university of maryland supplemental essays 2022

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How to Write the University of Maryland Essays 2023-2024

The University of Maryland does not have traditional supplemental essays, but it does have six required “complete this sentence” prompt. Your answers to these questions will need to be within 650 characters, but you’ll have plenty of space to reveal unique and distinctive parts of your personality to the admissions committee.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to craft thoughtful responses to these prompts, as you want to take full advantage of every opportunity you have to share something about yourself with the admissions officers. This unique kind of prompt presents a great opportunity to showcase something that might not be found elsewhere in your application.

Considering how competitive college admissions have become in just a few years, the more your responses stand out to admissions officers, the better your chances of admission will be.

Want to know your chances at UMD? Calculate your chances for free right now.

University of Maryland Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: If I could travel anywhere, I would go to… (650 characters)

Prompt 2: The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… (650 characters)

Prompt 3: In addition to my major, my academic interests include… (650 characters)

Prompt 4: My favorite thing about last Thursday was… (650 characters)

Prompt 5: Something you might not know about me is… (650 characters)

Prompt 6: Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity. (650 characters)

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to… (650 characters)

This is a very straightforward prompt. A strong response will identify a place, and share a little bit about why you’ve picked this particular place.

Keep in mind that your response should be unique to you and should teach your reader something about your personality or interests. If your answer sounds like something any random person might say, you need to work on specificity. Here are some examples to show you what we’re talking about.

Generic response: “Rome, because I’ve always wanted to see the Colosseum.”

Personal response: “Rome, because I’ve studied Latin since middle school. My father, a classics professor, spent so many happy hours teaching me how to read the works of Ovid, Virgil, Cicero, and the other greats, in their original language. Whenever we happen to pass by old churches or college buildings, we stop to read their insignias and mottos, which are most often in Latin. All these fond memories make me feel deeply connected to the Greco-Roman world, and I think that seeing historic sites like the Colosseum in person would augment the reading I’ve done and enrich my understanding of classical antiquity.” (598 characters)

The first response is very generic because just about anybody you ask would probably love to see the Colosseum. The second response answers the crucial question— why? —which should be at the core of your response. Your particular reason for choosing the place you choose is where your personality and individuality will shine through.

Obviously, the source of specificity will depend on you and your personal experiences. If you haven’t studied Latin (or if you studied it but didn’t like it), this response clearly wouldn’t work for you. Think about what truly interests you, then narrow your thinking down to places that are integral to that interest. For example, if you’re really invested in country music and its history, you might be particularly interested in visiting Nashville, the epicenter of that genre.

Finally, remember that this place doesn’t have to be a city. You could also say something like “The Pro Football Hall of Fame” or “Abbey Road Studios.” In fact, you even have the freedom to be a little more creative with your place in history. You might want to travel to a different time period entirely. The prompt posits that you can travel anywhere , but doesn’t specify that it has to be somewhere modern. Perhaps you love early R&B and disco music. You might want to travel to Detroit in the 1960s, when Motown Records was beginning to dominate those genres.

A word of caution: If you are going to get extra creative and pick a different time period, be sure to avoid generic clichés. For example, writing that you want to travel to the future—to give your future self advice, or to drive a flying car, or to see where climate change has gone, etc.—is a cliché and won’t contribute much to your application.

In terms of location, you probably shouldn’t go much bigger than a city. Saying something like “The United Kingdom” or “China” may make you sound clueless, as countries are too large and diverse to understand in their entirety with just one trip. Aiming for something too broad detracts from the specificity that a strong response to this kind of essay requires.

Rather than settling for a generic response, think about the main reason you personally want to go to this place, and narrow your response from there. Instead of “The United Kingdom,” you could write “The Scottish Highlands,” and instead of “China,” you could write “The Great Wall of China.”

The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… (650 characters)

If you haven’t done research before, don’t worry. Most high school students haven’t done a serious research project, and nowhere does the prompt say that the research has to be yours.

Your response should show your reader that you are informed about the research that goes on at places like the University of Maryland. Of course, research is not the only thing universities do, but being surrounded by cutting-edge researchers in a wide range of fields is an opportunity that is difficult to find outside of a university campus.

We don’t mean to say you have to cite some dense, obscure study on molecular neuroscience. If that’s what you’re interested in, great! As long as your response is genuine, your chosen topic is fair game. Don’t make the mistake of writing about some deep scientific research if that isn’t what piques your interest, but be careful not to write about something too trivial either.

That being said, research is done in a vast array of subjects, so there’s no pressure to write about any one topic over another. Below are some examples of facts from a variety of fields that would work just as well as something from a hardcore STEM study.

• Consistent physical exercise throughout life correlates with better mental health in old age.
• Sea turtles use magnetoreception to find the same breeding grounds each year.
• The Egyptian pyramids have passages leading up from the burial chamber, which ancient Egyptians believed the dead pharaoh could climb through to join the gods in heaven.

Given the 650 characters you’re allotted, you should also share a short explanation of why you find this particular fact so interesting. For example, for the aforementioned sea turtle fact, you could write:

“[The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…] sea turtles find the same breeding grounds each year with magnetoreception. Magnetoreception is a sense that allows turtles (and other animals) to perceive Earth’s magnetic field. Learning this fact made me truly appreciate nature’s diversity—turtles have an entire sense that we lack! This newfound appreciation created by one fact I just stumbled upon inspired me to embark on an exploratory journey that culminated in an internship at a local environmental center.” (467 characters, excluding the prompt’s characters)

Try to avoid picking a fact that is so long that you don’t have space to elaborate. 650 characters isn’t the largest amount of space, but simply stating your fact probably shouldn’t take up most of it. That being said, you don’t necessarily have to elaborate at a level as deep as the above example to have an excellent response. You may have a strong and thorough response with just 300 characters or so.

In addition to my major, my academic interests include… (650 characters)

The key phrase here is “in addition to my major.” Remember that you should use these supplemental prompts to share information about yourself that your reader cannot find elsewhere in your application.

So if your intended major is neuroscience, your answer here shouldn’t be “biology.” That is technically a different academic interest, but it doesn’t really tell your reader anything new. If they know you want to major in neuroscience, they can already safely assume you have at least some interest in biology.

Remember that your reader also has your high school transcript and activities list. Maybe math isn’t your intended major, but if you’ve taken AP math classes and done math camps during your high school summers, writing about math won’t be sharing something new with your reader. Your personal experiences already strongly indicate that you’re interested in math.

Your response also shouldn’t just be a list of other interests you have. A laundry list of interests won’t give the admissions committee any sense of why you’re interested in these things. The “why” is where your personality shines through. Without it, your reader won’t really have anything to take away from your response.

Now that we’ve covered what you shouldn’t do, let’s talk about how you should approach this prompt. As noted above, you want to pick an interest that is genuinely different from the things already seen in the rest of your application. As long as you’re honest, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. UMD wants to see that you’re academically inclined and intellectually curious, not that you’re only interested in one particular thing.

The second part of your response is the why . Say you’re a prospective history major and the other area you’re interested in is sports psychology. Your response might read something like this:

“[In addition to my major, my academic interests include…] sports psychology, because I was raised a diehard Miami Heat fan, and I’ve always wondered what helps some players thrive under pressure while others fold. I think that the field is interesting as it explores not only how players play, but also how they act in their personal lives in the spotlight. Even to those not interested in sports, the field is very useful in that its findings can be extrapolated and applied to society at large. After all, everyone wants to be able to perform at an optimal level.” (507 characters, excluding the prompt’s characters)

Alternatively, say you’re a prospective engineering major and you also have an interest in music theory. A strong response would be:

“[In addition to my major, my academic interests include…] music theory, because I’ve always wanted to know how movie and television composers use sound to enhance the emotional content of a scene. I’ve always been fascinated by the ways music is used to complement cinema. There are videos online in which a song is changed or removed from a scene, and something that simple can have a profound impact on the scene. I have been teaching myself guitar for four years, and even though I’m competent on a technical level, my theoretical understanding is lacking.” (501 characters, excluding the prompt’s characters)

These responses share interests that are not only not distinct from their respective majors, but that are also probably not discussed anywhere else in the application. It’s an unfortunate reality that college applications often capture only a thin slice of who you are while leaving out things like sports fandom, which may be a huge part of your personality and identity. If you can share one of those things here, your response will be all the better for it.

My favorite thing about last Thursday was… (650 characters)

Only you know what you did last Thursday, so the best advice we can give here is to not overthink your answer. Most people don’t do anything revolutionary on an average Thursday. UMD doesn’t expect you to have cured cancer on a normal day of the week. What they do expect is that you can engage with—and bring energy to—seemingly mundane situations. This is a useful skill that will help you thrive in college and beyond.

In order to address this prompt successfully, all you really have to do is describe the situation and give your reader some sense of what made it your favorite part of the day. Bear in mind that you don’t have to write about last Thursday literally. Think of something eventful that you took part in recently, but don’t feel restricted to the day mentioned in the prompt. UMD’s use of “last Thursday” is figurative. You can write about any average day that didn’t happen too long ago. No one is going to check that your event happened on a Thursday.

Here are some examples of weak and strong responses to this prompt.

Weak: “getting dinner with my friend.”

Strong: “having a picnic at dinnertime with my friend and watching the sunset. There’s nothing like munching on a DIY vegan charcuterie board and drinking sparkling cider at the golden hour. My friend and I grew up together and are as close as sisters. For years we did everything together, from shopping to cooking and from learning to swim to learning to drive. She and I used to hang out a lot before she moved, so I feel lucky whenever I get to spend quality time with her on an otherwise average day.” (495 characters)

For this particular prompt, even a few extra details—like those that are included in the strong example—can go a long way. Most people enjoy getting dinner with friends, but the strong response shows the reader why , for you personally, this particular dinner was so meaningful.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, 650 characters is more than you might assume. Take advantage of the space you have to make your response as personal as possible, but also don’t write more than you need to just to reach the limit. Based on the rest of your application, the admissions committee has some understanding of what you’re like in the classroom or on the basketball court. Now show them what you’re like on a regular old Thursday.

Something you might not know about me is… (650 characters)

A prompt this open-ended can be overwhelming at first. But as we advised with the previous prompt, don’t overthink your answer! This fun fact doesn’t have to be anything crazy or an attempt to impress the admissions committee—that’s what the rest of your application is for. Just share something unique to you that isn’t already discussed elsewhere in your application.

This last part about being unique is key—if your answer to Prompt 3 (the one about academic interests) was something about liking astronomy, your answer here shouldn’t be something about stargazing every night. Remember that you only have so many opportunities to share information about yourself with the admissions committee, so take advantage of each one.

That being said, you have free rein to write about pretty much anything! Below are some examples of potential topics you could respond to this prompt with. Your response also may look nothing like these, which is completely fine. We just want to get your mental gears turning by giving you a sense of what a good response might begin with.

Something you might not know about me is…

• I can do a double backflip off a diving board.
• I have every word to Taylor Swift’s album Reputation memorized.
• For my eighteenth birthday, I went skydiving and passed out in the air.
• I’ve won my fantasy football league three years in a row.
• Every New Year’s Day, my dad cracks the ice on the pond near our house and my family does a polar plunge together.

Since you have a longer character count, you should elaborate on your fun fact, whatever it may be. For example, a hypothetical student might extend the above skydiving example and write something like this:

“[Something you might not know about me is…] for my eighteenth birthday, I went skydiving and passed out in the air. As a child, I saw a show about skydiving and became so infatuated with the idea that it became the one thing I had to try. My parents were not thrilled but agreed that I could try when I was 18. The time finally came, and the plane ascended with me finally on it. I was signed up for a tandem jump where I was tethered to an instructor. We jumped, and some combination of excitement, dread, and altitude made me pass out, so I missed most of the experience! By the time I came to, we were near the ground already, so I definitely need to try this experience again someday.” (644 characters, excluding the prompt’s characters)

You might not use all 650 characters to respond to this prompt, and that’s okay. Don’t try to reach the character limit and end up rambling or writing something confusing. For example, imagine if the backflip example above read like this:

“[Something you might not know about me is…] I can do a double backflip off a diving board. One time I was at the pool and kept making the lifeguard nervous every time I did it. It ended up being fine though, because it’s a skill I had gotten really good at by then.” (221 characters, excluding the prompt’s characters)

By the end of this response, a reader might not even remember what the original fun fact was, even though it’s only 221 characters.

Finally, the examples above hopefully show that your fun fact can be just that—fun. You don’t have to be super serious with every single supplemental essay prompt you come across. A more lighthearted response can actually be a good thing—college applications are generally quite dry, so it can be a good idea to remind your reader that you’re more than a GPA and a Common App essay you’ve revised 43 times.

Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity. (650 characters)

This is one instance of the very common diversity prompt . When colleges have a diversity prompt, they want to know about your own personal background and how it has influenced your worldview and perspectives.

In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is the place to discuss that.

In general, such a common prompt can be approached with a traditional answer. You might consider answering this prompt with what you think is the most important part of your identity, then a small discussion about how that aspect of diversity is relevant to you and your general life experiences.

Such a response might be written about one of the following scenarios:

• Using your fluency in another language to help members of a specific community.
• Interpreting a text in class differently from your classmates because of your ethnic culture.
• Having a friend of a different background who has changed your perspective on something important (this speaks to the “been inspired” part of the prompt).
• Having an illness or disability that helps you view accessibility through a different lens than your peers.
• Being part of a niche interest group/fandom and trying to represent the group faithfully when talking to people who aren’t members of it.

Simply listing things that generate diversity should be avoided. Sure, diversity includes different ethnicities/races, gender identities, sexual orientations, countries of origin, and languages, but writing that laundry list out doesn’t contribute much to your application.

Also, bear in mind that the traditional markers of diversity aren’t the only ones you can discuss. There are other aspects of identity that contribute to a diverse campus, including socioeconomic classes, hometowns, illnesses/disabilities, and even interests or hobbies.

Diversity encompasses all the aforementioned attributes, but you should strive for individuality and specificity in your response. This prompt, like all the others, is an opportunity to showcase your unique life perspective. You don’t want to waste this opportunity by writing down some bland dictionary definitions. Think of what diversity means to you and what you consider to be a particularly significant aspect of diversity. From there, think of personal anecdotes or stories about how that aspect of diversity has contributed to your growth or development as a person.

Where to Get Your University of Maryland, College Park Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UMD essays? After rereading your essays over and over again, it can be difficult to gauge where your writing needs improvement, especially since these prompts are so short. We created our free Peer Essay Review tool to help students like you  get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

University of Maryland Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Wondering how to write your University of Maryland supplemental essays? If so, you’re in the right place. The UMD essay prompts are unique, both in length and style. In fact, all of the UMD supplemental essays are actually short-answer questions. So, applicants need to be strategic about their responses to the UMD prompts if they want to make their application stand out. 

In this guide to the UMD essays, we’ll go beyond just introducing you to the UMD essay prompts. You’ll find tips for building your short answer responses and for writing your all-important personal statement. If you are considering transferring to UMD, we also go over the UMD supplemental essays for transfer students. Finally, we will connect you to several other resources that can aid you in your essay writing journey. 

By the end of this guide, we hope to have answered most of your questions about applying to UMD. Then, you’ll have the tools you’ll need to write excellent University of Maryland supplemental essays. But, before we jump in, let’s start with some UMD Admissions Quick Facts.

UMD Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of maryland admissions quick facts.

• University of Maryland Acceptance Rate:  44% – If you’re considering applying early, note that the early acceptance rate at UMD is 47.7%.
• 1 (~650 word) personal essay
• 6 (~650 character) short answer questions
• University of Maryland Application:  Students must submit their UMD application through the  Common Application or the StandOut Admissions Network . Prepare your  required application materials , including your University of Maryland supplemental essays, before applying . 
• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 20 
• University of Maryland Essay Tip:  Don’t overthink your responses to the University of Maryland supplemental essays. Go with an answer that feels authentic and then write concise and clear answers to the prompts. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does the University of Maryland have supplemental essays?

Yes – there are six University of Maryland supplemental essays. However, the UMD supplemental essays are very different from most other schools’ essay prompts. Let’s look at a few ways they differ.

Short Essays

First, the University of Maryland supplemental essays are very short. On average, supplemental essays range in word count from 150-300 words. The University of Maryland supplemental essays are described as short answer questions, and rightly so. The maximum length is 650 characters, which amounts to anywhere from 92 to 163 words, depending on your word length. With such limited space, you’ll need to be concise in your answers to the UMD College Park supplemental essays.

Quirky Questions

Secondly, the University of Maryland supplemental essays are focused on understanding who you are through different snapshots of your life. Many supplemental essays focus on your academic interests or why you want to attend a given college. However, the UMD supplemental essays ask seemingly random questions like “What did you do last Thursday?”. While the UMD essay prompts might seem random, they’re there for a reason: to take the pressure off! These fun prompts allow students to showcase a realistic and holistic perspective on who they are beyond being a student.

Six Prompts

Finally, there are six UMD supplemental essays. Most commonly, schools have one to two required supplemental essays and potentially an optional one. By offering six University of Maryland supplemental essays, UMD seeks to give students many ways to showcase who they are. And, since they’re all required, applicants have no choice but to make the most of their responses.

Next, let’s look at each of the UMD College Park supplemental essays and talk about how you might respond to each one.

UMD Supplemental Essay Requirements

As we shared above, there are six required University of Maryland supplemental essays. The word limit for each is 650 characters (between 92 and 136 words). In this section, we will start by breaking down what each of the UMD essay prompts is looking for. Then, we’ll get into how you can provide an answer that will impress University of Maryland admissions officers.

Here are the six UMD essay prompts, followed by some guidance about how to respond.

University of Maryland Prompt 1

If i could travel anywhere, i would go to….

The first of the UMD supplemental essays is a fun one. With this question, the school is looking to see your adventurous spirit come through. Answer authentically, while being specific. Avoid being too general by stating the name of a continent or a country. Instead, choose a city, town, or even neighborhood. And, avoid cliches that are overused, such as “I would travel to another time period.” You can generally avoid falling into the trap of cliches if you’re specific and answer in a heartfelt, honest manner.

University of Maryland Prompt 2

The most interesting fact i ever learned from research was… .

In the second of your University of Maryland supplemental essays, UMD is looking for evidence of your curious mindset. Feel free to interpret the word “research” broadly. While actual scientific research is valid to highlight, it’s not the only avenue to choose. You could also talk about a topic you did a deep dive on the internet to learn more about. Again, be specific about why this fact interested you. 

Second, connect your interest back to a personal value or an academic subject you enjoy. For example, maybe you were fascinated to learn that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains enough trash to fill 500 Jumbo Jets. You’d want to then speak to why this was important to you and if learning it had any impact on your future thoughts or actions.

University of Maryland Prompt 3

In addition to my major, my academic interests include… .

The third of your UMD supplemental essays is focused on your academic interests. The key to this prompt are the words, “In addition to my major.” This question is looking for insight into other fields of interest besides your stated major. The University of Maryland supplemental essays create space for you to highlight your various interests and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.

To answer this question, consider other academic subjects that interest you. Note that you do not have to list a field, like mechanical engineering or business. Instead, you can provide specific topics that interest you. For example, maybe your academic interests include reading Shakespearean plays or learning Italian. Include a few sentences about why you are interested in this topic. Do you have fond memories of acting out Shakespearean plays in sophomore English? Maybe you have plans to one day travel to Florence, so learning Italian inspires you. Whatever you choose, be genuine.

University of Maryland Prompt 4

My favorite thing about last thursday was… .

Some students may read this UMD supplemental essay prompt and wonder why the school wants to know what happened last Thursday. The answer is simple – they want to know what you really value in your daily life. Don’t overthink your response. Rather, try to reflect upon your previous Thursday with wonder. What did you enjoy about that day? What was exciting, inspiring, or special? Maybe the weather was so cool and crisp that you felt inspired to go for a run. Or perhaps, you found out a friend won an award, and it made you happy to see that person honored. 

If you can’t remember what you did last Thursday, then pick any recent day you do remember. The school does not actually care about Thursday in particular, but rather the way in which you reflect upon your life. Use sensory details and explain why your answer is meaningful to you. Remember, even the little things can give your University of Maryland supplemental essays extra flair. 

University of Maryland Prompt 5

Something you might not know about me is… .

For some students, the most challenging of the UMD College Park supplemental essays is this one because of its open-endedness. However, rather than stress about trying to guess what might impress University of Maryland admissions officers, simply be yourself. This prompt allows you to highlight something that does not fit into any of the other prompts. So, you might wish to answer this question last.

Indeed, there is no “right” answer to this question. But you should still take time to think of something about yourself that is actually meaningful to you. Maybe you love waking up early on Saturdays to have pancakes with your family because it reminds you of how much you are loved. Maybe you paint portraits of your favorite hip-hop artists because you admire their music so much. As with all the UMD supplemental essays, being genuine and explaining why you chose your answer will be key.

University of Maryland Prompt 6

Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the university of maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. this includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. we are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. in a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity. .

The last, but certainly not least important, of the UMD College Park supplemental essays is the diversity question. The first step in answering this question is to remember that diversity is a broad term. Diversity can include things like your race, culture, or socioeconomic status. But it can also include where you grew up, unique childhood experiences, or challenges you may have faced. 

The key is to reflect upon your life experiences and how they have shaped you. For example, maybe you grew up in a family of self-starters, and this shaped your own desire to one day own a business. Or perhaps you were very sick as a child, and overcoming your illness taught you about patience and self-care. Whatever you choose, be sure to explain what this aspect of your life experience taught you. 

Besides your six University of Maryland supplemental essays, you will also submit a personal statement. Keep reading to learn more about what goes into your personal statement.

University of Maryland Personal Statement

In contrast to the six UMD College Park supplemental essays, your personal statement can be up to 650 words long. As such, you have much more space to express your thoughts. Your essay will respond to one of the seven Common App essay prompts.

To clarify, your University of Maryland personal statement is the same as your Common App personal statement. As such, your UMD personal statement will not be school-specific, but will instead contribute to your overall college application brand . So, think of your personal statement as a chance to write about a key part of your identity.

A well-written personal statement usually contains a story-like approach. This includes engaging elements like a hook and a story arc with a beginning, middle, and end. Many personal statements also include reflective moments where the student shares what they learned from the experience they are sharing. Read more about how to begin in this CollegeAdvisor resource on How to Start a Personal Statement.

UMD Essay Requirements – Transfer Students

If you are a transfer student, your University of Maryland supplemental essays will include a college transfer essay. What constitutes a transfer student? A transfer student is:

• Any student that has at least 12 semester or 18 quarter hours after high school graduation AND
• Is applying for admission at a new college

Your transfer application must accomplish a slightly different task of explaining to UMD why you wish to transfer schools.

Instead of a personal statement, transfer students will write a college transfer essay for their transfer application. Below is the prompt:

University of Maryland Transfer Students Essay Prompt

Please describe your past academic experiences and your reasons for wishing to enroll at umd at this point in your academic career. (300 words or less).

To effectively answer this question, transfer students must be clear about what specific aspect of studying at UMD appeals to them. Students who have been out of school for some time or have faced academic challenges should share more about those experiences in their responses. While there may be numerous reasons why you want to transfer, avoid speaking poorly of another school. Instead, focus on what makes you believe you will thrive at UMD.

Please note that your transfer application can only be submitted through the StandOut Admissions Network platform. The early action deadline for submitting a transfer application is: 

• March 1 of the spring before the fall semester in which you wish to enroll OR
• August 1 of the summer before the spring semester you wish to enroll

Next, we will explore some tips for writing your UMD supplemental essays.

Tips for approaching the UMD Supplemental Essays

Without a doubt, it can be daunting to see the six UMD essay prompts you have to respond to. After all, that’s a lot of UMD supplemental essays! Below are some tips for ensuring your responses are interesting and showcase the best version of yourself to UMD Admissions.

1. Be authentic

As always, authenticity is key. With these UMD College Park supplemental essays, the school is really trying to get to know multiple sides of you. If you try too hard to impress them, you are defeating the purpose of the UMD essay prompts. Ask friends and family to double-check your ideas and see whether they sound like you. Those who know you best can give valuable input.

2. Write first, then edit down

Some students feel frozen when they see the word count, not knowing how they can respond with only 650 characters. However, don’t worry about the length of your University of Maryland supplemental essays. Instead, write drafts that are as long as you need them to be. Then, go through your drafts and find the most critical ideas. These can be interesting details or insights that you believe are important. 

3. Avoid repetition

Since there are six UMD supplemental essays, you might be tempted to repeat topics or ideas. However, each 650-character essay is valuable real estate. Show something new about yourself in each of your UMD supplemental essays. Remember, Admissions is reading all six as a collection, not each one individually!

4. Share your why

For each of your University of Maryland supplemental essays, answer the question directly but be sure to share your why . Indeed, sharing why you chose an answer can often say as much or more about you than the answer itself. If I tell you my favorite color is blue, you’ve learned one simple fact. Now let’s say I add that my grandmother always wore blue at Sunday dinner and it reminds me of her. Now, you’ve learned that I value my family, miss my grandmother, and am nostalgic for dinners with her.

Next, we will take a deeper look at what the University of Maryland – College Park is known for. With this knowledge, you can write University of Maryland supplemental essays that demonstrate qualities that align with the school’s values.

What is the University of Maryland – College Park known for?

If you are considering applying to the University of Maryland, there is a lot you should know about the school. For one, the University of Maryland – College Park is a competitive public institution. According to U.S. News , the UMD acceptance rate is 44% and the school ranks #19 among top public universities . Similarly, Forbes ranked UMD #34 amongst its top colleges for 2023. As such, writing strong UMD supplemental essays is important to stand out against other qualified applicants. 

The University of Maryland – College Park is known for being the first campus in the UMD college system . The school is located in the suburb of College Park, Maryland. However, students also have easy access to the big cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. With over 30,000 undergraduates, UMD is a large campus with 12 colleges and more than 800 clubs and organizations. UMD is known for its excellent James Clark School of Engineering and Robert H. Smith School of Business, as well as its research initiatives. Lastly, UMD is known for its sustainability initiatives, with a plan in place to be carbon neutral by 2050.

As such a large school with so many resources, UMD College Park is likely to be a great fit for your studies . If you want to attend, keep reading to learn more about how to make your UMD supplemental essays stand out. 

How to make your University of Maryland Essays stand out!

If you want to beat the UMD acceptance rate, you’ll want your UMD supplemental essays to stand out from the pack. Here are a few tips for ensuring that they do:

1. Edit them well

Your UMD College Park supplemental essays are a chance to showcase who you are. But, they are also a chance to showcase your writing skills. Be sure to spend time editing for proper grammar, varied sentence structure, and clear transitions. Consider reading your essays out loud to catch errors. Also, ask a trusted advisor, like your CollegeAdvisor admissions expert or a teacher, to review your essays.

2. Include specific details

In each of your responses, include details that bring your response to life. Only having 650 characters for your UMD supplemental essays may feel limiting. But you can still include vivid imagery that helps to add some color to your essays.

3. Showcase your unique personality

As you write each of your UMD supplemental essays, make sure your voice is coming through. Avoid letting someone else edit your essays to the point where the voice no longer sounds like yours. The University of Maryland admissions officers want to know who you are, not an uncle or a friend. 

Next, we have even more places to find expert advice on how to write your University of Maryland supplemental essays.

More supplemental essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

Below are three CollegeAdvisor resources that might help you as you write your UMD College Park supplemental essays.

• 8 College Essay Topics : This resource covers the most common types of supplemental essays. Two of the types described in this article – the personal statement and the diversity essay – are ones you will have to write for your UMD College Park supplemental essays.
• How to Write Better Essays : This article provides tips for how to write essays of all kinds. From tips about your writing approach to ideas for how to choose topics, this article covers a lot of essay-writing ground. Review it before writing your University of Maryland supplemental essays.
• Common App Essay Examples : Looking for examples of strong personal statements? This article will highlight ten of them and explain why each one was successful. Understanding what makes an essay strong can help you write even stronger University of Maryland supplemental essays.

Continue browsing through CollegeAdvisor’s resources to find lots of free advice for your University of Maryland supplemental essays.

The University of Maryland Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read this guide on the University of Maryland supplemental essays, you should be ready to start writing. In this article, we reviewed the UMD essay prompts, both for a freshman UMD application and a transfer UMD application. We also broke down tips for writing your UMD College Park supplemental essays. 

Inevitably, the college process has a lot of unknowns, which can be stressful. However, writing good University of Maryland supplemental essays is entirely in your control. With this guidance and support from trusted advisors, you can beat the UMD acceptance rate and pursue your college dreams.

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Courtney Ng . 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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Mastering UMD Supplemental Essays: Tips for 2022-23 Admissions

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Introduction

The University of Maryland (UMD) supplemental essays are a crucial aspect of the application process for prospective students. While the main application provides an overview of an applicant's academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, the supplemental essays offer a deeper insight into their personality, values, and aspirations. These essays give admissions officers a chance to evaluate applicants beyond their test scores and grades, allowing them to understand the individual behind the application.

UMD offers a variety of prompts for their supplemental essays, each designed to elicit unique responses from applicants. These prompts often revolve around themes such as personal growth, community engagement , and intellectual curiosity. By exploring these themes in their essays, applicants have an opportunity to showcase their passions and experiences that align with UMD's core values.

Crafting compelling UMD supplemental essays requires careful thought and preparation. Applicants should take time to reflect on their own experiences and identify key moments or challenges that have shaped them personally or academically. It is important to choose prompts that resonate with them and allow them to highlight their strengths and unique qualities.

When writing UMD supplemental essays, it is essential to be authentic and genuine. Admissions officers are looking for individuals who will contribute positively to the campus community and demonstrate a strong fit with UMD's mission and values. Applicants should strive to convey their true selves through their writing, showcasing their passions, interests, and goals.

In addition to authenticity, it is important for applicants to pay attention to structure, grammar , and overall clarity in their writing. Clear organization of ideas helps readers follow along easily while proper grammar ensures effective communication of thoughts. Proofreading multiple times before submitting is crucial in order to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

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Common Themes and Prompts for UMD Supplemental Essays

The University of Maryland (UMD) supplemental essays play a crucial role in the admissions process. These essays provide applicants with an opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and goals beyond what is captured in their general application. Understanding the common themes and prompts for UMD supplemental essays can help applicants craft compelling responses that stand out to the admissions committee.

Theme 1: Diversity and Inclusion

One common theme in UMD supplemental essay prompts revolves around diversity and inclusion. The university values a diverse student body and wants to know how applicants will contribute to this inclusive community. For example, one prompt might ask applicants to discuss how they have contributed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in their school or community.

To address this theme effectively, applicants should reflect on their experiences with diversity and inclusion. They can discuss instances where they have actively promoted inclusivity or worked towards breaking down barriers. It is important for applicants to demonstrate not only an understanding of diversity but also a commitment to fostering inclusivity throughout their academic journey.

Theme 2: Academic and Career Goals

Another common theme focuses on academic and career goals. UMD wants to understand how applicants envision utilizing their education at the university and beyond. For instance, one prompt might ask applicants to describe their intended major or field of study and explain why it aligns with their long-term goals.

When approaching this theme, it is essential for applicants to showcase their passion for their chosen field of study. They should articulate specific reasons why they are interested in pursuing that particular major or career path at UMD. Additionally, highlighting any relevant experiences or achievements can strengthen their response and demonstrate their dedication to achieving these goals.

Theme 3: Community Engagement

Community engagement is also an important aspect of the UMD experience, as the university encourages students to be active participants in both campus life and the broader community. Applicants may encounter a prompt asking them to discuss how they plan to engage with the UMD community and make a positive impact.

To craft a strong response for this theme, applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the importance of community engagement. They can discuss specific ways in which they have been involved in their current community and how they plan to continue this engagement at UMD. Whether through volunteering, leadership roles, or participation in clubs and organizations, applicants should highlight their commitment to making a difference and contributing to the UMD community.

By understanding these common themes and prompts for UMD supplemental essays, prospective applicants can approach their responses with clarity and purpose. It is important to remember that these essays provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualities and experiences, so taking the time to craft thoughtful and compelling responses is crucial. With careful consideration and reflection, applicants can increase their chances of standing out in the competitive admissions process at the University of Maryland.

Tips and Strategies for Crafting Compelling Essays

Crafting compelling essays for the University of Maryland (UMD) supplemental application is a crucial step in standing out among other applicants. To help you in this process, here are some valuable tips and strategies to consider.

Tip 1: Start Early and Plan Ahead

Starting early and planning ahead is essential when it comes to writing your UMD supplemental essays. Giving yourself enough time allows for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing. It also helps alleviate stress and ensures that you submit your best work. Creating a timeline can be an effective way to stay organized throughout the essay-writing process. Break down the tasks into manageable chunks, setting specific deadlines for each stage. This approach will help you avoid last-minute rushes and allow for thorough revisions.

Tip 2: Show, Don't Tell

When crafting your UMD supplemental essays, it's important to remember the adage "show, don't tell." Instead of simply stating facts or making general statements, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. This technique not only makes your essays more engaging but also allows admissions officers to get a glimpse of who you are as an individual. By providing vivid descriptions and personal experiences, you can make your essays more memorable and impactful.

Tip 3: Tailor Your Essays to UMD

Researching UMD thoroughly is crucial in order to tailor your essays specifically to the university. Take the time to explore UMD's website, read about its programs, faculty members, campus culture, and any recent initiatives or accomplishments. Incorporate this knowledge into your essays by highlighting how your interests align with what UMD has to offer. By demonstrating a genuine understanding of the university's values and opportunities, you can show admissions officers that you are genuinely interested in becoming part of their community.

Tip 4: Seek Feedback and Revise

Seeking feedback from others is an invaluable part of the essay-writing process. Share your drafts with trusted teachers, mentors, or family members who can provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. Consider their feedback carefully and make revisions accordingly. It's important to remember that the revision process is not just about correcting grammar and punctuation but also about refining your ideas and ensuring clarity in your writing. By seeking feedback and revising your essays multiple times, you can polish them to perfection.

By following these tips and strategies, you can craft compelling UMD supplemental essays that showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for the university. Remember to start early, use specific examples, tailor your essays to UMD, and seek feedback throughout the process. Good luck!

In conclusion, understanding UMD supplemental essays is crucial for prospective applicants to the University of Maryland. These essays provide an opportunity for students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that may not be fully captured in other parts of their application. By carefully crafting compelling responses to the prompts, applicants can demonstrate their fit with the university's values and contribute to a diverse and vibrant campus community.

Throughout this blog post, we have discussed the importance of supplemental essays in the UMD application process. We have explored common themes and prompts that applicants may encounter, such as discussing academic interests, personal growth experiences, or contributions to the community. Additionally, we have provided tips and strategies for crafting compelling essays, including conducting thorough research on UMD's programs and resources, showcasing genuine passion and enthusiasm, and seeking feedback from trusted mentors or advisors.

As you embark on your journey towards applying to UMD for the 2022-23 admissions cycle, it is essential to start working on your supplemental essays early. Give yourself ample time to brainstorm ideas, draft multiple versions of your responses, and revise them until they truly reflect your unique voice and perspective. Remember that these essays are an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights into mastering UMD supplemental essays. By following our tips and advice, you can approach these essays with confidence and increase your chances of securing admission to one of Maryland's premier institutions. Good luck with your application process!

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How to Write the University of Maryland Supplement 2021-2022

The University of Maryland is a large public research university located in College Park, MD, right outside of Washington, D.C. With more than 40,000 students, the University of Maryland offers a wide variety of degree programs and courses and has a little bit of something for everyone. The University of Maryland has strong engineering and technical programs, and the most popular majors include Computer Science, Biology, and Economics.

Maryland has an acceptance rate of around 44%, and takes about 25% of its students from out-of-state. The University of Maryland will ask you to answer a couple of short answer questions for their supplement. These are all tweet-sized: 160 characters or less. As such, you’ll want to make sure your responses are as concise as possible. 

If I could travel anywhere, I would go to..

There are basically no wrong answers to this one--just think of an exciting place you’d like to visit! It can be somewhere you’ve already been, or someplace new. Write a short description of why as well as where--i.e. “I’d like to go to Verona, Italy, to see my grandmother’s hometown with her.” 

These can be personal (the previous example), or more whimsical: “I’d like to go to Haight-Ashbury in 1967, to see the Summer of Love.” Feel free to be creative. This can be shorter than the allotted 160 characters, but try to provide at least a bit of context for why you choose your selected location. 

The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was.. 

This is a great chance to stand out and really illustrate the depths of your academic work. If you want to be serious, think of projects you’ve worked on and papers you’ve written--what were some of the most interesting insights you found? If you wrote a research paper on malaria, and learned that mosquitoes are actually not necessary for their local ecosystems, write about that. If there’s a cool fun fact you discovered recently, this is the place to write about it.  

In addition to my major, my academic interests include.. 

This one is simple--just list a few things that you can connect to. If you’re a prospective history major, feel free to write about your similar interest in anthropology or sociology. Try to find things that match your previously demonstrated interests--journalism if you worked at your school newspaper, or maybe game theory if you were a part of the chess club. 

My favorite thing about last Tuesday was…

This one is really straightforward: they want to hear about a normal day in your life. Try to think of something a little eventful--if you laid in bed all day Tuesday, but went for a beautiful hike on Wednesday, write about the hike. That being said, you shouldn’t choose anything too crazy: this question is worded to ask for a more regular day. This really serves as a proxy question, another way to get to know you. Just choose something interesting and go with it. 

Something you might not know about me is..

For this question, start by brainstorming a list of ten ‘fun facts’ about yourself--the languages you speak, how you can ride a unicycle, etc. Take the list and send it to some family and friends, and ask them to vote on their favorites. Then take whichever option got the best response/most votes, and write about that. This one should be simple too--just write a couple sentences and you should be fine, 

If you’ve got any questions about Maryland, or about how to fit a response in 160 characters, we’re always here to help.

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How to Get Into the University of Maryland: Acceptance Rate & Strategies

July 10, 2023

Prior to the turn of the new millennium, the University of Maryland-College Park welcomed 75% of the applicant pool into the Terrapin family. In recent years, the University of Maryland acceptance rate has been as low as 41% and the number of applicants has more than doubled since the end of the Clinton Presidency. A generation ago, many Maryland freshmen possessed solid-but-unspectacular academic credentials; in 2023, first-year Terrapins sport a median SAT score of 1440 and an average weighted GPA of almost 4.4. Yes…it’s really THAT competitive. No wonder the UMD acceptance rate has been trending sharply downward.

Given this sharp rise in selectivity, the intent of this article is to give those considering applying to the University of Maryland an understanding of the following topics:

• University of Maryland College Park acceptance rate
• University of Maryland’s Early Action acceptance rate
• SAT, GPA, and class rank of accepted University of Maryland applicants
• Admissions trends
• University of Maryland’s system for rating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current University of Maryland undergraduates
• The percentage of accepted students that attend the University of Maryland (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to the University of Maryland
• UMD Supplemental Essay Advice
• How to assess whether applying to the University of Maryland is even worth the $75 application fee (for you)

Many students applying to UMD College Park may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

How to Get Into:

• University of Michigan 
• Penn State University 
• George Washington University 

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

University of Maryland Acceptance Rate 

There were 56,637 applications for admission into the Terrapin Class of 2026. Only 25,201 or 44% of that group were accepted to the College Park campus. Maryland does grant favor in the admissions process to in-state applicants but, unfortunately, they do not release the in-state versus out-of-state admission rates so we are unable to quantify that advantage.

University of Maryland Early Action Acceptance Rate

Based on the most recent data available, applying to the University of Maryland during the Early Action round is almost a requirement. The Class of 2025 saw 61% of EA applicants accepted and just 38% of Regular Decision applicants achieving the same positive result. A stunning 90%+ of the incoming class was accepted via Early Action. The overall acceptance rate for that cohort was 52%.

University of Maryland Admissions – SAT, GPA, and Class Rank

For Class of 2025 members, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1370-1510, the ACT range was 30-34. Moreover, 85% possessed a weighted GPA of 4.0 or greater. Among enrolled 2022-23 first-year students, an impressive 66% hailed from the top 10% of their high school class, while 90% earned a place in the top 25%.

Admissions Trends & Notes

• Firstly, 76% of current undergraduates are Maryland residents.
• Additionally, there are international students from 116 countries.
• The number of applicants rose from roughly 32,000 to over 56,000 over the fast few years.
• 14.% of freshmen entered with enough college credit to begin with sophomore standing.
• Lastly, UMD- College Park was test-optional for the fall 2023 admissions cycle and will be again for the 2024 and 2025 cycles as well.

How the University of Maryland Rates Applicants

University of Maryland considers only three factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, GPA, and standardized test scores. Items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: class rank, first-generation status, essays, recommendations, talent/ability, first-generation status, and state residency. “Considered” factors are: geographical residence, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, alumni relation, racial/ethnic status, work experience, and volunteer work.

Diving a bit deeper, the university does list additional factors that are considered during their review process. Some of these are identical to those listed above, but many are different, shedding a bit of additional light on how holistic application reviews are conducted:

UMD Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Holistic reviews include:.

• Progression of performance
• The breadth of life experiences
• Recognition of special achievements
• Extenuating circumstances
• Socio-economic background
• Written expression of ideas (as demonstrated in the essay)
• Community service
• Demonstrated leadership
• Learning differences
• Family educational background
• English as a second language/Language spoken at home

Straight from the UMD admissions office: “The undergraduate admissions process is rigorous and individualized. As the university must make fine distinctions among large numbers of highly qualified applicants, the ability to assess consistently all information presented in the application becomes increasingly important. Therefore, the university employs a holistic review process that engages the expertise of professional educators whose judgments—based upon consideration of each applicant’s credentials measured by all admissions criteria—build an entering class that will best complement the existing student body and meet the university’s mission objectives.”

It is also worth highlighting that recruited athletes enjoy a huge edge. This is because the University of Maryland takes great pride in its 19 NCAA Division I sports teams . Overall, more than 700 student-athletes are presently attending the university. Lastly, for advice about how to stand out on the extracurricular front, check out our previous blog entitled How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

University of Maryland Demographics

Let’s now take a look at the demographics of the University of Maryland undergraduate student body.

The states that send the highest number of students to UMD are:

• Pennsylvania

The fewest students come from the following states:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota

The greatest number of international students come from the following countries:

• South Korea

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows:

• Hispanic: 10%
• African American: 12%
• Two or More Races: 5%
• International: 3%

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls more men than women.

University of Maryland’s “Yield Rate”

University of Maryland’s yield rate is 23%. In other words, 23% of those accepted went on to enroll. This figure is significantly lower than other powerhouse state universities like the University of Florida, University of Michigan, and UVA.

Tips for Applying to the University of Maryland

If you plan on joining the 56,000+ University of Maryland hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• Firstly, APPLY EARLY by November 1! This one is in all caps in case you are skimming and missed our previous look at EA vs RD acceptance rates.
• The University of Maryland does not use interviews as part of its evaluation process.
• Additionally, the University of Maryland does not consider “ demonstrated interest ” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• Prospective Terrapins can apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• In short, the preferred major you list is not a factor in the general admissions process. However, applicants to majors that are “Limited Enrollment Programs” will face additional departmental scrutiny due to limited space. For a full list of LEPs, click here .
• Lastly, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the “Complete this Sentence” short responses required by the University of Maryland. In the 2021-22 cycle, they are as follows:

At the University of Maryland, we encourage our students to go beyond the classroom to engage in opportunities that further both their academic and personal growth.

To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following sentences using only the space provided (160 characters).

• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…*
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…*
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include…*
• My favorite thing about last Monday was…*
• Something you might not know about me is…*

For College Transitions advice on how to address all five University of Maryland-College Park essays, visit our blog: University of Maryland Supplemental Essay Prompts and Tips .

Umd acceptance rate – final thoughts .

In conclusion, those with SAT/ACT scores within the mid-50% mark for the University of Maryland who are also at the very top of their respective high school class are absolutely viable candidates to this excellent institution. As the school states, “Admitted freshman students have a strong A-/B+ or better average in their high school coursework and are enrolled in the most challenging courses available to them including honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.”

Of course, it goes without saying that all teens applying to a school of the University of Maryland’s caliber also need to also have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here .

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A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Responding to the University of Maryland Essay Questions

Written by Abigail Anderson on October 19th, 2018

• essay prompts ,
• writing college essays ,
• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to...
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was...
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include...
• My favorite thing about last Wednesday was...
• Something you might not know about me is...
• “Applicants…will enrich and benefit from the campus learning environment and the entire student body.”
• “Our students are smart, involved, curious, and innovative.”
• “While [grades and SAT scores] are important, we also want to know about your interests and background and what makes you unique.”
• “The University educates students and advances knowledge in areas of importance to the State, the nation, and the world.”
• Think strategically about how you can reflect UMD’s own values back to them in your answers.
• Don’t be overly strategic to the point where your answers sound disingenuous or made up just for your application. UMD makes it very clear that their application review process is holistic and they are simply trying to learn more about their applicants. Your answers should sound (reasonably) like a 17-year-old.

Find out where our team of admissions decision-makers came from and why they joined College Coach.

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How to Write the University of Maryland Supplement Essays 2023-2024

In this article, we’ll be discussing how to write the University of Maryland supplement essays. This guide will help you write essays that will stand out in UMD’s admissions pool.

And, that’s important. Very important!

Why? Well, the campus is rather selective. All University of Maryland supplement essays need to be stellar for an application to stand out from the rest of the competition.

Here are the details:

UMD’s Fall 2022 admissions cycle saw 56,637 students apply. Out of that, 25,201 were accepted. That means UMD had an acceptance rate of 44.49%. That’s less than a coin toss. Now, here’s the good news: This is not much different from their admissions history from a few years ago. It’s stayed relatively stable.

Below we’ve visualized UMD’s acceptance rate over time over the past 9 years. It’s low; but, at least it’s stable!

Below is the itemized admissions stats for your reference.

• 2022-23: 56,637 applied, 25,201 accepted 44.49%
• 2021-22: 50,146 applied, 26,072 accepted 51.99%
• 2020-21: 32,211 applied, 16,437 accepted 51.02%
• 2019-20: 32,987 applied, 14,560 accepted 44.13%
• 2018-19: 33,461 applied, 15,760 accepted 47.09%
• 2017-18: 33907 applied, 15081 accepted 44.47%
• 2016-17: 30272 applied, 14538 accepted 48.02%
• 2015-16: 28301 applied, 12637 accepted 44.65%
• 2014-15: 26268 applied, 12556 accepted 47.79%

Fingers crossed you’ll be applying to UMD with a stable (and, if you’re lucky, higher) acceptance rate that hasn’t dipped compared to the past few years.

Now, in order to get accepted into a school with such a low acceptance rate, it’s safe to say you’re going to need strong essays. Specifically, you’ll need to have strong responses to UMD’s Short Answer Questions.

Below, we’ll be showing you exactly that. So, let’s get right to it!

Table of Contents

• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include…
• My favorite thing about last Thursday was…
• Something you might not know about me is…
• Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.
• Please describe your past academic experiences and your reasons for wishing to enroll at UMD at this point in your academic career.

Professional College Application Help.

Contact us. we'll get to you within 24 hours. , university of maryland freshman supplement essays (short answer questions).

Below you’ll find all the listed University of Maryland freshman supplement essays, also known as the short answer questions. And boy are the short answer questions… well, short.

Here’s what the Common App has to say:

“To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following prompts using only the space provided (650 characters). “ Common Application: University of Maryland Short Answer Question Instructions

650 characters. Not words, characters.

That gives you very, very little space to really answer each question. Additionally, the small word count is no reason not to have a decent response. UMD still expects your responses to be thoughtful and demonstrate positive attributes about you.

Let’s go over each one at a time.

1. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…

Remember: places are not limited to the names of countries or City States.

You’re not limited to London, Taiwan, Greece, or New York. You can mention travel to places outside of the conventional norms. As an example, one answer that could be creative would be…

“The surface of Mars, both to satisfy my scientific curiosity and spite against Elon Musk.”

But, let’s say you truly wish to travel to a popular place like Paris or Japan.

Just because you have a generic answer doesn’t mean the reasons and details behind it must be generic. Remember, you still have 650 characters to provide a unique response. You can choose to connect your choices to your ideologies, beliefs, personality, and even your intended major.

Be creative, and don’t be afraid to make a list where you experiment with your answers. The more you experiment and test out different answers, the more unique answers you’ll have.

2. The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…

How can you answer the UMD research fact prompt if you’ve never done any research at a lab or worked under a professor? Are you screwed?

Just because you didn’t don the white cloak doesn’t mean you can’t answer this question. “Research” can mean everything from a quick Google search on salad recipes to a deep dive into a crime mystery.

Of course, if you want to create an answer that stands out, you’ll hopefully have an answer that is exciting.

One of the things we recommend doing is translating the interesting fact you learned into something that outsiders can read and still find compelling. This is a difficult thing to do, especially since students often nerd out about topics without realizing their admissions officers are most probably outside their topic’s community.

For example: the lore behind Star Wars plots may be understandable to other fellow Star Wars fans; but, not every admissions officer is a Star Wars fan. Your answer should read simply yet beautifully enough such that a non-Star Wars fan would be compelled to read more, let alone understand it.

Additionally, think of what your research topic actually says about you.

Are you looking up fashion tips for men? Perhaps you’ve discovered color theory in clothing; and, as a man who has not updated your wardrobe in centuries, the world of men’s fashion is fascinating in just how much you could “glow up.” This demonstrates not just a sense of self-care, but also a great intellectual curiosity to pursue learning outside of your original comfort zone.

3. In addition to my major, my academic interests include…

This is the perfect time to demonstrate to admissions officers your intellectual curiosity.

Most admitted students demonstrate a level of interest in things outside of their intended field of study. It doesn’t mean they must be compelled to like every subject out there. After all, it’s totally normal for Liberal Arts students to fear Math!

You just need to demonstrate openness and curiosity in other fields outside your comfort zone.

Here’s an example.

Most mechanical engineers may be interested in the material world and the relevant subjects surrounding it. Chemistry. Aerospace. Physics. Anything in that realm.

However, we can be sure that there are a good number of said engineers who love video games (especially tasteful game design and development.) Sure, milling a block of steel and having the right design to reduce weight is probably not going to have anything to do with video game design, digital concept art, and software development. However, it’s still an interest people can have. We’re multi-faceted creatures, after all.

So, don’t be afraid to nerd out and share your interests that may be wildly outside your intended major.

We’ve had students who were passionate about the world of business and finance gush over Korean history. We’ve also had students who were in engineering fall in love with the world of dermatology, primarily due to videos from Dr. Pimple Popper herself !

4. My favorite thing about last Thursday was…

Well, you probably already know this; but, we’re going to say it anyway: what you put in this prompt does NOT have to be from last Thursday. The college admissions police aren’t going to be checking to see if you really did have froyo for breakfast last Thursday. So, don’t worry!

Now, here’s the thing.

What makes this prompt so cool is that it can really show a lot about your character depending on what you really write about. But, it’s not only WHAT you write about. It’s also about HOW you choose to portray it.

I’m going to give you two examples.

• Parking the Lamborghini I just bought into my million-dollar studio.
• Spending $20 on an overpriced brunch restaurant (they justified the price with apostrophes and French adjectives.)

Notice how the first option is trying too hard to impress admissions officers?

Of course, a few students are going to be parking a Lamborghini on a random Thursday. But, you get the point. It’s trying too hard to emphasize how impressive they are.

Meanwhile, the second answer talks about the smaller things in life such as having brunch. Of course, brunch is often a posh and fancy thing to have, especially at a brunch-specializing restaurant. So, the applicant is able to sneak in some sarcasm and clever wit to make things interesting. This makes the answer much more exciting and shows what kind of world the applicant lives in.

Here’s another example.

• Playing the piano perfectly on a song that I just learned.
• Finally, after days of rumination, having a Eureka moment about where one of the Ikea screws was supposed to go into the bunk bed setup for my younger siblings.

Again, same principle. The first answer is attempting to shove in impressive feats into the personal essays. In reality, your admissions officers already have your resume, grades, and listed feats readily available to be impressed by.

Remember: these essays are meant to demonstrate more of your personal character and temperament. So, impressing them with feats will need to be subtler than that.

Take the second answer: it impresses admissions officers by showing that the applicant can help their siblings days after the scheduled Ikea furniture building process. It shows a level of concern and care for their younger siblings. And, this Eureka moment with Ikea furniture is a very human and relatable experience that practically anyone can relate to; this makes the applicant closer to the reader and much more easy to accept on a personal level.

5. Something you might not know about me is…

This is one of those questions that stumps a lot of applicants applying to UMD.

“What am I even supposed to say?!” is often what we hear!

Don’t worry! This question is not supposed to have a right or wrong answer. The key to answering it well is to make sure that what you write is something that reveals something about you that the admissions officers may enjoy.

The keyword here is enjoy.

That doesn’t mean it MUST be impressive.

It CAN be impressive; but, it may also just be something related to your personal life, something you find meaningful, something funny, or even just a cool thing you want to nerd out about!

Here are a few examples.

• I used to think I was the only one who could lick their elbow; boy, how naive I was!
• I thought I was the most evil person in the world for secretly mixing soda drinks I got from burger places; I still am quite nefarious!
• Despite dedicating most of my life to the world of medicine, I actually have an unceasing fascination for medieval French history.
• I published a romance Webtoon series online; but, I can only draw and update it in secret because my family wishes I would only work on academic affairs.
• I’ve been connecting the dots of lore in the game Elden Ring, and become too deeply invested to the point of scouring item descriptions to create my own interpretation of a canonical lore.

6. Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.

The key to answering the UMD diversity question is to recognize that not everyone’s experience with diversity is the same. Some people are neurodivergent. Others come from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Sometimes, student backgrounds are disadvantaged in ways that they may not otherwise understand. One such example of this is students who are mixed race: they may not belong to one race or the other; and, thus, not feel that they have a community to belong to.

Another is actually living in a sheltered bubble. For instance, Irvine CA is considered to have what they call the Irvine Bubble, where most residents are sheltered, wealthy, and live a rather unassuming life outside of conflict and general discontent. This may keep students from genuine conflict that every individual needs in life to properly grow and develop as a human being, as it plays a crucial role in the development of the mind into maturity.

Chances are, you’re probably approaching the UMD diversity question with a general idea of where your place in diversity lands. But, you most probably don’t know everything about your place in diversity and where both your privileges and oppression may be.

If you don’t know how to fully answer this question or brainstorm unique ideas for it, consider speaking with us over a free consultation . Our professional college admissions consultants can help you write a fantastic diversity essay for UMD that helps you stand out, no matter your background.

University of Maryland Transfer Supplement Essays

This question just applies to students who are applying for the transfer application for UMD. If you’re an aspiring freshman, don’t worry about this section.

Of course, if you’re a transfer applicant, the UMD transfer essay still plays a crucial role. It’s importance still cannot be understated; so, take it seriously! We’ll show you how to approach it in the next section below.

1. Please describe your past academic experiences and your reasons for wishing to enroll at UMD at this point in your academic career.

Compared to the other University of Maryland supplement essays, this question is a bit more serious than the previous ones.

In this prompt, UMD is asking that you document what your previous academic experiences were like, and why you want to attend UMD now.

In other words, you can think of this as a “why is your current institution insufficient for your long-term goals” question. You should think about the kinds of resources available at UMD. What do they have that your current school lacks? It doesn’t just have to be in academics; but, keeping it related to academics would certainly help!

Additionally, think of what you’re going to be doing in your career in the future. What role would UMD have in helping you achieve this goal? This would help you answer the UMD transfer prompt in a much more thorough and comprehensive way. It also demonstrates to admissions officers that you actually took the time to consider UMD in your future and have done the necessary planning to make the right decision to transfer.

This is important. After all, transfer decisions can have a lasting impact on your future career.

Speaking of important and lasting impacts, don’t let a bad set of University of Maryland supplement essays get in the way of your acceptance. Contact us for a free consultation , and our expert college admissions consultants will help you craft a set of essays that will impress admissions officers and set you apart from the rest of the admissions pool.

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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2022-2023 Maryland

• Thread starter wysdoc
• Start date Apr 23, 2022

Plain-spoken Texan

• Apr 23, 2022

University of Maryland School of Medicine Interview Feedback

Membership Revoked

• May 20, 2022
• Jun 15, 2022

senecca said: There is rumor going on that if UMD had offered undergraduate acceptance and the applicant turned it down , went elsewhere for premed and apply for medical school , then UMD simply rejects them irrespective of how strong their application is. Is this true? Can some current UMD med school students confirm or deny this? There are a few cases to validate this which is concerning. Thank you Click to expand...

NeuroMDPhD said: Nope. UMSOM prefers in-state students, and UMD has a lot of strong Maryland residents who will apply to UMSOM (=> a lot of UMD acceptances), but there is no way that rumor is true. There's no connection between the UMSOM and UMD admissions committees. Click to expand...

• Jun 16, 2022
• Jun 18, 2022

Xelarock said: This isn’t true for me. I turned down UMD for undergrad and went out of state. I was accepted in the last cycle and I’ll be starting at UMSOM in a month and a half. Click to expand...

senecca said: It is a big relief to know . Thank you. Are you instate ? Click to expand...

Full Member

• Jun 24, 2022

BMC11 said: I went to Maryland for medical school and I did not attend undergrad in the university system. The undergraduate colleges (of which there are more than one—college park, UMBC, eastern shore) are entirely separate. They do not even have the same leadership. There is an extreme in-state bias at Maryland Med as well. We pull primarily from in-state applicants. That’s the likely hurdle for most applicants. Click to expand...

• Jun 30, 2022

senecca said: Thank you . That’s nice to hear. We are instate. Click to expand...

deleted1117431

• Jul 4, 2022

Are the secondary essays posted yet?  

deleted1139471

barney123 said: Are the secondary essays posted yet? Click to expand...

• Jul 8, 2022

Cassett_1 said: Thanks. True for MD/Ph.D as well? How many students to they take for their MD/Ph.D program? Thanks in advance! Click to expand...

IS secondary received. See y'all there 1. If you’ve experienced academic problems while in college and/or graduate or professional school please describe and explain below. Please be sure to include withdrawals, incompletes, poor grades, etc. (1000 characters) 2. If a specific medical school application activity was impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, please describe the activity, the time period during which it was to take place, and any relevant contact information. (1000 characters) 3. Please explain what you will be doing during the 2022-2023 academic year. If you graduated/will graduate in 2022, what are your plans during this gap year? (1000 characters) 4. Please let us know if you have a specific reason you are interested in attending the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and/or if you have any special ties to our institution (optional). (1000 characters) 5. Briefly describe your most important exposure to clinical medicine. (1500 characters) 6. Briefly describe your most satisfying experience related to community service. (1500 characters) 7. Without limiting the discussion to your own identity, please describe how you envision contributing to the core values of diversity and inclusion at our School of Medicine, and in the medical profession. (1500 characters) 8. What does it mean to you to enter into a profession? (1500 characters)  

is it 1500 including spaces?  

dopaminedeficient

OOS received (MSTP)  

barney123 said: is it 1500 including spaces? Click to expand...

• Jul 9, 2022

OOS received  

• Jul 15, 2022

Found my invite Spam. Everyone please check ur spam folder  

gasstationsushi

• Jul 16, 2022

Hey all, for the description field under the paid work experience section (which why does this section even exist) did you just put the job title or an actual description? The text box seems way too small for a job description.  

• Jul 17, 2022

gasstationsushi said: Hey all, for the description field under the paid work experience section (which why does this section even exist) did you just put the job title or an actual description? The text box seems way too small for a job description. Click to expand...

anonymousapplicant34567

• Jul 21, 2022

I still haven't received a secondary, is this a mistake / should I contact admissions or is this normal???  

anonymousapplicant34567 said: I still haven't received a secondary, is this a mistake / should I contact admissions or is this normal??? Click to expand...

I just checked my spam and found my secondary... FYI  

• Jul 23, 2022

For the: Have you previously met or attended/seen a presentation by a University of Maryland School of Medicine Admissions staff member at an open house, college fair, conference, school visit, etc.? Should I list I saw the presentation on my interview day previously as I am a reapplicant? @wysdoc  

deleted1120105

• Aug 2, 2022

any ii's yet?  

braintumor6894

• Aug 4, 2022

InsertInterestingUsername said: any ii's yet? Click to expand...

big_yikes_premed

• Aug 9, 2022

Has anyone noticed in the portal that the day your letters were marked received has changed? Or have I finally lost my mind lol  

deleted1139574

• Aug 14, 2022

futuredoctorkumquat

big_yikes_premed said: Has anyone noticed in the portal that the day your letters were marked received has changed? Or have I finally lost my mind lol Click to expand...

futuredoctorkumquat said: My portal LOR date changed from 7/26 to 8/2 hmmmmmmm Click to expand...

racoonman said: y Schools consider you as in-state if you applied as in-state on AMCAS so you can’t double dip. If you want to be a maryland resident that requires you to have a maryland license, vehicle registration, be a maryland tax payer etc. But UMD is one of those schools that allow you to have in-state tuition after the first year of med school if you change your residency status and as with all schools Maryland state ties should probably help. Click to expand...

• Aug 15, 2022

What are we thinking besties? Is tomorrow the day  

futuredoctorkumquat said: What are we thinking besties? Is tomorrow the day Click to expand...

Pre Med Hopeful 456

I sure hope they come out tmrw, but who knows. Just have to wait and find out.  

• Aug 18, 2022

Uh guys, how did you answer this question: "What does it mean to you to enter into a profession? (1500 characters) " Am I suppose to talk about medicine? Should I keep what I say general or apply it to my life? I just find this a weird question  

• Aug 19, 2022

derpman said: Uh guys, how did you answer this question: "What does it mean to you to enter into a profession? (1500 characters) " Am I suppose to talk about medicine? Should I keep what I say general or apply it to my life? I just find this a weird question Click to expand...

• Aug 20, 2022

Miky617 said: I'm not sure how well my response to that essay prompt will be received but for mine, I wrote about a particular restaurant and the dedication of the person who founded it. I wrote about how the qualities that led to that establishment being world-renowned are similar to the qualities that make for a good doctor; professionalism being a dedication to the work more so than just the job, etc. I thought it would be good to tie in another example of professionalism and relate that to medicine. Analogy is a great way to convey a complicated idea in a small word/character limit. Maybe you could write about someone or something that you feel embodies that word and explain why? I don't think you necessarily have to tie it back to medicine, since pretty much everything else you've written up to that point is steeped in medicine anyway. They want to get a sense of what you value as a profession or career with this essay (I think. I'm not an adcom so take everything I say with a grain of salt lol). Click to expand...

derpman said: Do you think its a good idea to have concrete examples or can I just talk about the meta of it and keep it vague? Like should I link it back to one job I've done and talk about what it means to entire profession there or I can keep it vague and generalized Click to expand...

racoonman said: I was curious so when I checked my date was updated too but I assume it’s because my preview exam scores were released that day. Could that have been the reason why for you as well? Click to expand...

Is preview required for UMSOM? I thought it wasn’t  

satdixon said: Is preview required for UMSOM? I thought it wasn’t Click to expand...

• Aug 21, 2022

Has anyone gotten into this school with multiple MCAT attempts? I know it says that you’re at a disadvantage in regards to MCAT if you take it more than 2 times  

satdixon said: Has anyone gotten into this school with multiple MCAT attempts? I know it says that you’re at a disadvantage in regards to MCAT if you take it more than 2 times Click to expand...

satdixon said: I have taken in three times: 8/2019—500, 1/2020–512, and 8/2021–513 Click to expand...

• All lifetime scores are visible to the adcoms.
• MCAT scores are reviewed as a single factor in a multifactorial holistic review process. The MCAT score is also placed into context of the applicant's background and life experiences.
• With respect to the score itself, scores over 500 are generally viewed as a "Pass". The MCAT score is also placed into context of the applicant's background and life experiences.

cheesecake11

so ive been sitting on this secondary for about a month and now I'm debating if its even worth it to apply, esp bc I'm Canadian and it's kind of late. anyone have any thoughts on whether it would be worth it?  

cheesecake11 said: so ive been sitting on this secondary for about a month and now I'm debating if its even worth it to apply, esp bc I'm Canadian and it's kind of late. anyone have any thoughts on whether it would be worth it? Click to expand...

satdixon said: Don’t worry about the 2 week deadline, it’s just a rough imaginary deadline that people on SDN have. If you’ve written a quality secondary and think you have a chance then submit. Quality matters over time of submission. Good luck Click to expand...

sleepingpupper

• Aug 22, 2022

OOS II today! 513 3.8x ORM, live in a bordering state, nothing too special about my application complete 7/10  

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, supplemental essays at university of maryland.

I'm starting my application process for University of Maryland. Do they track demonstrated interest like attending college visits, info sessions, and such? Asking so I can plan accordingly.

The University of Maryland does not specifically track demonstrated interest in their admissions process. However, it's still a good idea to attend events such as college visits, info sessions, and open houses if you can, as these events can give you valuable information about the University, its programs, and culture, which will be helpful when you're completing your application.

Additionally, while demonstrated interest may not be a formal factor in admissions decisions, a genuine understanding of the school and a clear connection between your interests and what the University offers can strengthen the overall impression of your application. This can be especially important in your supplemental essays, where showing an authentic connection to the University can make your application stand out.

As for the University of Maryland's application, they typically require applicants to answer a few short supplemental essay questions. Be sure to research specific information about the University, its academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and any unique opportunities available to students when answering these prompts. By doing so, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the school and how well you'd fit in if admitted.

Also, check out this CollegeVine article for tips on writing the University of Maryland supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-maryland-essays

In summary, while demonstrated interest may not be a determining factor in admissions, attending events and learning more about the University of Maryland can help inform your application and make your supplemental essays more compelling.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Essay Prompts

Below you will find the Class of 2025 essay prompts for the Common App and Coalition App as well as specific colleges. Scroll down to see the specific college supplemental essay prompts. We will add more college essay prompts as they are released.

2024-2025 Essay Prompts

Common Application Essays In 250-650 words, respond to one of the following prompts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coalition Application Essays While there is no perfect length for an essay, we recommend that you aim for 500 to 650 words.

1. Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

2. What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?

3. Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?

4. Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?

5. What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?

6. Submit an essay on a topic of your choice

All applicants, except those applying for the Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) major, should respond to one of prompts #1-4 listed below. Students applying to the HCE major must respond to prompt #5 only.

The writing supplement topics for the 2024-2025 application cycle (400 word limit):

1. Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?

2. At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.

3. In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?

4. Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

5. Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

Short Essay Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. _________________________________________________________ Compose two brief essays (approximately one page, single-spaced each) on the topics given below. Essays should be typed.

ALL APPLICANTS: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents.

APPLICANTS TO THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES: Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying at College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING: Georgetown University’s School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH: Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

APPLICANTS TO THE WALSH SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE: Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

APPLICANTS TO THE MCDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

Respond in 250 words or fewer. 1. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? 2. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected.

Directions – You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions. – Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. – Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. However, you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind – All questions are equal. All are given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others. – There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. It’s about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice. – Use the additional comments field if there are issues you’d like to address that you didn’t have the opportunity to discuss elsewhere on the application. This shouldn’t be an essay, but rather a place to note unusual circumstances or anything that might be unclear in other parts of the application. You may use the additional comments field to note extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19, if necessary.

Questions and guidance Remember, the personal insight questions are just that — personal. Which means you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you need help. The important thing is expressing who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC.

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities?

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Things to consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career?

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Things to consider: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that’s geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you — just to name a few.

If you choose to write about educational barriers you’ve faced, how did you overcome or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who you are today?

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family?”

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Things to consider: Many students have a passion for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can’t get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs — and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that?

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place — like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Things to consider: If there’s anything you want us to know about you, but didn’t find a question or place in the application to tell us, now’s your chance. What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help us know you better?

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Don’t be afraid to brag a little.

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.

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one)

Essay Option 1

We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

Essay Option 2

“Ah, but I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now” – Bob Dylan. In what ways do we become younger as we get older? – Inspired by Joshua Harris, Class of 2016

Essay Option 3

Pluto, the demoted planet. Ophiuchus, the thirteenth Zodiac. Andy Murray, the fourth to tennis’s Big Three. Every grouping has something that doesn’t quite fit in. Tell us about a group and its unofficial member, why (or why not) should it be excluded? – Inspired by Veronica Chang, Class of 2022

Essay Option 4

“Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.” – Inspired by Napat Sakdibhornssup, Class of 2028

Essay Option 5

How many piano tuners are there in Chicago? What is the total length of chalk used by UChicago professors in a year? How many pages of books are in the Regenstein Library? These questions are among a class of estimation problems named after University of Chicago physicist Enrico Fermi. Create your own Fermi estimation problem, give it your best answer, and show us how you got there. – Inspired by Malhar Manek, Class of 2028

Essay Option 6

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 transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).

We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years. (200-300 words suggested)

1. Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/ maximum 300 words)

2. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; minimum 100 words/ maximum 550 words)

Stephen M. Ross School of Business

1. Business Case Discussion Choose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words.

This case discussion helps us learn more about your understanding of business. The topic should be unique to your interests, experiences, and knowledge. There is no “right” or “wrong” business situation to choose — it’s truly up to you. We encourage you to select a topic that you are passionate about, and not a global topic that you are disconnected from.

2. Artifact & Description Upload a document or artifact that represents something significant about your life to show your learning in action. Describe how your artifact demonstrates your learning in action. This could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). The goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself.

Artifact examples can include a: – An academic project – A community project – Community newspaper article highlighting an important achievement – Personal website – Piece on a school, extracurricular, or community program/event that you were instrumental in creating or implementing – High school or community award that was meaningful or prestigious – Local, state, or national competition related to a club or school activity – Picture of something of value to you – A culminating event for an ongoing activity from high school

Please limit this response to approximately 250 words.

One essay response is required. Choose from the following prompts:

1. You have a platform to create change. What is an action or policy you might propose to address an issue of social injustice in your school or local community, or on a national or global scale?

2. Tell us about a time you learned something unexpected. What did you learn, and what happened next?

3. Richmond welcomes students from various backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. What is at least one way you will contribute to our community that is not already mentioned in your application?

Word Limit: Minimum 350. Maximum 650 words.

The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” In what ways do you envision using the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities at the University of Rochester to promote progress and change within the communities you inhabit? (250 word limit)

Essays Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs). 1. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Short Answers Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

1. Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? 2. Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why?

Optional Short Answer Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

The maximum word count for each essay is 650, but we recommend planning for 300–500 words.

For the Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the five topics below and submit a written response in about 250 words.

Prompt One: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities? 

Prompt Two: What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova? 

Prompt Three: “Villanova” means “new home.” Why do you want to call Villanova your new home?

Prompt Four: As an Augustinian community, we value recognizing individuals for their true selves. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.

Prompt Five: At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need.

– List five books you’ve read that have intrigued you.

– Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world’s complexity. This can include a work you’ve read, a project you’ve completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved (limit 150 words).

– Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? (limit 300 words)

– Give us your Top Ten List. (The choice of theme is yours.) (limit: 100 characters per line)

Yale Short Answer Questions Applicants submitting the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application will respond to the following short answer questions:

– Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.

– Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

– What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete the questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received.

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words):

– What inspires you?

– If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?

– Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence?

– What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Yale Essay Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer.

1. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

2. Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

2023-2024 Essay Prompts

At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community. (150 words max.)

In addition to the essay you are writing as part of the Common Application, Amherst requires a supplementary essay from all applicants. There are three options for satisfying Amherst’s supplementary writing requirement: Option A, Option B or Option C. You may select only one of these options. Before deciding, carefully read the descriptions of all three options.

Option A: Choose one of the following quotations, and respond to the question posed, in an essay of not more than 350 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

· Prompt 1: “Amherst College is committed to learning through close colloquy and to expanding the realm of knowledge through scholarly research and artistic creation at the highest level. Its graduates link learning with leadership—in service to the College, to their communities, and to the world beyond.” – from the Mission of Amherst College Prompt 1 Question: What do you see as the benefits of linking learning with leadership and/or service? In your response, please share with us a time where you have seen that benefit through your own experience.

· Prompt 2: “We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world.” – from the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community Prompt 2 Question: In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?

· Prompt 3: “Strong commitment to the freedom of inquiry lies at the heart of Amherst College’s mission to create a home in which the liberal arts may flourish. As a small residential liberal arts college that prides itself on the ability, curiosity, and diversity of its students, Amherst seeks to create a respectful environment in which members of its community feel emboldened to pursue their intellectual and creative passions.” – from the Amherst College Statement of Academic and Expressive Freedom Prompt 3 Question: Tell us about an intellectual or creative passion you have pursued; what did you learn about yourself through that pursuit?

Option B: Please submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay. If you have submitted an analytical essay in response to the “essay topic of your choice” prompt in the Common Application writing section, you should NOT select Option B.

Option C: If you are/were an applicant to Amherst’s Access to Amherst (A2A) program, you may use your A2A application essay in satisfaction of our Writing Supplement requirement. If you would like to do so, please select Option C. However, if you would prefer not to use your A2A essay for this purpose and you want to submit a different writing supplement, select either Option A or Option B. Option A, Prompt 2 is the same prompt as the A2A application essay; if you would like to submit an updated version of your A2A application essay, please choose Option A.

Optional additional identity information The questions below provide a space for you to share additional information about yourself. This information is used in the admission process to understand each applicant’s full context, as part of our whole-person review process. Your responses will be kept private and secure, and will not be used for a discriminatory purpose. If you would like to share more about yourself that is not captured elsewhere in your application, please tell us more here. (Maximum: 175 words)

Optional Research Questions If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project. (Maximum: 75 words)

1. The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically. (500 words maximum)

We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website. Please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the Admission Committee.

2. A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson’s collaborative community. (250 words maximum)

1. Our backgrounds and experiences shape how we navigate the world and see ourselves. Tell us about when, where, or with whom you feel your most authentic, powerful self. How might Barnard further cultivate this version of you? (Max: 250 words)

2. Barnard celebrates intellectual risk-taking, and we believe that academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What questions do you have about the world around you, and why do they matter to you? (Max: 250 words)

3. If you would like to respond to one of our optional questions, please choose from the selected prompts below (max. 250 words):

a. Barnard’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission statement says “Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has the potential to disrupt and transform entrenched practices and thinking.” In what ways have you challenged ideas, practices, or spaces? What did you learn from these experiences?

b. As a college for women, “Barnard embraces its responsibility to address gender issues in all their complexity and urgency to help students achieve the personal strength that will enable them to meet the challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.” How have you thought about gender in your academic life thus far and how has it shaped your learning experiences?

c. Pick one woman — a historical figure, a fictitious character, or a modern individual — who you’d like to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask her?

1. (OPTIONAL) Please tell us specifically and in your own words which aspects of Bentley University prompted you to apply. In addition, if you are interested in a specific program/major, what attracted you to that program or area of study? (250 words or fewer)

2. (OPTIONAL) Our students bring to campus a variety of experiences, cultures, and intersecting identities including race and ethnicity — aspects that are important to a rich educational experience and your success in college and beyond. You may use this section to discuss how race and ethnicity has affected your life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise. (250 words or fewer)

The writing supplement topics for the 2023-2024 application cycle (400 word limit):

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin’s “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde.

To be at home in all lands and all ages; to count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend; to gain a standard for the appreciation of others’ work and the criticism of your own; to carry the keys of the world’s library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; to make hosts of friends…who are to be leaders in all walks of life; to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life.

Which line from The Offer resonates most with you?

a. To be at home in all lands and all ages b. To count Nature a familiar acquaintance… c. …and Art an intimate friend d. To gain a standard for the appreciation of others’ work and the criticism of your own e. To carry the keys of the world’s library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake f. To make hosts of friends…who are to be leaders in all walks of life g. To lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends

Optional: The Offer represents Bowdoin’s values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you. (Limit 250 words)

Brandeis was established 75 years ago to address antisemitism, racism, and gender discrimination in higher education, and today, the university remains dedicated to its founding values of inclusivity and justice. How has your educational experience shaped your perspective on these values? (250 words max.)

For International Students Only What excites you the most about being an international student at Brandeis University? (250 words max.)

1. Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)

2. Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)

3. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

4. Help us get to know you better by reflecting briefly on each of the questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most. What three words best describe you? (3 words)

5. What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

6. If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

7. In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

I. Because of the rigorous courses in the core curriculum, Caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore. (On the application you will have a drop down menu to indicate your first and second choice academic interests). Why did you choose that area of interest? (Max: 200 words)

II. At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity. What about them made you want to learn more and explore further?

1. STEM experience/activity #1 (Max: 200 words)

2. STEM experience/activity #2 (Max: 200 words)

III. The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D print dorm decor. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life?

This question can be answered as a written response (200-250 words)

IV. Caltech’s mission – to cultivate learning, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of humanity – relies on its community members embracing our Mission-Based Values, which include:

1. Openness and enthusiasm for having preconceptions challenged

2. Respect and appreciation for the idea that, while we are all members of the same community, the opportunities we’ve had to develop, showcase, and apply our talents have not been equal

3. Passion for the ideal that science can and should meaningfully improve the lives of others

Choose one or more values to reflect on. Select all that apply:* Value 1 Value 2 Value 3 Share what one or more of these values evokes for you (200 – 400 words)

Additional optional essays

I. If there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them below. (150 words max) When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speed-cubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby, and why does it bring you joy? (100 words max)

II. Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 words max)

1. Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

2. Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

3. Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

Out of the thousands of universities and colleges, what excites you about attending Chapman University specifically? (Max: 200 words)

Chapman seeks to enroll a class of students that help create a diverse, dynamic and welcoming campus community. To support this goal, we encourage you to discuss any aspect of your identity. This can include race, unique perspectives, experiences and background, and how those aspects of identity have shaped who you are. We are committed to creating a welcoming university where all of our students can fully participate, reach their potential, and benefit from living, learning, and socializing with people different from themselves. With this in mind, please answer one of the following questions (200 words or fewer).

Choice 1: Personal Values Our committee would like to hear about a personal experience or lesson that has helped you better understand who you are now and/or appreciate a perspective different from your own. How would you utilize this understanding to contribute to the values and welcoming fabric of our campus community?

Choice 2: Personal Growth Part of the Chapman experience is to help students expand their perspectives. How do you plan to develop yourself during your time at Chapman?

Please answer the following questions in one word, phrase, or sentence. There are no right or wrong answers here. We hope you enjoy working on this section as much as we’ll enjoy reading it. 1. What is your dream job? 2. What song should we be listening to while reading your application? 3. Name one dish you would cook for our admission team. 4. What is your favorite subject? 5. What is the top thing on your bucket list? 6. If Chapman’s admission team came to visit your hometown, what site would you take them to? 7. What makes you happy? 8. What is something you have always wanted to learn but never had the chance to? 9. What can you give a 30-minute presentation on without any preparation? 10. What are the best words of advice you have received? 11. What is a family tradition that you want to continue?

Why are you interested in The College of Wooster? (250 words)

1. List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. (100 words or fewer)

2. A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer)

3. In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words or fewer)

4. Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)

One of the short answer questions will not appear until you have selected Columbia College or Columbia Engineering in the “Academics” section of Columbia’s application questions.

Columbia College What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College? (150 words or fewer)

Columbia Engineering What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

Writing Question 1 In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “…any person…any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. Max: 350 words

Writing Question 2 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? Max: 650 words

College of Architecture, Art and Planning How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA) or urban and regional studies (URS)? B.Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. Max: 650 words

College of Arts and Sciences At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. Max: 650 words

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. Max: 650 words

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business What kind of business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). Max: 650 words

Engineering All Engineering applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1: How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Essay 2: Choose either Question A or Question B.

Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.

Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

College of Human Ecology How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. Max: 650 words

Industrial and Labor Relations Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. Max: 650 words

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows:

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer: Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2028, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth?

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer: A. There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. B. “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer: A. What excites you? B. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How? C. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” As you wonder and think, what’s on your mind? D. Celebrate your nerdy side. E. “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity and outlook? F. As noted in the College’s mission statement, “Dartmouth educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership…” Promise and potential are important aspects of the assessment of any college application, but they can be elusive qualities to capture. Highlight your potential and promise for us; what would you like us to know about you?

1. There are just under 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College (250-300 words)

2. Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc. (250-300 words)

Drexel is committed to preparing each new generation of students to become productive, professional and civic-minded members of the community while continuing to focus on how we can contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges. What do you view as a challenge facing society that you would like to contribute to solving? How would a Drexel education aid you in taking the first step toward a solution? (250 words or less)

1. What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)

2. We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application. Five optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. (250 word limit)

a. Perspective response We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

b. Intellectual experience Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.

c. Beliefs & values We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

d. Being different We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.

e. Orientation, identity, expression Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

Answers to these questions are meant to be brief. Be inventive and thoughtful. Most importantly, be yourself. This is a chance to tell us more about who you really are in a fun, concise manner. Who are you? Describe yourself. (Max: 200 words)

Name three songs from your perfect playlist.

We’re in your hometown. Where should we go and what should we do? This is a chance to tell us more about your hometown. Our staff may even take your suggestions when they are in the area! (Max: 75 words)

Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let Elon Admissions know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Name your top 5 characters. Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments. Explain why these are your top 5 (Max: 150 words)

What cultural traditions, experiences or celebrations are important to you? How have they influenced your understanding of self? (Max: 200 words)

1. What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why? (Max: 200 words)

2. Please answer one of the following questions:

a. Which book, character, song, monologue, or other creative work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why? b. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. c. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you. d. Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission. e. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better. f. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school. Max: 150 words

You may choose to answer one (1) of the optional questions below. Keep in mind that your response is a maximum of 300 words. Choose the question that you think will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community.

a. At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?).

b. Fordham, as a Jesuit university, recognizes the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each person. A Fordham education is student-centered and rooted in close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Describe how you would contribute to our campus community as an actively engaged learner and leader. Specifically draw on your personal story, identity, experiences, strengths, and perspectives.

c. Our motto is “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City?

Special Talents 250 words maximum

ALL APPLICANTS: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Short Essay Approximately one-half page, single-spaced

ALL APPLICANTS: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Essay One Approximately one page, single-spaced

Essay Two Approximately one page, single-spaced

APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying your intended major, Nursing.

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

APPLICANTS TO THE WALSH SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

APPLICANTS TO THE MCDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (max 300 words)

1. Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? Max: 200 words

2. Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you. Max: 200 words

3. Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. Max: 200 words

4. How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? Max: 200 words

5. Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. Max: 200 words

Why do you want to attend High Point University? (50 Word Limit)

Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette.

Why Lafayette? (20-200 words)

How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (Max: 150 words)

An LMU education forms ethical leaders compelled to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. How do your personal experiences and educational goals align with this mission? (Max: 500 words)

Macalester is one of few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Have you thought about how Macalester’s location might impact your experience? If so, in what ways? Max: 300 words

1. What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.

2. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.

3. How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations?

4. MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.

5. How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?

Depending on the question, we’re looking for responses of approximately 100–200 words each. There is also one final, open-ended, additional-information text box where you can tell us anything else you think we really ought to know.

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why.

a. “We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.” Judith Heuman, 2022 NYU Commencement Address

b. “I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship.” Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address

c. “If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?” Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient

d. “You have the right to want things and to want things to change.” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023 NYU Commencement Address

e. “It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker

f. Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State. (Max: 250 words)

Discuss any other obstacles and/or hardships that you have encountered that have affected you personally or academically and how you dealt with them. (Max: 250 words)

The following question is required for all Common Application and Coalition with Scoir applicants (optional for QuestBridge applicants). Please respond in 300 words or fewer: We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?

2. The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:

A. Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?

B. Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?

C. Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.

D. Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?

E. Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

1. Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests? (150 – 200 words)

2. Please answer one of the following questions (200 – 300 words):

A. Oxy’s central mission emphasizes the value of community amidst diversity. What do you value in a community and how do you see your perspectives and life experiences enhancing it?

B. Briefly describe a current event or social movement that is affecting a place that is important to you. Describe its significance to you and the future implications for that community. How do you anticipate an Oxy education helping you better understand and respond to that event/movement?

C. Research is an integral part of an Oxy education. Completing a senior comprehensive is a requirement of every Oxy student and there are a myriad of opportunities for research throughout your four years. Imagine you were just awarded one of our research grants for a project of your choice. What are you researching and why?

The Schreyer Honors College Essay Prompts The Schreyer Honors College first-year application will have two essay questions, in addition to several shorter prompts. These questions change on a yearly basis and are meant to elicit well-written, comprehensive responses. Each essay response has a maximum word count of 800 words.

– Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution.

– Isaac Asimov wrote: “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” Do you agree? Is such censorship ever justified? If not, explain why. If so, who or what should determine which books are read and which books are forbidden.

Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus? (300 – 500 words)

1. Please choose one of the following three prompts to respond to with an essay of no more than 150 words.*

A. At Pomona, we celebrate and identify with the number 47. Share with us one of your quirky personal, family or community traditions and why you hold on to it.

B. What item are you excited to bring with you to college?

C. Describe a time when you felt empowered or on top of the world.

2. Please choose one of the following three prompts to respond to with an essay of no more than 250 words.*

A. In the past few years, is there something you have changed your mind about? Why?

B. Reflecting on a community that you are part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona?

C. What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize?

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (250 words or fewer)

More About You

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

What brings you joy?

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

ACADEMICS: DEGREE-RELATED QUESTIONS Which degree would you most likely pursue at Princeton? Your choice is not binding in any way:

– A.B. As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer)

– B.S.E. Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer)

– Undecided As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer)

The Committee on Admission will discover much about you through the Common Application, but we are always interested in learning more! While optional, the following essay prompts are used to help us understand your personal background, fit to our campus community, and interest in Providence College. Please choose one of the following topics and answer the prompt in 250 – 500 words.

A. Providence College values each student’s willingness to embrace and learn from different viewpoints. What experiences or perspectives do you believe individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to a community or organization? And how will your unique background positively impact others at Providence College?

B. Providence College is a place for those who are motivated and purposeful. How do you exemplify those attributes and in what ways do you feel Providence College will help you reach your goals?

1. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)

2. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)

1) Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences (Max: 300 words)

2) Why are you interested in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute? (Max: 250 words)

The Admission Committee is interested in getting to know each student as well as possible through the application process. Please respond to each of the following prompts.

1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (Max: 150 words)

2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (Max: 150 words)

Please briefly elaborate on your community service or one of your extracurricular activities. (Max: 250 words)

For applicants who might wish to share a little more about how Sarah Lawrence fits into the next stage of their education, we invite you to respond to one of the following three essay prompts:

– Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: filmmaker-sociologist-historian, environmentalist-photographer, psychologist-novelist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you have brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence.

– Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions directly with faculty, and then answer them through intensive semester-long projects that frequently inspire a blend of intellectual rigor and creativity. In 250-500 words, tell us about a text, problem, or topic you would love to explore over a semester or a year, and what you would hope to achieve through that work.

– In a 2023 majority decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “Nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected the applicant’s life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university.” Drawing upon examples from your life, a quality of your character, and/or a unique ability you possess, describe how you believe your goals for a college education might be impacted, influenced, or affected by the Court’s decision.

1. SMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. (250-word limit)

2. SMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)

STANFORD SHORT QUESTIONS 1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (Max: 50 words)

2. How did you spend your last two summers? (Max: 50 words)

3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Max: 50 words)

4. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (Max: 50 words)

5. List five things that are important to you. (Max: 50 words)

STANFORD SHORT ESSAYS 1. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (Max: 250 words)

2. Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (Max: 250 words)

3. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (Max: 250 words)

Please be sure to respond to both parts of the following question:

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. (Max: 250 words)

Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (max: 250 words)

Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. (max: 250 words)

Essay Prompt: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Engineering Application Essay Prompt: Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals?

Texas Tech University does not require that you submit an essay, however, it is highly recommended that you submit at least one. There are two recommended essay topics that you may choose from on the ApplyTexas application.

Topic A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Topic B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.

Do not exceed 500 wds.

Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit. (500 words or fewer)

Essay Prompt 1 At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?

Essay Prompt 2 The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Applicants to the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering:

Please respond to one of the following three prompts in 200-250 words:

– It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?

– How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?

– Using a specific example or two, tell us about a way that you contributed to building a collaborative and/or inclusive community.

Applicants to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts:

Please respond to the following prompt in 200-250 words:

Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world. What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work?

In addition, we will ask all applicants to complete this sentence in 100 words or less:

“I am applying to Tufts because…”

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted.

This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length.

Why did you choose to apply to UCF? (Max: 250 words)

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community? (Max: 250 words)

Question 1 (Required) – (250-500 words)

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one) – (Around 650 words)

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

Please share a bit more about your academic interests. What do you hope to study at CU Boulder? What has inspired your interests in this area? Or if you are undecided, what area(s) of study are you considering?

Think about your prior/current coursework, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests. (250 words)

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. Max: 250 words

UF Honors Program American novelist Henry Miller once said, “My hunger and curiosity drive me forward in all directions at once.” Students in the University of Florida Honors Program are known for pursuing multiple interests and passions.

Tell us about a subject or topic that you find intellectually stimulating and are curious to learn more about while in college. Which direction(s) do you imagine your hunger for that subject or topic will take you while at UF? How do you envision the honors program’s academic and extracurricular resources will support you along the way?

Please use a maximum of 400 words in your essay for full consideration.

We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years. Max: 350 words

1. Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.

2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

At the University of Maryland, we encourage our students to go beyond the classroom to engage in opportunities that further both their academic and personal growth.

To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following prompts using only the space provided (650 characters). – If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…

– The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…

– In addition to my major, my academic interests include…

– My favorite thing about last Thursday was…

– Something you might not know about me is…

– Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.

1. Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst? (Max: 150 words)

2. At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how, as a product of this community or group, you would enrich our campus. (Max: 100 words)

If applying for Spring or Fall 2024, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words.

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

1. Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; 300 word limit)

2. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (Required for all applicants; 550 word limit)

2. Artifact & Description Upload an artifact that represents something significant about your life and shows how you’ve put learning into action. This could be related to something inside or outside of the classroom (like an extracurricular accomplishment you’re particularly proud of). The goal is to give you the chance to showcase a unique aspect of yourself.

For the UNC-specific part of the Common Application, you’ll respond to the following prompts in up to 250 words:

1. Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community.

2. Discuss an academic topic that you’re excited to explore and learn more about in college. Why does this topic interest you?

The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of responses to two (2) brief essay questions and three (3) short-answer responses to questions you select from the options provided.

Please choose two questions from the options below. Your brief essay response to each question should be no more than 150 words.

1. Notre Dame fosters an undergraduate experience dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual, characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

2. What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

3. Describe a time when you advocated for something you believed in and influenced others through thoughtful discourse to promote a deeper understanding of a difficult situation.

Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be no more than 50 words.

1. Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

2. What brings you joy?

3. What is worth fighting for?

4. What is something that genuinely interests you, and how does this tie to the academic area you hope to study at Notre Dame?

5. How does faith influence the decisions you make?

As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks unique. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you who you are, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two following options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting here.

Essay Topic: (250-500 words – choose one of the topics below)

Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to the University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Robert D. Clark Honors College Please tell us about a specific enthusiasm that showcases your curiosity and intellectual engagement with the world. Your chosen enthusiasm or passion can be from any domain—academic, artistic, scientific, cultural, or any other area that has captivated your interest. Be thoughtful and provide concrete examples to support your response.

Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

1. Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)

2. How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)

College of Arts and Sciences The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)

School of Engineering & Applied Science Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

School of Nursing Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)

The Wharton School Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it. (150-200 words)

Seven Year Bio-Dental Program (Bio-Dent) Bio-Dent Prompt 1: Please list any predental or premedical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career. (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 2: Do you have relatives who are dentists or are in dental school? If so, indicate the name of each relative, his/her relationship to you, the school attended, and the dates attended. (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 3: Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands. (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 4: What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people? (250 word limit)

Bio-Dent Prompt 5: Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. Please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least. (250 word limit)

DMD: Digital Design Media DMD Prompt: Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words)

The Huntsman Program in International Studies Huntsman Prompt: The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to make a contribution to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences & Management (LSM) LSM Prompt: The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T) M&T Prompt 1: Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)

The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering (NETS) NETS Prompt: Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the Internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words)

Nursing and Health Care Management (NHCM) NHCM Prompt: Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) VIPER Prompt: How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

– You have a platform to create change. What is an action or policy you might propose to address an issue of social injustice in your school or local community, or on a national or global scale?

– Tell us about a time you learned something unexpected. What did you learn, and what happened next?

– Richmond welcomes students from various backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. What is at least one way you will contribute to our community that is not already mentioned in your application?

PART 1: The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (250 word limit)

PART 2: Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less.

A. American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which your background, educational experience, and opportunities have directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. What specific moments of growth, lessons learned and resilience in your life have prepared you to promote positive change for your community and the world?

B. Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace the intersectionality of their identity and create their own individual curricular path and experience. What qualities and experiences make you the best version of yourself? What unique elements of your background, perspectives, and experiences will you bring to our community?

C. Susan B. Anthony, champion of abolition and women’s rights, once said “Organize, agitate, educate must be our war cry.” As you look to join our community of doers and disruptors, in what ways do you envision using both the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to invoke change for marginalized groups? How has your unique lived experience shaped you and prepared you to be a changemaker here?

D. The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” How have the ways you’ve spent your time enabled you to grow as a person? What challenges have helped define you and your role within your many communities?

ESSAY #1 The University of San Diego offers diverse educational opportunities grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. First-year students are immersed in one of our five Living Learning Communities (LLC), with the themes reflecting the vitality of the liberal arts tradition: Advocate, Collaborate, Cultivate, Illuminate and Innovate. Select one of these five themes and describe how it resonates with you and why. (Please note that your response to this question will not impact any future LLC placement.) Max: 350 words

ESSAY #2 Now choose one of the three prompts below to write about. Essays should be approximately 200 words in length.

Option #1) What contribution have you made to your current school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable community? Here at USD, we believe that our campus community and the communities we engage with are integral parts of who we are as a university. Our newly launched Horizon Project is a call to action, ensuring that we are dedicating the time, energy and resources necessary to build an ever more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value the fact that our students come from all walks of life, have experienced different realities and bring with them an array of unique perspectives, including some that have often been underrepresented and underserved by higher education.

Option #2) Use this space to write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue. As a proud Changemaker Campus, as designated by Ashoka U, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity and a global perspective.

Option #3) Share some of your ideas about the role of faith or spirituality in your life or the life of someone you know. As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We devote great time and energy to ensuring all students feel connected to the vibrant USD community, including opportunities to grow in their relationship with God while considering who they are, what they believe and who they are called to become.

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)

USC Dornsife Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words or less)

USC Architecture All applicants to the Bachelor of Architecture and the B.S. in Architecture + Inventive Technologies programs are required to submit a portfolio described as follows. Please submit the portfolio by the University’s application deadline.

PORTFOLIO FORMAT The portfolio submission should consist of a minimum of 6 and up to 12 digital image files uploaded online by December 1, 2023 if applying for first-year merit scholarship as well as regular decision consideration. Other electronic formats, or CD/DVD submissions will not be accepted. Please do not send original or bound materials. Please do not send more than one online submission.

Submit your portfolio online via the SlideRoom link provided in the Common Application.

The School of Architecture is committed to sustainable design practices and discourages the use of excessive printing, binding and shipping processes.

RELATED LINK: How to Curate a Strong Portfolio as a Freshman Candidate

ARCHITECTURE WRITING & VIDEO SUPPLEMENT FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (B.ARCH) 1) Our school views architecture as a “human right,” and that design should exhibit “social consciousness.” How do you think architecture can contribute to the greater social consciousness?

2) At USC Architecture we will teach you to become strong critical thinkers. With that in mind please tell us about a piece of architecture that you’ve personally experienced and how its design resonated with you.

3) Please produce a video that presents what you consider to be your favorite project in your portfolio and why. Try to be as informative and concise as possible when you’re speaking about the project but also remember to be yourself. We are looking for students that are passionate with a keen curiosity about architecture and design.

ARCHITECTURE WRITING & VIDEO SUPPLEMENT FOR THE B.S. IN ARCHITECTURE + INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGIES 1) Given our program’s stated commitment to educating students through the multiple lenses of architecture, technology and entrepreneurship please let us know why you’re interested in exploring those design intersections.

2) At USC Architecture we will teach you to become strong critical thinkers. With that in mind please describe an architectural product or material that you’ve personally experienced and how its design resonated with you.

The admission committee will review these statements and video as a measure of your awareness, determination and vision. Your responses should no more than 200 words in length for each written question. The video should be no more than 30-60 seconds.

Submit your Portfolio and the Architecture Writing & Video Supplement online via the SlideRoom link provided in the Common Application.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS We are interested in seeing evidence of your creativity and curiosity. Work selected for inclusion should demonstrate the breadth and diversity of your creative interests and need not be limited to architectural work (if included at all). Drawing, sketching, painting, graphic design, photography, video, web design, sculpture, ceramics, fashion design and furniture design are just some examples of the types of work that may be included. Work may be produced digitally and/or by hand, for school courses, extracurricular activities or independently. Do not include technical drafting, unless you designed the content of the drawing. Your portfolio should be limited to your strongest work. Avoid including too many pictures of the same piece. If the work was part of a group effort, please indicate your specific contribution. As you upload an image of work, you will be prompted to add descriptions to each piece.

Essay Topic (500-700 words) Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Short Answers (250-300 words each) Complete all three short answer prompts:

– Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

– Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.

– The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Optional Short Answer Question (250-300 words) Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

If you would like an opportunity to further present yourself to the Admissions Committee, you may submit a response to ONE of the following prompts. ~500 words

1. Why UVM?

2. Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The “Save Our Swirled” flavor raises awareness of climate change, and “I Dough, I Dough” celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why?

3. UVM is a community that celebrates the unique identity of every student, faculty and staff member. Tell us how your identities have shaped the ways you interact with the world.

4. From the Green Mountains to Lake Champlain to our campus, UVM students are inspired by our location to think about their relationship to the environment. What does your relationship with your environment look like?

5. If you could pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be? What is your connection to the song?

In around 250 words (max 300), please answer the following question. What about your background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you.

School of Nursing (250 words or less) Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. Max: 650 words

Short response

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington. Max: 300 words

UW-Madison Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

Please select one of the following short answer prompts:

Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

Please provide your response in approximately 250 words. Min: 200 / Max: 400

Writing Supplement #1: Villanova Free Choice (2023-24) For the first Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the four topics below and submit a written response in about 250 words.

Prompt One: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

Prompt Two: As an Augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.

Prompt Three: In the Villanova community, we learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?

Prompt Four: At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” In a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others?

Writing Supplement #2: Why Villanova? (2023-24)

Prompt: Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community?

Please submit a written response of about 150 words.

1. Each of the Ut Prosim Profile questions are required with a limit of 120 words in length per answer. Once you submit your application, your responses to the questions are final and cannot be updated. Virginia Tech’s motto is “Ut Prosim” which means ‘That I May Serve’. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech?

2. Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community supports access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination. Reflect on a time when you were not able or allowed to express a different or diverse position or opinion (or you witnessed another person or group experience the same situation)? How did you respond or wish you would have responded? Did your viewpoint change in any way after this experience?

3. Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time?

4. Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from as you work on this goal?

– Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution (limit 150 words).

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why. (200 words max.)

When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but it’s a good place to start. Visit the Wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or celebrate what you would bring to our community. Have fun! Use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why.

Please limit your response to two thoughtful paragraphs (minimum 250 words, maximum 400 words).

William & Mary is a community that fosters deep human connection. We reflect on the lessons of history to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We engage diverse perspectives and seek wisdom in bridging differences. Together, we are unceasing in our efforts to make a meaningful difference in our communities, the state, the nation, and the world.

To help us learn more about you, we invite you to share additional information by answering up to two of these optional short-answer prompts. Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy.

1. Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful?

2. Are there any particular communities that are important to you, and how do you see yourself being a part of our community?

3. How has your family, culture and/or background shaped your lived experience?

4. Share more about a personal academic interest or career goal.

5. Tell us about a challenge or adversity you’ve experienced and how that has impacted you as an individual.

6. If we visited your town, what would you want to show us?

As a residential learning community, Williams believes that some of the most important experiences happen while living and learning alongside those different from oneself. Please describe a time when you learned or grew through the process of interacting with someone whose background, identity, lived experience, or perspective differs from your own. (150-300 words)

Short Answer Questions Applicants submitting the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application will respond to the following short answer questions: – Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided. – Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer) – What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words): – What inspires you? – If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? – Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? – What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Essay Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. 1. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

2022-2023 Essay Prompts

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future? Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards? Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn? What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience? Submit an essay on a topic of your choice

American University Essay Prompt Why are you interested in American University? (150 words max.)

Assumption University Essay Prompt Please explain, in a few sentences, your answer to the question, “Who or what most influenced you to apply to Assumption University?” (125 words or fewer)

Babson College Essay Prompt Your moment has arrived. Share with us the moments or experiences that have led you to apply to Babson College (500 words maximum).

We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website.

Barnard College Essay Prompt 1. What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College, and why do you think the college would be a good match for you? (300 words max.)

2. At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words max.)

3. (Optional) Pick one woman — a historical figure, fictitious character, or modern individual — to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them? (300 words max.)

4. Use this space to share anything with the Admissions Committee that you feel provides additional context related to your background, experiences or identity. (300 words max.)

Bentley University Essay Prompt (OPTIONAL) We invite you to share any additional information about why you would like to attend Bentley. (250 words or fewer)

Boston College Essay Prompts

All applicants, except those applying for the Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) major, should respond to one of prompts #1-5 listed below. Students applying to the HCE major must respond to prompt #6 only.

The writing supplement topics for the 2022-2023 application cycle (400 word limit):

1. Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it?

2. In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America – a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue.

3. At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person?

4. Socrates stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.

5. Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together – and why?

6. For Human-Centered Engineering major applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

Boston University Essay Prompt What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words)

Bowdoin University Essay Prompt Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin’s “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde.

Brandeis University Essay Prompt The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (250 words max.)

Brown University Essay Prompt Essay Questions for First Year Applicants and Transfer Applicants 1. Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

2. Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

Essay Questions for PLME Applicants Three essays are required for applicants to the PLME:

1. Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. How do you feel your personal background provides you with a unique perspective of medicine? (250 word limit)

2. Health care is constantly changing, as it is affected by racial and social disparities, economics, politics, and technology, among others. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact? (250 word limit)

3. How do you envision the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) helping you to meet your academic, personal and professional goals as a person and as a physician of the future? (250 word limit)

Essay Questions for Brown|RISD Dual Degree Applicants One essay is required for applicants to the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program:

The Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry, culminating in a capstone project that interrelates the content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences.

Based on your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD and the possibilities created by the BRDD program’s broadened learning community, specifically describe how and why the BRDD program would constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. As part of your answer, be sure to articulate how you might contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work. (650 word limit)

Chapman University Essay Prompt Out of the thousands of universities and colleges, what excites you about attending Chapman University specifically? (200 words max.)

Chapman University seeks to enroll students who bring a rich array of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to our campus community. We are committed to creating a welcoming university where all of our students can fully participate, reach their fullest potential, and benefit from living, learning, and socializing with people different from themselves. With this in mind, please answer one of the following questions (200 words or fewer).

CHOICE A: PERSONAL VALUES Our committee would like to hear about a personal value, experience, or lesson that has shaped your identity, behavior, aspirations, or commitment to a sense of belonging. How did it develop and/or change over time and how would it add to the diverse and welcoming fabric of our campus community?

CHOICE B: PERSONAL GROWTH Part of the Chapman experience is to help students evolve their perspectives. What types of personal growth do you hope to explore at Chapman and how can Chapman help in your growth?

Please answer the following questions in one word, phrase, or sentence. There are no right or wrong answers here. We hope you enjoy working on this section as much as we’ll enjoy reading it.

1. What is your dream job? 2. What are three words to describe yourself? 3. What song should we be listening to while reading your application? 4. Name one dish you would cook for our admission team. 5. What is your favorite subject? 6. What is the top thing on your bucket list? 7. What makes you happy? 8. If Chapman’s admission team came to visit your hometown, what site would you take them to? 9. What can you give a 30-minute presentation on without any preparation? 10. What is something you have always wanted to learn but never had the chance to? 11. Submitted by a prospective student for the class of 2023: What are the best words of advice you have received?

Colgate University Essay Prompts Optional Supplemental Essays Question 1:

On Colgate’s campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 200-250 words, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.

Question 2:

Colgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 200-250 words what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate.

Question 3:

Please complete the following so we can learn a bit more about you. Each response should be no more than 13 words.

– I am fascinated by… – My favorite book, movie, or television show is… – My role model is… – In the future, I hope to … – One historical figure I would like to meet is… – My favorite food is… – One thing I would change is… – I am most challenged by… – My favorite place is… – I am drawn to Colgate University because…

College of Wooster Essay Prompt Why are you interested in The College of Wooster? (250 words)

Columbia University Essay Prompts 1. List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

2. We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words or fewer)

3. A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (200 words or fewer)

4. Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)

5. In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words or fewer)

For applicants to Columbia College, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)

For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)

Cornell University Essay Prompts The primary focus of your college interest essay should be what you intend to study at Cornell.

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to the essay question below (maximum of 650 words) that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.

College Interest Essays for Fall 2023 First-Year Applicants

Brooks School of Public Policy Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals?

Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities (300-word limit).

Optional: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

Select all that apply:

– My family owns or operates a farm – I have experience working in agriculture – I have interest in pursuing a career in agriculture Please feel free to share additional details below (optional):

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning What is your “thing”? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, inspirations. What are yours?

College of Arts and Sciences Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).

College of Engineering Instructions: All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1 Required response (250 word limit)

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Essay 2 Choose either Question A and Question B. (250 word limit)

> Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.

> Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

College of Human Ecology How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology been influenced by your related experiences? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future?

School of Industrial and Labor Relations Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.

Dartmouth College Essay Prompts Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows:

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? Please respond in 100 words or fewer.

2. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 200-250 words:

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words.

3. Required of all applicants. Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words:

A. Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact?

B. What excites you?

C. In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba ’14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made?

D. Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about?

E. “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Davidson College Essay Prompts 1. There are just under 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College (250-300 words)

Duke University Essay Prompts What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)

We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application. Four optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. (250 word limit per essay)

1. We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself.

2. We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

3. What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

4. Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Elon University Essay Prompts THINK FAST

Answers to these questions are meant to be brief – 3 sentences or less. Be inventive and thoughtful. Most importantly, be yourself. This is a chance to tell us more about who you really are in a fun, concise manner. We’re excited to get to know you!

Name three songs from your perfect playlist. We look forward to creating a Spotify playlist from the submissions of our first-year class.

We’re in your hometown. Where should we go and what should we do? Tell us about your hometown. Our admissions counselors may even take your suggestions when they are in the area! (50 words max.)

What three emojis/GIFs do you use most often? Why? OK, we know not everyone uses emojis or GIFs – so if you don’t, tell us which three you would choose if you did! (30 words max.)

You are a superhero. What are your powers? Be imaginative. What would you do with the powers you choose? (30 words max.)

Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let the admissions committee know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Who are your top 5 characters? Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments. Love to stream; what are you watching? You could even list your top five college tours – as long as Elon is #1!

Explain why these are your top 5: (250 words max.)

Emmanuel College Essay Prompt Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (500 words max.)

Emory University Essay Prompts This question is required. Your response should be no more than 200 words.

– What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?

Getting to Know You In addition, answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words.

– Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

– When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?

– If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

– Share about a time when you were awestruck.

– Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Fordham University Essay Prompt You may choose to respond to the optional question below.

At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities. Please share a specific instance in which you challenged yourself or stepped out of your comfort zone in order to be an advocate for your community (for example, your family, friend group, high school, or town). Please provide an example that illustrates a facet of yourself that we would not find anywhere else in your application. (150 words max.)

George Mason University Essay Prompts ESSAY REQUIREMENTS What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you? (400 word limit)

Georgetown University Essay Prompts ESSAY REQUIREMENTS

Short Essay Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Longer Essays Compose two brief essays (approximately one page, single-spaced each) on the topics given below. Essays should be typed.

Essay One ALL APPLICANTS: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.

Essay Two APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study.)

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing.

Other Please indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.

Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (max 300 words)

Gonzaga University Essay Prompt 1. Please share an experience that made you feel uncomfortable or challenged, and then explain how you grew from that situation.

2. Please share an experience you have had outside of the classroom that has contributed to your personal growth.

(no length, but “shorter” than 650 common app)

Harvard University Essay Prompts You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics: – Unusual circumstances in your life – Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities – What you would want your future college roommate to know about you – An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you – How you hope to use your college education – A list of books you have read during the past twelve months – The Harvard College Honor code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty. – The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission? – Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do? – Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates.

Harvey Mudd College Essay Prompt

1. “Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry

How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words max.)

2. Many students choose Harvey Mudd because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly (in 100 words or less) describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class.

Optional: You may include examples of mathematical or scientific endeavors or research abstracts if relevant. Please limit your submission to two pages.

High Point University Essay Prompts 1. Describe any special interests or hobbies that you may have. (50 Word Limit)

2. Describe any meaningful travel experiences (both national and international). (50 Word Limit)

Indiana University Essay Prompt Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words) This essay may be used in scholarship consideration.

Johns Hopkins University Essay Prompt Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences.

Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)

Lafayette College Essay Prompt Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette.

Lehigh University Essay Prompts 1. How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (150-word limit)

2. A compelling characteristic of Lehigh’s community is that our students want to be actively engaged in their learning, their community, and the world. Our students look to make a difference and have a real-world impact. We expect our community to challenge your viewpoint, your naturalized assumptions, and the way that you see the world around you. Lehigh University is committed to being an anti-racist institution. By this, we mean actively speaking out and addressing acts of racism, racist comments, racist practices, policies, and procedures.

What would you want to be different in your own country or community to further principles of equality, equity, or social justice? (300-word limit)

Loyola Marymount University Essay Prompt Please briefly state your reason for wishing to attend LMU and/or how you came to select your major. (500 words)

As part of our holistic review process, it is critical that we understand the comprehensive experience of all applicants. Please provide a detailed explanation, in 250 words or less, regarding any break or interruption in your academic history throughout high school (secondary school) and beyond.

Lynn University Essay Prompt Why are you applying to Lynn? (150 word limit)

MIT Essay Prompts

For the 2022–2023 application, we’re asking these short answer essay questions:

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community. Tell us about a significant challenge you’ve faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?

We’re looking for responses of approximately 200 words each. There is also one final, open-ended, additional-information text box where you can tell us anything else you think we really ought to know.

New York University Essay Prompt NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience.

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.

North Carolina State University Essay Prompts Required Short Answer Questions

> Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State. (250 words)

> NC State University is committed to building a just and inclusive community, one that does not tolerate unjust or inhumane treatment, and that denounces it, clearly and loudly. Please describe what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive NC State environment. (250 words)

Northwestern University Essay Prompts In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

Occidental College Essay Prompts In the Short Answers section of the Common App, we ask you to respond to the following three prompts:

1. Why are you applying to Occidental? What are your academic interests and why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue them? (150 – 200 words)

2. Please answer one of the following questions—your choice (200 – 300 words): – Research is an integral part of an Oxy education. Completing a senior comprehensive is a requirement of every Oxy student and there are a myriad of opportunities for research throughout your four years. Imagine you were just awarded one of our research grants for a project of your choice. What are you researching and why?

– Briefly describe a current event or social movement that is affecting a place that is important to you. Describe its significance to you and the future implications for that community. How do you anticipate an Oxy education helping you better understand and respond to that event/movement?

– Oxy’s central mission emphasizes the value of community amidst diversity. What do you value in a community and how do you see your perspectives and life experiences enhancing it?

3. What is the first song you would play for your Oxy roommate on move-in day?

Penn State Essay Prompts Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. We suggest a limit of 500 words or fewer.

Pomona College Essay Prompts The Pomona-specific essay prompts for those applying for Fall 2023 admission include an academic interest statement (max. 150 words); a short-response essay (max. 150 words); and a longer-response essay (max. 250 words).

(1) Academic Interest Statement: What do you love about the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions.

(2) Short-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 150 words or less:

– At Pomona, we celebrate and identify with the number 47. Share with us one of your quirky personal, family, or community traditions and why you hold on to it.

– What item are you excited to bring with you to college?

– Describe a time when you felt empowered or on top of the world?

(3) Longer-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 250 words or less:

– In the past few years, is there something you have changed your mind about? Why?

– Reflecting on a community that you are part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona?

– What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize?

Princeton University Essay Prompts Extracurricular Activity and Work Experience

Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in 150 words or fewer)

Please respond to each question in 250 words or fewer.

– At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?

– Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.

– What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

– What brings you joy?

– What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Providence College Essay Prompts Should you choose to complete an optional essay, please select one of the following prompts and limit your response to 250-500 words.

1. As a liberal arts school, Provide College provides students with the opportunity to explore several different academic areas. While you may not be ready to declare a major, what have you experienced, inside or outside of the classroom, that has led you to an interest in a particular field of study?

2. Dialogue, Inclusion and Democracy is a program on campus whose mission is to create a safe space that supports the development of well-informed and engaged students through civil discourse. There are several spaces on campus where students, faculty and staff can pose questions to the PC community and dialogue forms from there. One of the questions posted recently was “Name a time where you’ve felt empowered or represented by an educator.” What question would you like to post to the PC community and why?

3. If you could have a theme song, what would it be and why?

Purdue University Essay Prompt 1. Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words or fewer)

2. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (Respond in 100 words or fewer.)

3. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 100 words or fewer.)

Rice University Essay Prompts The Admission Committee is interested in getting to know each student as well as possible through the application process. Please respond to each of the following prompts.

1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 words max.)

2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 words max.)

Rollins College Essay Prompt Please briefly elaborate on your community service or one of your extracurricular activities. (250 words max.)

Sarah Lawrence College Essay Prompts The Common Application essay is an important way for us to get to know your voice, but we know there may be more you want to tell us that just didn’t quite fit into the rest of the application. For applicants who might wish to share a little more about how Sarah Lawrence fits into the next stage of their education, we invite you to respond to one of the following four essay prompts:

– Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: director-playwright-sound designer, environmentalist-photographer, journalist-linguist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you’ve brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence.

– Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions and answer them during semester-long projects. In 250-500 words, thoughtfully respond to a prompt of your own creation.

– Sarah Lawrence College’s community places strong value in inclusion and diversity. In 250-500 words, tell us about what you value in a community and how your perspective, lived experiences, or beliefs might contribute to your College community.

– In her 2019 commencement address, journalist Maggie Haberman ’96 told the graduating class: “My time at Sarah Lawrence helped me understand the importance of patience, of assuming good faith in others, and of finding truth.” In 250-500 words, tell us about a time you spoke your own truth or found the importance in one of the values Maggie describes.

Southern Methodist University Essay Prompts 1. SMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. (250-word limit)

2. SMU is a diverse learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences or background enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)

St. John’s College Essay Prompt Discuss a book that you would call a “great book.” We want to learn both about the ideas in the book and about you. What makes the book great in your view? What effect has it had on what you think or how you think? (Minimum 400 words)

Stanford University Essay Prompts Short Questions 1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words max.)

2. How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words max.)

3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words max.)

4. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 words max.)

5. Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50 words max.)

Short Essays 1. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 words max.)

2. Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (250 words max.)

3. Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (250 words max.)

Stetson University Essay Prompt Please choose one of the following and upload your response:

– Submit a graded writing sample

– If you could live your life fighting for one cause, what would it be and why?

– Describe a time you did not meet expectations and what impact the experience had on you.

– What gives meaning to your life?

– If you wrote a letter to yourself to be opened in 20 years, what would it say?

– Discuss an issue of state, national, or global concern to you.

– Why write?

Syracuse University Essay Prompt Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus? (250 word limit)

The George Washington University Essay Prompts Supplemental (Optional) Essay

Tufts University Essay Prompts Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and 5-Year Tufts/NEC Combined Degree answer the following two questions:

1. Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, “Why Tufts?” (100-150 words)

2. Now we’d like to know a little more about you. Please respond to one of the following three questions. (200-250 words):

A) It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?

B) How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?

C) Where are you on your journey of engaging with or fighting for social justice?

Applicants to the BFA or 5-Year BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree at the SMFA at Tufts answer the following two questions:

1. Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? Why SMFA at Tufts? (100-150 words)

2. Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world. What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work? (200-250 words)

Tulane University Essay Prompts 1. Please briefly describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. This statement should be 500 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

2. Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here. This statement should be 500 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. If you choose to answer this prompt, we strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. Keep in mind this prompt will not apply to all applicants, and it is completely optional.

Other: If you would like to elaborate on one of your activities, you may do so briefly here. Max 250.

University of California Personal Insight Questions Directions – You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions. – Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. – Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. However, you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

University of Central Florida Essay Prompt 1. Why are you interested in UCF? (250 words max.)

2. Discuss your reasons for pursuing the academic program (major) selected above. (250 words max.)

University of Chicago Essay Prompts Question 1 (Required)

Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory. – Inspired by Leah Beach, Class of 2026, Lib Gray SB ’12, and Agnes Mazur AB ‘09

What advice would a wisdom tooth have? –Inspired by Melody Dias, Class of 2025

You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time? —Inspired by Alexander Hastings, Class of 2023, and Olivia Okun-Dubitsky, Class of 2026

UChicago has been affiliated with over 90 Nobel laureates. But, why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory? You are tasked with creating a new category for the Nobel Prize. Explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment. —Inspired by Isabel Alvarez, Class of 2026

Genghis Khan with an F1 racecar. George Washington with a SuperSoaker. Emperor Nero with a toaster. Leonardo da Vinci with a Furby. If you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together? -Inspired by Braden Hajer, Class of 2025/em>

University of Colorado Boulder Essay Prompts Required Short Answer #1 (250 word limit) – At the University of Colorado Boulder, no two Buffs are alike. We value difference and support equity and inclusion of all students and their many intersecting identities. Pick one of your unique identities and describe its significance.

Required Short Answer #2 (250 word limit) – Please share a bit more about your academic interests. What do you hope to study at CU Boulder? What has inspired your interests in this area? Or if you are undecided, what area(s) of study are you considering? Think about your prior/current coursework, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.

University of Florida Essay Prompts – Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities. If so, please describe. (250 word limit)

– Have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of classroom, such as Educational Talent Search, Take Stock in Children, Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, etc.?

If yes, please provide the name of the program, details/benefits of your involvement, and how long your experiences continued. (250 word limit)

– Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 word limit)

– Is there any other information or extenuating circumstances the Admission Committee should know when reviewing your application? (250 word limit)

University of Florida Honors Program Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? (400 words max.)

University of Georgia Essay Prompt The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application. (200-300 words)

University of Illinois Essay Prompt You’ll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you’ll answer will depend on whether you’re applying to a major or to our undeclared program, and if you’ve selected a second choice. Each response should be approximately 150 words.

If You’re Applying to a Major: 1. Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. 2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If You’re Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of General Studies: 1. What are your academic interests and strengths? You may also include any majors you are considering. 2. What are your future academic or career goals?

If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared): 1. Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

University of Maryland Essay Prompt At the University of Maryland, we encourage our students to go beyond the classroom to engage in opportunities that further both their academic and personal growth. To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following sentences using only the space provided (300 characters).

1. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…

2. The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…

3. In addition to my major, my academic interests include…

4. My favorite thing about last Wednesday was…

5. When I think of diversity, I think of…

University of Massachusetts Amherst Essay Prompt Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst? (100 words max.)

University of Miami Essay Prompt If applying for Spring or Fall 2023, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words or less in response to the following prompt:

The University of Miami’s official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience.

Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

University of Michigan Essay Prompts 1. Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Required for all applicants; 300 word limit)

University of North Carolina Essay Prompt We’ve selected the following prompts for the UNC-specific portion for the first-year and transfer applications for 2022-2023. We aspire to build a diverse and inclusive community at Carolina and believe that students can only achieve their best when they learn alongside students from different backgrounds. In reading your responses, we hope to learn what being a part of the Carolina community would mean to you.

Short answer prompts

You’ll choose two of the following prompts to respond to in 200-250 words: 1. Describe a peer you see as a community builder. What actions has that peer taken? How has their work made a difference in your life?

2. Describe an aspect of your identity (for example, your religion, culture, race, sexual or gender identity, affinity group, etc.). How has this aspect of your identity shaped your life experiences thus far?

3. If you could change one thing to better your community, what would it be? Why is it important and how would you contribute to this change?

4. Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said, “We are nothing without our history.” Her words are memorialized on the Northside Neighborhood Freedom Fighters monument. How does history shape who you are?

Fill-in-the-blank responses

You’ll complete all of the following fill-in-the-blank responses in 25 words each:

1. One family, friend, or school tradition I cherish:

2. If I had an extra hour in every day, I would spend it:

3. If I could travel anywhere, near or far, past, present or future, I would go:

4. The last time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I:

5. People who meet me are most likely to notice, and least likely to notice:

University of Notre Dame Essay Prompts The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to a question you select from the options provided. In total, you will write two (2) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay.

Please provide a response to the following question:

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?

Please provide a response to ONE (1) of the following questions:

1. People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?

2. Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.

3. If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?

4. What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

University of Oregon Essay Prompt

Optional essay As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of these two options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting the Equity and Inclusion website. Maximum statement length is 500 words. This statement is not required.

University of Pennsylvania Essay Prompts 1. Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)

2. How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)

For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.

Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (150-200 words)

University of Richmond Essay Prompt Prompt 1 One essay response is required. Choose from the following prompts:

1. Tell us about the most unusual talent you have, and how you have made it useful.

2. Spiders are essential to the ecosystem. How are you essential to your community or will you be essential in your university community?

3. Please share one idea for actions or policies that you think would begin to address an issue of racial or social injustice.

University of Rochester Essay Prompt Prompt 1

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (250 words or less)

You may answer one of three ways:

Prompt 1 Essay Response Option: Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less.

Prompt 1 Creative Response Option: Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community, and those around you “ever better.”

Prompt 1 Research Response Option: Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less.

Prompt 2 Option A: American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and the world?

Prompt 2 Option B: Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique perspectives will you bring to our community?

Prompt 2 Option C: The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer, and philanthropist George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward towards your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester that will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

Prompt 2 Option D: Susan B. Anthony, champion of abolition and women’s rights, once said “Organize, agitate, educate must be our war cry.” As you look to join our community of doers and disruptors, in what ways do you envision using both the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to invoke change for marginalized groups?

Are you interested in pursuing research while enrolled at the University of Rochester? If Yes, what field/area of study are you interested in researching? (20 words)

Combined Degree Program Applicants

What relevant experiences or insight have led to your interest in this particular program? Describe how Rochester’s resources: facilities, faculty, peers and research will meet your academic and personal ambitions. Describe how you see yourself contributing to the challenging field you want to enter as a Rochester graduate. (500 words)

University of San Diego Essay Prompt First-Year applicants are required to answer the Mandatory First Year Essay Prompt and either Essay Prompt Option #1, #2, or #3. Transfer applicants are required to answer the Mandatory Transfer Essay Prompt and either Essay Prompt Option #1, #2, or #3. Please note that the default word counter on our Common Application essay text boxes permit 350 words, but most applicants find they can answer these prompts in about 200 words.

Mandatory First-Year Essay Prompt The University of San Diego offers diverse educational opportunities grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. First-year students are immersed in one of our five Learning Communities (LC), with the themes reflecting the vitality of the liberal arts tradition: Advocate, Collaborate, Cultivate, Illuminate and Innovate. Select one of these five themes and describe how it resonates with you and why.

Essay Prompt Option #1 What contribution have you made to your current school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable community? Here at USD, we believe that our campus community and the communities we engage with are integral parts of who we are as a university. Our newly launched Horizon Project is a call to action, ensuring that we are dedicating the time, energy and resources necessary to build an ever more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value the fact that our students come from all walks of life, have experienced different realities and bring with them an array of unique perspectives, including some that have often been underrepresented and underserved by higher education.

Essay Prompt Option #2 Use this space to write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue. As a proud Changemaker Campus, as designated by Ashoka U, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity and a global perspective.

Essay Prompt Option #3 Share some of your ideas about the role of faith or spirituality in your life or the life of someone you know. As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We devote great time and energy to ensuring all students feel connected to the vibrant USD community, including opportunities to grow in their relationship with God while considering who they are, what they believe and who they are called to become.

Mandatory Transfer Essay Prompt How will USD help enhance your educational and professional goals beyond what your current institution offers?

University of Southern California Essay Prompts Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)

Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break.

– Describe yourself in three words. – What is your favorite snack? – Best movie of all time: – Dream job: – If your life had a theme song, what would it be? – Dream trip: – What TV show will you binge watch next? – Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? – Favorite book: – If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

College-Specific Questions and Requirements

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

USC School of Architecture

Roski School of Art and Design

Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

Marshall School of Business (World Bachelor in Business)

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Kaufman School of Dance

USC School of Dramatic Arts

Viterbi School of Engineering

Thornton School of Music 

USC School of Pharmacy

University of Tampa Essay Prompts Please write an essay on one of the following prompts or on a topic of your choice. There is an 800-word limit on essays submitted in this section of the Common App, however, you may choose to submit an essay of any length via the SpartanStart portal at www.ut.edu/spartanstart or by emailing your essay to [email protected] .

– What are your three favorite words in the English language? Explain what they mean to you.

– Discuss your childhood neighborhood and how it shaped you as a person.

– Describe how you feel about the month of February.

– Imagine that you could have one superpower. What would it be and how would you use it? What would be your kryptonite?

University of Texas Essay Prompt Essay Topic (500-700 words) Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

University of Tennessee Essay Prompt Optional Supporting Statement UT has a competitive admissions process that primarily considers your experience and preparation in academic areas, as well as other individual factors. All aspects of your application will be evaluated. Submitting a supporting statement (while optional) can provide crucial information to aid the admissions staff in the decision-making process.

What should I include in my supporting statement? If you were having a personal interview with members of our admissions staff, what information would you want them to know about you? You can include your academic interests, achievements, involvement in school and the community, important personal experiences, obstacles you’ve overcome, and other aspects of your background. (250-800 words)

University of Vermont Essay Prompts Please answer one of the five questions: (500 word limit)

2. Established in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, VT, Ben and Jerry’s is synonymous with the ice cream business. The company’s success and unique brand identity are due in part to their one-of-a-kind flavors. Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you?

3. Whether they are constructing a robot, a stronger sense of community or an identity, UVM students are builders. What would you like to build?

4. At UVM, learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms. From student-led organizations, to internships and study abroad experiences, UVM students are encouraged to pursue knowledge in all environments. Describe a time when you’ve learned in a non-traditional setting.

5. Communities and organizations are stronger when they value diversity of thought. How do you create meaningful connections or conversations with others when they express opinions that differ from your own?

University of Virginia Essay Prompts The first prompt is tied to the UVA school or college the student selects. Answer the prompt in around 100 words.

College of Arts & Sciences: If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?

School of Engineering: How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?

School of Architecture: Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

School of Nursing: Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

Kinesiology Program: Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

Students will then write responses to two prompts out of ten options. Answer in about 50 words each.

1. What’s your favorite word and why? 2. We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks? 3. About what topic could you speak for an hour? 4. Take us to your happy place. 5. You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that? 6. What is the last gift you gave something that wasn’t bought with money? 7. What website is the internet missing? 8. After a challenging experience, how do you recharge? 9. Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself. 10. UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

University of Washington Essay Prompts Freshman writing section At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

Maximum length: 650 words

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

Maximum length: 300 words

Tip: Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints.

You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:

– You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education – Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations – You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

Maximum length: 200 words

University of Wisconsin Essay Prompt All campuses use the following essay for the Institutional Application: This part is all about you. Tell us about something you’ve done—academically or personally—and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?

UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse require an additional essay: UW-La Crosse Please respond to ONE of the following: (1) How will your life experiences, commitments, and/or characteristics enrich the UW-La Crosse campus community? OR (2) Tell us why you are interested in attending UW-La Crosse and what aspects of the campus are especially important to you.

Vanderbilt University Essay Prompts

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (200-400 words)

1. St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

2. What is the truest thing that you know?

3. One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.

4. In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?

5. Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.

Essay #2: Why Villanova? Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community? Please submit a written response of about 150 words.

Please take your time to form responses that you feel confident about and help to support your application for admission.

1. Virginia Tech’s motto is “Ut Prosim” which means ‘That I May Serve’. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech?

2. Resilience is defined as the ability to adapt and learn from a difficulty. Reflect on a time that you have exhibited resilience. What growth did you see in yourself after this experience?

4. Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal?

– Explain how a text you’ve read – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or literature of any kind – has helped you to understand the world’s complexity (limit: 150 words).

– What piques your intellectual curiosity, and why (limit: 150 words)?

– Give us your Top Ten list. (The choice of theme is yours.) (limit: 100 characters per line)

– Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution. (limit: 150 words

Please limit your response to the Wellesley College essay to two well-developed paragraphs (minimum 250 words, maximum 400 words).

Yale University Essay Prompt Applicants submitting the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application will respond to the following short answer questions:

1. Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.

2. Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

3. What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words): 1. What inspires you?

2. Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss?

3. You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called?

4. What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

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