Common App Essay: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others (650 words).

Fweeeeeee! It's Sunday morning, and I hear my tea boiling. I drink tea knowing someone in Taiwan drinks chai at the same time; I’m fascinated by the connection across cultures and countries manifest i

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

2. It was usual Uber small talk until I told the driver I’m interested in diplomacy. Even though this was two years before October 7th he was aware of issues in Israel and Gaza, and claimed "diplomacy

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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.

Die Tagesschau; The Veritasium Youtube Channel; Philosophy: paradox and discovery; The Poetry Foundation Poem of the Day; Duolingo Podcasts; The 3Blue1Brown YouTube channel; GCSE ‘Power and Conflict

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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.

For the past three New Years, I’ve resolved to write a song, but it’s never as simple as I expect. I’ve expressed myself through poetry, where enjambment explores the fear of “driving while black” t

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In college, 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).

My grandmother told me if I’m queer she “won’t accept it but still love me,” leaving thirteen year old me angry and confused. For years, I dreaded going to her house because I felt like it was a matte

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

Columbia’s core will help me develop interpersonal skills, while your organizations will let me apply them; those skills will be crucial in becoming a diplomat. Everyone taking Lit-Hum at the same t

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What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College?

After Columbia, I’m going back to Perú– like I promised my host-brother [Name Redacted]. [Name Redacted] taught me about his native language, but expressed disappointment that his school doesn’t let h

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We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 words)

Maybe the Nietzche I read on the way there wore off on me, because normally I wouldn’t say, “it feels like there's no point to this INROADS stuff.” Thankfully, my roommate at the INROADS NCA event had

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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. (650 words)

“Let’s talk about Sharon Dodua Otoo,” I said, beginning [school name redacted] Global’s Black History Month meeting. Running this club has been my main avenue to explore international relations, and I

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Personal experiences short essay

I was wrong to say “it feels like there's no point to this INROADS stuff,” but I’m glad I did because my roommate at the INROADS NCA event had a valuable response: “I think they’re tryna give us the o

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Optional short essay questions 2) Interdisciplinary culture 2) Interdisciplinary culture

Thinking out of the Text (PHIL 207) Imagine MUN, but we’re philosophers instead of countries. You can pick any philosopher to play throughout the quarter. Except for Nietzsche, I call him. First

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At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans (required for all applicants; 100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).

Maybe all the Neitzche I read on the way there wore off on me, because normally I would never say “it feels like there's no point to this INROADS stuff”. I’m glad I did though, because my roommate a

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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; 100 word minimum; 500 word maximum)?

My favorite movie set up a question that's been with me since watching. What do you want from theory alone? Oppenheimer helped me realize theory and experience don't always agree, but both are nec

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Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

GT is the place for me to learn International Affairs because the emphasis on rigorous analysis will expose me to a nuanced and accurate understanding of the intricacy that makes me love IA.  I want

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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)

I’ve always seen global politics as a complex puzzle, where endless factors—economy, alliances, and the environment—interact. Yet, a conversation with an Uber driver two years ago introduced doubt.

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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).

I started sweating when my Grandmother talked about sins. I knew in the black community, especially older people, homosexuality is often seen as anti-Christian. On cue, she explained the sin of homose

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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)

Patience is not a virtue, at least in Quizbowl. For a long time I struggled with indecisiveness, feeling I had to know everything before making a decision. That lasted until my friend invited me t

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What three words best describe you? (3 words)

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Most meaningful extracurricular commitment

“Let’s talk Sharon Dodua Otoo,” I said, starting [School Redacted] Global’s Black History Month meeting. Halfway through, as members asked questions and shared insights, I realized why the officers an

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If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?

Thinking Outside of the Text: Imagine MUN, but we’re philosophers instead of countries. Pick any philosopher to play throughout the semester. I’m Nietzsche though. First, I’ll match his internat

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Why Brown?

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Social and Community Question Topic 1 Social or Community Question Response

After months of using Excel to analyze venues, maximize capacity, find A/V, and otherwise plan 12 the Visiones benefit, there was still one surprise. I expected to help other kids start their care

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Trustee Scholars Essay Topic 1 Trustee Scholars Essay Response

“History has its eyes on you” (Hamilton). When I was studying American history, I’d play Hamilton songs for motivation. So, when I heard Amanda Gorman reference that line during the inauguration, I se

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I am applying to Tufts because...

of [Name Redacted], my Peruvian host-brother. He taught me about his native language, Quechua, but expressed disappointment that his school forbids him from speaking it, instead mandating Spanish fo

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

I started sweating when my Grandmother talked about sins. I knew in the black community, especially older people, homosexuality is often seen as anti-Christian. On cue, she explained the sin of homo

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

For the past 3 New Year’s, my resolution has been to write a song. To me, songs represent the most modern way to express culture, identity, and experience. When I listen to “United in Grief,” I hear K

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Why Yale

When I read about the CC program, I imagined exchanging hometowns with some of the 2,841 international Yalies. Similarly, Laura Binenbojm’s Yale Daily News article charmed me with the joy she foun

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SAQ 1. What inspires you?

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SAQ 2. If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? (200 characters max)

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SAQ 3. Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? (200 characters max).

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SAQ 4: What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters max)

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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 a time when you have worked to enhance a community to which you feel connected. Why have these efforts been 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?

#3: I started sweating when my Grandmother talked about sins. I knew in the black community, especially among older people, homosexuality is often seen as anti-Christian. On cue, she explained the s

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