pace university essay questions

• WESTCHESTER CAMPUS
• Social Media Center
• Directories

The Research Process

• About the Research Process
• Research Scenario

Understanding Your Assignment

Choosing a Topic

Locating Background Information

Using Wikipedia in Research

Before you move on...

• 2. Develop a Research Question/Thesis
• QuickSearch
• Find Articles
• Find Videos & Images
• Web Searching
• 4. Strengthen Your Search Methods
• 5. Evaluate & Select Sources
• 6. Cite Sources

How do you get to the core of what you're being asked to do in your paper? Thoroughly reading your assignment is an important part of getting started so you understand what your end goal should be. 

• What is the purpose of the project?
• To what extent should I bring my own ideas to the project? Do I need to present an original theory, argue a point of view, or am I primarily synthesizing and organizing information in order to report on it?
• How much evidence (or information) will I need to gather? Is there are required number of sources to use?
• What kinds of evidence (or sources) am I expected to use? 
• What should the finished project look like?
• When is the project due? To make sure I have enough time to research and write, when should I start my first step?

(Credit to the Gustavus Adolphus College Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library Do Research Guide for their insightful questions.)

Whether your topic is about current events or needs to be within a certain subject area, exploring your interests and what’s being written can help you craft an idea:  

• Start by making a list of possible issues to research that you can explore before deciding.
• Use class notes or readings, your personal interests, podcasts, conversations with friends or your professor as ideas.
• Read the news or other publications you enjoy to look for current ideas and conversations. 

In the video below, Jennie goes through the process of picking a topic and learns how to select one that's just right. 

Collecting background information can help you :   

• Helps define your topic and makes sure there is enough information to explore
• Gives you the language and facts to understand later research such as key concepts, important terminology, notable people, and big events 
• Helps you understand current conversations and contextualize topic  
• Formulate more specific research questions to help narrow your topic 
• Choose keywords to use for deeper searching and highlight potential resources to use in the research process 

General Reference Databases (library subscription resources)

Open web (free) resources.

• Wikipedia (Yes, it is OK to use Wikipedia as a starting point for background information, but it's not ok to cite it as a source.)
• Biography.com
• Library of Congress
• Encyclopedia.com
• Using Wikipedia
• Text Description of Using Wikipedia

Thanks to IUPUI University Library for allowing reuse of this graphic under a Creative Commons license.

Click the second tab above for an accessible text version of this graphic. 

Using Wikipedia for Research

Find Background Information - Entries and embedded links can be used to generate ideas and learn the terminology associated with your topic.

Generate Search Terms - Take a look at the embedded links, bolded words, or table of contents. They can help generate search terms to use for searching in library databases.

Look at the Bibliography - The bottom of the page should list the sources used to compile the entry. They can point you to other resources (sometimes scholarly) on the topic.

Cite to Wikipedia - In academic research, you usually never cite to an encyclopedia or other sources of background information.

Believe Everything - Because the content is user-created, anonymous, and does not have a mandatory review process, there is no guarantee that the information is accurate and credible.

https://researchguides.uoregon.edu/getting-started/background_info

Remember, your research starts as you are picking your topic! This is because you need to learn about the key facts, perspectives, and history in order to develop your own perspective and thesis. You can adjust the specifics of your topic as you develop your question in Step 2 . In addition, sources of background information may differ by discipline so if you are struggling to locate sources, consider your topic area and consult your professor or librarian for more help.

• << Previous: About the Research Process
• Next: 2. Develop a Research Question/Thesis >>
• Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 9:17 AM
• URL: https://libguides.pace.edu/researchprocess
• © Pace University
• Work at Pace
• Privacy Policy

Bar Exam Resources: New York

• Practice Exams and Books
• Multistate Exams and Other States
• Uniform Bar Exam
• Commercial Bar Exam Courses

Free MBE Questions

• Bar Prep Hero Provides a review and preparation program that deals with the MBE part of the test, which covers all testing administered on day one of the bar examination.

NY Law Exam

Among other requirements , candidates for admission to the New York bar must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and the New York Law Exam (NYLE).

The NYLC is a prerequisite to the NYLE.   More information is available on the BOLE website .

The NYLE will be offered four times per year. The dates and times of administration of the NYLE in 2019 are:

• March 21, 2019, 12:00 pm EST
• June 13, 2019, 12:00 pm EST
• Sept. 26, 2019, 12:00 pm EST
• Dec. 19, 2019, 12:00 pm EST
• Information about Course Materials for NYLC and NYLE
• Course Materials for the NYLC/NYLE
• Sample Questions for the NYLE
• Introduction to New York Law Course "[NYLC] is an online, on demand course on important and unique principles of New York law in the following subjects: Administrative Law, Business Relationships, Civil Practice and Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Matrimonial and Family Law, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Torts and Tort Damages, and Trusts, Wills and Estates. Completion of the NYLC is required in order to obtain a license to practice law in the State of New York."

General Information

• New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE) Information about applying for the bar, bar exam results, old bar exam questions and answers.
• Advisory Committee on the Uniform Bar Examination "The Advisory Committee on the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) was created by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to comprehensively examine a proposal to adopt the UBE as part of the New York bar examination. A study committee chaired by the Honorable Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, and comprised of representatives of law schools, the bar, the judiciary and the State Board of Law Examiners, is considering this proposal."
• Preparing for the Bar Exam Advice from the Academic Support Program at Pace Law School.
• Reports and Press Releases from NY BOLE Press releases, bar passage rate statistics, and reports from the BOLE.
• Bar Exam Results (BOLE) Alphabetical list of candidates who passed the bar.
• Which Bar Prep Course is the Best? Brian Dalton provides information about the major bar prep providers for Above the Law. He analyzes variables including cost, format, guarantees, discounts, and pass rate. Keep in mind that you can sometimes negotiate a better price than what is listed.
• Developing Legal Careers and Delivering Justice in the 21st Century Report by the NYC Bar Association Task Force on New Lawyers in a Changing Profession, issued Fall 2013. Discusses changes to the NY bar exam to reflect the needs of the profession, including dropping UCC article 3 (negotiable instruments) in July 2014 and adding administrative law in February 2015.

New Book on Reserve

This guide was created by Cynthia Pittson and is currently maintained by Pace Law Library Reference Librarians.

Description of UBE Administered in NY

From the BOLE website :

The UBE is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July.

During the morning session on Tuesday , applicants are given three hours to complete two Multistate Performance Test (MPT) items. Applicants may work on the MPTs in any order and they are free to decide how to allocate their time between the two MPT items although NCBE develops each MPT as a 90 minute test item.

During the afternoon session on Tuesday , applicants are given three hours to answer six Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) questions. Again, applicants are free to answer the questions in any order and they may decide how to allocate their time among the MEE questions.

On Wednesday , applicants will take the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), which is a six-hour, 200 question multiple-choice exam divided into two three-hour sessions.

The schedule for the UBE in New York is as follows:

• Tuesday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Wednesday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The July 2019 bar exam is scheduled for the last Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, July 30-31, 2019.

• MEE (essays) = 30% of score

Passing score for NY on the UBE is 266.

MBE, MEE, and MPT Multistate Exams

• MBE Information about the Multistate Bar Examination, a six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice examination covering contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, evidence, and real property.
• MBE Preparation Includes sample test questions.
• MBE Subject Matter Outline Updated for 2020
• MEE Multistate Essay Exam, part of the UBE.
• MEE Preparation Includes sample test questions.
• MEE Subject Matter Outline Updated for 2019.
• MPT The Multistate Performance Test consists of two 90-minute skills questions covering legal analysis, fact analysis, problem solving, resolution of ethical dilemmas, organization and management of a lawyering task, and communication.
• MPT Summaries 2012-2018 Provides a description of the MPT, an outline of the skills tested, and summaries of previously administered tests.
• Questions & Sample Answers 2004-2018, NY Bar Examiners
• Sample MPT & MEE Questions with Answers From NJ Board of Bar Examiners
• Sample MPT & MEE Questions with Answers (July 2019) From NJ Board of Bar Examiners
• MPT Feb. 1998
• MPT July 1998

Nuts and Bolts of the NY Bar Exam

• Next: Practice Exams and Books >>
• Last Updated: Jul 28, 2023 1:28 PM
• URL: https://libraryguides.law.pace.edu/barexam

Pace University Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer sections of our study guides are a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss literature.

Ask a question and get answers from your fellow students and educators.

• Browse Questions

Pace University

What is the deep meaning in the novel warriors don't cry.

Enter a Search Term

Application for admission, we are pleased that you have decided to apply to pace university.  .

This application may be completed instead of the Common Application - we consider either application equally in the evaluation process.  

• Students interested in the   Accelerated BS in Nursing   program   must apply using the  graduate application . Please note that only students with a Bachelor’s degree in a subject other than Nursing are eligible to apply.
• If you are interested in applying to the Pace Online degree program please visit our  online admission page for more information.
• You are not required to re-apply if you were previously enrolled at Pace University.  Find out if you are eligible for a  Resumption of Studies . Please contact the Office of the Registrar  if you have any questions about your academic status at Pace University.
• Only  one application per semester  can be created.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Freshman requirements

• Subject requirement (A-G)
• GPA requirement
• Admission by exception
• English language proficiency
• UC graduation requirements

Additional information for

• California residents
• Out-of-state students
• Home-schooled students

Transfer requirements

• Understanding UC transfer
• Preparing to transfer
• UC transfer programs
• Transfer planning tools

International applicants

• Applying for admission
• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Passports & visas
• Living accommodations
• Health care & insurance

AP & Exam credits

Applying as a freshman

• Filling out the application
• Dates & deadlines

Personal insight questions

• How applications are reviewed
• After you apply

Applying as a transfer

Types of aid

• Grants & scholarships
• Jobs & work-study
• California DREAM Loan Program
• Middle Class Scholarship Program
• Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
• Native American Opportunity Plan  
• Who can get financial aid
• How aid works
• Estimate your aid

Apply for financial aid

• Cal Dream Act application tips
• Tuition & cost of attendance
• Glossary & resources
• Santa Barbara
• Campus program & support services
• Check majors
• Freshman admit data
• Transfer admit data
• Native American Opportunity Plan
• You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. However, you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind

• All questions are equal. All are given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others.
• There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. It’s about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice.  
• Use the additional comments field if there are issues you'd like to address that you didn't have the opportunity to discuss elsewhere on the application. This shouldn't be an essay, but rather a place to note unusual circumstances or anything that might be unclear in other parts of the application. You may use the additional comments field to note extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19, if necessary. 

Questions & guidance

Remember, the personal insight questions are just that—personal. Which means you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you need help. The important thing is expressing who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC. 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities?

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn't necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family? 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. Things to consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career? 3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Things to consider: If there is a talent or skill that you're proud of, this is the time to share it.You don't necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule? 4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that's geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you; just to name a few.

If you choose to write about educational barriers you've faced, how did you overcome or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who you are today? 5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you've faced and what you've learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you're currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family? 6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. Things to consider:  Many students have a passion for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can't get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that?

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community? 8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? Things to consider:  If there's anything you want us to know about you but didn't find a question or place in the application to tell us, now's your chance. What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help us know you better?

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Don't be afraid to brag a little.

Writing tips

Start early..

Give yourself plenty of time for preparation, careful composition and revisions.

Write persuasively.

Making a list of accomplishments, activities, awards or work will lessen the impact of your words. Expand on a topic by using specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make.

Use “I” statements.

Talk about yourself so that we can get to know your personality, talents, accomplishments and potential for success on a UC campus. Use “I” and “my” statements in your responses.

Proofread and edit.

Although you will not be evaluated on grammar, spelling or sentence structure, you should proofread your work and make sure your writing is clear. Grammatical and spelling errors can be distracting to the reader and get in the way of what you’re trying to communicate.

Solicit feedback.

Your answers should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others — family, teachers and friends can offer valuable suggestions. Ask advice of whomever you like, but do not plagiarize from sources in print or online and do not use anyone's words, published or unpublished, but your own.

Copy and paste.

Once you are satisfied with your answers, save them in plain text (ASCII) and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared.

This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application. Your responses can only add value to the application. An admission decision will not be based on this section alone.

Need more help?

Download our worksheets:

• English [PDF]
• Spanish [PDF]

Enter a Search Term

Placement and Registration

Academic advisement.

Prior to each registration period, faculty advisers, academic advisers, and Adult and Continuing Education advisers are available to help students plan their programs.

Although advisers will lend assistance, the responsibility for academic planning rests primarily with the student. A student should become familiar with the requirements for the program in which he or she are registered and initiate conferences with the appropriate adviser. Before registering, however, students must submit their course selections to their advisers for approval.

Placement Testing

The University is committed to helping each student achieve academic success. Through careful advisement and review of prior academic record, a student may take placement tests in subjects such as writing, mathematics, and possibly a second language. The purpose of placement testing is to ensure new students enroll in coursework for which they are prepared. Pace uses several factors, including AP credit, transfer credit, and placement tests administered prior to Orientation to make sure you take appropriate classes.

All placement testing is online and can be accessed via computer through the Pace website ( https://www.pace.edu/new-student-experience-transitions/placement-testing ). Read carefully below to see which of our online placement tests you should take. Consult with an advisor if you have questions about which tests you need to take. 

Incoming first-year students must take the online English placement test. This test requires students to write an essay.

Transfer students who have been notified should take the English Placement Test.

• New York City Transfer Students: If you are required to take a placement test, you will be notified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. The placement test should be taken at least two days prior to the Transfer Orientation date for which you have registered.
• Westchester Transfer Students: If you are not receiving Pace credit for an English class from another institution, you will need to take the English placement test. If you don't know if you need to take the English placement test, consult with your Academic Advisor.

All students will be evaluated on their ability to organize and develop ideas, to sustain an argument, and to use correct spelling and grammar. Students may place out of ENG 110 Composition , which starts the core course of study, after evaluation of appropriate transfer credit or AP credit, writing sample, and verbal SAT scores by the English department on each campus.

Please note: Students admitted to Pace through the Challenge to Achievement at Pace (CAP) Program will be placed into required English classes solely on the results of their performance on Pace University’s English Placement Exam. Any previously earned credit for college-level English courses, or successful completion of exams through the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, will be accepted only as credits toward the General/Open Electives component of the chosen degree program.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement

The English Placement Test determines where an ESL student begins in the sequence of ENG 099A Introduction to Academic Writing - ESL (noncredit), ENG 100A Academic Writing - ESL , (4 elective credits), ENG 110A Composition - ESL (3 credits) and ENG 120A Critical Writing - ESL  (4 credits). The test results will also suggest which other courses and how many credit hours the student may attempt. These courses are intended primarily for students who have attended secondary school in countries where English is not the first language.

Mathematics

Incoming first-year students will take the online mathematics placement test to determine the appropriate mathematics course to take in their first semester. Questions range from word problems to trigonometry and pre-calculus. Students may use calculators.

Even if a student has pending AP credit or college transfer credits, they should take the mathematics placement test. Mathematics placement will be reevaluated upon receipt of official AP scores or appropriate college transcripts.

Transfer students who have been notified should take the Mathematics placement test.

• New York City Transfer Students: If you are required to take a placement test, you will be notified by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.  The placement test should be taken at least two days prior to the Transfer Orientation date for which you have registered.
• Westchester Transfer Students: Please contact your Advisor for information. If your Advisor has told you to take the Mathematics placement test, please take the test.

Modern Languages

All students with two or more years of high school study in Chinese, French, Italian, Russian, or Spanish who plan to continue their study of the same language in their first semester must take the online placement test prior to Orientation to determine the appropriate level of college study. The test may only be taken once . Test scores remain valid for one year.

Students with less than two years of high school study in a language will automatically be placed in the 101-level course in their chosen language and don't need to take the placement test.

Students who demonstrate proficiency in a second language by taking the SAT II exam prior to enrollment will be exempt from having to take a foreign language course as part of their Core Curriculum requirement. Students who qualify for this exemption will not be granted college credit.

International students who have graduated from a high school where English is not the language of instruction are exempt from the second language requirement.

If you have questions please contact the Center for Academic Excellence at (212) 346-1386 for the NYC campus or (914) 773-3510 for the Pleasantville campus. 

Accommodated Placement Testing

If you have a disability that requires accommodations, please contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) on the campus you will be attending prior to your Orientation. SAS recommends contacting the office as soon as you register for Orientation.

• New York City Campus Student Accessibility Services: (212) 346-1526
• Pleasantville Campus Student Accessibility Services: (914) 773-3710 

College Credit and Advanced Placement (AP) Course Equivalency

If you have taken college courses for credit or have participated in a dual enrollment or Bridge program, please be sure to have all official college transcripts forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admission for evaluation. Prior credit will only be evaluated once your official transcript has been received. A minimum score of 4 is required on all AP exams with the exception of the Computer Science A and Computer Science AB exams: a score of 3 or above is acceptable for these.

Speech Clinic Referrals

Students who do not achieve minimum departmental standards in SPE 100 Voice and Diction for Non-Native Speakers , SPE 101C Fundamentals of Speech Communication (CAP) ,  SPE 102 Speech Communication II or SPE 102A Public Speaking - ESL may be referred to the Speech and Hearing Center for a speech evaluation. Referred students may be assigned to Speech Clinic (SPE 050, 052) for individual or group remedial speech services. An assigned student must register for Speech Clinic in the semester following the referral. A grade of Incomplete-Referral (IR) with a provisional letter grade is given to students in the course from which they were referred. The I-R grade is removed when the student registers for the Speech Clinic. However, they may be required to take more than one semester of the Speech Clinic.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog

The PDF will include all information in the catalog.

2022-2023 Graduate Catalog

Get the Reddit app

Since 1906, Pace University has produced thinking professionals by providing high-quality education for the professions with a firm base in liberal learning amid the advantages of the New York Metropolitan Area. A private university, Pace has campuses in New York City and Westchester County, enrolling almost 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Essay writing services

Pennsylvania State University | Penn State

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University | Penn State?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Pennsylvania State University | Penn State’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt short response.

Short Answers

What do you hope to get at Penn State as a Schreyer Scholar to help you accomplish your future goals and aspirations?

If you were able to go anywhere in the world, outside of the country you currently reside, where would you go and why?

Tell us about your leadership experiences (community roles, family contributions, research, clubs, organizations, etc.) and why leadership is important to you. Describe the challenges and/or successes you’ve faced in these roles.

List awards or other recognitions you have received in or outside of school over the last 4 years. Which award or recognition means the most to you and why?

Tell us about a book or other media that has made you think about something in a new way.

Consider a time when you had to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds or with different perspectives. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth and understanding of others?

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups, including: shared geography, faith, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities or groups to which you belong and describe how it has influenced your life over the last four years.

Please use this space to share information you would like us to consider that has not been discussed elsewhere in your Schreyer Honors College application. This could include obstacles you’ve overcome, something you’re proud of that is not discussed elsewhere, or anything else you choose.

Personal Statement Short Response

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records.

Extracurricular Essay

Please use this space to list or discuss your activities other than academic work during the last several years (for example: school organizations, jobs, athletics, the arts, community service, religious groups, or other individual interests).

Schreyer Honors College Essay 1

Describe a problem you‘ve solved or a problem you‘d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution.

Schreyer Honors College Essay 2

Isaac Asimov wrote: “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” Do you agree? Is such censorship ever justified? If not, explain why. If so, who or what should determine which books are read and which books are forbidden.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 1

Describe one non-academic activity during your high school years that has been the most meaningful to you.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 2

Write a personal statement indicating why you want to be a physician, why you want an accelerated program and why you’ve selected this Penn State/Kimmel program.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 3

Describe what you think your strongest qualities are as well as weaknesses that you would like to improve upon.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Short Response 4

Tell us about a time you were unsuccessful and how you grew from this experience.

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?

Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

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

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, 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

In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “... any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit)

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of agriculture and life sciences.

Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit)  

Instructions: 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. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you've applied).

Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)

Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. 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 Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

College of Engineering

Instructions: All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1: Required response. (250-word limit)

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Essay 2: Choose either Question A and Question B. (250-word limit)

Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.

Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

College of Human Ecology

How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (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)

Top Enrollment Resources

• How to Apply
• Visit & Connect
• Application Status
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Office of Financial Aid
• Apply for Aid
• Cost to Attend
• Types of Aid
• Office of the Registrar
• Academic Calendar
• Classes and Enrollment
• Courses of Study

Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions , or contact us .

Enter a Search Term

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are forms of gift aid, meaning you do not have repay them or earn the funds by working. Review the list below to learn more about the different types of scholarships and grants offered by Pace University to Freshman and Transfer Undergraduate Students including:

Merit Scholarships

Recipients are eligible to receive only ONE of the following Pace University awards. Scholarships are available for a maximum of 4 years from the term the student entered the University, or until the first bachelor’s degree is completed. Students enrolled in an approved 5-year combined degree program may receive the award for up to 5 years, as long as they are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits. Summer sessions are not included. These awards are applicable only to tuition charges at Pace and may not, in combination with other tuition specific financial aid, exceed the student’s actual tuition. Renewal is automatic provide the student maintains the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and continuous full-time enrollment for each Fall and Spring term.

Recipients must sign an award agreement form, which will be available on their portal under “Special Messages” tab, once they have accepted the award. Award agreement forms must be printed, signed and returned to the Financial Aid Office before the award can be applied to tuition charges.

Freshman Admitted Students

• Please visit the New York City Campus Honors College or Pleasantville Campus Honors College website for more information.
• Must maintain 3.30 cumulative GPA for award renewal.

Must maintain 2.00 cumulative GPA for award renewal.

Must maintain 3.00 cumulative GPA for award renewal.

Transfer Admitted Students

• Awarded to students who have graduated from Westchester Community College with a 2-year Associate’s degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher.
• Selection is based on academic excellence.
• For study at Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus only.
• Must maintain 3.20 cumulative GPA for award renewal.
• SUNY Dutchess Community College
• SUNY Orange County Community College
• SUNY Rockland Community College
• Bergen Community College
• Borough of Manhattan
• Brookdale Community College
• Suffolk County Community College – Ammerman Campus, Eastern Campus, Michael J. Grant Campus
• For study at Pace University’s New York City Campus only.
• Awarded to students who have graduated from CUNY Guttman Community College with a 2-year Associate’s degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher.
• Awarded to students who have graduated from CUNY Guttman Community College with a 2-year Associate’s degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
• Must maintain 3.50 cumulative GPA for award renewal.

Other Institutional Scholarships

• Alpha Beta Gamma Scholarship - $1,000 per year offered to incoming Transfer students who are members of Alpha Beta Gamma. To qualify, the student's Chapter Advisor must provide a letter of recommendation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. A cumulative 3.00 QPA is required for renewal.
• Phi Theta Kappa Award - $1,000 per year offered to incoming Transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. To qualify, the student's Chapter Advisor must provide a letter of recommendation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. A cumulative 3.00 QPA is required for renewal.
• Legacy Scholarship - $1,000 per year offered to Freshman or Transfer students who are admitted and whose mother and/or father graduated from Pace University. To qualify, applicants for admission must apply by February 15th (for the Fall semester), December 1st (for the Spring semester) and indicate on their Admission Application that one or both of their parents are Pace graduates. A cumulative 2.00 QPA is required for renewal.
• Sibling Award - $1,000 per year offered to Freshman who are admitted for Fall 2022 and beyond who currently have a sibling enrolled at Pace University. To qualify, applicants for admissions must indicate on their Admissions Application that a sibling is currently enrolled. A cumulative 2.00 GPA is required for renewal.
• FAFSA Incentive Award - $1,500 per year offered to undergraduate students who file their FAFSAs for the upcoming academic year by February 15.
• Summer Scholars Award - $3,000 per year offered to incoming students who have successfully completed Pace University's Summer Scholars Institute while in high school. A cumulative 3.00 QPA is required for renewal.

The Office of Admissions nominates students who have demonstrated exemplary community service and who meet the following criteria:

• Freshman: minimum B high school average and 1080 SAT score
• Transfer student: minimum 3.0 average
• Financial need

To be considered for this award, students must have an undergraduate application for admission on file by February 1st for priority consideration. Students must exhibit financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Students must also have filed their FAFSA with the Federal Student Aid office by November 15 for priority consideration. In addition, an essay or summary of work regarding community service is required as part of the application. Essays/summaries can be emailed to [email protected] .

Awards are offered to eligible students for up to $5,000 annually.

This award is renewable annually based on continued full-time status, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and continue to demonstrate financial need.

Pace University is a Division II school that offers athletic aid to students exhibiting exceptional athletic ability. Applicants should contact the Athletic Department for additional information.

Pace University offers a scholarship program to veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and/or Iraq since September 11, 2001. The Pace Veterans Scholarship grants eligible veterans a 50 percent tuition scholarship. The scholarship is open to all admitted veterans who provide a copy of their DD-214 form with the following designations:

• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Operation Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal

To apply for this scholarship as an incoming student, students must file an application for admission for full- and/or part-time undergraduate study and provide a copy of their DD-214 with the application. Veterans who apply for the scholarship will also have the admissions application fee waived. The fee waiver form should be printed out and submitted along with the application and/or DD-214. Continuing students who have not already received the Veterans scholarship may apply for it by submitting a copy of their DD-214 to the Veterans Office.

To be eligible, a student must be admitted as a matriculated student in a degree program. There is no minimum enrollment required for receiving the Pace Veterans Scholarship. This scholarship is only available for the Fall and Spring terms until the completion of the first Bachelor's degree program. This scholarship is applicable ONLY to tuition charges at Pace and may not, in combination with other tuition specific financial aid, exceed the student's actual tuition. Renewal is automatic, provided the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and a cumulative 2.00 QPA. If this award is not renewed due to low QPA or unsatisfactory academic progress, it may be reinstated if the student achieves the required QPA or academic progress within one year.

Students receiving a Pace Veterans Scholarship may not also receive any of the following awards: Honor's Scholarship, President's Scholarship, Deans' Scholarship, Pace-WCC Transfer Student Scholarship, Trustee Recognition Award, Transfer Incentive Award, Pace Incentive Award, or Part Time Student Scholarship or Incentive Award. Students must sign an Award Agreement form, which will be available on their portal under “Special Messages” once they have accepted the award.

Endowed Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Pace alumni and friends, as well as corporations and foundations. These benefactors have a strong belief in the importance of a Pace education for a student's future success. There are over 300 endowed and restricted scholarships available.

To be eligible to apply, students must be:

• Matriculated into a degree program and be enrolled for at least 6 credits per semester.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Have a QPA of 3.0 or above.
• Financial need as most awards are need-based.
• Students must have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• It is very important to provide as much information as possible to improve the chances of being matched with an award.
• The priority filing date for Endowed Scholarships is June 1st.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come first served basis and awards are made according to the availability of funding. In addition, applicants will only be notified if they are matched with an award, and no regrets are sent.

The Barnes and Noble Book Scholarship awards ten (10) students $500.00 each to help pay for books.

• Undergraduate students
• Matriculated (admitted to a degree or certificate program) and enrolled Full-Time (for at least 12 credits per semester).
• QPA of 2.0 or above.
• Must have filed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• No CAP students are eligible for this scholarship.

Students may apply for the Barnes and Noble Book Scholarship via the web at the online application.

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. Awardees are chosen by the Deans for Students. Winners only are notified – No Regrets. Any questions, please contact: [email protected] .

Parents of full-time matriculated undergraduate students are eligible to take one free course each fall and spring semester on a space-available basis. Registration for tuition-free courses may only take place during the first week of class. Adult education, nursing, study abroad/travel courses, and graduate level courses are excluded from this offer. Parents will be charged for registration and laboratory fees. An application for the free course may be obtained from the Registrar's Office. Awards for this program will not be honored for any course that is filled before the first day of class or for any course that the parent's child is also taking during that semester.

Institutional Grants

Pace Grant is available to full-time Undergraduate students matriculated in a degree program at Pace University. Awards are based on academic promise and financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In order to be eligible for this need-based institutional grant students must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Priority is given to students who file their FAFSA by November 15th each year.
• Recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 credits (full-time) per Fall and Spring semesters.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and cumulative QPA of at least 2.00.

Pace Grant awards are subject to change if:

• There is a change in the student's financial need.
• Change in student's housing status.
• Change in student's enrollment status.

Pace Grant is applicable only towards tuition charges at Pace University for the Fall and Spring semesters, and it may not, in combination with other tuition specific financial aid, exceed the student's actual tuition charges. This award is available for the number of semesters necessary to complete a degree at Pace University, however renewal is not guaranteed.

Undergraduate students who have completed at least 24 credits at Pace (not including transfer credits) and who have a 3.50 cumulative QPA are eligible for a TTG. These awards of $500 per year are restricted to students taking at least 12 credits per Fall and Spring term. This grant is not available for summer terms. TTG is applicable ONLY to tuition charges at Pace and may not, in combination with other tuition specific financial aid, exceed the student's actual tuition. The grant is not available to recipients of the Honors, President's or Deans' Scholarships or Pace-WCC Transfer Student Scholarship.