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.

All my life, I have been poking, observing, and questioning the world. My parents endued me with curiosity from childhood I now can’t help but share. I treasure memories of engineering sandcastles wit

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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. - Was there a time when you stepped up and took the role of leader in a group, team, family and/or work setting? Briefly describe the experience, then explore what that experience meant to you. - How did you grow from that leadership experience? What, if any impact did that have in other places in your life?

The orchestra is a monumental exercise in teamwork: every member must be prepared to articulate the most delicate nuances woven throughout a work, while acutely taking leadership initiative from where

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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. - Give an example of your creativity (do not limit yourself by conventional definitions). - Was there ever a problem where your imagination and intuition guided you to the solution? What was the problem, how did you arrive at a solution, what was the outcome? - Do you have a creative passion? What have you gained from this passion that has affected other parts of your life or the life of those around you?

While I love to write, draw, and compose music, I also enjoy enterprising. My brain is a flexible algorithm: I'm always pursuing the most economical path, whether that's devising shortcuts in calculus

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6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. - Does this academic interest relate to activities or interest outside the classroom? - Might the academic area tie in some way to your major or career path? If so, how and why is that important to you? - What sparks your desire to learn?

I. LOVE. MAPS! So much so that my entire Instagram explore page is chock-full of them, depicting anything from average beef consumption per capita, to British parliamentary races, to deforestation in

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8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? - Look at your transcript, resume and daily routine. Is there anything that you need to clarify, explain, or elaborate on which we won’t find in another PIQ? - What did we not ask in the application that reflects on who you are as a student inside and/or outside of the classroom?

Dec. 24th, Boyle Heights, East LA: Navidad at my abuelita's house, when all my 13 tios and tias came together to celebrate. While I reflect fondly on obliterating pinatas with my cousins and making le

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What field of study appeals to you the most right now?* (100 /100)

The application of programming and GIS to visualize pedestrian collision data to advocate for active transportation infrastructure introduced me to the potential of planning + computer science. I’m e

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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.* (223/225)

Strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, almonds, and orange juice. Measure portions, pop them in the blender, and… presto! I love smoothie making. As a pro-smoothie-maker, I've fostered resourcefulness and

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Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?* (224/225)

On National Walk and Bike to School Day in 3rd grade, I begged my parents to let me ride my bike to school: “Why not?” “It’s too dangerous.” When a friend’s brother was killed by a car while cycling

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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.* (223/225)

Last year, my European History teacher asked me to host weekly workshops for AP test preparation and credit recovery opportunities: David, Michelangelo 1504. “*Why* is this the answer?” my tutee ask

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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?* (220/225)

Reed Making Journey: I slathered the string with bee’s wax as I bound the cane to the staple. Three… Nine… Twenty-seven times I wrapped the cane with the spool. My first reed was crooked, but at least

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If you think that additional information about your family will give us a more thorough impression of your background, please include it here. (148/150)

A strong literary culture proliferated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and continues in Mexico today. My mom carried this tradition from her family to ours. We enjoy everything language: reciting poems,

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If you have or had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (including disruptions due to COVID-19), please tell us about them here. (93/150)

During COVID, my school switched to a quarter system wherein AP classes lasted the entire year, alternating between "AP" and "Honors Colloquium," and all other classes alternated quarters; for instanc

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If there is anything we should know about your school's grading system or course offerings, please use the space below. (137/250)

Because my school limited the total number of AP courses I could take during COVID, I began exploring subjects independently at the local community college (CC). I delved into US History in 9th grade

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If you have or had any extenuating circumstances regarding your activities (including disruptions due to COVID-19), please tell us about them here. (74/150)

Covid-19 ended the entirety of my swimming and water polo commitments that I had in and prior to 9th grade. To continue staying active during Lockdown, I took an interest in long-distance urban cyclin

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Harvard Additional Essay (No Word Count): A prompt of your choice

My mother and I went to visit a Cezanne exhibit at the Tate Museum in London when we visited in November, 2022. We were impressed by the sheer magnitude of works; it is not often that a special artist

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Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (150 words)

Leisure Reading: Silent Spring—Rachel Carson The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—Douglas Adams The Old Man and the Sea—Ernest Hemingway Blood Meridian, The Road—Cormac McCarthy Die Welt von Gestern—S

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Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

After learning to play viola with Save Our Kids Music (SOKM) from 3rd-8th grade, I returned to volunteer in 9th. Noticing a dire need for instructors I recruited several former SOKM members and we bui

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What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)

Lack of mobility, in all its forms: education, employment, economically, physically, and socially. Many environments are exclusionary and inaccessible, often intentionally so. Society’s greatest chall

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How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)

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What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)

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

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

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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. (100 to 250 words)

I went to visit a Cezanne exhibit at the Tate Museum in London when I visited last November. At first—when I mimicked other visitors by standing directly in front of the various paintings in the gall

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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 — know you better. (100 to 250 words)

You know, we don’t know much about each other yet, so here’s a silly little story about me to get us started: (TW: arachnoids!) Once upon a time, I was thirsting… for water… (obviously). Naturally, I

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Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (100 to 250 words)

Language: A strong literary culture proliferated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and continues in Mexico today. My mom carried this tradition from her family to ours. We enjoy everything language: recit

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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)* (75/75)

Silent Spring, Rachel Carson; The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs; The Color of Law, Richard Rothstein; The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams; Death in the Aftern

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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)*

YouTube: Tapakapa Erklärt Zeidgenosse Kurzgesagt Arqui.Cultura CGP Grey AlternateHistoryHub Historia Civilis Real Engineering The B1M City Beautiful Data Sources: Berkeley’s Transportation

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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. (200 words or fewer)* (198/200)

Setting: A strong literary culture proliferated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica that continues in Mexico today. My mom carried this tradition from her family to ours. We enjoy everything language: recit

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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. (200 words or fewer)* (196/200)

Columbia’s Core offers me the ability to study literature, philosophy, history, sociology, as well as physical sciences—merging my appreciation of the humanities with my vocational pursuits. Small cla

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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. (188/200) [Civil Engineering]

On National Walk and Bike to School Day in 3rd grade, I begged my parents to let me ride my bike to school: “Why not?” “It’s too dangerous.” When a friend’s brother was killed by a car while cycli

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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)*

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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!) (199/200)*

Hi [Redacted], Wow! Our friendship has blossomed since middle school but I haven’t written you a proper thank you. In many ways, I see myself in you; after all, you know I’m a bit eccentric (and quit

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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. (200/200 words)*

Setting: Boyle Heights, East LA: Navidad festivities with my extended family enliven my abuelita’s house. Piñatas and singing Las Posadas mixed with American Football and Christmas carols. My family

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Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, describe how you intend to explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania. (199/200 words)*

Advocacy is intertwined with studying the built environment. At Penn, I eagerly anticipate the Academically Based Community Service Courses, in particular, Tutoring in Urban Public Elementary Schools:

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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.

“City building minecraft server.” As I pressed enter, who could've guessed the community I'd discover from such a simple query. In 2016, I joined Project City Build (PCB). I befriended an internationa

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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)*(299/300)

On National Walk and Bike to School Day in 3rd grade, I begged my parents to let me ride my bike to school: “Why not?” “It’s too dangerous.” When a friend’s brother was killed by a car while cycling

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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?*(298/300)

Collaboration, exploration, and innovation will characterize my college education to retrofit existing and design new urban infrastructure systems to offer mobility options to improve health, and soci

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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).* (295/300)

Language: A strong literary culture proliferated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and continues in Mexico today. My mom carried this tradition from her family to ours. We enjoy everything language: recit

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

Tech’s Civil Engineering specialization in Construction and Infrastructure Systems Engineering would be a perfect fit for my career and research interests. I intend to take full advantage of Tech’s du

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Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in 150 words or fewer)* (145/150)

After learning to play viola with Save Our Kids Music (SOKM) from 3rd-8th grade, I returned to volunteer in 9th grade. Noticing a dire need for instructors, I recruited several former SOKM members and

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Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.* (250/250)

On National Walk and Bike to School Day in 3rd grade, I begged my parents to let me ride my bike to school: “Why not?” “It’s too dangerous.” When a friend’s brother was killed by a car while cycling

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What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?* (49/50)

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What brings you joy? * (50/50)

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What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?* (50/50)

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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 about 250 words or fewer)* (249/250)

The synthesis of creativity and technical expertise to effect positive change in the built environment fascinates me, which is why I’d like to study civil engineering. At Princeton, because of my inte

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Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (100-150 words)*

I’m interested in the synthesis of creativity and technical expertise to effect positive change in the built environment, which is why, at Tufts, I’d like to pursue a minor in urban studies and a majo

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