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? (650 words)

I remember feeling powerless, hopeless, and sad as I watched the matriarch of our family succumb to stage four pancreatic cancer. I called her “Nanny,” and she was my grandmother. The strong arms that

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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)

A five-foot-long piece of wood with a protruding mouthpiece rested on my lap as I desperately searched YouTube for a video on how to assemble it. My younger hands barely reached the finger positions,

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Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. (350 words)

The feeling hits me like a rush—my tongue and jaw freeze in place. Attempts to speak result in temporary gibberish- maybe the first syllable or sound of a word comes out. My cheeks feel heavy, and my

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Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. (350 words)

I was introduced to bioengineering in middle school. It captivated me from the start, a science that could help me understand the world and introduce me to a field of endless unknown possibilities. Re

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

“Community Helpline, this is Brandon. Who am I speaking with today?” That’s how it always starts. Picking up the phone, I’m comforted with saying that line; it gets me into the mood for my role as a

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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)

I sat in my dorm, shirt off, 2 AM, on a black swivel chair. My roommate and I waited patiently, and when our three other friends arrived, I let them in, holding the door handle down until the door was

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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)

Yo Yo Yo! What’s up, roomie? Firstly, snacks are a must-have in our dorm. Mostly stuff packed with calories like granola bars and Hot Cheetos. I ABSOLUTELY can’t stand being hungry and always keep my

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

Is there a place of paradise? Where everything is perfect? Where all desires are met and stress is irrelevant? I’ve been searching for that perfect place my whole life. When I was younger and played

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Most significant challenge society faces (50 words)

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Last two summers (50 words)

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What historical event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words)

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

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Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50 words)

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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 your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. Please discuss the significance of this event and its importance to you. (250 words)

I sat in my dorm, shirt off, 2 AM, on a black swivel chair. My roommate and I waited patiently, and when our three other friends arrived, I let them in, holding the door handle down until the door was

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Describe how you want 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. (250 words)

My brother lost the cute smile on his chubby face, and suddenly his body went still. His face grimaced and his arm had a spasm like he was possessed by an unholy spirit. His first epileptic episode ke

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The word “education” can take on a variety of meanings. To some, receiving a high school or college diploma is the ultimate mark of being “educated,” while others take a different view. Looking past receiving a diploma, what does it mean to you personally to be “educated”? What standards will you put in place to define whether or not you’ve obtained a great education? (250 words).

Let’s say I make a robot. I want to make the smartest robot in the world and to do so, I program it with all the knowledge of the most intelligent people in the world, making it able to answer any que

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