted in its original design. The Constitutional Convention assigned the vice president just two duties: to preside over the Senate (a role that is significant only when a tie vote needs to be broken) and to step in if something bad happens to the president, which it usually does not. These duties stranded the vice president in a constitutional no-man’s land, somewhere between the executive and legislative branches and fully at home in neither.

These duties stranded the vice president in a constitutional no-man’s land, somewhere between the executive and legislative branches and fully at home in neither.

President Jimmy Carter’s election in 1976 launched a change in the small-c constitutional vice presidency that has endured even though the Constitution remains substantially unaltered. During the half-century that followed the office grew both in prestige and influence. Much of the credit for this transformation lay in the agreement forged between Carter and Vice President Walter F. Mondale in response to a memo that Mondale wrote to Carter on December 9, 1976, six weeks before the beginning of their term.

Mondale knew from conversations with his political mentor, former vice president Hubert H. Humphrey, how marginal a job the vice presidency could be. Mondale’s memo to Carter proposed that his primary role be as “general adviser” to the president, consulted on virtually every matter that crossed the president’s desk. As vice president, Mondale argued, he was in a “unique position” to perform this role as “the only other public official elected nationwide . . . able to look at the government as a whole.” 11

Mondale’s memo to Carter proposed that his primary role be as “general adviser” to the president, consulted on virtually every matter that crossed the president’s desk.

To make his advice useful, Mondale continued, he would need access to the full range of information that Carter received, a professional staff, the right to participate in all important meetings and, most important, “access to you” in the form of weekly private sessions and an office in the West Wing of the White House.

As a former state governor with no experience in Washington, Carter realized that he needed a vice president with federal experience to help him meet the challenges of his new job. Mondale had served two terms in the Senate when Carter selected him as his running mate. He approved Mondale’s memo in full, not just on paper but in practice throughout his presidency. Subsequent presidents, most of them with little Washington experience themselves, and vice presidents (most of them with considerable Washington experience) have accepted the new norms concerning the vice presidency and institutionalized them. 12

Subsequent presidents, most of them with little Washington experience themselves, and vice presidents (most of them with considerable Washington experience) have accepted the new norms concerning the vice presidency and institutionalized them.

In obvious ways, the development of the American presidency has been affected by amendments to the Constitution concerning, for example, presidential disability and the two-term limit. In less obvious ways, the small- c constitutional presidency has also evolved. It has done so when a president decides the time for change is right and the country agrees.

The framers’ design of the presidency was clearly a sketch more than a blueprint. But in ways that involved adapting norms concerning the office to changing times and circumstances, the small- c constitution has enabled the capital- C Constitution to fulfill what James Wilson—the most influential delegate to the Constitutional Convention on presidential matters—identified as the main qualities that the executive was meant to bring to constitutional government: “energy, responsibility, and dispatch.”

Holly Otterbein and Zach Montellaro, “Biden Still Won’t Nuke the Court. But He Is Upping His Criticism of It,” Politico , June 29, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/30/biden-supreme-court-reform-00104484 .

On FDR and the Supreme Court, see Michael Nelson, Vaulting Ambition: FDR’s Campaign to Pack the Supreme Court (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2023).

Michael Nelson, “Crossroads of the (C)onstitutional Presidency: How Ten Extraconstitutional Landmarks Shaped the Office,” in The Presidency: Facing Constitutional Crossroads , ed. Michael Nelson and Barbara A. Perry (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2012), 28–48.

Andrew Jackson, “Veto Message [of the Reauthorization of Bank of the United States]” (July 10, 1832), American Presidency Project, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/veto-message-the-re-authorization-bank-the-united-states .

United States Senate, “Vetoes, 1789 to Present,” https://www.senate.gov/legislative/vetoes/vetoCounts.htm .

U.S. Congress, “Articles of Impeachment Exhibited by the House of Representatives” (March 4, 1868), American Presidency Project, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/articles-impeachment-exhibited-the-house-representatives .

Jeffrey K. Tulis, The Rhetorical Presidency (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1987).

Theodore Roosevelt, The Works of Theodore Roosevelt , vol. 20 (New York: Scribner’s, 1926), 342.

Samuel Kernell, Going Public: New Strategies of Presidential Leadership , 4th ed. (Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2007).

The oft-quoted “warm spit” in this statement is the G-rated version.

“Transcription of 1976 Carter-Mondale Memo”: https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000173-eae0-d94e-a1f7-eef110b00000

Sidney M. Milkis and Michael Nelson, The American Presidency: Origins and Development, 1776-2021 (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2023), chap. 15.

Michael Nelson

Michael Nelson is Fulmer Professor of Political Science at Rhodes College and a nonresident senior fellow at the Miller Center. He has published multiple books, including Resilient America: Electing Nixon, Channeling Dissent, and Dividing Government , which won the Richard Neustadt Award for best book on the presidency published in 2014. Other recent books are 43: Inside the George W. Bush Presidency (2022), The American Presidency: Origins and Development, 1776–2018 , with Sidney Milkis (2020); The Presidency and the Political System , 12th ed.(2020); and The Elections of 2016 (2017). He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals such as the Journal of Politics and Political Science Quarterly , and in periodicals such as Virginia Quarterly Review , Claremont Review of Books , and Chronicle of Higher Education .

Conference on the American presidency

On October 19–20, 2023, the Miller Center convened leading experts on the American presidency—senior officials of Democratic and Republican administrations, along with top scholars and journalists—to discuss challenges facing the presidency and potential solutions

StarTribune

Wild rookie marat khusnutdinov learns the unwritten rules of the nhl.

CHICAGO – In the month since he arrived from Russia, Marat Khusnutdinov has previewed the potential that made him an intriguing Wild prospect.

He hasn't scored his first NHL goal, but the center picked up his second assist Sunday in the 4-0 win at Chicago , but his confidence has been on the rise.

"It's a lot quicker of a game," said Khusnutdinov, who was in the KHL until signing with the Wild in February after the team drafted him in the second round in 2020. "Decisions are made quicker. Passes are made more accurate. It's just a cleaner game."

But becoming an NHLer is about more than settling in as a player.

Like at any new job, there's also an orientation for how to fit in beyond the work: Is there assigned parking? Where to eat? Are jeans acceptable attire?

The Wild are no different.

"Every single guy on the team is super helpful off the ice," Khusnutdinov said through an interpreter, "always [making] suggestions on where to go, what to do, how to do something."

Like clockwork

Players clock in long before the puck drops.

For games, they have to arrive two hours early and for morning skates, they show up to the arena around an hour to an hour-and-a-half before they hit the ice; practices are on a similar timeline.

This gives players the chance to go through their personal routine, get a workout in before practice and attend meetings, which is another reason not to be tardy.

The expectation is players are already sitting down waiting for a coach to kick off a meeting instead of walking in a minute early.

"Guys that cut it close, it's frowned upon," alternate captain Marcus Foligno said. "You don't see those guys anymore."

What's the consequence for being late for a meeting?

A player typically gets benched the next game; that happened to Boston's Jake DeBrusk earlier this season. His teammate, Derek Forbort, was also a healthy scratch in February for missing a Bruins meeting.

"Just trying not to be late, that was definitely the more stressful part of it when I first got here," rookie defenseman Brock Faber said.

Preparation mode

The Wild are on an especially regimented schedule before games.

There are three meetings, for the penalty kill, power play and the entire team. Players only attend the PK and PP sessions if they're on those units, which they know based on if their jersey number is on the whiteboard in the locker room.

This is also when players will tape their sticks or change their laces.

"You lose track of time a little bit if you get talking or having to do little stuff with your equipment," Foligno said. "You gotta be on your toes."

That's also good advice for the soccer showdown.

Also known as sewer ball or two-touch, players kick around a soccer ball and try to avoid being the last person to touch the ball before it hits the ground. Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello and Marcus Johansson are considered some of the best players on the Wild, and joining the game means learning the rivalries.

"There are some battles that go on that guys go at each other," Matt Boldy said. "Maybe you kick it a little harder, try to get someone out."

Once it's time to take to the ice, players file into a line that always begins with the starting goaltender and ends with the backup.

In between, the order can fluctuate based on injury and other absences, but there are some consistencies: Joel Eriksson Ek is second, and Kaprizov is always among the last to emerge. Khusnutdinov has slotted in about two-thirds through the line.

Even warmups follow the same script, with players skating and puck-handling around their half of the rink before three-line shooting, more shots from around the circles, line rushes, individual shots, the last puck drill and more skating. (This is different from what teams do in Europe.)

As for after games, players work out before leaving the arena.

They'll bike and lift weights; if they're playing a back-to-back, they'll do only a quick bike ride.

Dressing the part

Jerseys aren't the only uniform players have; a suit and tie are required to and from games.

When the Wild are at home, they can wear casual clothes to morning skates and practices. But when they're on the road, their wardrobe is more formal; a collared shirt and slacks or khakis (no jeans) are a must for morning skate, while practice is business casual.

That's also the protocol for the team plane.

"We got that changed," Foligno said, "because it used to be dress shirts with your suit."

On the road

As the fashion shows, life on the road has its own set of rules.

Curfew is 11 p.m., and some meals are at the hotel like breakfast and a pregame bite. Players are on their own for dinner on a day off or the night before a game.

Bus times are communicated via text message, and players will receive a reminder the night before.

On the plane, seats are assigned.

Khusnutdinov inherited Connor Dewar's former seat next to Boldy after Dewar was traded to Toronto last month.

Unwritten rules

Besides staying on top of where they need to be, when and what to wear, there's also an etiquette between the veterans and the rookies.

When players check into the hotel on the road, veterans are supposed to get on the elevator first.

They also serve themselves before the rookies at the pregame meal.

"It's a little nit-picky," Foligno said. "But you know what? I did it, so gotta keep the tradition going."

In the team group chat, the youngest players usually aren't the most talkative.

"You can get roasted pretty quick," Foligno said.

At Tria Rink in St. Paul where the Wild practice, veterans such as Foligno, Eriksson Ek, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and captain Jared Spurgeon park closer to the door, while their younger teammates have their vehicles in the middle or back of the lot.

As for when they ride the bus, veterans typically get the back and rookies are in front.

The exception? Kaprizov.

"Kirill's in the back from Day 1 because nobody could tell him no," Foligno said. "Kirill was all the way in the back, and he didn't play an NHL game yet. I'm like, 'What are you doing?' He didn't understand English, so he just laughed at me. I'm like, 'OK.'

"It's OK. We've moved on."

Kaprizov has helped his countryman Khusnutdinov adjust to the Wild, but Khusnutdinov has taken a different approach to the bus than Kaprizov.

"I'm rookie," Khusnutdinov said in English. "I'm sitting first."

Sarah McLellan covers the Wild and NHL. Before joining the Star Tribune in November 2017, she spent five years covering the Coyotes for The Arizona Republic.

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Hockey’s unwritten rules: Here’s why you don’t touch the trophy or step on the logo

Watch your step. Don’t touch that trophy. That one’s OK, as long as the captain says it’s OK.

Hockey is riddled with strange superstitions and one of the NHL’s biggest taboos, and one of its unwritten rules, is fairly well known. Someone who harbors dreams of winning the Stanley Cup one day absolutely, positively does not lift it over their head beforehand.

“Big no-no,” Kraken alternate captain Yanni Gourde, who has lifted the famous chalice twice, said. “You haven’t earned it until you’ve won it. I think it’s kind of cool.”

Some don’t want to touch it at all, even on display. When the trophy is out and about during the summer, spending a day with each member of the winning team in the city of their choice, you’ll occasionally see a friend leaning into photos awkwardly, hands by their sides.

When teams file in to surround the Prince of Wales Trophy, awarded to the Eastern Conference champions, and the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl in the West, the celebration is muted. It’s a toss-up whether they’ll touch the hardware at all. It isn’t the trophy they want, after all, and their sights are set on the Stanley Cup. Perhaps touching a lesser trophy will invite a jinx, scaring away the bigger prize.

It’s a relatively recent tradition. Philadelphia Flyers captain Eric Lindros is credited with starting the trend in 1997, when he opted against celebrating with the Wales Trophy.

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“We’re happy to make the finals, but our mission is not complete,” Lindros said at the time.

In the years since, some have followed suit — roughly half of the conference champions. Anecdotal evidence seems to play a huge part.

The eventual 2023 Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, didn’t touch the Campbell Bowl after team leadership decided against it. The Golden Knights handled the trophy in 2018 before losing in the Final to the Washington Capitals and were apparently wary of repeating that mistake.

The team they would beat in five games, the Florida Panthers, cheerfully carried around the Wales Trophy back East. So, 2023 favored the suspicious. But there’s no strong correlation — plenty on both sides of the debate have gone on to win the Stanley Cup.

The decision came from team leadership in the Penguins’ back-to-back titles in 2016-17.

Kraken defenseman Brian Dumoulin, a longtime Penguin, said it was captain and future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby’s call. In 2008, the Penguins didn’t touch the Wales Trophy and lost the Final to the Detroit Red Wings. The following year, they came out on top in the East again, threw caution to the wind, enjoyed the trophy and went on to win the ultimate prize.

“For me, personally, I don’t think it has anything to do with whether you win or lose. For people who are superstitious like that, it does mean something. I respect that,” Dumoulin said.

The Lightning also went ahead and touched it during their run in 2020-21. In 2015, before a Final loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Lightning captain Steven Stamkos leaned away from the conference trophy. Tampa Bay went back five years later and gave it a pat.

Gourde didn’t remember whether it was Stamkos or Lightning coach Jon Cooper who ultimately made the call, but remembers they reasoned: “Hey — we win a trophy, we pick it up.”

On that note, hey — we see a logo, we walk around. There’s often a big team emblem right in the middle of the locker room carpet, and it’s for admiring, not treading. Failure to comply means gentle correction at best, public shaming at worst.

“There’s an unwritten rule that you’re not bigger than the team and you’ve got to respect the team logo,” Gourde said.

Players are taught this early, but the information isn’t exactly posted for drop-ins. It often isn’t communicated at all, a true unwritten rule of hockey.

“I’ve definitely seen a celebrity, a time or two, come into the (Penguins) locker room and step on it,” Dumoulin said.

Dumoulin said he didn’t yell at the oblivious outsiders, but “you can, and people did.”

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In Chicago in 2013, visiting Canadian pop star Justin Bieber backed up onto the Blackhawks logo while trying to snap a picture of their recently won Stanley Cup. That one caused a minor social-media kerfuffle.

The rule applies to visitors of all ages. The players’ kids toddling around the locker room receive the lesson as soon as possible. The logo was on the floor in Pittsburgh’s locker room, and Dumoulin’s young son Brayden had places to be.

“I’d have to tell him each time,” Dumoulin chuckled.

“It teaches them something of respect and awareness and paying attention, but it’s sometimes hard to do when it’s a 3-year-old.”

The Kraken made it easier on everyone and put their ‘S’ logo on the ceiling of their practice facility.

“That definitely helps,” Dumoulin said.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Guest Essay

Where Is America’s ‘Rules-Based Order’ Now?

A photograph of a desk at the U.N. headquarters, with a nameplate reading “United States.”

By Spencer Ackerman

Mr. Ackerman is a foreign-policy columnist for The Nation and the author of “Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump.”

No sooner had a nearly unanimous United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza last month than the United States and Israel acted as if it were a meaningless piece of paper. Israel, unwilling to accept a U.N. mandate, continued bombing the overcrowded southern city of Rafah and besieging Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Shortly after the vote, Biden administration officials called the resolution, No. 2728, “nonbinding,” in what appeared to be an attempt to deny its status as international law.

It was a confounding approach from an administration that allowed the resolution to go through with an abstention after vetoing three earlier ones. It also triggered a predictable bout of hand-wringing over the value of international law. At the State Department press briefing after the resolution passed, the department’s spokesman, Matthew Miller, said the measure would neither result in an immediate cease-fire nor affect thorny hostage-release negotiations. One reporter asked , “If that’s the case, what the hell is the point of the U.N. or the U.N. Security Council?”

The question is valid, but it’s also misdirected. U.N. resolutions that are written without enforcement measures obviously cannot force Israel to stop what its leadership insists is a justified war necessary to remove Hamas and prevent another Oct. 7 massacre. But it’s just as obvious what entity can make Israel stop and isn’t doing so: the United States.

Whatever the Biden administration might have thought it was doing by permitting the resolution to pass and then undermining it, the maneuver exposed the continuing damage Israel’s war in Gaza is doing to the United States’ longstanding justification for being a superpower: guaranteeing what U.S. administrations like to call the international rules-based order.

The concept operates as an asterisk placed on international law by the dominant global superpower. It makes the United States one of the reasons international law remains weak, since a rules-based order that exempts the United States and its allies fundamentally undermines the concept of international law.

American policymakers tend to invoke the concept to demonstrate the benefits of U.S. global leadership. It sounds, on the surface, a lot like international law: a stable global order, involving the panoply of international aid and financial institutions, in which the rules of acceptable behavior reflect liberal values. And when U.S. prerogatives coincide with international law, the United States describes the two synonymously. On the eve of Russia’s illegal 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of a “moment of peril” for “the foundation of the United Nations Charter and the rules-based international order that preserves stability worldwide.”

But when U.S. prerogatives diverge from international law, America apparently has no problem violating it — all while declaring its violations to ultimately benefit global stability. The indelible example is the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, which the George W. Bush administration cynically justified as a means of enforcing U.N. disarmament mandates. Iraq, the supposed violator, endured military occupation, while Washington’s unmatched military and economic power ensured that America faced little consequence for an invasion without U.N. authorization. Shortly before invading, the United States passed a law vowing to use “ all means ” necessary to release Americans detained by the International Criminal Court.

A cohort of American academics and once and future U.S. officials at Princeton later advocated what they called in a 2006 paper “ a world of liberty under law .” They framed it as addressing the weaknesses of international law, suggesting that when international institutions didn’t produce the outcomes favored by the “world of liberty,” there be an “alternative forum for liberal democracies to authorize collective action.” In practice, that forum has often been the White House. During the 2011 Libyan uprising, the United States and its allies used Security Council authorization of a no-fly zone to help overthrow Muammar Qaddafi — whose regime killed far fewer opponents than Israel has killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. American troops have now operated in eastern Syria for more than eight years, long enough for everyone to forget that there is no basis in international law for their presence.

That American-exceptionalist asterisk has been on display after each U.S. veto of cease-fire resolutions at the U.N. With Gaza’s enormous death toll and imminent famine , people can be forgiven for wondering about the point of the United States’ rules-based international order.

International law is unambiguously against what Israel is doing in Gaza. Two months before resolution No. 2728, the International Court of Justice ruled that the continuing Israeli campaign could plausibly be considered genocidal and ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide from unfolding. Ahead of 2728’s passage, the Canadian Parliament approved a motion, however porous , to stop new arms transfers to Israel. And the day the Security Council approved the resolution, the U.N.’s special rapporteur for the occupied territories, Francesca Albanese, recommended that member states should “immediately” embargo weapon shipments to Israel, since Israel “appears to have failed to comply with the binding measures ordered” by the international court.

But after 2728 passed, the White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, clarified that U.S. weapon sales and transfers to Israel would be unaffected. To the astonishment of some Senate Democrats , the State Department averred that Israel was not violating a Biden administration policy that recipients of American weaponry comply with international law. Last week, the White House reiterated that it had not seen “any incidents where the Israelis have violated international humanitarian law” after the Israel Defense Forces repeatedly bombed a convoy of aid workers from the World Central Kitchen who had informed the Israelis of their movements, killing seven.

The reality is that Washington is now arming a combatant that the United Nations Security Council has ordered to stop fighting, an uncomfortable position that helps explain why the United States insists 2728 isn’t binding.

And that reality isn’t lost on the rest of the world. The slaughter in Gaza has disinclined some foreign officials and groups to listen to U.S. officials about other issues. Annelle Sheline, a State Department human-rights officer who recently resigned over Gaza , told The Washington Post that some activist groups in North Africa simply stopped meeting with her and her colleagues. “Trying to advocate for human rights just became impossible” while the United States aids Israel, she said.

It’s a dynamic that sounds awfully reminiscent of what happened outside Europe when U.S. diplomats fanned out globally to rally support for Ukraine two years ago. They encountered “a very clear negative reaction to the American propensity for defining the global order and forcing countries to take sides,” as Fiona Hill, a Brookings Institution scholar, observed in a speech last year.

If the United States was frustrated by that negative reaction, imagine the reaction, post-Gaza, that awaits Washington the next time it seeks global support for the target of an adversary. The dead-on-arrival passage of resolution 2728 may very well be remembered as an inflection point in the decline of the rules-based international order — which is to say the world that the United States seeks to build and maintain.

Rising powers will be happy to cite U.S. precedent as they assert their own exceptions to international law. For as Gaza shows in a horrific manner, a world with exceptions to international law is one in which the least powerful suffer the most.

Spencer Ackerman is a foreign-policy columnist for The Nation and the author of “Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Wealth of Geek$

24 Unwritten, Important Rules of Dating You Need To Know

Posted: October 27, 2023 | Last updated: October 27, 2023

<p>Sometimes, we do certain things unconsciously that kill our chances of another date or a relationship with someone special. Whether you’re a dating champ or a rookie, we’ve gathered rules that will skyrocket your dating game. Some people on an online forum shared their opinions on unwritten dating rules, and we’ve gathered 24 of them here. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this.</p>

Sometimes, we do certain things unconsciously that kill our chances of another date or a relationship with someone special. Whether you’re a dating champ or a rookie, we’ve gathered rules that will skyrocket your dating game. Some people on an online forum shared their opinions on unwritten dating rules, and we’ve gathered 24 of them here. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this.

<p>Many TV fans said Jason Alexander was born to play George. “You watch interviews of him and realize how great of an actor he is,” one person noted. “He was really playing someone very different than he is.”</p><p>Another added, “He has said it took him a little while to understand that he was playing a version of Larry David and that what makes Larry tick is an explosive oscillation between self-loathing and thinking he’s better than everyone else.”</p>

1. Don’t Hype Your Exes

Your partner feeling uncomfortable when you talk about your exes doesn’t mean they’re insecure. Zip those lips when it comes to exes! We understand; that your past relationships might have been quite the saga, but talking about your exes can signal wrong. No one wants to feel like they’re just a rebound or a distraction. So, keep those ex stories tucked away unless you’re sharing traumatic experiences with someone you trust.

<p>Your relationship is between you and the person you’re dating. Resist the urge to spill all the deets to your friends, family, and Facebook friends. Don’t air out your laundry, and don’t say terrible things right after a breakup. If you need to talk to someone, it should be one person you trust and not just everyone or anyone. But there are exceptions. </p>

2. Keep Your Relationship Private

Your relationship is between you and the person you’re dating. Resist the urge to spill all the deets to your friends, family, and Facebook friends. Don’t air out your laundry, and don’t say terrible things right after a breakup. If you need to talk to someone, it should be one person you trust and not just everyone or anyone. But there are exceptions.

<p>It’s okay to set healthy boundaries. Draw a line in the sand and keep those lines uncrossed! Your personal space is sacred, and setting some ground rules is okay. Stop “checking up” on your exes, and for God’s sake, don’t involve your ex in your current relationship. Your partner isn’t toxic because they don’t like you maintaining an extremely close relationship with your ex.</p>

3. Set Healthy Boundaries

It’s okay to set healthy boundaries. Draw a line in the sand and keep those lines uncrossed! Your personal space is sacred, and setting some ground rules is okay. Stop “checking up” on your exes, and for God’s sake, don’t involve your ex in your current relationship. Your partner isn’t toxic because they don’t like you maintaining an extremely close relationship with your ex.

<p>A woman says, “I feel bad that a lot of men feel like they can't have close relationships where they can talk about their problems/feelings freely. I can't imagine living life without my close friendships, platonic love is what keeps me sane.”</p> <p>Some men might not relate to this, but most mention that they get shamed and referred to as girls when they want to have a deep conversation about something. One would think women were the only ones allowed to have deep discussions about issues that affect them. The truth is there are women out there who would pick men who are expressive and talk about things over the “alpha males” anytime.</p>

4. Express Your Wants Early

Here’s a helpful tip: be clear and honest about what you want. Express your desires and preferences openly — no need for guessing games. And don’t be upset if they don’t get nonverbal cues like you do; just talk about your expectations like grown-ups.

<p>Now, some people think it’s fair to split the bill 50/50 until both partners are comfortable treating each other. But consider this: if you could ask your favorite celeb out on a date, wouldn’t you pay the bill? Whoever asks for the date should handle the bill. And no, it’s not about gender — it’s just a fair approach.</p>

5. If You Request a Date, Handle the Bills

Now, some people think it’s fair to split the bill 50/50 until both partners are comfortable treating each other. But consider this: if you could ask your favorite celeb out on a date, wouldn’t you pay the bill? Whoever asks for the date should handle the bill. And no, it’s not about gender — it’s just a fair approach.

<p>If something’s bothering you, talk about it. Please don’t keep it inside. Your partner might sense it, but expressing your feelings is better. And even when you’re feeling better, they still care about what’s happening with you. You must figure out how to fix things together.</p>

6. Communicate Openly

If something’s bothering you, talk about it. Please don’t keep it inside. Your partner might sense it, but expressing your feelings is better. And even when you’re feeling better, they still care about what’s happening with you. You must figure out how to fix things together.

<p><span>One user feels that if they can’t hang out with people who have different <a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/star-wars-fan-opinions/" rel="noopener">opinions</a>, how do they learn anything new? The user goes on to add that some of their good friends are on the opposite end of the political spectrum as them, and they feel they can all respectfully debate political issues without openly insulting each other. </span></p>

7. Don’t Ask Personal Questions Early

Wondering what NOT to ask on a date? Well, for starters, never ask someone’s body count — it’s a major no-no! Past is past, and what matters is the here and now. And you can’t expect them to be completely honest with you or feel comfortable around you after that.

<p>We get it. Sharing commonalities is normal. But have you ever met someone itching to talk about themselves all the time? They can hardly remember what you said because they already anticipate what they want to tell you. They spend the whole date talking about themselves. It’s okay to share experiences, but don’t constantly overlap each conversation with a relatable experience.</p><p>Give your date a chance to share their stories, and don’t interrupt every second with your tales.</p>

8. Listen More

We get it. Sharing commonalities is normal. But have you ever met someone itching to talk about themselves all the time? They can hardly remember what you said because they already anticipate what they want to tell you. They spend the whole date talking about themselves. It’s okay to share experiences, but don’t constantly overlap each conversation with a relatable experience.

Give your date a chance to share their stories, and don’t interrupt every second with your tales.

<p>Here’s a love tip to save you from heartache: If you’re unsure, don’t commit. Take time to figure out what you truly want before entering a serious relationship. You might fall in love with someone after a few dates when they just want a fling. Be sure before making any long-term decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first day or month two. If they are not interested, they will leave anyway. Some people pretend for a long time.</p>

9. If Unsure, Don’t Commit

Here’s a love tip to save you from heartache: If you’re unsure, don’t commit. Take time to figure out what you truly want before entering a serious relationship. You might fall in love with someone after a few dates when they just want a fling. Be sure before making any long-term decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first day or month two. If they are not interested, they will leave anyway. Some people pretend for a long time.

<p><span>Why do some people think it’s OK to brag about how fast and dangerous they drive? One forum poster resented having their driving likened to that of a grandma, while others take mountain pass turns super fast and punch it through yellow lights.</span></p>

10. Return Every Call or Text

If someone reaches out to you, be kind and reply within a reasonable time frame. Ghosting isn’t cool and won’t score you any points. If you don’t return a call or text within a week and don’t have a solid reason, you don’t deserve another chance. You can’t just disappear for a while and magically wanna pick back up.

11. Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Full

We know you’re excited to share fascinating stories. But keep the food in your mouth, not out of it. Nobody wants to look at chewed-up food while trying to have a delightful date. Plus, talking with your mouth full could turn your date into a spectator sport, and trust us, that’s not the kind of Olympic event you want to win.

<p>Honesty is the best policy, not just because Pinocchio’s nose grew longer with each lie. It’s better to be upfront about what you want and don’t want. Save the drama for the next big Hollywood blockbuster, and keep your dating life honest and straightforward. The truth might not always be comfortable, but it’s better than a labyrinth of lies and half-truths.</p>

12. Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy, not just because Pinocchio’s nose grew longer with each lie. It’s better to be upfront about what you want and don’t want. Save the drama for the next big Hollywood blockbuster, and keep your dating life honest and straightforward. The truth might not always be comfortable, but it’s better than a labyrinth of lies and half-truths.

<p>After a <a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/cheap-date-ideas/" rel="noopener">great date</a>, don’t ignore your date. Tell them how you feel; if you had fun, say it. A sincere “thank you” or a text saying you enjoyed the time together works great. It makes them feel special and appreciated. Plus, it might lead to better dates in the future.</p>

13. Let Them Know if You Had a Good Time

After a great date, don’t ignore your date. Tell them how you feel; if you had fun, say it. A sincere “thank you” or a text saying you enjoyed the time together works great. It makes them feel special and appreciated. Plus, it might lead to better dates in the future.

<p>This one’s for the men. Being a gentleman isn’t about wearing a top hat and carrying a cane (although that’s not a terrible idea). It’s more about being considerate and making your date feel like a VIP. Women still find chivalry attractive. Open doors, pull out chairs, and treat your date like royalty — they’ll appreciate the royal treatment.</p>

14. Be a Gentleman

This one’s for the men. Being a gentleman isn’t about wearing a top hat and carrying a cane (although that’s not a terrible idea). It’s more about being considerate and making your date feel like a VIP. Women still find chivalry attractive. Open doors, pull out chairs, and treat your date like royalty — they’ll appreciate the royal treatment.

<p>Here’s another fun Disney parks fact: gum isn’t sold anywhere on Disney property. And while the reason is for the sake of cast members not having to clean it up, you’ll need to bring your own if you enjoy chewing gum. </p>

15. Chew With Your Mouth Closed

Nobody wants to see your half-chewed food, especially not during a romantic dinner. Be mindful of this small detail and be attentive to your date’s comfort. A date with someone who chews with their mouth open is like watching a food-themed horror movie. Keep the dining experience enjoyable and not cringe-worthy.

<p>Kindness is a superpower. Being kind to your date is a given, but remember to extend that kindness to the restaurant staff. Rudeness and snappy behavior won’t impress anyone and might even lead to a not-so-sweet ending to your date.</p>

16. Be Kind to Your Date and the Restaurant Staff

Kindness is a superpower. Being kind to your date is a given, but remember to extend that kindness to the restaurant staff. Rudeness and snappy behavior won’t impress anyone and might even lead to a not-so-sweet ending to your date.

<p>We all love attention, but there’s a fine line between showing interest and being glued to your date like a barnacle on a ship. Clinginess is like wearing a “Needy Nelly” badge on your chest. Avoid smothering them with constant calls or texts; let them breathe. Desperation might scare your potential sweetheart away.</p>

17. Don’t Be Clingy or Desperate

We all love attention, but there’s a fine line between showing interest and being glued to your date like a barnacle on a ship. Clinginess is like wearing a “Needy Nelly” badge on your chest. Avoid smothering them with constant calls or texts; let them breathe. Desperation might scare your potential sweetheart away.

<p>You send one text, then two, then three; before you know it, you’ve flooded their phone. Keep the text flow in check, and don’t turn your date’s phone into a notification nightmare. Give them some breathing space and let the conversation flow naturally.</p>

18. Don’t Overtext

You send one text, then two, then three; before you know it, you’ve flooded their phone. Keep the text flow in check, and don’t turn your date’s phone into a notification nightmare. Give them some breathing space and let the conversation flow naturally.

19. Be Yourself

There’s only one you, and that’s what makes you unique. So, don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress your date. Authenticity is way more attractive than putting on a facade. Embrace your quirks, unique sense of humor, and love for cheesy 90s songs. It’s all part of what makes you awesome. And if they don’t like that part of you, they’re probably not for you.

20. Don’t Rush Things

Slow and steady might not win you a gold medal in a sprint, but it wins hearts in the dating game. Don’t rush into a relationship. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and let the love story unfold naturally. Who knows, you might get your happily-ever-after.

<p>Fashionably late is so last season. Arriving late to date might leave your partner wondering if you’ve stood them up. Be punctual and show that you value their time as much as yours. Being early gives you extra time to freshen up and calm those pre-date jitters. </p>

21. Arrive to Dates Early

Fashionably late is so last season. Arriving late to date might leave your partner wondering if you’ve stood them up. Be punctual and show that you value their time as much as yours. Being early gives you extra time to freshen up and calm those pre-date jitters.

22. Limit Your Expectations

When dating, it’s okay to have emotional needs. But not everyone wants the same things. Take time to know what you want and understand your date’s intentions. Revealing all your expectations very early might scare them away.

<p>So, you had a fantastic date? That’s awesome! But hold on a bit before calling them. A simple text saying you had a great time is a nice touch, but don’t go overboard. Being too eager might make them feel overwhelmed. Maybe wait until the next day to give them a call.</p>

23. Don’t Call Immediately After a Date

So, you had a fantastic date? That’s awesome! But hold on a bit before calling them. A simple text saying you had a great time is a nice touch, but don’t go overboard. Being too eager might make them feel overwhelmed. Maybe wait until the next day to give them a call.

<p>It’s impolite to be glued to your gadgets while spending time with someone. Excuse yourself if you have to check a message before doing so. Let your date know you respect their company and are not just distracted by notifications.</p><p>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/comments/15acx0u/whats_an_unwritten_rule_to_dating/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button" rel="nofollow noopener">(Reddit).</a></p>

24. Silence Your Phone During a Date

It’s impolite to be glued to your gadgets while spending time with someone. Excuse yourself if you have to check a message before doing so. Let your date know you respect their company and are not just distracted by notifications.

Source: Reddit.

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Free Essay: Unwritten Rule
An Unwritten Rule There are many rules that are followed in society today, whether they have been around for hundreds of years, or just natural instincts of kindness. They are not usually things people would get punished for if they did not follow, they are more of an act of respect. Things like holding the door open for people behind you ...
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In this case, the unspoken rule seemed to be: "playing by-the-rules matters more than results" or " bosses reward mediocre employees and fear top performers.". The behaviors organizations promote and tolerate, determine their real culture. They are more powerful than any written rules - or a mission statement, for that matter.
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Unwritten rules are the single biggest influence on how we behave and what we say at home, at school, at work, and in every social setting. They dictate how problems are solved, how organizations run, and how markets and societies function. But we rarely talk about them and we're never taught to understand or leverage them - despite 2,500 years of evidence and a century of science.
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The weight of authority in the U.S. legal system is governed almost entirely by unwritten rules—social norms that establish which sources have weight (and how much weight they have). In 2016, Bryan A. Garner and twelve judges published a treatise essentially codifying unwritten rules related to the operation of precedent.
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iStock. Don't ask a person to give your something when you know they only have one of said thing left. For example, in a viral thread discussing unwritten rules, one Reddit user recalled a party trick their friend once used where, when asked for a cigarette, he would hold open the pack with only one left and say, "Do what you feel is right." Whether or not they took the last cigarette, in the ...
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A Guide to the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
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What makes Mr. David's comedic vision in "Curb" so special is that, in addition to teaching us so many of these unwritten rules, it shows us that we are free to reimagine our ways of living.
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Unwritten or non-formalized rules can be classified as one type of routine or practice. Routines are "repetitive, recognizable patterns of interdependent actions involving multiple actors" (Feldman and Pentland Citation 2003, 96).Routines can be written or unwritten, endure independently of individual actors and include but are not limited to the organizational rule (Levitt and March ...
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Option 6: There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. But of course, some rules should be broken or updated. What is an unwritten rule that you wish didn't exist? (Our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. Enjoy!)
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UChicago Essay Examples

UChicago Essay Examples

In this UChicago Essay Examples article we’ll look at:

How many supplemental essays does UChicago have?

What are the University of Chicago supplemental essay prompts?

The first UChicago essay prompt is required of all students:

Essay Option 1:

Demystifying the UChicago Extended Essay

UChicago Extended Essay Example

UChicago Extended Essay Prompt:

Why This UChicago Essay Worked

More UChicago essay examples

UChicago Essay Prompt:

Why This UChicago Essay Stood Out

Focusing on the personal impact

How do you write a UChicago essay?

More ‘Why School’ essay examples

Does UChicago care about supplemental essays?

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Chicago Essay Examples – 5 Takeaways

5 Tips for Writing Chicago Essay Examples

2. Choose your topic carefully

3. Get creative

4. Meet the requirements

5. Show who you are

The unwritten rules of work and why you should break them

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A Guide to the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

The UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Question 1 (Required)

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose One)

Essay Option 1

Essay Option 2

Essay Option 3

Essay Option 4

Essay Option 5

Essay Option 6

Essay Option 7

Additional Tips for Writing the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

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Tips for Answering the University of Chicago Supplemental Essay Prompts [2023-2024]

Question 1 (Required)

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one, recommended word limit around 650 words)

Essay Option 1: Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. Name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – Inspired by Emmett Cho, Class of 2027

Essay Option 2: “Where have all the flowers gone?” – Pete Seeger. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – Inspired by Ryan Murphy, AB’21

Essay Option 3: “Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – Inspired by Garrett Chalfin, Class of 2027

Essay Option 5: Despite their origins in the Gupta Empire of India or Ancient Egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. What modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why? – Inspired by Adam Heiba, Class of 2027

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How to Write the University of Chicago Essays 2023-2024

Before You Begin Writing

All the UChicago Essay Prompts

Prompt 2: Extended Essay (Required, Choose One)

Prompt 2, Option A

Prompt 2, Option B

Prompt 2, Option C