university of oregon supplemental essay 2024

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Two Ways to Apply

There are two ways for undergraduates to apply to the University of Oregon, depending on your status as an incoming student. Your application will be treated no differently, regardless of which option you use. Please let us know if we can help you complete your application.

Common Application

This application is for:

• International Students

Go to Common Application

Oregon Application

• Transfer Students

Go to Oregon Application

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Application Information

Learn about applicant-specific requirements, deadlines, and resources, as well as helpful checklists and answers to frequently asked questions.

I AM A PROSPECTIVE:

Some say it’s where you are that matters most..

The feel of a place. The smell of fresh rain and fir trees. Is it a place? Or is it the people? It’s a sense of purpose that takes flight and a sense of a belonging that runs deep. It’s original, and unexpected. Ground breaking, and world class. Research, discovery, innovation, and exploration. The environment, the community, the interests you awaken… it’s sand, sun, wind and snow. And if anyone asks, it never rains… Some say it’s the place, others say it’s the people.

We just say … it’s Oregon.

What makes the UO unique?

There’s something about this place.

This place feels familiar, green, and friendly. But also modern, totally connected, and vibrant. It’s kind of perfect—an extraordinary academic community surrounded by a quintessential college town. The best way to get to know the UO—and Eugene—is to experience it for yourself.

Schedule a Visit

Application Requirements

Applications for fall 2025 are open.

So, what goes into your application to Penn? We've broken down each component for you below!

To be Submitted BY Your Application Deadline:

Application forms.

Penn accepts applications from the Common App and Coalition Application . We have no preference for either format and treat both applications equally in our process. We encourage you to review the features of each application format and use the platform that suits you best. You should submit only one application per admissions cycle and not mix-and-match across platforms.

Penn is also a proud QuestBridge partner institution and participates in the National College Match program for high-achieving students with significant financial need. We will accept the QuestBridge Application from QuestBridge National College Match Finalists and non-finalists alike in lieu of the Common App or the Coalition Application.

We encourage you to learn more about QuestBridge and the National College Match program .

These applications will include prompts to share:

• autobiographical information about you and your family
• how you spend your time inside and outside of school
• your accomplishments
• your personal essay, which is sent to most schools

Application Fee or Fee Waiver

The application fee to apply to Penn is $75. If paying the application fee is a significant financial burden for you and your family, please request an application fee waiver through either your Common App or the Coalition Application in the “fee waiver” section.

Penn-Specific Essays and Short Answers

2024-25 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to a specific undergraduate school. Some of our coordinated dual-degree or specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree school choice.

Students will be asked to respond to the following three prompts in their application to Penn:

• 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!) (150-200 words, only required for first-year applicants)
• How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
• The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section).

Official High School Transcript and School Report (SR)

You will need to request that an official transcript is sent by a school counselor or another school official for all high schools you have attended. 

Your counselor will also need to submit a School Report form (available on the Common App or Coalition Application website). You may need to invite your school counselor or another school official to complete these steps.

Letters of Recommendation

Your counselor or another school official will need to send a Counselor Recommendation on your behalf. You will also need to request recommendation letters from two other teachers OR one teacher and a non-academic supporter.   

Early Decision Agreement (only if applying for Early Decision)

If you decide to apply through the Early Decision round, you, your parent or guardian, and your counselor will be prompted to sign and submit an Early Decision Agreement form which confirms you will attend Penn if you are admitted. 

Financial Aid Materials

To apply for financial aid, you will need to submit a separate application for aid in addition to your application for admission. Here’s what you’ll need to submit: 

• FAFSA 
• CSS Profile 
• Penn Financial Aid Supplement (PFAS) 
• Federal Tax Returns 

Standardized Testing (Optional for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle)

Penn will not require applicants to submit the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests for the 2024-25 application cycle. This applies to both first-year and transfer applicants. If you decide not to submit SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Test scores, you will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. Students who are able to take the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject Tests and wish to report them may continue with that plan.

• Early Decision: Last Test Dates Accepted—October 2024 (ACT) or November 2024 (SAT)
• Regular Decision: Last Test Dates Accepted—December 2024 (ACT) or December 2024 (SAT)

Alumni Conversations

Penn alumni make efforts to arrange informational conversations with applicants to provide an opportunity to get to know the Penn alumni community and for applicants to share information about themselves. These optional conversations are not evaluative and are subject to alumni volunteer availability . After you submit your application, keep an eye on your email for an invitation to interview with an alum. You are not required to have this conversation, but it can be a great opportunity to learn more about you, and for you to learn more about Penn! 

• Early Decision:  Mid-October–Early December 
• Regular Decision:  December–Early March 

Supplementary Materials (Optional)

All of the information that we feel is crucial in making an admission decision is included within our required documents. While most students who apply to Penn do not submit supplemental materials, you may choose to share other materials if you feel there is information essential to your application which was not able to be captured within the required documents. 

To be Submitted AFTER Your Application Deadline:

Mid-year report.

Ask your school counselor or another school official to complete and submit your mid-year school report when your grades become available. Your mid-year report should include your grades for the end of your first semester of 12th grade. If you have already completed high school by November/December and we already have your grades, you will not need to submit this.

• Early Decision:  Required by February 15, 2025 (for deferred applicants only) 
• Regular Decision:  Must be submitted directly by your high school as soon as mid-year grades are available 

Final Transcript (for matriculating students)

If you are accepted and decide to enroll at Penn, matriculating students must submit their final transcript for the end of their 12th grade semester in June. 

Verification Policy

All application materials, unless otherwise stated, must be official and sent directly to the University or the University’s designated application platform from an official source (e.g., high school), not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the following exceptions: submissions by government and partner organizations and/or submissions by non-profit, community-based organizations when schools are unable to provide this information on behalf of the student.  

Applicants are required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to the University of Pennsylvania. Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants and/or school officials may be required to assist Penn Admissions in the verification of application documents and statements.  

All applicants to the University of Pennsylvania must confirm on their application that they understand and agree to adhere to the above expectations. Questions about this policy can be directed to Penn Admissions at  [email protected] .  

Submitting Supporting Documents

If sending supporting documents via email, they should be sent to  [email protected] . 

If sending supporting documents via mail, they should be sent to:  3535 Market Street, Suite 850  Philadelphia, PA 19104 

Writing the University of Oregon Optional Supplemental Essay

Written by Sara Calvert-Kubrom on October 17th, 2018

• essay prompts ,
• writing college essays ,
• Reflect on what it means to be a Duck, who you are, and what you would contribute to the campus. Essentially, demonstrate why you are a strong fit for Oregon and why Oregon is a strong fit for you. For my sister-in-law (a very proud alumnus), she was raised cheering for Duck football in Autzen Stadium and watching the rich life-long friendships her parents formed during their time as students at Oregon. She was drawn to the sense of community, the diversity of academic options, and a sorority with a rich commitment to community service and engagement. In exploring this topic, I encourage you to review Oregon’s mission statement and explore information about “ Duck Life ” and academics so that you can highlight specific examples of how you are an excellent fit and ways that you will impact the community.
• Reflect on your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion. A close friend of mine who attended Oregon is especially proud of the university’s recent dedication to equity and inclusion and the robust scholarly and student life programming focused on welcoming and embracing all forms of diversity. As you reflect on your own experiences with diversity (this could be from your experiences based on your own identity, or through interacting with others), review the Equity and Inclusion website to learn about campus initiatives, statistics, and programming. In this prompt, connect your experiences with examples of how you would contribute to Oregon’s efforts around equity and inclusion. Be specific.

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4 Tips for Writing the University of California Essays

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University of Notre Dame

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Ready to Write Your App Essays? Advice from an Admissions Counselor on the Notre Dame Supplement

Published: August 01, 2024

Author: Maria Finan

Now that the applications have officially opened for the 2024-2025 application cycle, you may be eager to dive into working on your essays. Hopefully, you’ve been able to spend some time thinking about your personal statement, which will be shared with all of the colleges you apply to this year. Like many universities, Notre Dame also has its own supplemental writing section , which gives applicants an opportunity to share more about themselves and what they’re looking for in their college experience.

You will respond to one (1) required short essay question and three (3) short-answer responses from the five options listed below.

You will have up to 150 words to respond to the short essay question, and 50-100 words to respond to the short answer questions.

There is no magic combination of questions that you should respond to—pick the prompts that will best enable you to share more about yourself, your values, and what makes you unique! We value each student’s distinct lived experiences and can’t wait to learn more about you from your supplemental responses.

If you’re struggling with what to write about, here are some suggestions to get you started!

The Short Essay - Required

Prompt: Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

This question is as much about you as it is about what you’re looking for from your college experience.

Think about what you’re looking for in your future university.

• Do you want to attend a faith-based Catholic university like Notre Dame?
• Are you drawn to a school that has a strong community and residential life experience?
• Does your future home need to be a place where serving others and working for the betterment of society are important values?
• Are you someone who wants to conduct undergraduate research?
• Do you want a spirited environment full of tradition and an engaged student body?
• Are you seeking a collaborative academic environment?
• What programs or activities or opportunities are you specifically hoping to participate in when you get to college?
• What values do you hold that you hope your future institution will also exemplify?

There’s no right answer to this prompt, but if you take some time to think about it, there are likely a few things that are driving you to apply to Notre Dame. Take this opportunity to reflect on them and share how you hope to engage with such “non-negotiable” factors during your time as an undergraduate student.

The Short Answer Questions - Choose 3

How does faith influence the decisions you make?

If faith is a guiding force in your life, this might be one of the questions you’re most excited to respond to this year. As a Catholic university, Notre Dame is guided by our Catholic faith, social teachings, mission, and the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Each student’s faith journey is unique and we invite you to share how faith influences the decisions you make. Whether you’re Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Protestant, another religion, or have your own distinctive version of faith and spirituality, we are excited to hear about how you are guided by your faith.

You may also want to reflect on how your faith has shaped your own sense of mission and values for your life, the role those have played in the decisions you have made, and the path you are hoping to take in the future.

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

There is only one you in the world and we want to hear about who you are and what has shaped you.

There are infinite life experiences that have helped make you who you are, so think about which people, places, communities, and life events have influenced your personal development. This is an opportunity to share your lived experiences with us and to reflect on how you hope to share who you are with the Notre Dame community. Don’t forget to tell us why this/these experiences have been so important in your life.

Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

For students applying to Notre Dame through QuestBridge, this is the second question you will respond to on the Notre Dame supplement.

This question is asking you to reflect on how you care for your community. This may be through service work, advocacy efforts, research with a social justice dimension, allyship actions, policy or curricular change, or even by dedicating your time to your community.

Consider community in a broad sense—it could be your family, your neighborhood, your town or city, your peers, your school, a religious organization, a local service organization, or something else entirely. If you are dedicating your heart and time to others, you are likely fostering service in your community.

What compliment are you most proud of receiving and why does it mean so much to you?

This is an opportunity to share something that someone else has recognized you for (it doesn’t need to be an accomplishment; it can be for an action you took or a trait that you possess).

Oftentimes, the compliments that are most meaningful and memorable are those that we receive for being ourselves. You may want to share who complimented you or what prompted the compliment. This is a moment to let others speak to something important about you and to tell us why that matters so much to you.

What would you fight for?

With the Fighting Irish as our mascot, the Notre Dame community is all about “fighting” for what matters. The University has shared over 100 stories about members of the Notre Dame family who are fighting to bring solutions to a world in need.

This is your opportunity to tell us what (or who) you would fight for at Notre Dame, in your career, in your community, through your research, or in whatever other space in which you hope to make an impact.

Give yourself time to think and write. The best responses usually aren’t the ones written the night before the deadline. Take some time to think about which questions you want to respond to and what you want to share about yourself and then give yourself time to write (and edit)!

It’s always easier to write too much than too little. We’re asking you to be brief in your responses, but it’s often easier to write a little too much and edit your responses down to focus on what’s most important. Make the most of the space you have to respond to these prompts.

Don’t be afraid to pick a different question. You have to respond to the short essay prompt, but if you’re stuck on writing a response to one of the short answer questions, try writing something for one of the other questions. Sometimes, the questions you think you want to respond to may not be the questions you have the best responses to (it’s okay to try different prompts and pick the ones that best reflect who you are and what you value).

Be your authentic self. We want to get to know the real you. The best questions for you to respond to are the ones that reveal your true self. We don’t have favorite questions, but you might just write one of our favorite responses!

Get started on the Notre Dame Writing Supplement.

Maria Finan is a senior assistant director of admissions and counselor for the Bay Area, California, Northern California, Hawaii, Alaska, Hong Kong, and South China. Learn more.

How to Write the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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The University of Michigan is known for its long history as a research institution . A highly ranked public university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan has produced many impressive alumni. These alums range from Michael Phelps to Larry Page to James Earl Jones. But with an 18% acceptance rate and a 1470 average SAT score , the University of Michigan is one of the most competitive public universities in the US. In this blog post, we’ll go over the ins and outs of the University of Michigan supplemental essays. After reading this article, you’ll able to put forward a stronger essay.

The University of Michigan evaluates applications contextually and holistically, seeking students who possess drive, empathy, initiative, and curiosity. Showcasing your unique qualities in a supplemental essay is easier said than done, though. Let’s dive right in.

University of Michigan’s 2023-2024 Prompts

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.  (required for all applicants; 100-300 words).

• 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; 100-550 words)

General Tips

When composing your University of Michigan supplemental essays, you may feel compelled to reuse certain essay drafts for different schools’ essay prompts. If the prompts and word counts are similar, this can work. However, you need to be extremely careful that you are not just reusing the essay, but repurposing it. Unless two universities have identical prompts (and that prompt is not about the university itself), then significant modification to the original essay will be necessary.

For example, the University of Michigan’s first supplemental essay prompt asks you to describe a community you belong to. There are plenty of other colleges (Duke and Yale, for instance) that post supplemental essay questions about community. Those prompts, though, may be focused on different aspects of the concept of community. As you get started in your college admissions process, it can be helpful to note when schools on your list ask similar questions.

When repurposing an essay, perhaps place your old essay next to the document where you’re composing the new essay. Focus on the prompt’s wording, and use the old essay for inspiration. This can be a stronger strategy than copying and editing the old essay. Instead, this strategy should help you focus the new essay on the specific questions asked by the prompt at hand.

University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Questions

This prompt asks the applicant to describe a community they belong to and how they fit into the community. When the admissions committee asks this question, they are seeking to better understand the individual’s identity and how that identity functions in a larger group. Because the applicant is hoping to join the University of Michigan community, the admissions officers are curious to know how the student operates in other communities they are already a part of.

When deciding which community to discuss in this essay, it can be helpful to start with your place in that community. Considering the other elements of your application can also be beneficial. For instance, if you wrote your Common App essay about being a leader, then it might be redundant to discuss a community in this essay in which you are a leader. Because you won’t be a leader in every community at the University of Michigan, the admissions officers might want to see how you function in contexts where you are not the leader.

Further, your application may seem to lack any mention of a cultural identity you hold that is important to you. If so, this might be the right place to dive into that identity and the community that surrounds it. That said, there may not be any obvious gaps or redundancies in your application. In that case, you might just want to pick the community you think you can write about most passionately.

Note how expansively the prompt considers the word “community.” It can be “shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage.” Further, this is a non-exhaustive list. If you have a specific community in mind that is still definitely some kind of group with shared characteristics/values/qualities but doesn’t necessarily fit on this list, you can in fact write about it. Remember to just pick one community , though; the prompt is not seeking a laundry list. Thus, think broadly and specifically. Choose any community that is important to you, but choose one community and explore it deeply.

Lastly, remember to address both parts of the prompt: the community itself and your place within it. This isn’t an essay about what the community means to you (although that topic may come up). Instead, it’s about who you are in your specific community . The admissions officers may also be thinking about the communities you will join if you attend the University of Michigan. Moreover, they will want to understand how you will behave as a member of the student community. Showcasing the qualities you bring to your community, exploring the maturity you have developed in your community, or describing the mutual respect that exists in your community would all be great ways to approach the University of Michigan supplemental essays.

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? (100-550 words)

In this essay prompt, you are expected to describe why the University of Michigan is a great academic fit for you. Let’s break it down.

The admissions committee asks you to share the following three pieces of information:

• “unique qualities” that lead you to want to be a student at
• a “specific undergraduate College or School”
• so that you can further develop/support “your interests.”

In other words, you need to say why (specifically) you would like to study at the University of Michigan; where (specifically) you would like to study; and what interests you would like to support through these studies.

You can take your University of Michigan supplemental essays in a few different directions. For instance, in this essay, you can focus on a specific program or course in the College or School you’re applying to that you would like to get involved in while at the University of Michigan. Then, describe how that program or course would bring you closer to achieving your career goals. Alternatively, you could focus on the unique career outcomes of students in your prospective major. You could go on to explain how your dreams align with those outcomes. To take things in a third direction, you could start with describing your academic interests. Then, explain how your department of interest might support those academic interests.

You may have noticed a common theme in this breakdown so far: specificity. Half the battle with this particular essay is doing thorough and thoughtful research into the programs at the University of Michigan that interest you. Given that the University of Michigan considers applicants’ demonstrated interest, according to the Common Data Set , this essay is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in the University of Michigan.

Taking the time to understand the opportunities available to you at a school doesn’t just help you write your essays. It also helps show the admissions officers how you will fit into their school. Perhaps your fit is not obvious or your interests are an atypical blend of disciplines. Alternatively, maybe you’re worried that your academic interests won’t stand out from the crowd. Whatever the reason, doing your research and being specific in your supplemental essay will go a long way toward emphasizing to the admissions committee how well you’ll fit in at their school.

If you need help polishing up your University of Michigan supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Students Also Read

UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions

The University of Chicago has long been renowned for our provocative essay questions. We think of them as an opportunity for students to tell us about themselves, their tastes, and their ambitions. They can be approached with utter seriousness, complete fancy, or something in between.

Each year we email newly admitted and current College students and ask them for essay topics. We receive several hundred responses, many of which are eloquent, intriguing, or downright wacky.

As you can see from the attributions, the questions below were inspired by submissions from UChicago students and alumni.

2024-25 UChicago Supplement

Question 1 (required).

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.

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one)

Essay option 1.

We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

Essay Option 2

"Ah, but I was so much older then / I'm younger than that now” – Bob Dylan. In what ways do we become younger as we get older? – Inspired by Joshua Harris, Class of 2016

Essay Option 3

Pluto, the demoted planet. Ophiuchus, the thirteenth Zodiac. Andy Murray, the fourth to tennis's Big Three. Every grouping has something that doesn’t quite fit in. Tell us about a group and its unofficial member, why (or why not) should it be excluded? – Inspired by Veronica Chang, Class of 2022

Essay Option 4

"Daddy-o", "Far Out", "Gnarly": the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so "fly" anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you'd bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.” – Inspired by Napat Sakdibhornssup, Class of 2028

Essay Option 5

How many piano tuners are there in Chicago? What is the total length of chalk used by UChicago professors in a year? How many pages of books are in the Regenstein Library? These questions are among a class of estimation problems named after University of Chicago physicist Enrico Fermi. Create your own Fermi estimation problem, give it your best answer, and show us how you got there. – Inspired by Malhar Manek, Class of 2028

Essay Option 6

And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). 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!

Some classic questions from previous years…

Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. Name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – Inspired by Emmett Cho, Class of 2027

“Where have all the flowers gone?” – Pete Seeger. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – Inspired by Ryan Murphy, AB’21

“Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – Inspired by Garrett Chalfin, Class of 2027

Due to a series of clerical errors, there is exactly one typo (an extra letter, a removed letter, or an altered letter) in the name of every department at the University of Chicago. Oops! Describe your new intended major. Why are you interested in it and what courses or areas of focus within it might you want to explore? Potential options include Commuter Science, Bromance Languages and Literatures, Pundamentals: Issues and Texts, Ant History... a full list of unmodified majors ready for your editor’s eye is available here . —Inspired by Josh Kaufman, AB'18

You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they're the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time? —Inspired by Alexander Hastings, Class of 2023, and Olivia Okun-Dubitsky, Class of 2026

Who does Sally sell her seashells to? How much wood can a woodchuck really chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Pick a favorite tongue twister (either originally in English or translated from another language) and consider a resolution to its conundrum using the method of your choice. Math, philosophy, linguistics... it's all up to you (or your woodchuck). —Inspired by Blessing Nnate, Class of 2024

What can actually be divided by zero? —Inspired by Mai Vu, Class of 2024

The seven liberal arts in antiquity consisted of the Quadrivium — astronomy, mathematics, geometry, and music — and the Trivium — rhetoric, grammar, and logic. Describe your own take on the Quadrivium or the Trivium. What do you think is essential for everyone to know? —Inspired by Peter Wang, Class of 2022

Subway maps, evolutionary trees, Lewis diagrams. Each of these schematics tells the relationships and stories of their component parts. Reimagine a map, diagram, or chart. If your work is largely or exclusively visual, please include a cartographer's key of at least 300 words to help us best understand your creation. —Inspired by Maximilian Site, Class of 2020

"Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?" - Eleanor Roosevelt. Misattribute a famous quote and explore the implications of doing so. —Inspired by Chris Davey, AB’13

Engineer George de Mestral got frustrated with burrs stuck to his dog’s fur and applied the same mechanic to create Velcro. Scientist Percy Lebaron Spencer found a melted chocolate bar in his magnetron lab and discovered microwave cooking. Dye-works owner Jean Baptiste Jolly found his tablecloth clean after a kerosene lamp was knocked over on it, consequently shaping the future of dry cleaning. Describe a creative or interesting solution, and then find the problem that it solves. —Inspired by Steve Berkowitz, AB’19, and Neeharika Venuturupalli, Class of 2024

Joan of Arkansas. Queen Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Babe Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mash up a historical figure with a new time period, environment, location, or occupation, and tell us their story. —Inspired by Drew Donaldson, AB’16

Alice falls down the rabbit hole. Milo drives through the tollbooth. Dorothy is swept up in the tornado. Neo takes the red pill. Don’t tell us about another world you’ve 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

What’s so odd about odd numbers? —Inspired by Mario Rosasco, AB’09

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

In French, there is no difference between “conscience” and “consciousness.” In Japanese, there is a word that specifically refers to the splittable wooden chopsticks you get at restaurants. The German word “fremdschämen” encapsulates the feeling you get when you’re embarrassed on behalf of someone else. All of these require explanation in order to properly communicate their meaning, and are, to varying degrees, untranslatable. Choose a word, tell us what it means, and then explain why it cannot (or should not) be translated from its original language. —Inspired by Emily Driscoll, Class of 2018

Little pigs, French hens, a family of bears. Blind mice, musketeers, the Fates. Parts of an atom, laws of thought, a guideline for composition. Omne trium perfectum? Create your own group of threes, and describe why and how they fit together. —Inspired by Zilin Cui, Class of 2018

The mantis shrimp can perceive both polarized light and multispectral images; they have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. Human eyes have color receptors for three colors (red, green, and blue); the mantis shrimp has receptors for sixteen types of color, enabling them to see a spectrum far beyond the capacity of the human brain. Seriously, how cool is the mantis shrimp: mantisshrimp.uchicago.edu What might they be able to see that we cannot? What are we missing? —Inspired by Tess Moran, AB’16

How are apples and oranges supposed to be compared? Possible answers involve, but are not limited to, statistics, chemistry, physics, linguistics, and philosophy. —Inspired by Florence Chan, AB’15

The ball is in your court—a penny for your thoughts, but say it, don’t spray it. So long as you don’t 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 origin—you know, the whole nine yards. PS: A picture is worth a thousand words. —Inspired by April Bell, AB'17, and Maya Shaked, Class of 2018 (It takes two to tango.)

“A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.” –Oscar Wilde. Othello and Iago. Dorothy and the Wicked Witch. Autobots and Decepticons. History and art are full of heroes and their enemies. Tell us about the relationship between you and your arch-nemesis (either real or imagined). —Inspired by Martin Krzywy, AB’16

Heisenberg claims that you cannot know both the position and momentum of an electron with total certainty. Choose two other concepts that cannot be known simultaneously and discuss the implications. (Do not consider yourself limited to the field of physics). —Inspired by Doran Bennett, AB’07

Susan Sontag, AB’51, wrote that “[s]ilence remains, inescapably, a form of speech.” Write about an issue or a situation when you remained silent, and explain how silence may speak in ways that you did or did not intend. The Aesthetics of Silence, 1967. —Anonymous Suggestion

“…I [was] eager to escape backward again, to be off to invent a past for the present.” —The Rose Rabbi by Daniel Stern Present: pres·ent 1. Something that is offered, presented, or given as a gift. Let’s stick with this definition. Unusual presents, accidental presents, metaphorical presents, re-gifted presents, etc.—pick any present you have ever received and invent a past for it. —Inspired by Jennifer Qin, AB’16

So where is Waldo, really? —Inspired by Robin Ye, AB’16

Find x. —Inspired by Benjamin Nuzzo, an admitted student from Eton College, UK

Dog and Cat. Coffee and Tea. Great Gatsby and Catcher in the Rye. Everyone knows there are two types of people in the world. What are they? —Inspired by an anonymous alumna, AB'06

How did you get caught? (Or not caught, as the case may be.) —Inspired by Kelly Kennedy, AB’10

Chicago author Nelson Algren said, “A writer does well if in his whole life he can tell the story of one street.” Chicagoans, but not just Chicagoans, have always found something instructive, and pleasing, and profound in the stories of their block, of Main Street, of Highway 61, of a farm lane, of the Celestial Highway. Tell us the story of a street, path, road—real or imagined or metaphorical. —Anonymous Suggestion

UChicago professor W. J. T. Mitchell entitled his 2005 book What Do Pictures Want? Describe a picture, and explore what it wants. —Inspired by Anna Andel

“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.“—Miles Davis (1926–91) —Inspired by Jack Reeves

University of Chicago alumna and renowned author/critic Susan Sontag said, “The only interesting answers are those that destroy the questions.” We all have heard serious questions, absurd questions, and seriously absurd questions, some of which cannot be answered without obliterating the very question. Destroy a question with your answer. —Inspired by Aleksandra Ciric

“Mind that does not stick.” —Zen Master Shoitsu (1202–80)

Superstring theory has revolutionized speculation about the physical world by suggesting that strings play a pivotal role in the universe. Strings, however, always have explained or enriched our lives, from Theseus’s escape route from the Labyrinth, to kittens playing with balls of yarn, to the single hair that held the sword above Damocles, to the Old Norse tradition that one’s life is a thread woven into a tapestry of fate, to the beautiful sounds of the finely tuned string of a violin, to the children’s game of cat’s cradle, to the concept of stringing someone along. Use the power of string to explain the biggest or the smallest phenomenon. —Inspired by Adam Sobolweski

Have you ever walked through the aisles of a warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club and wondered who would buy a jar of mustard a foot and a half tall? We’ve bought it, but it didn’t stop us from wondering about other things, like absurd eating contests, impulse buys, excess, unimagined uses for mustard, storage, preservatives, notions of bigness…and dozens of other ideas both silly and serious. Write an essay somehow inspired by super-huge mustard. —Inspired by Katherine Gold

People often think of language as a connector, something that brings people together by helping them share experiences, feelings, ideas, etc. We, however, are interested in how language sets people apart. Start with the peculiarities of your own personal language—the voice you use when speaking most intimately to yourself, the vocabulary that spills out when you’re startled, or special phrases and gestures that no one else seems to use or even understand—and tell us how your language makes you unique. You may want to think about subtle riffs or idiosyncrasies based on cadence, rhythm, rhyme, or (mis)pronunciation. —Inspired by Kimberly Traube

In 2015, the city of Melbourne, Australia created a "tree-mail" service, in which all of the trees in the city received an email address so that residents could report any tree-related issues. As an unexpected result, people began to email their favorite trees sweet and occasionally humorous letters. Imagine this has been expanded to any object (tree or otherwise) in the world, and share with us the letter you’d send to your favorite. -Inspired by Hannah Lu, Class of 2020 

You’re on a voyage in the thirteenth century, sailing across the tempestuous seas. What if, suddenly, you fell off the edge of the Earth? -Inspired by Chandani Latey, AB'93 

The word floccinaucinihilipilification is the act or habit of describing or regarding something as unimportant or of having no value. It originated in the mid-18th century from the Latin words "floccus," "naucum," "nihilum," and "pilus"—all words meaning “of little use.” Coin your own word using parts from any language you choose, tell us its meaning, and describe the plausible (if only to you) scenarios in which it would be most appropriately used.  -Inspired by Ben Zhang, Class of 2022 

Lost your keys? Alohomora. Noisy roommate? Quietus. Feel the need to shatter windows for some reason? Finestra. Create your own spell, charm, jinx, or other means for magical mayhem. How is it enacted? Is there an incantation? Does it involve a potion or other magical object? If so, what's in it or what is it? What does it do?  -Inspired by Emma Sorkin, Class of 2021 

Imagine you’ve struck a deal with the Dean of Admissions himself, Dean Nondorf. It goes as follows: you’re guaranteed admission to the University of Chicago regardless of any circumstances that arise. This bond is grounded on the condition that you’ll obtain a blank, 8.5 x 11 piece of paper, and draw, write, sketch, shade, stencil, paint etc., anything and everything you want on it; your only limitations will be the boundaries of both sides on the single page. Now the catch… your submission, for the rest of your life, will always be the first thing anyone you meet for the first time will see. Whether it’s at a job interview, a blind date, arrival at your first Humanities class, before you even say, “hey,” they’ll already have seen your page, and formulated that first impression. Show us your page. What’s on it, and why? If your piece is largely or exclusively visual, please make sure to share a creator's accompanying statement of at least 300 words, which we will happily allow to be on its own, separate page. PS: This is a creative thought experiment, and selecting this essay prompt does not guarantee your admission to UChicago. -Inspired by Amandeep Singh Ahluwalia, Class of 2022

Cats have nine lives, Pac-Man has three lives, and radioactive isotopes have half-lives. How many lives does something else—conceptual or actual—have, and why? -Inspired by Kendrick Shin, Class of 2019

If there’s a limited amount of matter in the universe, how can Olive Garden (along with other restaurants and their concepts of food infinity) offer truly unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks? Explain this using any method of analysis you wish—physics, biology, economics, history, theology… the options, as you can tell, are endless.  -Inspired by Yoonseo Lee, Class of 2023 

A hot dog might be a sandwich, and cereal might be a soup, but is a ______ a ______? -Inspired by Arya Muralidharan, Class of 2021 (and dozens of others who, this year and in past years, have submitted the question “Is a hot dog a sandwich,” to which we reply, “maybe”)

“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.” – Jessamyn West -Inspired by Elizabeth Mansfield, Class of 2020

Barnard College Columbia University

Barnard Short Answer Questions

In addition to the personal essay which you will submit through the Common Application or QuestBridge, Barnard asks first-year applicants to respond to institution-specific short answer questions. We recommend spending time to thoughtfully consider these questions and your responses. Your answers to these questions, in conjunction with the rest of your application, will help the Admissions Committee understand how you may contribute to our community both academically and personally.

Below are the  2024  questions for first-year students.

• Required:  Barnard College is an extraordinary community of women committed to fostering curiosity and the exploration of new experiences and ideas. By utilizing the resources of our campus, our Foundations curriculum, and New York City, our students expand their world and discover their own capabilities. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words max)
• Required: Barnard College students engage in the bold questions that define their generation. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words max)
• Required: In college, you will encounter others with diverse viewpoints and experiences. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 words max)

*Please note that the questions may change from year to year.

Application Prompts for 2024-2025

Your essay and short answer responses help us get to know you.

We’ve selected the following prompts for the UNC-specific portion for the first-year and transfer applications for 2024-2025. We’re proud of the Carolina community and how each student makes us better through their excellence, intellect, and character. In reading your responses, we hope to learn what being a part of the Carolina community would mean to you.

Short answer prompts

We’d like to know how you’d contribute to the Carolina community and ask that you respond to each prompt in up to 250 words.

• Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. This could be your current community or another community you have engaged.
• Discuss an academic topic that you’re excited to explore and learn more about in college. Why does this topic interest you? Topics could be a specific course of study, research interests, or any other area related to your academic experience in college.

Common Application essay

You’ll choose one Common Essay prompt to respond to in 250-650 words. These prompts are common to all schools who accept the Common Application, and you can view the prompts on the Common Application website. Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don’t feel obligated to do so. The Common Application also has an optional section where you’ll have the opportunity to write about how COVID-19 has affected you.

Your responses will be evaluated not only for admission, but also for possible selection for special opportunities. We look forward to learning more about you!

Advice for Your Application

First-year application, transfer application.

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Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Search cornell admissions, cornell first-year writing supplement prompts.

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.

Cornell University Essay Question

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 word limit)

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of agriculture and life sciences.

Required: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time. 

Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 word limit)

Optional Short-Answer Responses: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission.

Optional Question #1: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 word limit)

Optional Question #2: Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.)

Select all that apply:

• A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
• My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
• I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
• I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.

Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 word limit)                                           

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)

College of Arts & Sciences

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 word limit)

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 word limit)

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

College of Engineering

Instructions: All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.

Long Essay Responses (200 word limit)

• Question 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
• Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

Short Answer Responses (100 word limit)

• Question 1: What brings you joy?
• Question 2: What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
• Question 3: What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
• Question 4: What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you. 

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)

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2024-2025 Supplemental Essay Questions

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date July 29, 2024
• No Comments on 2024-2025 Supplemental Essay Questions

WHY SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS MATTER

While your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities paint a picture of your academic and social achievements, supplemental essays offer a platform to express your individuality. Admissions officers use these essays to understand who you are, what motivates you, and how you might contribute to their campus community.

Through your responses, you have the chance to demonstrate your writing skills, critical thinking, and genuine interest in the institutions to which you are applying. A well-written supplemental essay can tip the scales in your favor, providing context to your application and making a memorable impression.

2024-2024 SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS: A SNEAK PEEK

We are still seeing the effects of last year’s Supreme Court decision to overturn the legality of race-conscious admissions . Many colleges have reacted by using school-specific supplements to give students the opportunity to write about their lived experience, which may include their racial background.

To get you started, we’ve gathered a few examples of this year’s supplemental essay prompts from various top tier institutions with some ideas about how you might approach them:

University of Chicago:

• “Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”
• Known for their quirky prompts, UChicago encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This prompt challenges you to think metaphorically and philosophically about language and history. Your response could explore themes of individuality, belonging, or the search for identity in a complex world.

Dartmouth College:

• There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.
• Dartmouth’s prompt emphasizes storytelling and cultural heritage. Whether you choose to write about a personal story, a family tradition, or a historical narrative, this essay provides an opportunity to highlight your background and the experiences that have shaped you.

Yale University:

• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
• This is a classic “Why Us?” essay, which requires thorough research and a personal connection to the institution. Articulate your passion for Yale, detailing specific programs, faculty, or opportunities that align with your academic and career goals.

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THE VARIOUS APPLICATION PLATFORMS

• Coalition App  
• Universal College App  
• UC App (University of California system)
• UCAS (UK Schools)

Note: Some schools, like Georgetown University and MIT , use their own application. The University of California also uses their own application for all nine campuses.

We’ve provided a deep dive into both the Georgetown and MIT applications and offer customized guidance in their completion. For the UC network, we’ve gone a step further and created our official “Mysteries of the UC App,” exclusive to our Top Tier family! If you’re interested in Georgetown, MIT, UCLA , UC Berkeley or any of the remaining UC campuses, we can help with a step-by-step walkthrough of each!

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2024-2025 SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS

We are compiling the 2024-2025 supplemental essay questions for you on our College Application Essay Prompts page and we’ll continue to update all supplements as they are released. In the comments, feel free to note any schools you’d like to see included.

Grades and scores are king in determining your range of schools. But keep in mind: once you’re in-range of a school, the authenticity, content and quality of your college essays MATTERS !

If you enjoyed this post, follow us on Instagram @toptieradmissions for more tips and subscribe to our blog for expert insights & college admissions news !

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University Of Oregon Admission Essay Writing Guide

Application Guide

Essay examples, how to write your university of oregon’s supplement essays.

While gaining entry into the University of Oregon is not as difficult as some other schools, it is not everyone who applies gets in. Every year, thousands of students still get turned away. This means you need to present a top-notch application.

A critical aspect of your application is your essay. You need to turn in a well-written statement letter to aid your chances. You can get numerous samples of the University of Oregon statement letters from our platform. You can use the following principles as a guideline to write yours:

Express your Intent to Join

A critical aspect of your cover letter is expressing your desire to be a student of this institution. In providing your answer to any essay prompts, you need to clarify that you already see yourself as part of the school. Use affirmative terms, do not use pessimistic or vague terms. Express your interests in the major you have chosen.

Use Simple Words

Unless otherwise stated, make use of simple words. We understand that you are a high school graduate and you have a good command of the English language. This is not where to display your wide range of vocabulary.

The admission officials are not your English teachers and, as such, are not seeking to see you display excessive use of complex words. Keep it as simple as possible. The goal is easy comprehension.

Answer the Question

This is a trap a lot of students fall into. They write everything except the answers. The easiest way to not make this mistake is to outline your response before you start answering. Do not get carried away and miss the point of the question.

Get an understanding of what exactly is required of you to provide intelligible answers. Often, the word count is fixed at a minimum, and you may not have the privilege to beat around the bush. Go straight to the point with your answers.

Perform your due diligence and get to know all you need to know about the University of Oregon. Read up on your majors, the professors, the student community, and any specific entry requirements. Let your answers reflect a deep understanding of the school and the degree program you are applying for. Use as many terms that are related to U of O as possible.

You can find examples of the University of Oregon’s supplemental essays on our platform, which would give you all the right ideas. If you find writing academic texts worrisome, we have skilled writers that can do the job. You can buy your papers at a cheap rate, guaranteed superb content.

University Of Oregon Admission Essay Prompts

Now that you have an insight into how to answer your essay questions, let us look at the supplemental essay prompts for the University of Oregon. The prompts below are for the 2021/2022 academic sessions. The aim of these prompts is for you to demonstrate why you believe you are a suitable fit for the school. The admissions officials want to know more about you, especially the part of you that is not available on the rest of your application. You can choose any of the two prompts.

Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to the University of Oregon?

The chances are high that you must have witnessed discrimination in one form or another. You may have witnessed it happen to others, perpetuated it, or been on the receiving end. This essay simply asks that you share your experience and the lessons you learned. Discrimination can occur anywhere and to anyone. It can take on the form of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, country of origin, or disabilities.

The admissions office wants to know your take on discrimination and what you did when you witnessed it. They are not expecting you to provide a global solution to the problem; they just want to know what you did to resolve an incidence(s). You can wrap it up by stating measures you would take to help tackle the challenges of discrimination and work towards an inclusive community at U of O.

Alternatively, If you have been on the wrong side and discriminated against other people, they want to know how you handle situations when you are in the wrong. Feel free to narrate what happened with an understanding of how wrong it was. Explain what made you behave in such manners.

Was it youthful exuberance, wrong cultural norms, or compulsive behaviors? This goal is to reflect your levels of self-awareness and course correction where necessary. It is important you show how you have learned from the mistakes and, most importantly, how you are committed to eradicating such discrimination. Talk about how you would affect the lessons you have learned at the University of Oregon.

The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

This is similar to the first prompt. Again, you will demonstrate your willingness and commitment to a liberal community. Diversity is an important aspect of a functional community. Diversity covers different ethnic backgrounds, ages, religions, disabilities, races, and genders.

The University of Oregon has a vast range of diversity, and the admission officials need to know how you would interact with this community. There are different people from different backgrounds, and each individual is unique. The right interaction of the unique differences makes for an inclusive system.

You can simply talk about your background, preferences, experiences, and how it has rightly positioned you to be a student at the University of Oregon. It does not matter where you come from. It does not matter whether you are white, dark, blue, or green. There are no wrong answers to this question, only honest ones. You can describe any family heritage that aid inclusion regardless of gender, age or race.

Perhaps you have a unique food recipe or an interest in dancing; relate how you would use any interests you have to foster the unity in U-O’s community.

Admission requirements

To gain admission into the University of Oregon, you would need the following:

For Undergraduate programs:

• Proof of graduation from high school
• Minimum academic requirement of C- in 15 college preparatory courses
• Self-reported academic record
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)
• Application essay

For Master’s degree:

• A completed application form
• Official transcripts sent from the school where you received your first degree.
• Any other document or materials as required by your department.

For college applicants outside the US

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (for graduate school requirements of academic performance may vary by program)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Letters of recommendation.

About the University

Popularly known as UO or U of O, the University of Oregon is a frontrunner in various research fields across the United States. With 19 research centres and institutes, It is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities — Very high research activity. But it wasn’t always this successful. The Oregon State Legislature established the university on October 12, 1872, but the state quickly ran into funding problems.

The good people of Eugene held numerous fundraising events to help finance the new school. Through produce sales, strawberry festivals, and church socials, they raised $27,500, which was used to buy 18 acres of land. This public university finally opened its doors in 1876 and enrolled 155 students in its first year. In 1878, it graduated its first set of students (5 students).

There was a proposal in 1913 and another — the Zorn-MacPherson Bill in 1932, to merge the university with what is now Oregon State University. Both Bills failed. The campus is along the Willamette River and covers 295 acres of land in Eugene, Oregon. The grounds contain 80 buildings and a nursery consisting of over 3,000 trees from 500 different species.

Colleges and Schools at the University of Oregon

The U of O offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five colleges and seven schools.

The colleges are

• Arts and Sciences

The schools are

• Architecture and Environment
• Arts and Design
• Journalism and Communication
• Music and Dance
• Planning, Public Policy, and Management.

The University of Oregon has students from the 50 states in the US and 89 countries around the globe. The school has a diverse and healthy community. People of all colors and creeds are well represented. There is a lengthy list of successful alumni, including the co-founder of Nike Inc, Philip Knight, who is worth over $50 billion.

Knight has donated over $1 billion to the school, with the largest chunk to the sports projects, which comes as no surprise. The University of Oregon has many prestigious alumni, including the co-founder of Nike Inc, Philip Knight, who has donated over $1billion to the school.

The U of R is truly a school worth its salt and has distinguished itself globally. If you need help writing your application letter, you can buy one on our platform. Hire any of our experienced writers to give you a perfectly crafted supplemental essay, and our services are cheap.

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How to Write the Ohio State University Essay 2023-2024

If you’re interested in The Ohio State University, there are luckily no supplemental essays that apply to all applicants. There is an additional essay for the Morrill Scholarship Program, however. This is a competitive program for students who excel academically, have strong leadership skills, and are interested in fostering diversity and inclusion within their communities. 

Each year, only 300 students are named Morrill Scholars, which provides both in-state and out-of-state students free tuition scholarships. In this post, we’ll discuss this year’s essay prompt for the program, and how you can maximize your chances of acceptance by writing a great essay.

Want to know your chances at OSU? Calculate your chances for free right now.

The Ohio State University Morrill Scholarship Essay Prompt

Below is information about the Morrill Scholarship, as well as the essay prompt. Each applicant must respond to the prompt in 350-500 words. 

The Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) is one of Ohio State’s premier scholarship opportunities offered through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). MSP seeks academically talented student leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, service and social justice.

MSP scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students admitted to the Columbus campus for the autumn semester following high school graduation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States.

Morrill Scholarship Program Prompt

In what ways have your life experiences and/or endeavors prepared you to be an active morrill scholar who will champion osu’s shared values of “diversity and innovation” and “inclusion and equity” while investing in our culture of service reflective of our land grant mission  please answer fully, and when possible, provide specific examples. (350-500 words), understanding the prompt .

In a way, this prompt is asking you two distinct questions. First, the prompt is asking you to pick a life experience that you want to discuss. Next, you’ll have to discuss why this experience would make you a good candidate for a Morrill Scholarship. To help you brainstorm some ideas, below are some questions you’ll want to think about before you start writing.

• What is one of your life experiences that has fundamentally questioned the way that you view life? 
• Are there any social justice issues that you are particularly passionate about? Why?
• Leadership takes many forms. How have you showed leadership in the past?
• What type of traits do you think a Morrill Scholar has?

Once you have answers to these questions, be sure to do some research on the Morrill Scholarship and what it entails, as well as what types of students typically receive the scholarship. Try and determine why these students were good applicants, and look for any similarities or things you have in common with them.

Cliché Topics to Avoid

While you have the freedom to discuss an important life experience, there are still some topics that you’ll want to avoid. These include: 

• Picking a topic such as sports injury, tragedy, or bad grade
• Picking a topic that isn’t significant enough and not explaining how the experience impacted you
• Using a privileged tone when discussing your perspective
• Having a cliché ending, such as  “ I learned that people can be happy with so little, ” or “ I learned the importance of giving back. ”

Writing the Essay 

Once you have an understanding of what the prompt and the program is looking for, you can start writing. Although there is no one perfect way to structure this essay, it might be helpful to follow this general format:

• Describe a memorable life experience that relates to a topic of diversity, inclusion, or social justice
• Demonstrate how this experience made you grow or highlighted an aspect of your personality
• Explain what you will bring to the program after going through this experience

Let’s look at each section in more detail now.

1.  Describe a memorable life experience

The admissions officers want to know what you have been through. They know about issues like racial injustice or mass incarceration—what they don’t know about is you. Starting your essay off with an anecdote that clearly expresses what you have been through is a great way to show the admissions officers reading your essay that topics like diversity and social justice are important and relevant to you.

Maybe you grew up as a minority in a community and you talk about the time you were racially profiled at the mall with your friends. Or maybe you started a program at your school for kids who normally sat at lunch to sign up and get a buddy so they always had someone to eat with. Perhaps after researching a refugee crisis for your history class, you went to the local shelter in your town and spoke to the refugees about their experiences to understand them more.

Your experience with diversity and inclusion doesn’t necessarily have to be a traditional topic of diversity like racial, religious, or socioeconomic. You could also discuss your diversity of interests: you love collecting stamps even though most of your friends think it’s old fashioned. Or maybe you want to discuss your diversity of perspective: you are really liberal among your conservative family.

The most important thing is that you choose a single experience to focus your anecdote on. So, a student who wants to write about her ethnicity shouldn’t give a general overview of how she feels discriminated against because of where her family is from. Instead, she should focus on a specific instance of discrimination that strongly affected her or gave her a chance to stand up and defend herself.

2. Demonstrate how this experience made you grow

This next part of your essay is super important to show why this experience is so impactful and has prepared you to be a Morrill Scholar.

After you have set up the anecdote, now you should give insight as to what your state of mind or emotions were in this situation. Answering questions like these could be helpful:

• What did you feel in the moment?
• What was your perspective before this experience? After?
• Did a certain personality trait shine through? Were you brave, resilient, creative, determined?

However, be careful while you are writing. You want to convey the growth or traits that you expressed during or after this experience, but you don’t want to tell the admissions officers that planning a school walkout to protest the lack of diversity in the administration made you a more confident leader—they should learn that without ever being explicitly told so. By interjecting emotions or including your inner thoughts in the moment, you will be able to show your readers the impact this experience had on you.

3. Explain what you will bring to the program

The best way to conclude your essay is to bring it back to OSU and the Morrill Program. At the end of the day, there are hundreds of other students who likely have had similar experiences or takeaways as you. You need to show how what you have been through and learned will prepare you to contribute to the diverse and inclusive community on campus.

When talking about what you will bring—or what you hope to get out of—the Morrill Scholarship Program, you should mention both implicit and explicit aspects. 

Some implicit things you might contribute to the community are teaching your new friends your culture’s traditions, discussing difficult topics with peers who have different perspectives, or approaching new and intimidating situations with confidence and clarity. 

So an example of an implicit aspect of the community might be a student who talked about his experience volunteering with an immigration lawyer, where he learned how important it is for lawyers to be billingual to communicate with their clients, might write about how he wants to practice speaking Spanish with his friends. Whether they are having a debate in his Spanish class or just hanging out and eating dinner in the dining hall, he’s looking forward to surrounding himself with others who are dedicated to becoming billingual, and hopefully encouraging others to learn Spanish. 

For explicit things you hope to contribute or gain from the Morrill Scholars community you should research the opportunities afforded to you through the program. You might mention a club that aligns with your interests that you want to join, an event you started at your high school that you hope to bring to the OSU community, or a certain professor you are looking forward to working with.

An example of a student writing about an explicit aspect could be someone who had a tutor in high school that helped her feel better about herself since she struggled in her history class. Her tutor made her feel welcomed and included, and now she wants to give back to other students by becoming a Supplemental Instruction leader through the Morrill Scholarship Program. She feels she has learned a lot about what it takes to be an effective and encouraging tutor, and now she wants to give back to her future OSU students.

The best essays will combine implicit and explicit things you want to contribute or get out of the program, but as long as you can make the admissions officers feel like you belong in this program and on OSU’s campus, you will have done your job.

Where to Get Your OSU Morrill Scholarship Essay Edited for Free

Do you want feedback on your OSU Morrill Scholarship essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Northeastern University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offer a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality. These essays allow you to weave in your experiences, thoughts, and dreams, thereby giving the admissions committee a glimpse into who you are beyond grades and test scores.

As we delve into the nuances of these essays, remember each word you write is a step closer to turning your aspirations of being a part of Northeastern’s vibrant community into reality.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Northeastern University Have?

A crucial question that looms in the minds of applicants is: How many supplemental essays are required by Northeastern University ? For the academic year 2023-2024, Northeastern University’s supplemental essays do not come in a one-size-fits-all format. Instead, the university offers a flexible approach, allowing applicants to choose one prompt from The Common Application or the Coalition Application .

These platforms provide a range of prompts, each with its unique angle and word limit, ranging from 250 to 650 words for the Common App and 500 to 650 words for the Coalition App. This choice and word count flexibility empower you to select a prompt that resonates most profoundly with your experiences and aspirations.

It’s an opportunity to present a well-crafted narrative that aligns seamlessly with your overall application, highlighting your strengths, character, and potential contributions to Northeastern’s dynamic community.

What are the Northeastern University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Deciding whether to use The Common Application or the Coalition Application is a significant step in the Northeastern application process . Both platforms are widely accepted and offer a range of essay prompts, but they differ slightly in their approach and audience.

Common App Prompts (choose one, 250-650 word limit)

• 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.
• 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?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• 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.

Coalition App Prompts (choose one, 500-650 word limit)

• Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
• What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
• Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
• Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
• What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
• Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

Remember, the platform you choose can subtly influence how you present your narrative, so select the one that feels most natural and conducive to expressing your authentic self. This decision is not just about meeting a requirement; it’s about finding the suitable vessel to carry your voice to the admissions committee.

How to Write the Northeastern University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Writing the Northeastern University supplemental essays for 2023-2024 is an exercise in introspection and creativity. The key is to select a prompt from the Common App or Coalition Application that resonates deeply with your experiences and aspirations.

Remember, these essays are not just about showcasing your writing skills; they are about offering a window into your soul, helping the admissions committee understand who you are and why you would be a valuable addition to the Northeastern community.

Common App Prompts

The Common Application offers a variety of prompts that cater to different aspects of your personality and life experiences. These prompts allow you to showcase your unique story about your background, identity, interests, talents, or significant life experiences.

Each prompt invites you to share a personal story that provides insight into who you are and what you value. The word limit for these essays ranges from 250 to 650 words, giving you ample space to express yourself while challenging you to be concise and impactful in your writing.

The prompts encourage you to reflect on your personal growth, challenges, accomplishments, and the moments that have significantly influenced your life journey.

Understanding Common App Prompts

Understanding the Common App prompts is crucial for crafting a compelling essay. Each prompt has its unique focus and requires a different approach. For instance, when discussing a background, identity, interest, or talent, the emphasis should be on how this aspect of your life has shaped you.

If you’re recounting a challenge or failure, the focus should be resilience and learning. When reflecting on a time you questioned a belief or idea, you must showcase your critical thinking and the impact of this introspection.

Similarly, discussing gratitude or an act of kindness should highlight your emotional intelligence and how these experiences have motivated you. When discussing personal growth, it’s essential to illustrate how specific events have led to a deeper understanding of yourself or others. Lastly, your passion and curiosity should be at the forefront if you write about a topic, idea, or concept that captivates you.

Each prompt offers a unique opportunity to reveal different facets of your personality and life story.

Brainstorming Your Response: Common App Prompts

When approaching the Common Application prompts for your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to engage in thoughtful brainstorming. This process is about digging deep and reflecting on your life experiences, allowing you to uncover compelling stories and insights to make your essays stand out. Here’s how you can approach each prompt:

• Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent : Reflect on the elements of your life that have significantly shaped who you are. This could be your cultural background, a unique personal identity, a passion that drives you, or a talent that sets you apart. Discuss how these aspects have influenced your goals, perspectives, or relationships. For instance, if you’re a skilled musician, discuss how this talent has shaped your discipline and creativity.
• Challenge, Setback, or Failure : Consider when you faced adversity. This could be an academic challenge, a personal setback, or a failure that taught you a valuable lesson. Reflect on how this experience changed you, what you learned, and how it contributed to your growth. For example, recount how overcoming a learning difficulty improved your resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Questioning a Belief or Idea : Recall an instance when you questioned or challenged the status quo or a long-held belief. This could be a personal belief, a societal norm, or a school policy. Think about what prompted this thinking, your actions, and the outcome. For example, describe how questioning a cultural norm led to a community project.
• Act of Kindness : Reflect on a moment when someone’s gesture – big or small – significantly impacted you. Describe how this act of kindness changed your perspective on life or relationships. For instance, share how a teacher’s encouragement sparked your newfound confidence.
• Personal Growth : Identify an event or realization that significantly changed your understanding of yourself or others. Focus on the journey and the insights gained. This could be a travel experience that broadened your worldview or a volunteering experience that deepened your empathy.
• Engaging Topic or Idea : Think about a subject that captivates you. Why are you drawn to it, and how do you pursue further knowledge? This could be an academic interest, a hobby, or a cause you’re passionate about. Explain why it’s captivating and how it’s influenced your life choices.
• Topic of Your Choice : This is your opportunity to showcase an aspect of your life or personality not covered in other parts of your application. Brainstorm unique experiences or perspectives that highlight something distinctive about you. Perhaps you have a unique family tradition, an unconventional hobby, or a life experience that’s shaped your outlook.

Structuring Your Answer for Common App Prompts

Structuring your response effectively is critical to making your essay impactful. Start with an engaging hook – a compelling statement, anecdote, or question that grabs the reader’s attention. Then, set the scene by providing context for your story. This is where you lay the groundwork for your narrative, giving the reader a glimpse into the background or situation you’re about to discuss.

The body of your essay should delve into the heart of your story, focusing on your thoughts, emotions, and the lessons learned. Be specific and descriptive to create a vivid picture for the reader.

Finally, conclude with reflection. This is where you tie your story back to your application, highlighting how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at Northeastern University. Remember, a well-structured essay tells a story and reveals your ability to think critically and reflect on your personal growth.

Coalition App Prompts

The Coalition Application offers a distinct set of essay prompts for applicants to Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. These prompts are designed to delve deeper into your personality, experiences, and aspirations.

With a word limit of 500-650 words, these prompts allow you to comprehensively explore and articulate your story. Whether it’s a narrative about a life experience that shaped your character, discussing your passions and how they influence your future, reflecting on a time you positively impacted others, recounting an instance when your beliefs were challenged, sharing a personal success or obstacle, or choosing a topic entirely of your own, each prompt provides a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of who you are.

These essays are a chance to convey to the admissions committee what you have done, who you are, and what you stand for.

Understanding Coalition Application Prompts

Understanding the Coalition Application prompts is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative. Each prompt invites you to share a part of your life story with different focal points.

When telling a story from your life, the emphasis should be on how the experience has shaped or demonstrated your character. If discussing your interests or what excites you, connecting these passions to your personal development and future aspirations is essential. When describing a time you positively impacted others, focus on the challenges faced and the rewards gained. In reflecting on a time when your beliefs were questioned, the key is highlighting your response and the learning that ensued. Sharing a personal success or obstacle is about the journey and the advice you would offer based on your experience. Lastly, if you write on a topic of your choice, this is your chance to present something uniquely compelling about yourself that might not fit into other prompts.

Brainstorming Your Response: Coalition Application Prompts

When tackling the Coalition Application prompts for Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s crucial to engage in deep reflection and thoughtful brainstorming. This process allows you to uncover meaningful and personal stories that resonate with your unique experiences and aspirations. Here’s a guide to help you brainstorm effectively for each prompt:

• Life-Shaping Experience : Think about a pivotal moment that significantly influenced who you are today. This could be a moment of triumph, a significant challenge, or an event that shifted your perspective. Reflect on how this experience shaped your character, values, or goals. For instance, overcoming a personal fear might have instilled resilience and a new-found confidence in you.
• Interests and Excitements : Identify passions or hobbies that genuinely excite you and delve into why they hold such appeal. Consider how these interests have shaped your identity or influenced your future aspirations. For example, a passion for environmental activism could have steered you toward a career in sustainable development.
• Positive Impact on Others : Reflect on a time when your actions positively impacted someone else’s life. This could range from volunteer work to a simple yet meaningful act of kindness. Consider the challenges you faced in this endeavor and the following rewards or lessons. For instance, mentoring a younger student might have taught you the value of patience and empathy.
• Challenged Beliefs : Recall a situation where your beliefs or ideas were tested. This could be a personal ideology, a cultural norm, or a professional principle. Reflect on how you responded to this challenge and what insights or growth resulted from it. For example, defending a controversial topic in a debate could have deepened your understanding of diverse perspectives.
• Personal Success or Obstacle : Share a story of a significant achievement or a major obstacle you’ve overcome. Focus on the journey rather than just the outcome, and consider the advice you would offer others in similar situations. This could be an academic achievement, overcoming a personal struggle, or achieving a long-sought goal.
• Topic of Your Choice : This is your opportunity to present an aspect of your life or an experience that is uniquely yours and hasn’t been explored in other parts of your application. Think about experiences, perspectives, or aspects of your identity that set you apart. This could be an unusual hobby, family tradition, or experience significantly influencing your worldview.

Structuring Your Answer for Coalition Application Prompts

Structuring your response to the Coalition Application prompts involves careful planning to ensure your narrative is coherent, engaging, and reflective.

Begin with a compelling introduction that sets the stage for your story or discussion. This could be an intriguing anecdote, a vivid description, or a thought-provoking statement that draws the reader in. In the body of your essay, develop your narrative or argument in a structured manner. If you’re telling a story, ensure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part contributing to the overall message you want to convey. If you’re discussing an idea or belief, present it clearly, followed by your experiences or reflections related to it. Use specific examples and details to bring your story to life and effectively illustrate your points.

Conclude your essay by returning your narrative to the prompt and reflecting on the broader implications of your story or discussion. This conclusion should summarize your essay and highlight the insights you’ve gained and how they relate to your aspirations and potential contribution to Northeastern University.

Remember, a well-structured response not only tells a story or discusses an idea but also reveals your ability to think critically, reflect on your experiences, and articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly.

Additional Tips Section

When crafting your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to go beyond the basics of good writing. Think of your essay as a personal interview on paper; it’s your chance to breathe life into your application. Start by ensuring your essay reflects your genuine voice.

Admissions officers seek authenticity, so let your unique personality shine through. Be honest and reflective, sharing real experiences and reflections rather than what you think they want to hear.

Additionally, make sure your essay connects back to Northeastern University. Research the university’s values, programs, and campus culture, and then reflect on how these align with your goals and experiences. This connection demonstrates your interest in Northeastern and helps the admissions committee envision you as part of their community.

Finally, remember the power of storytelling. A well-told story can make your essay memorable and engaging, setting you apart from other applicants. Use vivid details and strong narratives to bring your experiences to life and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Advice on Maintaining a Balance between Creativity and Clarity

Crafting your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 requires a delicate balance between creativity and clarity. While creative elements can make your essay stand out, clarity ensures your message is understood. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Start with a Clear Structure : Before diving into the creative aspects of writing, outline your essay. A clear structure acts as a roadmap, guiding your narrative and ensuring that your creative flourishes enhance rather than obscure your message. Begin with an introduction that sets the tone and introduces your main idea, followed by body paragraphs that delve into your story or reflections, and conclude with a summary that ties everything together. This structure will keep your essay focused and coherent.
• Use Descriptive Language Judiciously : Descriptive language can vividly paint pictures and evoke emotions, making your essay more engaging. However, overuse or misplaced descriptive language can muddle your message. Use it purposefully to highlight your essay’s most important moments or emotions. For example, vividly describe a pivotal moment in your story to draw the reader in, but maintain more straightforward language for less critical parts to maintain clarity.
• Incorporate Metaphors and Analogies Sparingly : Metaphors and analogies are excellent for illustrating complex ideas and adding depth to your writing. However, if used excessively or inappropriately, they can confuse the reader. Use them to clarify your points, not complicate them. A well-placed metaphor can illuminate a concept, but ensure it aligns with your essay’s overall message and tone.
• Balance Storytelling with Reflection : A compelling narrative can captivate your reader, but without reflection, it may fail to convey the depth of your experiences. Balance storytelling with introspection. For every story or example you provide, take the time to reflect on what it means to you and how it has shaped your perspective or character. This balance ensures that your essay is not just a story but a window into your thought process and personal growth.
• Be Mindful of Word Count : Creativity can sometimes lead to verbosity, especially when you’re passionate about your topic. However, it’s essential to respect the word limit. Each word in your essay should serve a purpose. Being concise forces you to think critically about what is essential to your story and what can be left out, leading to a more precise, more impactful essay.

Importance of Proofreading and Seeking Feedback

Proofreading is an indispensable step in the essay-writing process for Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. It’s not just about correcting grammatical errors or typos; it’s about ensuring your essay is coherent, concise, and free of ambiguity.

A well-proofread essay reflects your attention to detail and your commitment to presenting your best self. It’s also crucial to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. They can provide valuable perspectives on how others perceive your essay.

Feedback can help you identify areas where your message may not be coming across as intended or your narrative could be more compelling. However, while it’s important to consider this feedback, remember to stay true to your voice and story. Ultimately, your essay should reflect you, not what others think you should be. Balancing feedback with your authentic voice is key to crafting a polished and personal essay.

The Final Polish: Proofreading and Editing Strategies

The journey of crafting Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 culminates in a crucial phase: proofreading and editing. This stage is not merely about correcting typos or grammatical errors; it’s the art of refining and polishing your essay to ensure it communicates your message effectively and clearly.

Start by taking a break after your initial draft. Approaching your essay with fresh eyes can make a significant difference in spotting overlooked errors or awkward phrasing. Read your essay aloud; this technique helps catch inconsistencies and areas that may disrupt the flow.

Pay attention to the structure and clarity of your essay. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative. Be vigilant about wordiness or redundancy, which can dilute the impact of your message.

Remember, every word should serve a purpose in your essay. Lastly, focus on the tone and voice of your essay. It should reflect your personality and resonate with the reader, making your application memorable among the many that the admissions committee will review.

Techniques for Effective Self-Editing

Effective self-editing is a skill that can significantly elevate the quality of your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. One key technique is to edit in stages, focusing on different aspects in each round.

In the first round, concentrate on the overall structure and flow of the essay. Check if your introduction effectively sets the stage and if your conclusion ties back to the main narrative compellingly.

In the next round, focus on the content. Are your points clear and well-supported? Does each paragraph contribute to the overall theme? Subsequent rounds should focus on language and style. Look for varied sentence structures to maintain reader engagement. Be mindful of your word choice – opt for precision and simplicity over complex vocabulary that might confuse the reader.

Finally, a detailed line-by-line review to catch grammatical errors and typos is essential. This layered approach ensures that each aspect of your essay receives the attention it deserves, resulting in a polished and compelling narrative.

Seeking and Utilizing Feedback Constructively

While self-editing is vital, seeking external feedback is equally essential in perfecting Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. Choose your reviewers wisely – teachers, mentors, or peers who understand the nuances of college admissions essays can provide invaluable insights.

When receiving feedback, keep an open mind. Constructive criticism is not an indictment of your abilities but an opportunity to improve. Distinguish between subjective opinions and objective advice that enhances the clarity and impact of your essay.

Implement feedback that aligns with your authentic voice and the message you intend to convey. It’s crucial to maintain the balance between incorporating useful insights and retaining your unique perspective. Remember, the final essay should reflect your individuality, not a patchwork of others’ suggestions.

Constructive feedback, when utilized effectively, can transform a good essay into a great one, significantly boosting your chances of impressing the admissions committee at Northeastern University.

Understanding Northeastern’s Admissions Criteria Beyond Essays

While Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are a pivotal part of your application, they represent just one facet of the comprehensive review process. Northeastern University adopts a holistic approach to admissions, meaning that every application component is weighed to build a complete picture of who you are as a student and a person.

This approach goes beyond just assessing your academic capabilities; it’s about understanding your character, your passions, and how you might contribute to the Northeastern community.

The admissions committee looks for evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a willingness to engage with the world meaningfully. They seek students who excel academically and demonstrate resilience, empathy, and creativity.

This holistic review ensures that students are academically prepared for Northeastern and a good fit for the university’s culture and values. Therefore, while perfecting your essays is crucial, remember that they are part of a larger narrative you present to the admissions committee.

The Role of Academic Performance and Test Scores

Academic performance and test scores are significant components of your application to Northeastern University . They give the admissions committee a quantifiable measure of your academic preparedness and ability to succeed in a rigorous educational environment.

Your GPA, high school curriculum’s rigor, and performance in advanced courses like AP or IB classes are closely scrutinized. These elements demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence and ability to handle challenging coursework.

Test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, while not the sole determinant, play a role in assessing your readiness for college-level work. However, it’s important to note that Northeastern adopts a test-optional policy, allowing students to decide whether or not their test scores accurately reflect their academic abilities.

This policy acknowledges that standardized test scores are not always the best indicator of a student’s potential and allows for a more equitable evaluation process. While vital academic records and test scores are advantageous, they are part of a broader assessment of your capabilities and potential.

Extracurricular Activities and Their Impact

Extracurricular activities are crucial to your application, providing a window into your interests, skills, and personality beyond the classroom. Northeastern University values students who engage in activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and a passion for making a difference.

Whether through sports, arts, community service, or clubs, your extracurricular involvement can significantly impact your application. These activities showcase your ability to balance academic responsibilities with other interests, highlighting qualities like time management, teamwork, and initiative.

They also offer insights into your potential contributions to the Northeastern community. For instance, a student who has led community service initiatives might bring a strong sense of social responsibility to campus. At the same time, someone involved in the arts could contribute to the university’s cultural life.

The depth of your involvement is often more important than the number of activities you list. The admissions committee looks for sustained commitment and growth in your chosen areas of interest, seeking evidence of how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at Northeastern. Remember, your extracurricular activities are not just a list of accomplishments; they are a narrative of your passions, achievements, and the impact you have made.

Preparing for the Next Steps: Post-Submission Strategies

After submitting your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 and the rest of your application, it’s natural to feel relief and anticipation. However, your journey towards college admission doesn’t pause here.

This period is an opportune time to prepare for the next steps in the admissions process. It’s essential to stay organized and proactive. Keep track of all application deadlines and any follow-up materials that might be required.

Additionally, this is an excellent time to reflect on your application journey – what you’ve learned about yourself, your goals, and how a Northeastern education fits into your future. This reflection helps in personal growth and prepares you for potential interviews or further interactions with the university. Remember, the post-submission phase is as much about staying engaged with the process as it is about patiently waiting for the decision .

What to Do After Submitting Your Application

After you have submitted your application, including Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, your journey toward college admission is not yet over. You can take several proactive steps to ensure your application is complete and prepare for the following stages of the admissions process. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this post-submission period:

• Confirm Receipt of Your Application : It’s crucial to verify that Northeastern University has received all components of your application. This includes your supplemental essays, transcripts, and test scores. Most universities send a confirmation email or update your application portal status. Ensuring everything is received avoids any last-minute hiccups or disqualifications due to incomplete applications.
• Monitor Your Email and Application Portal : Regularly check the email address you provided in your application and applicant portal for any communications from Northeastern. This could include updates on your application status, additional information requests, or interview invitations. Prompt responses to these communications are essential.
• Prepare for Possible Interviews : Some applicants may be invited for an interview. It’s wise to prepare in advance by researching common interview questions. Reflect on how you can effectively convey your interest in Northeastern and demonstrate your readiness for college. Practice articulating why Northeastern fits you and how your experiences align with the university’s values.
• Continue Excelling Academically : Your academic performance remains significant even after you’ve submitted your application. Many universities, including Northeastern, request mid-year reports. Maintaining high grades and academic rigor shows the admissions committee your continued commitment to academic excellence.
• Engage in Your Current Activities : Stay actively involved in extracurricular activities and seek leadership roles. This demonstrates to the admissions committee your sustained commitment and ability to balance various responsibilities. It also shows your growth and development in areas outside of academics.
• Explore Financial Aid and Scholarship Options : Understanding the financial aid process is crucial. Explore scholarship opportunities offered by Northeastern as well as external sources. This can significantly reduce the financial burden of college education and is an essential aspect of your college preparation.
• Plan Campus Visits or Virtual Tours : If possible, visit Northeastern’s campus or participate in virtual tours and events. This can provide a deeper understanding of the university’s environment and culture. It also demonstrates your interest in the university and helps you make an informed decision if accepted.
• Stay Informed About Northeastern and Its Programs : Keep yourself updated with the latest news and developments related to Northeastern. This helps demonstrate continued interest and keeps you informed about any changes or new opportunities that might affect your decision or preparation for college.

Preparing for Potential Interviews

The possibility of an interview is an exciting aspect of the application process to Northeastern University. Interviews, whether in-person or virtual, are an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your application and for you to express your enthusiasm for Northeastern.

Start by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. Focus on articulating clear, concise, thoughtful answers reflecting your personality and interests. Be prepared to discuss why you chose to apply to Northeastern, how your experiences align with the university’s values, and what you hope to achieve during your college years. It’s also important to be familiar with your application, including your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, as interviewers may reference them during the conversation.

Additionally, prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the university and helps you gather valuable information about the campus experience. Remember, the interview is not just an evaluation of you; it’s a two-way conversation and a chance for you to learn more about the university. Approach it with confidence, authenticity, and a mindset of mutual exploration.

Conclusion: Embarking on Your Journey to Northeastern University

As you conclude the process of crafting your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, you stand at the threshold of an exciting journey. The journey to Northeastern is not just about gaining admission; it’s about embarking on an educational adventure that promises growth, challenges, and countless opportunities.

The effort you’ve put into your essays and the entire application process is a testament to your dedication and desire to be a part of the Northeastern community. Remember, each part of your application, from your essays to your extracurricular activities, paints a picture of who you are and the unique contributions you can make to Northeastern’s vibrant campus.

As you await the admissions decision, take pride in the hard work you’ve accomplished and the introspection you’ve experienced. This process is not just about getting into college; it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal development that will serve you well in your future endeavors.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Aspiring Students

To all aspiring Northeastern students, remember that your application, including your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, is a narrative of your life, dreams, and potential. It’s an opportunity to showcase your academic abilities, character, passions, and vision for the future.

As you finalize your application, be confident in your story and the unique perspective you bring. Do not underestimate the power of authenticity and the impact of a well-told personal story. Whether you’re an artist, a scientist, a community leader, or an entrepreneur at heart, your unique experiences and aspirations make your application compelling. Remember that the path to college, as incredibly prestigious as Northeastern, is often challenging. Still, these challenges prepare you for the exciting and transformative college experience that lies ahead.

The Lasting Impact of a Northeastern Education

Pursuing an education at Northeastern University is not just about the years you will spend on its campus; it’s about the lasting impact it will have on your life and career. Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary study prepares students for their first job and a lifetime of learning and adapting in an ever-changing world.

The skills, experiences, and networks you will develop at Northeastern will empower you to make meaningful contributions in your chosen field and beyond. The university’s diverse and dynamic community will expose you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, enriching your education and personal growth.

As you reflect on your application journey, including crafting your Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, look forward to the endless possibilities of a Northeastern education. It’s an investment in your future that will continue to yield benefits long after you’ve graduated.

Take Your College Application to the Next Level with AdmissionSight

Are you ready to make your dream of attending Northeastern University a reality? At AdmissionSight , we specialize in guiding students like you through the intricate college admissions process. Our expertise in crafting compelling supplemental essays can be the edge you need.

With Northeastern University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 playing a crucial role in your application, our team of experienced consultants is here to help you showcase your unique story, talents, and aspirations in the most impactful way.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Contact AdmissionSight today for a consultation, and take the first step towards making your college aspirations a reality. Let us help you craft essays that meet the requirements and truly reflect who you are, making your application unforgettable. Your journey to Northeastern University starts here!

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Oregon State University | OSU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

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 of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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.

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?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

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.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Columbia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

Columbia University  2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 lists of 100 words; 4 essays of 150 words each 

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why, Short Answer

List questions

For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:, your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons., items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order., it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications., no author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed., 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.  (100 words or fewer).

How do you pursue intellectual development outside of the classroom? You’ll need to be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices. Don’t top your list with 1984 unless you genuinely picked it up of your own accord, read it from start to finish, and meditated on Orwell’s intentions (while staring out the window, jaw agape). Think of not just the most recent media you’ve consumed, but also the old classics you can’t help revisiting (anything by Jenny Han, the podcast you binged in two weeks, the film you saw in theaters three times). Play with the sequencing here: how would you set these up in your library? Chronologically? Alphabetically? Thematically? Maybe you can make an entertaining leap from the sublime to the ridiculous by placing a heart-wrenching play alongside a goofy satire. Have fun with it! After all, this list is, at its core, about what you consume for the pleasure of it.

Short answer questions

For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer., 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. (150 words or fewer).

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how you relate to the people around you, forge connections, and commune with your peers. In this particular instance, the question emphasizes equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. What do these words mean to you and how do they relate to your perspective or lived experience? Maybe you’re very involved in a progressive church youth group that celebrates its members differences, including trans and nonbinary members. Perhaps the friends you made at the skatepark have introduced you to a new culture and mindset of “try and try again” that you love. Maybe there are different languages spoken by the volunteers in your community garden, and now you know how to say “basil” in four different dialects (BTW in Italian it’s “ basilico ,” #funfact). How do you see equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration play out in your community? And, looking forward, how would you keep those values alive at Columbia next fall?

In college/university, 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 or fewer)

This prompt is incredibly similar to the Common App’s Prompt #2, which asks applicants to recount a time when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure. Our advice is similar: isolate an incident of trial in your life and illustrate how you learned from it. Writing about a difficult time in your life requires both vulnerability and perspective. Instead of focusing on the barrier or obstacle you were up against, spend most of the words at your disposal on how you rose to the occasion to overcome the challenge at hand. This is your opportunity to show admissions that you are a developing, maturing young adult with resilience and work ethic. As you zero in on a key moment, ask yourself the following questions: What healthy coping mechanisms or communication skills did you develop? Who, if applicable, did you choose to lean on and why? What did you learn about yourself? How will you approach difficult situations moving forward? Be honest and open, and we’re sure admissions will be impressed.

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)

This brief assignment is Columbia’s version of the classic Why Essay , and the key to every good Why Essay is solid, specific research. Spend some quality time with the Columbia website or, if you can, on a campus tour. Ask questions, take notes, and dig to find specific people, organizations, and experiences that excite you. Don’t dig too deep into majors or classes just yet; you’ll have an opportunity to write about your academic interest in a little bit, so for now, focus on the Columbia experience as a whole. Once you have some notes on the page, try to weave together a story that pairs your interests with Columbia’s offerings. Reveal new information about yourself while also showing that you’ve done your homework.

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

This prompt gives you a chance to geek out about your intended area(s) of study. Whether you’re hoping to study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, the assignment is the same: offer admissions insight into your academic interests and pursuits. Whether your goals are intellectual, professional, or somewhere in between, your reasoning should be grounded in what Columbia has to offer. 150 words isn’t a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide a detailed response. Get ambitious and aim to answer these two key questions: What intrigues or excites you about your intended major? And why is Columbia the ideal place for you to study it? Do a little research to identify classes you’d like to take, professors you’d like to work with, and alumni you’d like to network with; then, get to drafting—and leave yourself plenty of time to edit and revise! 

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