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?

I shoveled one last bite of congee, washed my bowl, and searched for the buzzing phone I habitually misplaced. “Zhang Xinyue, you’re done already?” Mama puzzled in Mandarin. “You barely ate.” “I ha

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Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. (350 words)

What makes writing good? Pondering this question in freshman year, I often stared at my creative writing pieces with confusion. School had drilled the basics of clear evidence and analysis, but when e

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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. (350 words)

Given our divergent tongues, my mom and I struggled to communicate well. Chinese subtleties flew over my head, and we couldn't agree on common English definitions. We had to simplify our words like sq

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What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (350 words)

My steps echoed across the looming hallway as I counted the room numbers that passed by. Turning the corner, I finally found the right door. "[Name Redacted]-Superintendent," the sign menaced. Quelli

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What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (350 words)

"As immigrants passed through Ellis Island, we welcomed them with the Statue of Liberty," Ms. [Name Redacted] declared proudly. Throughout APUSH, however, I failed to locate myself in that "we." Asian

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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)

“Adopting Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, we declared freedom from King George,” Ms. [Name Redacted] announced proudly. Throughout APUSH, however, I failed to locate myself in that “we.” Whil

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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)

Hullo my Roomie-to-be!! I have a confession… I love pseudoscience. In my room, rose quartz, citrine, and amethyst lay piled on my desk while my candles form a mantric circle around them. Following b

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Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (250 words)

I distributed paper as club members screeched their desks into a circle. “Is everyone ready?” I chimed. A wave of silent nods responded as stiffness punctuated the air. Hoping to enliven the room, I s

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Why do these areas appeal to you? (125 words or fewer) - Sociology

As I pored over Yuval Harari’s Sapiens, a quote captivated my eye: “There are no gods, no nations, no money and no human rights, except in our collective imagination.” Fascinated, I read on, learning

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

I struggle to remember GPS directions to anywhere except my house, but luckily for me, Yale embraces exploration and unexpected right turns. Alongside podcast extraordinaire Laurie Santos, I admire Y

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Yale’s extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead. Tell us about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Why are you drawn to it? (250 words)

“Adopting Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, we declared freedom from King George,” Ms. [Name Redacted] announced proudly. Throughout APUSH, however, I failed to locate myself in that “we.” Whil

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Reflect on a community to which you feel connected. Why is it meaningful to you? You may define community however you like. (250 words)

I distributed paper as club members screeched their desks into a circle. “Is everyone ready?” I chimed. A wave of silent nods responded as stiffness punctuated the air. Hoping to enliven the room, I s

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​​What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (250 words)

I distributed paper as club members screeched their desks into a circle. “Is everyone ready?” I chimed. Worn from a busy-week at school, a wave of silent nods responded. Hoping to enliven the room, I

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Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit)

As the pandemic disrupted traditional classrooms, I marveled at my teachers’ innovation. When interviewing them for the school newspaper, I learned how they tested online resources and discovered nove

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