Essay Prompts

ESSAY PROMPTS
COMMON APPLICATION ESSAY QUESTIONS

Common App Personal Essay
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a
selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do
you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from
courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you
answer that question and write an essay using the prompt to inspire and
structure your response.
A) 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.
B) The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success.
Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect
you, and what did you learn from the experience?
C) Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you
to act? Would you make the same decision again?
D) 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 be taken to identify a solution.
E) Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your
transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or
family.
Length
250-650 words
Common App Additional Information
Type
Optional
Question
Please provide an answer below [on the application] if you wish to provide
details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application.
Length
650 words maximum
AMHERST COLLEGE | Amherst, MA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/15 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
84% in top 10% of class, 97% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 710-790, CR 720-780
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.amherst.edu
Amherst College Supplement #1

Type
Question
In addition to the essay you are writing as part of the Common Application,
Amherst requires a supplementary writing sample from all applicants. To
satisfy Amhersts supplementary writing requirement, you may choose either
Option A or Option B.
Option A Please respond to one of the following quotations in an essay of not
more than 300 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. (300
words maximum)
A) Rigorous reasoning is crucial in mathematics, and insight plays an
important secondary role these days. In the natural sciences, I would say that
the order of these two virtues is reversed. Rigor is, of course, very important.
But the most important value is insightinsight into the workings of the world.
It may be because there is another guarantor of correctness in the sciences,
namely, the empirical evidence from observation and experiments. - Kannan
Jagannathan, Professor of Physics, Amherst College
B) Translation is the art of bridging cultures. Its about interpreting the
essence of a text, transporting its rhythms and becoming intimate with its
meaning Translation, however, doesn't only occur across languages:
mentally putting any idea into words is an act of translation; so is composing a
symphony, doing business in the global market, understanding the roots of
terrorism. No citizen, especially today, can exist in isolationthat is,
untranslated. - Ilan Stavans, Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture,

Amherst College, Robert Croll 16 and Cedric Duquene 15, from Interpreting
Terras Irradient, Amherst Magazine, Spring 2015.
C) "Creating an environment that allows students to build lasting friendships,
including those that cut across seemingly entrenched societal and political
boundaries requires candor about the inevitable tensions, as well as about
the wonderful opportunities, that diversity and inclusiveness create. - Carolyn
Biddy Martin, President of Amherst College, Letter to Amherst College
Alumni and Families, December 28, 2015.
D) Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat. Rather achievement can
be all the more satisfying because of obstacles surmounted. - Attributed to
William Hastie, Amherst Class of 1925, the first African-American to serve as
a judge for the United States Court of Appeals
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. (Approximately 4-5 pages, 8-10 pages maximum)
Length
Any limits provided are stated above (This essay can be uploaded)
Amherst College Supplement #2
Type
Question
Please briefly elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience of
particular significance to you.
Length
175 words maximum
BOSTON UNIVERSITY | Boston, MA
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 11/15 Accel. Med. & Dental Programs, 12/1 Scholarships, 1/3 ED
#2 & RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 640-760, CR 650-720
ACT Middle 50%:
27-31
Website:
http://www.bu.edu
Boston University Supplement #1
Type

Question
Please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to
apply for admission.
Length
250 words maximum
BOWDOIN COLLEGE | Brunswick, ME
Deadlines:
11/15 ED #1, 1/1 ED #2 & RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 680-760, CR 690-760, W 680-770
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.bowdoin.edu
Bowdoin College Supplement #1
Type
Question
In an effort to understand your interests and aspirations for college, we ask
you to select one of the three topics below and provide a response of up to
250 words.
Bowdoin students and alumni often cite world-class faculty and opportunities
for intellectual engagement, the Colleges commitment to the Common Good,
and the special quality of life on the coast of Maine as important aspects of
the Bowdoin experience.
Reflecting on your own interests and experiences, please comment on one of
the following:
A) Intellectual engagement
B) The Common Good
C) Connection to place
Length
250 words maximum
Bowdoin College Supplement #2
Type
Question
How did you first learn about Bowdoin?
Length
140 characters maximum
BROWN UNIVERSITY | Providence, RI
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 670-780, CR 660-770, W 670-780
ACT Middle 50%:
30-34
Website:
http://www.brown.edu
Brown University Supplement #1
Type
Question
Why Brown?
Length
25-150 words
Type
Question
Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in the
application? If you are "undecided" or not sure which Brown concentrations
match your interests, consider describing more generally the academic topics
or modes of thought that engage you currently.
Length
50-150 words
Type
Question
Tell us where you have livedand for how longsince you were born;
whether youve always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of
places.
Length
25-100 words
Type
Question
We all exist within communities or groups of various sizes, origins, and
purposes; pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has
shaped you.
Length
25-100 words
Type
Question
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work
experiences.
Length
50-150 words
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY | Pittsburgh, PA
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 12/1 Music & Drama RD, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-800, CR 640-740, W 660-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-34
Website:
http://www.cmu.edu
Carnegie Mellon University Supplement #1
Type
Question
Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have
chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or
program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the
major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you
would like us to know. For freshmen applying to more than one college or
program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying.
Because our admission committees review applicants by college and
program, your essay can impact our final decision. Candidates applying for
early decision or transfer may apply to only one college and department.
Length
1 page (This essay can be uploaded)
Carnegie Mellon University Supplement #2
Type
Question
List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure. Choose one and in a
sentence describe its impact on you.
Length
500 words maximum
CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE | Claremont, CA
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1 & International Applicants, 12/1 Merit Scholarships, 1/1 ED #2 &
RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 690-770, CR 660-750 W 680-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.cmc.edu
Claremont McKenna College Supplement #1
Type
Question
What influenced you the most in your decision to apply to CMC?
Length
200 words maximum
Claremont McKenna College Supplement #2
Type
Optional
Question
After submitting your application, you will receive instructions by email from
the CMC Admission Office on how to submit an optional two-minute video.
Submission of this video is completely optional and you will be provided with a
prompt.
Length
2 minutes
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | New York, NY
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-790, CR 690-780, W 700-780
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.columbia.edu
Columbia University Supplement #1
Type
Question
What aspect of the Columbia community, outside of the classroom, would you
most want to impact and why?
Length
150 words maximum
Type
Question
Respond to EACH of the following:
List the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or
summer that you enjoyed most in the past year.
List the titles of the books you read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the
past year.
List the titles of the print, electronic publications and websites you read
regularly.
List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other
entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year.
Length
150 words maximum for each response
Type
Question
Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why.
Length
300 words maximum
CORNELL UNIVERSITY | Ithaca, NY

Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/2 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 680-770, CR 650-740
ACT Middle 50%:
30-34
Website:
http://www.cornell.edu
Common App is accepted but no supplemental essays are required
DUKE UNIVERSITY | Durham, NC
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 12/20 Priority RD for consideration for alumni interview, 1/3 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-790, CR 670-760, W 690-780
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.duke.edu
EMORY UNIVERSITY | Atlanta, GA
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 11/15 Emory Scholars, 1/1 ED #2 &RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 650-750, CR 630-710, W 650-730
ACT Middle 50%:
29-32
Website:
http://www.emory.edu
Emory University Supplement #1
Type
Question
In addition to the Common Application's Personal Statement, applicants to
Emory University are required to compose an answer500 words or lessto
ONE of the following essay options:
A) Last August, Susan Grant, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare,
said this of Emory's choice to treat patients with Ebola: "We can either let our
actions be guided by misunderstandings, fear and self-interest, or we can lead
by knowledge, science and compassion. We can fear, or we can care."
Consider her idea of doing what is in the public interest despite potential cost.
Please discuss an example in your life or the life of another that's come to
your attention.
B) In the spirit of Emory's tradition of courageous inquiry, what question do
you want to help answer, and why?
Length
500 words maximum
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY | Washington, DC
Accepts its own School Application
Deadlines:
11/1 EA, 1/10 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 660-760, CR 660-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.georgetown.edu
Georgetown University Question #1
Type
Question
Indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.
Length
No limit provided
Type
Question
Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in
which you have been most involved.
Length
Approximately half a page
Type
Question
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.
Length
Approximately 1 page
Type
Required for all applicants (based on particular school)
Question
APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE: Please relate your interest in
studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts
relate to your chosen course of study? (If you are applying to major in the FLL
or in a Science, please specifically address those interests.)
APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care
at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major
(Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, International Health, or
Nursing).
APPLICANTS TO THE WALSH SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE: Briefly
discuss a current global issue, indicating why you consider it important and
what you suggest should be done to deal with it.
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.
Length
Approximately 1 page
HARVARD UNIVERSITY | Cambridge, MA
Deadlines:
11/1 Restrictive EA (Suggested 10/15), 1/1 RD (Suggested 12/15)
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 710-800, CR 700-800, W 710-800
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.harvard.edu
Harvard University Supplement #1
Type
Question
experiences.
Length
50-150 words
Harvard University Supplement #2
Type
Optional
Question
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 or living experiences in other countries
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?
Length
A .pdf file of 500 KB maximum (This essay can be uploaded)
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY | Baltimore, MD

Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 12/1 Music Program, 1/2 RD
Academic Profile:
88% in top 10% of class, 98% in top 25% of clas
SAT Middle 50%:
M 690-780, CR 670-750, W 680-770
ACT Middle 50%:
32-34
Website:
http://www.jhu.edu
Johns Hopkins University Supplement #1
Type
Question
Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and
discovery. As a result, students can pursue a multi-dimensional
undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the
opportunities at Hopkins, please discuss your current interestsacademic or
extracurricular pursuits, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.and
how you will build upon them here.
Length
300-500 words
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY | New York, NY

Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 1/1 ED #2 & RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 630-740, CR 610-710, W 620-720
ACT Middle 50%:
29-32
Website:
http://www.nyu.edu
New York University Supplement #1
Type
Question
We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. We are particularly
interested in knowing what motivated you to apply to NYU and more
specifically, why you have applied or expressed interest in a particular
campus, school, college, program, and/or area of study? If you have applied
to more than one, please tell us why you are interested in each of the
campuses, schools, colleges, or programs to which you have applied. You
may be focused or undecided, or simply open to the options within NYU's
global network; regardless, we want to understand - Why NYU?
Length
400 words maximum
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | Evanston, IL
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-790, CR 690-770, W 670-760
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.northwestern.edu
Northwestern University Supplement #1

Type
Optional but strongly recommended
Question
Other parts of your application give us a sense for how you might contribute to
Northwestern. But we also want to consider how Northwestern will contribute
to your interests and goals. Help us understand what aspects of Northwestern
appeal most to you, and how you'll make use of specific resources and
opportunities here.
Length
300 words maximum
RICE UNIVERSITY | Houston, TX
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 12/1 Medical Scholars Program and School of Music, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 740-800, CR 720-780
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.rice.edu
Rice University Supplement #1
Type
Question
experiences.
Length
150 words maximum
Type
Question
With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is
not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study.
Length
150 words maximum

Type
Required for all applicants, except for Architecture applicants
Question
The Committee on Admission is interested in getting to know each candidate
as well as possible through the application process. The following essay
questions are designed to demonstrate your writing skills and facilitate our full
appreciation of your unique perspective.
The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are
heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each
student brings. What personal perspective would you contribute to life at
Rice?
Length
500 words maximum
Type
Question
How did you first learn about Rice University and what motivated you to
apply?
Length
250 words maximum
Type
Question
In keeping with Rice's long-standing tradition (known as "The Box"), please
share an image of something that appeals to you. See the Help Section (in the
Common App) for more information.
Length
No limit provided (This essay can be uploaded)
STANFORD UNIVERSITY | Palo Alto, CA
Deadlines:
10/15 Arts Supplement Restrictive EA, 11/1 Restrictive EA, 12/1 Arts
Supplement RD, 1/3 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-790, CR 680-780, W 690-790
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.stanford.edu
Stanford University Supplement #1
Type
Question
Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or
experience that has been important to your intellectual development.
Length
100-250 words
Type
Question
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 -- know you better.
Length
100-250 words
Type
Question
What matters to you, and why?
Length
100-250 words
Type
Question
Briefly respond to the following seven inquiries so we can get to know you
better. Do not feel compelled to use complete sentences.
A) Name your favorite books, authors, films, and/or artists. (50 words
maximum)
B) What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (50 words
maximum)
C) What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words
maximum)
D) How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words maximum)
E) What were your favorite events (e.g., performances, exhibits, competitions,
conferences, etc.) in recent years? (50 words maximum)
F) What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
(50 words maximum)
G) What five words best describe you? (5-10 words)
Length
Any limits provided are stated above
Type
Question
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
Length
50-150 words
TUFTS UNIVERSITY | Medford, MA
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 1/1 ED #2, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 680-760, CR 680-760, W 690-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.tufts.edu
Tufts University Supplement #1
Type
Question
There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in
which you were raisedyour family, home, neighborhood or communityand
how it influenced the person you are today.
Length
200-250 words
Type
Required for all applicants except those applying to the SMFA at Tufts BFA
program or the Five-Year BFA + BA/BS program
Question
Which aspects of Tufts curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your
application? In short: Why Tufts?
Length
50-100 words
Type
Required for all applicants except those applying to the SMFA at Tufts BFA
program or the Five-Year BFA + BA/BS program
Question
Answer ONE of the following questions. Think outside the box: take a risk and
go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it but feel
comfortable being playful if that suits you, too.
A) Nelson Mandela believed that "what counts in life is not the mere fact that
we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that
will determine the significance of the life we lead." Describe a way in which
you have made or hope to make a difference
B) It's cool to be smart. Tell us about the subjects or ideas that excite your
intellectual curiosity.
C) Whether youve built blanket forts or circuit boards, created crayon
masterpieces or mixed media art installations, tell us: what have you invented,
engineered, or designed? Or what do you hope to?
D) What makes you happy?
E) Celebrate the role of sports in your life.
Length
200-250 words
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Uses its own Application
Deadlines:
11/30 RD
University of California Question #1
Type
Question
There are 8 essay question options, 4 of which applicants must respond to,
and all are of equal importance in the admissions process. Each response is
limited to a maximum of 350 words.
A) Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have
positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group
efforts over time.
B) 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.
C) What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you
developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
D) Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational
opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
E) 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?
F) Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced
you.
G) What have you done to make your school or your community a better
place?
H) What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates
applying to the University of California?
Length
350 words maximum
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | Chicago, IL
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1 & EA, 1/1 ED #2 & RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 710-790, CR 720-800, W 710-780
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.uchicago.edu
University of Chicago Supplement #1
Type
Question
Choose ONE of the following questions:
A) What is square one, and can you actually go back to it?
Inspired by Maya Shaked, Class of 2018
B) Once, renowned physicist Werner Heisenberg said: There is a

fundamental error in separating the parts from the whole, the mistake of
atomizing what should not be atomized. Unity and complementarity constitute
reality. Whether its Georges Seurats pointillism in A Sunday on La Grande
Jatte, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, quantum physics, or any other field of your
choosing, when can the parts be separated from the whole and when can
they not?
Inspired by Ender Sahin, Class of 2020
C) The ball is in your courta penny for your thoughts, but say it, dont spray
it. So long as you dont bite off more than you can chew, beat around the
bush, or cut corners, writing this essay should be a piece of cake. Create your
own idiom, and tell us its originyou know, the whole nine yards. PS: A
picture is worth a thousand words.
Inspired by April Bell, Class of 2017, and Maya Shaked, Class of 2018 (It
takes two to tango.)
D) Alice falls down the rabbit hole. Milo drives through the tollbooth. Dorothy is
swept up in the tornado. Neo takes the red pill. Dont tell us about another
world youve imagined, heard about, or created. Rather, tell us about its
portal. Sure, some people think of the University of Chicago as a portal to
their future, but please choose another portal to write about.
Inspired by Raphael Hallerman, Class of 2020
E) Vestigiality refers to genetically determined structures or attributes that
have apparently lost most or all of their ancestral function, but have been
retained during the process of evolution. In humans, for instance, the
appendix is thought to be a vestigial structure. Describe something vestigial
(real or imagined) and provide an explanation for its existence.
Inspired by Tiffany Kim, Class of 2020
F) In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, pose your own question or choose one
of our past prompts. 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. You can find our past prompts here:
http://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/essay/past-essay-questions
Length
1-2 pages (This essay can be uploaded)
University of Chicago Supplement #2
Type
Question
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.
Length
A file of 500 KB maximum (This essay can be uploaded)
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | Philadelphia, PA

Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/5 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 690-780, CR 670-770, W 690-780
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Supplement #1
Type
Question
How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University
of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific
undergraduate school to which you are applying.
*For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree programs, please
answer this question in regards to your single-degree school choice. Interest
in coordinated dual-degree programs will be addressed through those
program-specific essays.
Length
400-650 words
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | Los Angeles, CA
Deadlines:
12/1 Scholarships, 1/15 RD, See USC Website for Program-specific
Deadlines
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 660-760, CR 620-720, W 640-740
ACT Middle 50%:
29-33
Website:
http://www.usc.edu
University of Southern California Supplement #1
Type
Question
Please respond to ONE of the prompts below.
A) USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different
backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were
exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point
of view.
B) Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which
you are interested in learning.
C) What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you?
Length
250 words maximum
Type
Question
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel
free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.
Length
250 words maximum
Type
Question
Please respond to ALL of the following. These questions have no right or
wrong answers.
A) Describe yourself in three words (25 characters each)
B) What is your favorite snack? (100 characters maximum)
C) Favorite app/website (100 characters maximum)
D) Best movie of all time (100 characters maximum)
E) Hashtag to describe yourself (100 characters maximum)
F) Dream job (100 characters maximum)
G) What is your theme song? (100 characters maximum)

H) Dream trip (100 characters maximum)
I) What TV show will you binge watch next? (100 characters maximum)
J) Place you are most content (100 characters maximum)
Length
Any limits provided are stated above
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | Charlottesville, VA

There are additional essays for the Jefferson Scholarship Program, but they are
available only after the student has been nominated.
Deadlines:
11/1 EA, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 630-740, CR 620-720, W 620-720
ACT Middle 50%:
28-33
Website:
http://www.virginia.edu
University of Virginia Supplement #1
Type
Question
We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of
scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to
the school/program to which you are applying in a half page or roughly 250
words.
A) College of Arts and Sciences: What work of art, music, science,
mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in
what way?
B) School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: If you were given funding for
a small engineering project that would make everyday life better for one friend
or family member, what would you do?
C) Kinesiology Program: Discuss experiences that led you to choose the

kinesiology major.
D) School of Nursing: Discuss experiences that led you to choose the School
of Nursing.
E) School of Architecture: Describe an instance or place where you have been
inspired by architecture or design.
Length
Approximately 250 words (half page)
University of Virginia Supplement #2
Type
Question
Answer ONE of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words:
A) Whats your favorite word and why?
B) We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions.
Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
C) Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and
initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura
Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which
facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of
traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you
explore and why?
D) 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?
Length
Approximately 250 words (half page)
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY | Middletown, CT
Deadlines:
11/15 ED #1, 1/1 ED #2, RD & Freeman Scholar Program
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 650-740, CR 640-740, W 650-760
ACT Middle 50%:
29-33
Website:
http://www.wesleyan.edu
YALE UNIVERSITY | New Haven, CT
Deadlines:
11/1 Restrictive EA, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-800, CR 710-800, W 710-790
ACT Middle 50%:
31-35
Website:
http://www.yale.edu
Yale University Supplement #1
Type
Question
Please reflect on something you would like us to know about you that we
might not learn from the rest of your application, or on something about which
you would like to say more. You may write about anythingfrom personal
experiences or goals to interests or intellectual pursuits.
Length
500 words maximum
Type
Question
Students at Yale have plenty of 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.
Why do these areas appeal to you?
Length
Approximately 100 words
Type
Question
Why does Yale appeal to you?
Length
100 words maximum
Type
Question
Please respond in just a few words (no more than 50 characters) to each of
the questions below:
A) The two qualities I most admire in other people are
B) I am most proud of
C) I couldn't live without
D) Who or what inspires you?
E) What do you wish you were better at being or doing?
F) Most Yale freshmen live in suites of four to six students. What would you
contribute to the dynamic of your suite?
Length
50 characters maximum for each response

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ESSAY PROMPTS

COMMON APPLICATION ESSAY QUESTIONS

Amherst College Supplement #1

untranslated. - Ilan Stavans, Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture,

Required for all applicants

CORNELL UNIVERSITY | Ithaca, NY

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES:

Unusual circumstances in your life

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY | Baltimore, MD

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY | New York, NY

Northwestern University Supplement #1

Rice University Supplement #3

B) Once, renowned physicist Werner Heisenberg said: There is a

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | Philadelphia, PA

G) What is your theme song? (100 characters maximum)

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | Charlottesville, VA

C) Kinesiology Program: Discuss experiences that led you to choose the

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