•    What are you looking for in the essay?

Refer to the essay specifications (http://www.design.iastate.edu/CORE/essay.php) for details. In the most basic terms, craft a clearly structured argument that responds in a specific way to the question.

•    Do you submit your essay only in hardcopy â€" or is it possible to submit via the internet?

You must submit your essay in two ways. First, you must upload a digital version when you submit your online application. Second, you must physically submit as many hardcopies as the number of programs you are applying to. You submit these when you submit your portfolio.

•    If we want someone to take a look at our application essay, for feedback, should we ask our individual 102 teachers?

102 instructors are a great option, as are any of your instructors, including those from outside the College. You also might have peers proofread your essay for typos or other errors.

•    Since there is so much information about the murals in Parks library, what should we focus on when we write the essay?

The essay specifications give you several places to start. You should choose a particular social or cultural issue related to the murals that interests you and construct an argument to support your thesis.

•    Should our essays be in the standard intro-3 body-conclusion format? Or may we have multiple body paragraphs?

This 5-paragraph format is not required. Do what you need to do to construct a clear, thoughtful, specific response to the question.