elon university top 5 essay

Elon University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 10

Elon University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: Five short answers; one essay of 150 words, one essay of 200 words, one brief essay of 75 words, one list

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball , Short Answer

Answers to these questions are meant to be brief. Be engaging and thoughtful. Most importantly, be yourself. This is a chance to tell us more about who you really are in a fun, concise manner.

What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why (200 words).

Elon knows you are a multifaceted person, that your identity cannot be boiled down to nuggets of information on an application. That’s why admissions provides this open-ended question, so you can write about any facet of your identity. Start by jotting down some words that you would use to describe yourself or work backward from the activities, passions, and hobbies that mean the most to you and extrapolate what they say about you as a person. You can write about anything from your gender, race, culture, or religion to your introversion, love of archaeology, or any other critical part of yourself. With only 200 words, keep your focus on why you find this part of yourself meaningful. Does your love of biology set you apart in a family of artists? Does singing at your Hindu temple make you feel more connected to your Indian culture? As the prompt recommends, keep it fun and concise! 

Name three songs from your perfect playlist.

We look forward to creating a spotify playlist from your answers., song 1 title:* (75 c), song 1 artist:* (75 c), song 2 title:* (75 c), song 2 artist:* (75 c), song 3 title:* (75 c), song 3 artist:* (75 c).

Don’t overthink your answer to this quirky short answer. We recommend keeping it clean, but other than that, let your freak flag fly. Maybe you want to include a classic (however you define the term), a current bop, and a timeless ballad. Or maybe it’s old school funk for all three. Whatever you choose, be true to yourself, and you’ll ace these short answers.

Tell us your top 5.

Take this opportunity to let elon admissions know more about you. your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. be creative you may choose any theme for your top 5. do you love cooking list your top 5 recipes. are you enthusiastic about anime name your top 5 characters. do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events name your top 5 moments..

5.4. 3. 2. 1. (100 c each)

Explain why these are your top 5:* (150 words)

This is one of our all-time favorite short-answer questions. It’s also one students dread, initially, because they don’t know how to approach it. Like many of the other questions on this list, think about what you do or what you are interested in that might also be of interest to admissions. What else about who you are and what you do have you not yet revealed about yourself? The Founder of CEA always jokes that she would list her favorite kinds of pasta in order (because she is an actual pasta fiend). Maybe she would make a list of the top five pasta meals of her life and who she ate them with to showcase how much pasta is a part of her social life and how she connects with others (food is truly the centerpiece of her world). Think about how you can add dimension to your list and take a collection of favorite movies or museums beyond the ordinary. Pro tip: if someone else could duplicate and submit your exact list, that means it’s not specific or creative enough and probably won’t tell admissions anything they really want or need to know.

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Elon Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Elon supplemental essays 2023-24.

All applicants to Elon University must complete the Elon supplemental essays. Moreover, each Elon application essay helps you craft a strong application. Every year, Elon admissions reviews thousands of applications to identify the candidates who will thrive within their educational environment. Your Elon supplemental essays can be the defining factor that determines the overall success of your Elon application.

Elon University , located in the picturesque town of Elon , North Carolina, is recognized as one of the nation’s top-tier universities. Beyond its idyllic setting, Elon University also boasts a rich history of academic excellence with a focus on undergraduate programs. The university is ranked #1 in Learning Communities , First-Year Experiences , and Best Undergraduate Teaching . With a strong commitment to fostering a vibrant campus community, Elon attracts a diverse and dynamic student body. 

If you’re eager to learn how to get into Elon University, you’re in the right place. So, let’s get started.

In this comprehensive guide to the Elon Supplemental Essays, we will:

• Explore Elon University requirements
• Analyze Elon essay prompts
• Offer valuable insights to assist you in crafting outstanding Elon supplemental essays

By the end of this guide, you will be well-prepared to submit your Elon application. Better yet—an application armed with compelling Elon supplemental essays that will leave a lasting impression on admissions .

Are you ready to discover how to write your Elon supplemental essays? If so, let’s get started!

Elon Admissions: Quick Facts

Elon university admissions: quick facts.

• Elon University Acceptance Rate: 74% – U.S. News ranks Elon University as a moderately selective school.
• Elon University Essay Requirements:
• 1 (~650 word) Common Application Personal Statement: Choose from Common Application 2023-2024 prompts 
• 2 (~200 word) Elon Supplemental Essays: Who Are You Essay and Cultural Diversity Essay
• 3 (~75-150 word) Elon Short Response Questions: Hometown Suggestions, Three Songs From Playlist, and Your Top 5
• Common Application
• Elon University Application
• Elon University Application Deadlines :
• Early Action: November 1st
• Early Decision: November 1st
• Regular Decision:  January 10th
• Elon University Essay Tip: Although the Elon essay prompts are fun, remember your audience as you start thinking of ideas. Consider what your responses communicate about your passions, values, and character. Feel free to answer honestly and authentically, but be sure your chosen topics are also appropriate and professional.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Elon have supplemental essays?

Yes, Elon supplemental essays are part of Elon’s application requirements . Each Elon application essay, moreover, serves as a valuable opportunity for applicants to showcase themselves beyond their academic statistics. Applicants are encouraged to take creative risks and let their individuality shine through in their Elon application essays. With this in mind, understand there is no one “correct” way to answer the Elon essay prompts.

How many essays does Elon have?

In total, Elon has five supplemental essays. (If that sounds like a lot of writing, don’t worry! In reality, these “essays” are all brief reponses.) Keep in mind these school specific essays are required in addition to your Common App personal statement essay . So, you’ll actually need six essays total to have a complete Elon University application.

There are two relatively traditional supplemental essays with Elon essay prompts focused on getting to know you. Then, there are three fun Elon essay prompts that allow applicants to share their personal preferences and interests. 

Next we’ll discuss the Elon supplemental essays and later the Elon short answer essays. First, we’ll explore the Elon essay prompts. Then, we will break down how to write an Elon essay that will impress the admissions team. 

Elon Supplemental Essays

In the previous section, we explained that Elon University has two fairly traditional Elon supplemental essays. Both of these Elon essay prompts limit responses to 200 words max, so your essays must be clear and concise. One of the two Elon essay prompts is labeled a get to know you essay. The other is a cultural diversity essay. 

Elon Supplemental Essays #1

Who are you describe yourself. (200 words).

This Elon application essay gives you free range to share anything you want about your identity. You can highlight personality traits, life experiences, hobbies, extracurriculars , values, or passions. Essentially, your essay can include any detail that helps paint a complete picture of who you are. Overall, you’re aiming for an Elon essay response that is authentic, reflective, and engaging. So, you’ll want to provide specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate your self-description.

Elon Supplemental Essays #2

What cultural traditions, experiences, or celebrations are important to you how have they influenced your understanding of self (200 words).

This Elon application essay prompt invites you to dive even deeper into a specific aspect of your identity. You’ll need to explore the cultural aspects of your identity while also describing how they’ve impacted your personal growth. This is a common essay prompt amongst top colleges and can be called the cultural diversity essay. 

Share cultural experiences that have shaped your perspective, whether through family trips, volunteer work, or interactions with culturally significant individuals. Describe your active involvement in traditions, events, or activities and explain how they’ve created a sense of belonging. Most importantly, reflect on how these cultural elements have influenced your self-understanding, shaping your values, beliefs, and worldview. 

Elon Essay Tip:

When brainstorming ideas, save any discussion/details regarding your cultural background for the cultural diversity Elon application essay. That way, you can avoid repeating information from Elon essay #2 in Elon essay #1!

How to write the Elon supplemental essays

Crafting exceptional Elon University supplemental essays can help you make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Each Elon application essay allows you to reveal your true self and share your life experiences. Moreover, they can articulate how you would contribute to and thrive within the vibrant community at Elon University. Here are some helpful strategies to keep in mind when writing your Elon University supplemental essays:

Embrace Authenticity

Approach your Elon supplemental essays authentically. Instead of choosing a topic you think sounds impressive, choose something that has genuinely helped shaped your identity and aspirations. Avoid generic responses and emphasize what sets you apart as an individual.

Craft Engaging Narratives

When drafting your Elon supplemental essays, keep things interesting by developing captivating narratives. Your Elon application essay should include vivid and descriptive language that will fully engage your reader. You’ve likely heard this advice before, but it’s always worth emphasizing: show don’t tell . 

Elon Short Answer Essays

So far, we have explained how to get into Elon using the more traditional Elon supplemental essays. Now for the fun part! As shared before, in addition to the Elon supplemental essays, Elon also requires applicants to complete Elon short answer essays.

In this section, we’ll break down the Elon essay prompts for the short answer Elon application essays. Remember, not all of these Elon short answer essays are actual essays. One Elon application essay is a short, 75 word essay. The second Elon application essay, however, is simply a list. And the last Elon application essay is a list accompanied by a short, 150 word explanation.

Elon University Short Answer Prompt #3

We’re in your hometown. where should we go and what should we do this is a chance to tell us more about your hometown. our staff may even take your suggestions when they are in the area (75 words).

This Elon application essay gives applicants a unique opportunity to showcase their knowledge and pride in their hometown. In just 75 words, your goal is to convey your passion and familiarity with the place you call home. Consider discussing local attractions, historical sites, cultural events, or community activities that are important to you. You can also infuse your connection to these places, sharing stories or memories that reflect their personal significance.

Elon University Short Answer Prompt #4

Name three songs from your perfect playlist. we look forward to creating a spotify playlist from your answers..

This prompt may be the most fun of the three short answer Elon essay prompts. This Elon application essay invites you to share your musical tastes and preferences. The songs you share in this Elon application essay should be meaningful to you, reflecting your emotions, experiences, or moods. So, consider selecting songs that hold sentimental value, have inspired you, or convey an important message. You can also use this opportunity to showcase your musical diversity by choosing songs from various genres.

Elon University Short Answer Prompt #5

Tell us your top 5. take this opportunity to let elon admissions know more about you. your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. be creative you may choose any theme for your top 5. do you love cooking list your top 5 recipes. are you enthusiastic about anime name your top 5 characters. do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events name your top 5 moments., explain why these are your top 5. (150 words).

Your final Elon application essay allows you to showcase a unique aspect of your personality, interests, or experiences. You have the creative freedom to choose any theme for your “top 5.” Consider what sets you apart and what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s your top 5 books, travel destinations, movies, hobbies, or achievements, ensure that each item is explained with depth and context. Share why these five items are significant and how they have influenced your life or shaped your identity.

Tips for approaching Elon Short Answer Essays

The short answer Elon essay prompts are unique and may cause some indecision. It can be stressful to narrow down your interests into a top three or top five list! Below, you’ll find two specific recommendations for each Elon application essay to help you answer the Elon essay prompts.

Prompt 3: We’re in your hometown. Where should we go and what should we do? 

Choose unique spots.

Suggest unique and meaningful places or activities that represent your hometown well. Avoid generic tourist destinations.

Personal Connection

Share a personal connection or memory associated with the places you recommend. Think of this as an extra opportunity to provide a glimpse into your experiences.

Prompt 4: Name three songs from your perfect playlist.  

Diverse selection.

Choose songs from different genres or moods to reflect the diversity of your musical taste. If you don’t really listen to music – think outside the box! A catchy commercial jingle, video game theme, or film score can all count in your playlist.

Keep it Clean

Although there are great songs across genres that discuss more adult themes, remember this is still an Elon application essay. If you wouldn’t discuss the lyrics in a professional job interview, it’s probably not appropriate for this particular playlist.

Prompt 5: Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let Admissions know more about you. 

Select a unique theme.

Choose a theme representing your passions, interests, or experiences. This could be anything from favorite books to travel destinations to life lessons.

Provide Context

For each item in your top 5, explain why it’s significant to you. Share stories or anecdotes that illustrate their importance.

Considering the limited word limit, the most important tip for each Elon application essay is to be concise. Remember to stay within the specified word limits for each prompt and make every word count. Overall, each Elon application essay is a relaxed opportunity to showcase your personality and uniqueness. Choose topics you’ll have fun writing about!

Does Elon care about essays?

Yes, Elon cares about your essays. Elon University takes great pride in its admissions process, valuing a holistic approach beyond traditional academic metrics. While academic achievements are essential, Elon University also recognizes the significance of additional materials, such as the Elon supplemental essays. That is why these essays are a part of the Elon University requirements for admission.

Elon’s test-optional policy also reflects the university’s commitment to evaluating applicants on more than just standardized test scores. For students who choose not to submit test scores, Admissions must rely on other parts of their application. This means your high school transcript, secondary school report, and Elon supplemental essays hold even more value. 

The attention given to Elon supplemental essays underscores the university’s commitment to identifying students who resonate with their values. These Elon essay prompts allow the admissions committee to gain a deeper insight into what makes you an excellent fit. This includes assessing applicants’ alignment with the university’s mission and their potential to contribute positively to the vibrant campus community.

How do I make my Elon application essays stand out?

Crafting exceptional Elon supplemental essays can significantly enhance your application. These Elon essay prompts provide a valuable opportunity to convey how you would contribute to and thrive within Elon’s community. To ensure your Elon supplemental essays stand out , consider the following strategies:

Immerse Yourself in Elon’s Culture

Before delving into your Elon University supplemental essays, have a clear picture of what attracts you to Elon. Take the time to immerse yourself in the university’s core values, distinctive programs, and campus culture. 

Conduct Thorough Research

Remember the importance of research when working on your Elon supplemental essays. If you encounter difficulties, use the abundant online resources, such as Elon’s YouTube channel, to aid your understanding. For more help on the writing process, be sure to check out CollegeAdvisor resources on writing supplemental essays .

Proofread and Polish

Before submitting your Elon supplemental essays, meticulously edit them to ensure your writing is free of grammar and punctuation errors. A polished essay shows Admissions you take pride in your work and can communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Elon Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

As one of the top colleges in North Carolina , the admissions process for Elon University can be competitive. Crafting compelling Elon University supplemental essays is a crucial step towards gaining a greater chance of acceptance. Here are five key takeaways to remember while completing the Elon University requirements and crafting your Elon supplemental essays: 

1. Holistic Admissions Process

Elon University values a holistic approach to admissions. They place significant importance on Elon supplemental essays to get to know applicants beyond their academic records.

2. Authentic Expression

Elon encourages applicants to be authentic and showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations through their Elon supplemental essays.

3. Diverse Essay Requirements

Elon University requires several unique essays. There are two traditional supplemental essays that delve into personal identity and cultural diversity. There are three shorter, more creative responses that allow applicants to share personal preferences and interests.

4. Short Essays Are Opportunities to Shine

The shorter Elon essay prompts like the “Hometown Suggestions” and “Top 5,” offer opportunities for applicants to make an impression. Even with a limited word count, be sure to take your time crafting and editing your responses.

5. Thorough Research Is Key

It’s essential to immerse yourself in Elon’s culture and research the university before writing your essays. That way, you can be sure to demonstrate your genuine interest and why you’re a great fit for Elon.

Now that you know how to get into Elon University, it’s time to access your Elon application and apply . We wish you the best with your application and writing your Elon supplemental essays. Good luck!

This article was written by senior advisor Ashley Hollins . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. Our team will discuss your profile during your meeting and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Mastering Elon University's Supplemental Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to elon university's new supplemental essay prompts.

Welcome, future Phoenixes! Elon University's supplemental essays are your golden opportunity to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores. The 2024 prompts are specifically designed to be brief yet engaging, pushing you to be thoughtful and true to yourself. Here are the two prompts you'll need to tackle:

What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why?* (Word limit: 200.0)

Tell us your top 5. (Word limit: 150.0)

At Sups AI , we've helped over 10,000 students navigate college applications successfully. Leveraging AI, Sups facilitates brainstorming, providing invaluable feedback on essays. Let's dive into how to approach these particular essay prompts for Elon University.

Prompt 1: What Aspect of Your Identity Do You Find Most Meaningful, and Why?

This 200-word essay is a chance to highlight an intrinsic part of your identity. Perhaps it’s a cultural background, a value, or even a hobby. Be authentic, and don't feel pressured to exaggerate. Sups suggests focusing on:

Specificity: Generalities won't suffice. Choose a specific aspect of your identity and delve into it.

Anecdotal Evidence: Ground your essay with a short story or example that demonstrates this aspect of you.

Relevance: Explain why this part of your identity is meaningful to you and how it shapes your worldview or actions.

Prompt 2: Tell Us Your Top 5

This 150-word prompt is where you can let your personality shine. Whether it's your top 5 favorite books, movies, or even ice cream flavors, make sure it reveals something unique about you. Here's how to frame it:

Be Creative: Choose a theme that truly resonates with you and isn't generic.

Detail Your Choices: Briefly explain why each item is a part of your top 5.

Glimpse of You: Use this list to offer insights into your personality, tastes, and experiences.

Imagine you’re an avid traveler; your top 5 could be destinations, with reasons connected to significant experiences or personal growth. Or if you're a budding chef, list the recipes that spark joy or hold sentimental value. Using Sups AI, you can brainstorm unique themes and get feedback to ensure your essay stands out.

For those seeking detailed, personalized advice, Sups AI offers one-on-one chats with current students who've been through the application process. With Sups, your essays will not only meet the word limit but also exhibit depth and personality.

Remember, the key to excelling in Elon University's supplemental essays lies in being genuine and thoughtful. With the right approach and the guidance offered by Sups AI , your essays can leave a lasting impression. Best of luck to all future Phoenixes!

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How to Write the Elon University Essays 2021-2022

Elon University has four required prompts. Three of these prompts are short response, fun-fact type questions, and the fourth is a more traditional essay about hope. All four of these prompts are more creative than many other supplements, which means a strong response can do a lot to separate your application from the nearly 20,000 others Elon receives each year.

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

Elon University Supplemental Essay Prompts

What brings you joy (30 words), we’re in your hometown. where should we eat and what should we order (30 words), name three songs from your perfect playlist. (30 words), as you look into the future, what gives you hope (200-250 words).

Although 30 words is much shorter than most other supplements, you should approach this prompt with the same strategy as your other college essays: share something unique about yourself with your reader.

Also keep in mind that there is no right answer here, so don’t worry about what you think the admissions officers want to see. In fact, these short answer questions can be a great way to show aspects of your personality that might not be reflected by your GPA or teacher recs, so think instead about things that both bring you joy and showcase something unique about you.

For example, say you enjoy cooking. That’s a fairly common hobby, so to make your response more personal, you could instead say something like “making homemade pumpkin pie with my family at Thanksgiving.”

Here are a few other examples of strong answers. Remember that we aren’t saying you should use these exact ones. Rather, we want to give you a general idea of what you should be going for.

• When the cherry blossom trees in my neighborhood start to bloom
• My cat purring in my lap
• Listening to a new Taylor Swift album in the car with my best friend
• The smell of pine trees on a long backpacking trip

Finally, 30 words is more than you think. You will likely have the space to tell your reader, at least briefly, something about why this thing brings you joy. Take the pumpkin pie example above. You could provide some elaboration by saying something like:

“Making homemade pumpkin pie with my family at Thanksgiving. This has been a tradition since I was little and it gives me a sense of belonging I can’t find elsewhere.” (30 words)

Don’t worry about saying anything profound here. So long as you’re honest, your sense of joy will come across to your reader.

Finally, be mindful of not coming across as entitled or arrogant. You don’t have much space to elaborate on your answer, so saying something like “the view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower” (unless you are from France) or “winning the state volleyball tournament” may come across as shallow to your reader, and you never want to accidentally put a bad taste in an admissions officer’s mouth.

You may have an all-time favorite restaurant and dish in your hometown, in which case this is probably the fastest response you’re going to write. If not, the process of writing a strong response is still incredibly straightforward.

First, pick a restaurant. You do want to be thoughtful about the place you pick. “Chipotle” might be your go-to spot, but your reader could go to Chipotle in hundreds of cities all over the world. You also don’t want to pick a super expensive restaurant, as that may make your reader think you lack awareness. Rather, focus on picking a place that is unique to your hometown, and reflects something about the place where you grew up.

Next, you need to pick a dish at that restaurant, so this should be a place you have eaten at before. However, you don’t necessarily have to recommend your favorite dish. If there’s an iconic dish at this restaurant, or something your friends or family have recommended, that can also be a good choice.

Lastly, put these elements together. As with the joy prompt above, you can use any extra space to provide a small amount of elaboration. Your final response might look something like this:

“Scuttlebutt’s down by the marina is the only place for fish and chips. There’s nothing better than a hot plate of fish and a view of sailboats coming and going.” (30 words)

One last note to save you space in this short response―you don’t need to say what your hometown is. Your reader will already have that information from your common app, so you don’t need to waste words by saying “In X city, the best restaurant is…”

The most important thing here is to be honest. As always, you want to show the admissions officers your personality, not the personality you think they want to see. So if you hate classical music, don’t list three Mozart songs just to come across a certain way.

As with most college essays, however, you want to be both honest and strategic. Each piece of your application is an opportunity to share something new about yourself, and if you list three songs by the same artist, you aren’t taking full advantage of this particular opportunity.

Instead, try to pick three songs that represent the range of your taste in music. If there is an unusual genre you like, whether that’s Italian folk songs, or you never outgrew the High School Musical soundtrack, definitely make sure you include something that reflects this unique interest.

For example, maybe you listen to a lot of contemporary pop and oldies rock, and you also like listening to scores from movies and TV shows. Your answer might be something like “good 4 u by Olivia Rodrigo, Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles, and Main Title – Game of Thrones by Ramin Djawadi.”

Remember that your audience is a college admissions officer, not someone you met at a party. So, again, be strategic. You don’t want to list WAP by Cardi B, or High By The Beach by Lana Del Rey. If you wouldn’t want to tell your grandma what the song is about, you probably shouldn’t include it in your response.

Overall, however, our best advice here is to not overthink. This isn’t a trick question―think about the songs that speak to you, for whatever reason, and share three of them. You might even have some fun deciding which ones to include.

Given the fact that the majority of news headlines these days spell doom and gloom for the future, this may seem like an impossible question. Once you start to brainstorm, however, you’ll hopefully realize there’s a lot to be optimistic about as well. 

For example, you could write about advances in prosthetic limb technology, which will improve amputees’ quality of life. Or the increasing popularity of women’s sports, which will hopefully continue to advance the gender equality movement.

Your reason for optimism could also be more specific to your own life. Maybe you run a basketball podcast, which has allowed you to connect with people from many different backgrounds, and that experience has made you optimistic that shared interests can always bring people together, even during a pandemic.

These are just some examples to hopefully get you thinking, but your answer should obviously be personal to you. If you’re having trouble coming up with something specific, ask yourself open-ended questions, like:

• Have I read or heard about anything recently that made me feel optimistic?
• In the next five years, what are some ways I think the world could realistically improve?
• On a day-to-day basis, what makes me feel hopeful?
• How am I working to improve the current state of the world?

Once you have decided what you’re going to write about, remember that this is an essay about you, not prosthetic technology or equal pay for women. Strong responses will illustrate something about your personality by describing your reason(s) for optimism.

The basketball podcast example above does a good job of this, because there is a clear personal connection. For other subjects, the connection might not be so obvious, so ask yourself honestly why this thing makes you hopeful.

For example, if you were writing about prosthetics, you might talk about how the media often focuses on the negative aspects of technology, but advancements like this show that scientists are always working to make people’s lives better. This elaboration will go beyond just describing a technology, and will also show your reader that you can consider two sides to an issue, and that you have an empathetic nature.

In your response to this prompt, you will have to be mindful of your audience. Elon University is known for being one of the more liberal schools in North Carolina, but it may not be as progressive as schools in the Northeast. For example, it may be slightly risky to say that Lil Nas X and Harry Styles blurring the line of what is considered masculine makes you optimistic for a less rigidly gendered future. 

We do not at all mean to suggest this is a bad thing to be excited about. Unfortunately, however, you have no idea who will be reading your essay, and they may not think this is quite so exciting. Of course, nearly anything can be seen as political, but something widely accepted as a positive, like helping amputees lead easier lives, or advancing gender equality, is very unlikely to offend anyone. 

If these “riskier” topics are central to your identity, you should go ahead and write about them, but just keep in mind that you may encounter an admissions officer who may disagree with your views, which could impact your admissions process. In the end, however, you want a supportive college environment, so if the admissions officer isn’t accepting, the school may not have been the best fit to begin with.

Where to Get Your Elon University Essay Edited for Free

As you get closer to submitting your application to Elon, you might want someone to read over your essays who hasn’t been revising them for three months straight. The more you read your own writing, the harder it can be to find anything to improve.

That’s why we created our Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. Since they don’t know you personally, they can be a more objective judge of whether your personality shines through, and whether you’ve fully answered the prompt. 

You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. We highly recommend giving this tool a try!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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Elon University Requirements for Admission

What are Elon University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Elon University and build a strong application.

School location: Elon, NC

Admissions Rate: 74.5%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Elon University is 74.5% . For every 100 applicants, 75 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet Elon University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Elon University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at Elon University is 4 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, Elon University requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Elon University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Elon University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Elon University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1238

The average SAT score composite at Elon University is a 1238 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Elon University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Elon University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1175, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1330. In other words, a 1175 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1330 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Elon University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Elon University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Elon University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1175, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Elon University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Elon University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at Elon University is 27. This score makes Elon University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30.

Even though Elon University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 25 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 25 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, from our research, Elon University is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Elon University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Elon University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Elon University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 25, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Elon University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1175 SAT or a 25 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Elon University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $60
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Counselor evaluation form required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 10 December 1
• Yes November 1 December 20
• Yes November 1 December 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 100 Elon, NC 27244-2010
• Phone: (336) 278-3566 x3566
• Fax: (336) 538-3986
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Elon University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Elon University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Elon University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Elon University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Elon University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Elon University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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College Application Essay Prompts

Common app, coalition app and supplemental app essay prompts, plus colleges and universities without supplements.

2024-2025 Essay Prompts

• 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.

New optional 250-word question under Additional Information.

Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces

• Do you wish to share anything on this topic? Y/N
• Please use this space to describe how these events have impacted you.

The Coalition App includes five prompts, many of which echo those on the Common App. We especially like Prompt #1 (Tell a story from your life) and Prompt #2 (Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others). With that said, you are not confined to these prompts! If you already have the perfect essay idea in mind, you can always choose Prompt #5 (Submit an essay on a topic of your choice).

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.

As you approach your supplements, we suggest categorizing the prompts based on theme. You will quickly notice some patterns emerge! For example, many schools will ask a version of the “Why Essay.” In other words, be prepared to explain what it is you like about their specific scholarly community and how you would contribute to campus life, both in the classroom and elsewhere!

Note: 2024-2025 Essay Prompts are highlighted in orange.

We’ll continue to update these as they are released.

*2024-2025 Essay Prompt

American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you’re excited.

*2024-2025 Essay Prompts

There are three options for satisfying Amherst’s supplementary writing requirement for the first-year application: Option A, Option B or Option C. Applicants may elect only one of those options. Before deciding, you should carefully read the descriptions of all three options (including specific conditions associated with Option B and Option C) to determine which is most appropriate for you.

Option A: Choose one of the following quotations, and respond to the question posed, in an essay of not more than 350 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

· Prompt 1: “Amherst College is committed to learning through close colloquy and to expanding the realm of knowledge through scholarly research and artistic creation at the highest level. Its graduates link learning with leadership—in service to the College, to their communities, and to the world beyond.” – from the Mission of Amherst College Prompt 1 Question: What do you see as the benefits of linking learning with leadership and/or service? In your response, please share with us a time where you have seen that benefit through your own experience.

· Prompt 2: “We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world.” – from the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community Prompt 2 Question: In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?

· Prompt 3: “Strong commitment to the freedom of inquiry lies at the heart of Amherst College’s mission to create a home in which the liberal arts may flourish. As a small residential liberal arts college that prides itself on the ability, curiosity, and diversity of its students, Amherst seeks to create a respectful environment in which members of its community feel emboldened to pursue their intellectual and creative passions.” – from the Amherst College Statement of Academic and Expressive Freedom Prompt 3 Question: Tell us about an intellectual or creative passion you have pursued; what did you learn about yourself through that pursuit?

Option B: Please submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay. If you have submitted an analytical essay in response to the “essay topic of your choice” prompt in the Common Application writing section, you should NOT select Option B.

Option C: If you are/were an applicant to Amherst’s Access to Amherst (A2A) program, you may use your A2A application essay in satisfaction of our Writing Supplement requirement. If you would like to do so, please select Option C. However, if you would prefer not to use your A2A essay for this purpose and you want to submit a different writing supplement, select either Option A or Option B. Option A, Prompt 2 is the same prompt as the A2A application essay; if you would like to submit an updated version of your A2A application essay, please choose Option A. [Please note that Option C is available only to applicants to Amherst’s A2A program. Non-A2A applicants must choose either Option A or Option B.]

No Change from 2023-2024

The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically.

A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson’s collaborative community.

You are invited to respond with either a traditional essay (500 words maximum) OR a one-minute video. Whichever you choose, no preference is given to either format in admission decisions.

Please respond to this prompt with an essay (250 words maximum).

• 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)

No change from 2023-2024

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?(450 words)

All applicants, except those applying for the Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) major, should respond to one of prompts #1-4 listed below. Students applying to the HCE major must respond to prompt #5 only. (400 words)

1. Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?

2. At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.

3. In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?

4. Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

5. Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.”  With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?*

Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin’s “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde.

To be at home in all lands and all ages; to count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend;  to gain a standard for the appreciation of others’ work  and the criticism of your own;  to carry the keys of the world’s library in your pocket,  and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; to make hosts of friends…who are to be leaders in all walks of life;  to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life.

Which line from the Offer resonates most with you? (Select an option.)

• To be at home in all lands and all ages;
• to count Nature a familiar acquaintance,
• and Art an intimate friend;
• to gain a standard for the appreciation of others’ work and the criticism of your own;
• to carry the keys of the world’s library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake;
• to make hosts of friends…who are to be leaders in all walks of life;
• to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life.

Optional: The Offer represents Bowdoin’s values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you. (Limit 250 words)

Three essays are required for all first year and transfer applicants:

• Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)
• Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)
• Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

First-year applicants are also asked to reflect briefly on each of the very short answer questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.

• What three words best describe you? (3 words)
• What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
• If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)
• In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

One essay is required for applicants to the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program in addition to the three essays required of all first year applicants:

• The Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Additionally, how might your academic, artistic and personal experiences contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work? (650 word limit)

Bryn Mawr students bring their authentic selves to campus. What do you know about yourself to be true — and what in your background or experience led you to that truth?

Brandeis was established 75 years ago to address antisemitism, racism, and gender discrimination in higher education, and today, the university remains dedicated to its founding values of inclusivity and justice. How has your educational experience shaped your perspective on these values? (250 words max.)

For International Students Only What excites you the most about being an international student at Brandeis University? (250 words max.)

Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s). (250 words maximum).*

* 2024-2025 Essay Prompts

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Why did you choose that area of interest? (Max: 200 words)

Required Short Answer Questions

STEM Curiosity Question

Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like. (Min: 50 / Max: 150 words)

STEM Experiences Questions

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are interested in learning more about your engagement with STEM.

Please share two STEM-related experiences:

• Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or any STEM topic, and how you have pursued or developed this interest or passion over time. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)
• Tell us about a STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Creativity Question

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars . But Techers also imagine smaller-scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D-print dorm decor to experimenting in the kitchen. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 200 / Max: 250 words)

Caltech Values Question

Caltech’s values include respect for a diversity of thoughts and ideas. How have you cultivated this value in your own life? (Min: 50 / Max: 200 words)

Optional Short Answer Questions

We know, we know … you see optional and start to wonder if we mean it. But in this section, we truly do! See these as completely optional opportunities to show us more of your personality.

• If there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them below.  (Max: 150 words)
• When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speed-cubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby, and why does it bring you joy?  (Max: 100 words)
• Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest!  (Max: 50 words)

Optional Academic Short Answer Questions

OPTIONAL: Have you had any extenuating circumstances (such as limited course selection or disruptions), that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here.

1) Think about someone you connect with who’s different from you. What do you find most meaningful about your interactions with them?(300 word limit)

2) Anything missing? Do you want to share more with us? If so, use this space to fill any gaps you think would assist us in reviewing your application. (Optional, no more than 250 words)

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).(300 word maximum)

The CMC admission office would like to know a bit more about you and how you see yourself connecting with our campus as a student. The following are required supplemental essay prompts:

• CMC’s mission is to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. With this mission in mind, please explain why you want to attend Claremont McKenna College.
• A critical part of fulfilling our mission is living out the commitments of CMC’s Open Academy: Freedom of Expression, Viewpoint Diversity, and Constructive Dialogue. We want to learn more about your commitment to listening and learning from others with different viewpoints, perspectives, and life experiences from your own. Describe a time when engaging with someone about a specific topic resulted in you changing your attitude, belief, or behavior, or you changed the belief or behavior of someone else. What was the change that occurred for you, and what facilitated that change? What did you learn from that experience, and how has it informed how you engage with others?

Clemson Honors Prompts

Essay 1 (650 word limit, Required) Tell us about your academic interests and professional goals (to the extent that you have identified them at this point). What experiences, talents, accomplishments, and/or characteristics inspired and contributed to these goals? What avenues have you explored to learn more about this or to gain experience in this area to date? [ Note: This is your opportunity to tell us who you are as a thinker. Please focus your essay on you, your experiences, and your ideas, not on what the Honors College or Clemson offers. ] Essay 2 (650 word limit, Required) The second essay is based on your response to one of the  Common Application essay prompts .

If you have already written a response to one of these prompts in your Common Application, that response is considered your second Honors application essay. If one is not on file, you are required to submit a response to one of the seven prompts.

Essay 3 (650 word limit, Optional) Please use this space to share any special circumstances affecting your application that warrant consideration by the selection committee.

*2024-2025 Essay Prompt s

Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the prompts.

On Colgate’s campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 250 words or less, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.

Prompt 2: 

Colgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 250 words or less what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate.

Prompt 3: 

Please complete the following so we can learn a bit more about you. Each response should be no more than 13 words.

I am drawn to Colgate University because…

I am fascinated by…

My favorite book, movie, or television show is…

The person I admire most is…

In the future, I hope to …

One historical figure I would like to meet is…

My favorite food is…

One thing I would change is…

My favorite place is…

I am the best version of myself when…

Something that has changed my perspective is…

I am seeking a community that…

My favorite family/community/cultural tradition is…

Colorado College values creating an equitable, environmentally-conscious, and healthy community. Choose one of these areas – antiracism, sustainability, or wellness – and describe your experiences and the specific ways you plan to get involved in this area at CC.

Recommended length: 250 to 300 words.

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

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 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 four supplemental essays. T wo of the essays have a 200 word limit while the remaining two are limited to 100 words each. 

Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? (200 word limit)

Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering? (200 word limit)

What brings you joy? (100 word limit)

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? (100 word limit)

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)

Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write brief responses to three supplemental essay prompts as follows:

1. Required of all applicants. Please respond in 100 words or fewer:

As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2029, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you?

2. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A.    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.

B.    “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.

3. Required of all applicants, please respond to one of the following prompts in 250 words or fewer:

A.    What excites you?

B.    Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you already making—an impact? Why? How?

C.    In “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” Dr. Seuss invites us to “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” Imagine your anticipated academic major: How does that course of study sync with Dr. Seuss’s advice to you?

D.    The social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall’s research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.” Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground?

E.    Celebrate your nerdy side.

F.    “It’s not easy being green…” was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity, outlook, or sense of purpose?

G.    Buddy Teevens ’79 was a legendary and much-beloved coach at Dartmouth. He often told parents: “Your son will be a great football player when it’s football time, a great student when it’s academic time, and a great person all of the time.” If Coach Teevens had said that to you, what would it mean to be “a great person”?

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a space to share your voice and to help us better understand you as a person. We encourage you to explore a topic that is authentic to you and reveals something that doesn’t already come through elsewhere in the application. Above all, stay true to yourself and your experiences.  (250-650 word limit)

Supplemental Questions

• There are just under 4,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College?  (250-300 word limit) 
• Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc.  (250-300 word limit)

SHORT-ESSAY PROMPTS

• What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)
• We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.
• Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect .
• We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?
• Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.
• We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

1. What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why? (200 words max)

2. Name three songs from your perfect playlist.

3. Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let Elon Admissions know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Name your top 5 characters. Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments.

4. Explain why these are your top 5. (150 words max)

Academic Interests

This question is required. (150 Words Recommended Length)

• What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?

Getting to Know You

In addition, answer  one  of the following questions. (150 Words)

• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?
• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity.
• Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

You may choose to answer one (1) of the optional questions below. Keep in mind that your response is a maximum of 300 words. Choose the question that you think will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community.

– At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?).

– Fordham, as a Jesuit university, recognizes the dignity, uniqueness and potential of each person. A Fordham education is student-centered and rooted in close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Describe how you would contribute to our campus community as an actively engaged learner and leader. Specifically draw on your personal story, identity, experiences, strengths, and perspectives.

– Our motto is “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City?

– Is there something that you are proud of that you would like to share with the Admission Committee?

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you? (400 words)

* If you are applying as score optional, your response is required .

Supplemental (Optional) Essay

Every applicant can choose from one of the following two essay prompts to submit. (500 words)

CHOICE #1 : At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?

CHOICE #2 : The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Short Essay Approximately one-half page, single-spaced

ALL APPLICANTS: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Essay One Approximately one page, single-spaced

ALL APPLICANTS: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents.

Essay Two Approximately one page, single-spaced

APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES : Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying at College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major.

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING : Georgetown University’s School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University.

APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH :Georgetown University’s School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.

APPLICANTS TO THE WALSH SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE : Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service.

APPLICANTS TO THE MCDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS : Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Essay Prompt 1 Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech? (300 words)

1. Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (150 words)

2. Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? (150 words)

3. Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (150 words)

4. How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (150 words)

5. Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (150 words)

Required Additional Writing.  An additional essay and short answer response is required.

• Harvey Mudd College seeks to educate engineers, scientists, and mathematicians well versed in all of these areas and in the humanities, social sciences and the arts so that they may assume leadership in their fields with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society. – HMC Mission Statement “Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words or less)
• Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words or less)

Please give us a better sense of what you are looking for in your college experience by answering the following questions:

• Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you hope to engage with this topic or issue at Haverford? (Please limit your response to 150-200 words.)
• We have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford’s values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you?As you think about how to answer this question, you might draw from how you have been influenced by other communities you have been a part of, experiences you may have had within your communities, or opportunities you have had to shape or even change your communities. (Please limit your response to 150-200 words.)

*2023-2024 Essay Prompt

Honors College

Answer  one of four  essay prompts. The essay word limit is 250 words.

For 2023-2024, the essay prompts are:

• Critically discuss why you believe what you believe about social justice. Using one specific example from your life, how do you anticipate that your future will be connected to social justice issues?
• Which is the better approach – focusing on what is going right or focusing on what is going wrong? Justify your answer with one specific example from your life.
• Think of your personal and career aspirations. Using a specific example from your life, discuss the implications of changing demographics for your future.
• Choose one specific example from your life to explain how science AND literature can be used to address a current problem.

How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350 word limit)

Why Lafayette? Required supplemental essay. Length: 20-200 words. Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why do you see yourself at Lafayette?

In 250-600 words, please write an essay in which you answer one of the three prompts below. Please be sure to select the prompt you would like to respond to.

• Describe an instance when a belief or idea you held was challenged. Explain why you either changed your mind or not and the effect(s) it had or could have moving forward.
• Lake Forest College is a setting where students from many different types of communities intersect. Choose one community that you identify with and describe the role it has played in your life so far.
• You enter a room with everyone you’ve ever met in your life. Who do you look for and why?

1. How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (200 words max)

2. Our 10-year strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, outlines three goals that articulate a vision for how we innovate, make an impact and do that work together—because together, we do better work. Reflect on how your personal background—be it academic, cultural, extracurricular, family, gender, racial, religious, or another aspect—will contribute to Lehigh’s aim to make it new, make a difference, (and/or) make it together. (300 words max)

Share with us why you are interested in LMU and/or why you chose your specific area of study or major. (500 words max.)

Macalester is one of a few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the middle of a metropolitan area. Students benefit from the strong sense of community on campus and opportunities to engage in academic, social, and civic engagement options in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In what ways might Macalester’s urban location enhance your academic, social, and/or community experiences? (300 words max.)

*2023-2024 Essay Prompts

For the 2023–2024 application, these are the short answer essay questions:

• What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.
• We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
• How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations?
• MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.
• How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?

Depending on the question, they are looking for responses of approximately 100–200 words each. There is also one final, open-ended, additional-information text box where you can tell them anything else you think they really ought to know.

In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay (250 words max):

– What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder?

– How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life?

– What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures?

– How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?

*2024-2025 No Supplemental Essays

The following question is required for all Common Application and Coalition with Scoir applicants (optional for QuestBridge applicants). Please respond in 300 words or fewer:

• We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?

The following questions are optional, but we encourage you to answer at least one and no more than two. Please respond in fewer than 200 words per question:

• Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?
• Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?
• Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.
• Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?
• Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus?

Please answer one of the following questions (200 – 250 words):

A. Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental, and our location in Los Angeles, is the right place for you to pursue your interests?

B. Occidental’s central mission emphasizes the value of community amidst diversity. What do you value in a community and how do you see your perspectives and life experiences enhancing it?

C. Research is an integral part of an Occidental education. Completing a senior comprehensive is a requirement of every Occidental student and there are a myriad of opportunities for research throughout your four years. Imagine you were just awarded one of our research grants for a project of your choice. What are you researching and why?

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

While the Personal Statement is not required, it is highly encouraged.

Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus?(500 words max)

Pitzer Writing Supplement

• The required Pitzer Writing Supplement section of the Common Application has a maximum length of 650 words. You will choose from one of the following prompts:
• Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one of Pitzer’s core values?
• Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you.
• As a mission driven institution, we value and celebrate the synergy created by our differences and similarities. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, identity, or personal interests that you would bring to Pitzer, and how you plan to engage in our community. (250 words or less)

#1: Please choose one of the following three prompts to respond to with an essay of no more than 150 words.*

1. At Pomona, we celebrate and identify with the number 47. Share with us one of your quirky personal, family or community traditions and why you hold on to it.

2. What item are you excited to bring with you to college?

3. Describe a time when you felt empowered or on top of the world. #2: Please choose one of the following three prompts to respond to with an essay of no more than 250 words.*

1. In the past few years, is there something you have changed your mind about? Why?

2. Reflecting on a community that you are part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona?

3. What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize? #3: What do you love about the subject(s) you selected? If Undecided, share more about one of your academic passions.* (150 words)

All Programs (Except Construction Management)

Write about a piece of work (visual art, musical performance, piece of writing, architecture, or design) that has influenced you and describe the impact it has had on your perspective OR write about a piece of your own work and the impact that creating it has had on you. The essay should be 250-500 words or two pages maximum. Make sure your essay is complete before uploading because you will not be able to make changes after you submit your application.

Construction Management Only

Write about a construction project (building, home, stadium, structure, resort, or environment) or a piece of art or design that has inspired you and describe the impact it has had on your decision to study Construction Management. The essay should be 250-500 words or two pages maximum. Make sure your essay is complete before uploading because you will not be able to make changes after you submit your application.

For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided   As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

For B.S.E. Degree Applicants

Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

• Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?  (Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)
• Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

More About You

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

What brings you joy? 

Optional Providence College Essay Found under the “Additional Questions” section of the Providence College Member Page (within the Common Application), the Optional Providence College essay provides applicants with the opportunity to speak to their specific interest in PC. While completing this statement is optional, we encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity to explain why they see Providence College as an appropriate match and fit. Should a student choose to complete an optional essay, they select one of the following prompts and limit their response to 250-500 words.

The prompts for the Class of 2029 are:

• Providence College values each student’s willingness to embrace and learn from different viewpoints. What experiences or perspectives do you believe individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to a community or organization? And how will your unique background positively impact others at Providence College?OR
• Providence College thrives on the energy of those who seek. How will you contribute to our vibrant campus life and intellectual culture in the years ahead?

No Change from 2023-2024 All Applicants Prompt 1: How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (100 words)

Prompt 2: Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (100 words)

Why are you interested in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Accelerated Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program

• State your reasons for aspiring to a career in medicine.

Architecture (ARCH)

• State your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession.

Electronic Arts (EART)

• Discuss your interests in the field of electronic arts, and state how this is reflected in your portfolio, if one has been submitted.

Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS)

• State your reasons for choosing the field of games and simulation arts and sciences, making reference to your portfolio if one has been submitted.

Music (MUSC)

•  Describe your interest in the music major and your goals. Please include completed course work in music, private music instruction, musical performance and production experience, or completed independent projects.

1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.

2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? 150 word limit.

3. Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:

• The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? 500 word limit.
• Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? 500 word limit.

One of Rice’s long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved.

1. Why are you interested in pursuing the [Division or Major] selected above? (50 words)

2. At Santa Clara University, we value our diverse and inclusive community. Our campus learning environment is enriched by the lived experiences of people from different backgrounds. What people, places, events, or circumstances have shaped the individual you are today and how you could contribute to our community? (150- 300 words)

3. At Santa Clara University, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? (150- 300 words)

Respond to one of the following four essay prompts:

• Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: filmmaker-sociologist-historian, environmentalist-photographer, psychologist-novelist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you have brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence.
• Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions directly with faculty, and then answer them through intensive semester-long projects that frequently inspire a blend of intellectual rigor and creativity. In 250-500 words, tell us about a text, problem, or topic you would love to explore over a semester or a year, and what you would hope to achieve through that work.
• In the syllabus of a 2023 majority decision of the Supreme Court written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the author notes: “Nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected the applicant’s life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university.” Drawing upon examples from your life, a quality of your character, and/or a unique ability you possess, describe how you believe your goals for a college education might be impacted, influenced, or affected by the Court’s decision.
• Residential colleges and universities are opportunities to live and learn with peers from very different backgrounds and with potentially very different world views. Think about a time that you encountered someone with an opinion or a position that you felt was contrary to either your belief or understanding of a topic. Describe the situation, and if the encounter did not end with a mutually agreed upon resolution, how might it have?

Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? (200 words)

Choose one of the following (150-300 words):

(1) If you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why?

(2) You’ve invented a time machine! When and where is your first destination and why?

(3) You have just been invited to host your own podcast. What will you talk about and why did you select that topic?

SMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. (250-word limit)

SMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? (250-word limit)

1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words max)

2. How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words max)

3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words max)

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

5. List five things that are important to you. (50 words max)

6. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 words max)

7. Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (250 words max)

8. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (250 words max)

What aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own.

Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring?

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?(750 words)

At TCU, it is our vision to be a world-class, values-centered university.  We value academics, intellectual inquiry, creative expression, leadership, service, diversity, and the appreciation of the human experience. With which one of TCU’s core values do you most align and why? (Maximum length: 200 words) 

Describe how you have already contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your community or how you plan to contribute to an inclusive college environment in the future. (Maximum length: 200 words)

Freedom of Expression Completion of the questions below is optional. TCU values individuality and believes that students are more than just a GPA and test score. To help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. The only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. Please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a URL that showcases another side of you.

The identities you claim, the challenges you face, and the successes you enjoy shape the background for your college experience to come. What is an aspect of your background that you are excited to share and/or explore as a member of the Trinity community and why?

Short Responses

Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering answer the following two questions:

Complete this sentence in 100 words or less: “I am applying to Tufts because…”

2. Now we’d like to know a little more about you. Please respond to one of the following three questions. (200-250 words):

A) It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity? B) How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?

C) Using a specific example or two, tell us about a way that you contributed to building a collaborative and/or inclusive community.

Applicants to the BFA or 5-Year BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree at the SMFA at Tufts answer the following two questions:

1. Complete this sentence in 100 words or less: “I am applying to Tufts because…”

2. Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world.  What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work? (200-250 words)

2024-2025 Essay Prompt

Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted. This statement should be 250 words at most; however, it is neither necessary nor expected that you reach this maximum length. We strongly encourage you to focus on content and efficiency rather than word count. While submitting this prompt is optional, we recommend that all applicants do so.

Personal Insight Questions

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.

• 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?

• 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?

• 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’s 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?

• 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 are you today?

• 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?”

• 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?

• 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?

• Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as 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?

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!

Short Answer Question:  (This short answer must be a different written responses than what you provided for the Common Application essay)

• Required question (250 word limit)  – What do you hope to study, and why, at CU Boulder? Or if you don’t know quite yet, think about your studies so far, extracurricular/after-school activities, jobs, volunteering, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report). (200-300 words)

Major-Specific Prompts

You’ll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you’ll answer will depend on whether you’re applying to a  major  or to our  undeclared program , and if you’ve selected a  second choice . Each response should be approximately  150 words . If you’re applying through Common App, you’ll find our major-specific writing prompts in the “Writing” tab of our supplemental questions after adding us as one of your colleges.

If You’re Applying to a  Major :

• Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.
• Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If You’re Applying to Our  Undeclared Program  in the Division of General Studies:

• What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why.
• What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.

If You’ve Selected a  Second-Choice Major  (Including  Undeclared ):

• Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

To tell us more about yourself, please complete the following prompts using only the space provided (650 characters).

1. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…

2. The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was…

3. In addition to my major, my academic interests include…

4. My favorite thing about last Friday was…

5. Something you might not know about me is…

6. In a few sentences, please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity (includes but not limited to: racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical and sexual orientation)

Please tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst?

At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how, as a product of this community or group, you would enrich our campus.

If applying for Spring or Fall 2025, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words or less in response to the following prompt.

Supplemental essay prompt: 

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

• 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)
• 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)

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.

The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) required short essay question and three (3) short-answer responses to questions you select from the options provided. Please provide a response to the following question. The word count is a maximum of 150 words.

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.

Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words.

1. How does faith influence the decisions you make?

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

3. 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?

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

5. What would you fight for?

Penn Supplemental Short Answer Prompts (Required)

• 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 will now be unique to the school to which a student is applying. Considering the undergraduate school you have selected, please respond to your school-specific prompt below. (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).

For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.

Transfer Essay  (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters)

Undergraduate School Academic Short Answer Prompts

School of Nursing

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)

College of Arts and Sciences 

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)

The Wharton School 

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words)

School of Engineering and Applied Science 

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)

DMD: Digital Media Design Program 

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)

Huntsman: The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business 

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)

LSM: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management 

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)

M&T: The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology 

• Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)
• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)

NETS: The Rajendra and Neera Singh Program in Networked and Social Systems Engineering 

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)

NHCM: Nursing and Healthcare Management 

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)

Seven-Year Bio-Dental Program 

• Please list any predental or premedical experience. This experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research; etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and a description of your experience. If you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done or plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career.
• Do you have relatives who are dentists or are in dental school? If so, indicate the name of each relative, his/her relationship to you, the school attended, and the dates attended.
• Describe any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands.
• What activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people?
• Please explain your reasons for selecting dentistry. Please include what interests you the most about dentistry as well as what interests you least.

VIPER: The Roy and Diana Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research 

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)

Optional : The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your University of Pittsburgh admissions application.

International Applicants (required): Describe an experience where you had to adapt to a new environment (i.e. a different culture, situation, or way of thinking).

Choose from the following prompts (350-650 words):

• You have a platform to create change. What is an action or policy you might propose to address an issue of social injustice in your school or local community, or on a national or global scale?
• Tell us about a time you learned something unexpected. What did you learn, and what happened next?
• Richmond welcomes students from various backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. What is at least one way you will contribute to our community that is not already mentioned in your application?

Both parts must be completed as part of the application process. 

The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” In what ways do you envision using the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities at the University of Rochester to promote progress and change within the communities you inhabit? (250 word limit)

Mandatory First-Year Essay Prompt

For over 75 years, the liberal arts have been the cornerstone of the educational experience at USD. They help students explore the world, past and present, and lay the foundation for building inspired and meaningful lives. They also provide the skills and experiences students need to be successful in an increasingly changing and challenging world. Throughout the first year and beyond, we engage students in this exploration through our Core Curriculum and Learning Communities, connecting them with faculty who will guide them as they become global citizens. What excites you about the academic opportunities at USD?

Essay Prompt Option #1

Here at USD, we value the fact that our students come from all walks of life, have experienced different realities and bring with them an array of unique perspectives, including some that have often been underrepresented and underserved by higher education. Our Horizon Project is a call to action, ensuring that we are dedicating the time, energy and resources necessary to build an ever more diverse, inclusive and equitable campus community. What contribution have you made to your current school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to these ideals?

Essay Prompt Option #2

As a proud Changemaker Campus , the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through care for our common home, social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity and a global perspective. Write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue.

Essay Prompt Option #3

Share some of your ideas about the role of faith or spirituality in your life or the life of someone you know. As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We devote great time and energy to ensuring all students feel connected to the vibrant USD community, including opportunities to grow in their relationship with God while considering who they are, what they believe and who they are called to become.

Summer/Fall 2025 Essay

Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essays

All freshman Spring 2025 applicants must submit a required essay:

• UT Austin Required Essay in the Common App, or
• Topic A in ApplyTexas

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essay Topic

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Submitting Your Essay

You can submit your essays:

• In conjunction with your application.
• Using the Document Upload System in MyStatus.

*Students do not need to submit other Common App essays. We’ll only review what is required.

Short Answers

• Submit the required short answers to prompts in your admission application.
• Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

Summer/Fall 2025 Prompts

• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
• Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? ( Guidance for student s: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

Optional Short Answer

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Spring 2025 Prompts

• Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.
• The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Submitting Your Short Answers

You can submit your short answers with either your Common App or Apply Texas application. Short answer responses must be completed in order to submit your application.

Essay Prompts

Optional Essay: Please answer one of the following questions:

2.Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The “Save Our Swirled” flavor raises awareness of climate change, and “I Dough, I Dough” celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why?

3. UVM is a community that celebrates the unique identity of every student, faculty and staff member. Tell us how your identities have shaped the ways you interact with the world.

4. From the Green Mountains to Lake Champlain to our campus, UVM students are inspired by our location to think about their relationship to the environment. What does your relationship with your environment look like?

5. If you could pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be? What is your connection to the song?

6. What is your favorite sentence from your application essay?

All Applicants (250 words or less)

What about your background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you.

Optional Essay (100 words or less)

If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the university, please share your thoughts here. Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs.

Essay prompt [required]

Maximum length: 650 words

Short response [required]

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

Maximum length: 300 words

Additional information about yourself or your circumstances [optional]

You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

Maximum length: 200 words

All Campuses: This part is all about you. Tell us about something you’ve done—academically or personally—and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?

UW-La Crosse Please respond to ONE of the following: (1) How will your life experiences, commitments, and/or characteristics enrich the UW-La Crosse campus community? OR (2) Tell us why you are interested in attending UW-La Crosse and what aspects of the campus are especially important to you.

UW-MADISON Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

Question 1: Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? (400 to 500 words, 3,000 characters max)

Question 2: What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters)

Question 3: Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max) (Optional)

• Explain why you are interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy, how you have prepared yourself to be successful as a Cadet, and any leadership experiences that will help you develop into a leader of character in the Coast Guard. (500 word maximum)
• The Coast Guard Academy is focused on diversity, inclusion and equity-mindedness across campus. What about your background, or what perspective, belief, or experience, will help you contribute to the education of your future classmates and enrich our community? (250 word maximum)
• Explain why you are interested in the academic programs you selected and how your previous studies, coursework, and experiences in or outside the classroom have helped prepare you to be successful as a college student. (250 word maximum)
• Optional : Provide any additional information that you would like the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board to consider and that you have not provided elsewhere in your application. (250 word maximum)

The Merchant Marine Academy requires you to submit your biographical sketch, or essay of at least 500 words. Here’s the USMMA essay (or biographical sketch) prompt:

“Be sure to include your Full Name at the top of the page. You must include your reasons for wishing to attend the Academy, a discussion of your curriculum preference, the development of your career interest as a result of your high school classes, hobbies and activities, including any sailing experience, seaman’s experience, and/or military experience. You must also state your understanding and willingness to accept the service obligation upon graduation. Applicants submitting essays that do not meet the 500 word minimum requirement, or fail to state their understanding and willingness to accept the service obligation will be disqualified.”

1. Explain why you want to attend the United States Military Academy and serve on active duty as an Army officer.

2. What are the most important qualities in becoming a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer?

3. West Point and the Army are committed to the idea that respect for others and an understanding of diversity are important leadership traits. Why will you be successful in working with leaders, peers, and subordinates of a gender, color, ethnicity, and/or religion different from your own?

In a well-organized essay of a total of 300 to 500 words, please discuss both of the following:

(1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long-range goals, and

(2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity.

CHOICE #1:  Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

CHOICE #2:  Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

Villanova requires applicants to submit both their Common Application essay and the Villanova Supplement . The supplemental response must be different from the response shared in the Common Application essay section.

For the Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the five topics below and submit a written response in  about  250 words.

Prompt One: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

Prompt Two: What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova? 

Prompt Three: “Villanova” means “new home.” Why do you want to call Villanova your new home?

Prompt Four: As an Augustinian community, we value recognizing individuals for their true selves. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.

Prompt Five: At Villanova, we believe that each of us strengthens all of us. Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need.

Virginia Tech’s motto is “Ut Prosim” which means ‘That I May Serve’. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you.  How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech?

Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community support access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination.  Reflect on a time when you were not able or allowed to express a different or diverse position or opinion (or you witnessed another person or group experience the same situation)? How did you respond or wish you would have responded? Did your viewpoint change in any way after this experience?

Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership.  What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time?

Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it.  What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal?

• List five books you’ve read that have intrigued you.
• Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world’s complexity. This can include a work you’ve read, a project you’ve completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved (limit 150 words).
• Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? (limit 300 words)
• Give us your Top Ten List. (The choice of theme is yours.) (limit: 100 characters per line)

Johnson Scholarship Essay

In 800 words or less, please respond to one of the following:

• “To promote literature in this rising empire and to encourage the arts, have ever been amongst the warmest wishes of my heart.”  (George Washington, 1798, first president of the United States and first major benefactor of Washington and Lee University) Describe a work of art that has influenced you, and discuss the impact it has had on you.
• In mathematics, the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface is a straight line. While geometry is predictable, sometimes day-to-day life is not. Reflect on a time when your path was not as simple or direct as anticipated. How did you manage, and what did you learn?
• We live in a world in which much of our self-representation is curated online via short-lived social media ‘stories’ and disappearing photos. What photo or other representation of yourself is authentically you? What does it say about your growth into the person you are today and the person you want to become? Please use only the words in your essay to address this question. Do not include photographs or other materials in your answer.
• W&L’s Spring Term is a four-week, intensive experience during which students take only one course, allowing for undivided attention to the subject matter. Spring Term courses are known for innovative pedagogy, interdisciplinary scholarship, travel, and fieldwork in diverse settings. If you could design a Spring Term course, what would you propose, and why would you choose to pursue that topic?
• In his October 1963, A Talk to Teachers, James Baldwin said “…the whole process of education occurs within a social framework and is designed to perpetuate the aims of society.” Yet, as he aptly notes, “the paradox of education is precisely this – that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.”  Baldwin suggests that the purpose of education is to teach us to think for ourselves, to question – and change – the “framework” that we have come to understand and accept. What norms of your home or community have you become conscious of during your time in high school, and how would you like to use that knowledge to make it a better place?

Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU and why.” (200 words)This optional question allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that the admissions committee might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement.

If you like, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the WashU Pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (Students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video).

WashU is a place that values diversity of perspectives. We believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. Respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand “Who are you?”:

Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community.

Discuss a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.

Describe a community you are a part of and your place within it.

If you indicate an interest in the Beyond Boundaries program on your application for admission, you will be asked to the following prompt.

The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? What would you contribute to the team?

Wellesley students actively seek ways to build bridges and to change the world for the better. Tell us about an experience working with and alongside people of different backgrounds and/or perspectives from your own. Why was this important to you, and what lessons from this will you bring with you to Wellesley?

Please limit your response to two thoughtful paragraphs (minimum 250 words, maximum 400 words).

To help us learn more about you, we invite you to share additional information by answering up to two of these optional short-answer prompts. Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy. (300 words max.)

1. Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful?

2. Are there any particular communities that are important to you, and how do you see yourself being a part of our community?

3. How has your family, culture and/or background shaped your lived experience?

4. Share more about a personal academic interest or career goal.

5. Tell us about a challenge or adversity you’ve experienced and how that has impacted you as an individual.

6. If we visited your town, what would you want to show us?

*2024-2025 No Essay

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who are interested in submitting an example of their written work have the option of sharing an academic paper completed within the last year, ideally 3-5 pages in length. The paper does not need to be graded, and can be creative or analytical. Please do not submit lab reports. If submitting this optional paper, please include a description of the assignment or prompt.

No change fom 2023-2024

Worcester Polytechnic Institute seeks students who are the right fit for its academic and campus community. In what ways are you the right fit for the distinctive educational and campus experience that Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers?

Students at Yale have plenty of time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the  list  provided.

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

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

Applicants submitting the  Coalition Application  or  Common Application  will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words):

• What inspires you?
• If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
• Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence?
• What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Yale Essays

Applicants submitting the  Coalition Application  or  Common Application  will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer.

1. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

2. Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

Colleges & Universities Without Supplements

Sample list of schools that don’t require Supplements

• Albion College (application essay – recommended, not required)
• Allegheny College
• Bates College
• Beloit College
• Case Western Reserve University
• Clemson University
• Coe College (personal essay optional for students who meet Coe’s minimum academic standards )
• Colby College
• Colorado College
• Connecticut College
• DePaul University
• DePauw University
• Drexel University (essay for Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and custom-designed majors)
• Drew University
• Farleigh Dickinson
• Fordham University (optional personal essays)
• Furman University
• Gettysburg College
• Goucher College
• Grinnell College
• Hanover College (application essay – optional)
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Juniata College
• Kenyon College
• Miami University—Oxford
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (Albert Dorman Honors College has an essay requirement)
• Northeastern University
• Oberlin College
• Ohio State University  (Honors, Scholars, Morrill Scholarship Program and some majors have additional essay requirements)
• Ripon College (optional personal statement)
• Seton Hall University
• Sewanee—University of the South
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• Spelman College (additional essay for Honors program)
• St. John’s University (Personal Essay- recommended, Why essay for Pharmacy program)
• St. Lawrence University
• Stevens Institute of Technology (Accelerated Medicine program has an additional writing question)
• Stony Brook University  (Honors College, University Scholars, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine have additional essay requirements)
• SUNY Binghamton University
• SUNY Buffalo
• Temple University (optional essay)
• Susquehanna University
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado -Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton
• University of Delaware
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa (personal statement if not submitting test scores)
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln (personal statement required to be considered for leadership and diversity scholarships)
• University of New Hampshire
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh (personal statement required to be considered for scholarships, essay required for Pitt Honors admission)
• University of St. Thomas (essays recommended, but not required) University of Vermont (optional essay questions recommended, but not required)
• Wesleyan University

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, elon university supplemental essay advice.

Hey everyone! I'm starting on my application for Elon University and I'm wondering if anybody has any tips or suggestions on how to approach their supplemental essay. What do they typically look for? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Great to hear that you're applying to Elon University. For the supplemental essays, it's important to showcase your individuality and how you would fit into Elon's community. Here are a few tips to help you craft an effective response:

1. Research Elon: Before writing your supplemental essay, it's essential to gain a deep understanding of Elon's mission, values, and culture. Explore their website, read the university's mission statement, and scroll through the news or social media pages to get a sense of the campus life, popular programs, and recent events.

2. Be specific: When writing your essay, focus on specific experiences or extracurricular activities that have shaped you as a person and relate them back to opportunities available at Elon. Make sure to connect your personal interests and goals with academic programs, clubs, organizations, or other opportunities at Elon to demonstrate that you've done your research and can see yourself thriving there.

3. Show your personality: Let your unique voice shine through in your essay. Don't be afraid to express your genuine excitement about Elon and share personal anecdotes to make your essay more engaging. This will help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your application and grades.

4. Avoid clichés: To stand out from other applicants, refrain from using generic phrases or cliché experiences. Instead, dive deeper into your personal story and share the insights you've gained that are relevant to Elon.

Remember, the main goal of any supplemental essay is to demonstrate your fit with the university and showcase your passion for attending. Good luck, and I hope you find these tips helpful as you write your Elon University supplemental essay!

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Elon University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Elon University college application essays were written by students accepted at Elon University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Elon University

The spring break that changed my life kelley ann moore, elon university.

Instead of racing off to Florida's ever popular and over-crowded beaches, I spent my junior year's spring break sleeping in a room without air conditioning, cold showers, cleaning up trash, picking weeds, and wiping little kids' runny noses....

New Sickness Infects High School Students Nationwide Suzanne Lassise

ELLICOTT CITY, MD--- It is 12 AM and parents everywhere believe their teenagers are snug in bed. However, instead of sleeping, their kids are wide awake, studying every ounce of information they could be tested on in a matter of hours. Believing...

A Challenge For My Generation Anonymous

I had no idea my boyfriend and I had broken up until my friends started texting me asking why. Confused, I logged onto my Facebook account. I had a notification saying that my now ex-boyfriend had cancelled the relationship. I also had an inbox...

Fail Forward Caroline Connell

“That song is so overdone.”

“She is so fierce.”

“I totally booked that audition.”

Thespians have earned a reputation for being catty. Sure, we all strut like divas and belt the “Wicked” soundtrack, although privately wishing we could sing five notes...

The Weight of Words Caroline Connell

"Acting is a spiritual quest to touch human beings" Larry Moss

Actors hold a tremendous amount of power over their audience; with this power comes a responsibility. Too often, the spoken word is abused and taken for granted. Phrases are strung...

Log Cabin Emily Hutcheson

Both heels of my four-year-old, worn out, hand-me-down tennis shoes were propped up on the tree branch in front of me. In my lap, I held the seventh book in the Series of Unfortunate Events, and a half-empty bottle of water was buried in the...

Haitian Orphanage Emily Hutcheson

The grass brushed against my ankles and my backpack bounced with each step as I walked through the field. Through my sunglasses, I looked towards kids playing what I knew was soccer. With my school, I had traveled to Haiti over Christmas break....

The Toilers of the Sea Gabriella Calvino

One hundred and forty-eight years ago, in the midst of exile on the island of Guernsey, Victor Hugo narrated these words – “Whatever the goal may be, in earth or in heaven, the whole secret lies in proceeding to that goal” – in his novel The...

Food & Family Anonymous

“Food is the way to a man's heart.” This surprisingly sexist saying has always been a coveted motto among the women in my large Latino family. The number of times my abuela disclosed what she believed to be the secret to love to me is...

10 Days of Veganism Anonymous

I stared down at my bowl of coarse, mushy oatmeal as everyone surrounding me at the table began to devour their overflowing plates of eggs, bacon, and French toast.

This is going to be a long ten days, I thought.

The summer between my junior and...

Middle School Entreprenurship Anonymous

"One dollar." I smiled with satisfaction as I handed my friend a can of soda and hid the money he gave me in my shoe. It was at summer camp, when I was thirteen years old, that I discovered the "Law of Supply and Demand" and created a system that...

Dance Anonymous

I dreamt of the crowd in the darkness, a single spotlight shining down on me as I graced the stage with my movement, a sparkling array of costumes, and the feeling of soothing, crisp air. From the moment I stepped into my first dance class, I knew...

Outlets of Sound Anonymous

Every time I strap on a guitar, a joyous juxtaposition of feeling washes over me. Sweet harmony glides on a smooth, still surface of my mind, while nervous anticipation rumbles underneath in a tumultuous undercurrent. Behind the neck of this...

Letting Go of My "Eggo" Elizabeth Tess Thompson

“ Test does not exist! We only think she exists!”

The pale pink room was filled with too-bright morning light. High up on the Himalayan mountainside, the monastery had a sweeping view of the fog-covered village below.

The portly monk continued, in...

Battle Scars Anonymous

Of all markings that can grace the human body -- above moles, freckles, or even tattoos -- scars hold the most meaningful anecdotes. They display proudly won battles and mistakes on the individual who bears them. I have a few scars myself, the...

A Safe Shelter for Women Natalia Conte

We left for Illinois with pitch black darkness to guide the way, caravaning in spacious minivans. The next few hours, a blur of sleeping, truck drivers responding to the “Jesus loves truckers” painted on the van, and bonding games, passed fairly...

Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” Anna Katherine Laser

In Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”, an autistic boy named Christopher flees to London to live with his mother after discovering that his father has murdered a dog. Christopher, who has never travelled before, is...

A Year Abroad Anna Katherine Laser

The plane slowly descended from the clouds. In my hand was a letter entitled, “Open on the Plane over to Germany.” It was from my sister, the first of a series of ten letters that I was to open throughout the next eleven months. I slowly opened...

Summer Camp Anonymous

Despite what he meant to me, I won’t tell you his name; that privilege was signed away as part of camp counselor protocol.

I moved myself under the rock wall. The dense heat rising from the tire pieces covering the floor paired with the green...

Creative Solutions Anonymous

With all the commotion I heard, I thought someone had set a batch of chocolate chip cookies on fire again. But the world of a high school dorm is seldom that predictable. No, nothing was burning. The sophomore girls running into my room sweated...

Selfishness Anonymous

I slowed my car outside of the soup kitchen and looked at the parking lot. There was one space left, and the only way I could park was to back up into it, which I was terrible at. My heart dropped into my stomach.

Nervously, I put my car in...

Tire changing and women in STEM Anonymous

Monday: “We men are just better than the women.”

And in that moment I zoned back in. Although I later learned that his, the driving instructor's, comment was related to how a male’s body chemistry gives him a better alcohol tolerance, his words...

Natural Learner, Nurtured Writer Emily Holland

“E is for EMILY!”

To most, this statement is obvious. But to a two-year-old learning her letters using colorful wooden blocks lined up in a shoebox, the realization that her first name starts with a specific vowel is extraordinary.

Several studies...

Remembering Molly Anonymous

“Let’s get out of here, just you and me.”

This is what Molly, my friend, whispered to me one afternoon as she awoke from an “in-and-out” nap, as she likes to call it. Molly is a 90-something year old hospice patient who is wrapped in dementia and...

Recent Questions about Elon University

The Question and Answer section for Elon University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Fellows essay prompts?

Could someone post this year’s essay prompts for the Elon Fellows applications? We’d really appreciate it!

My son submitted his application to Elon via the Coalition App this morning, but it still isn’t showing as submitted on Elon’s applicant portal (he had also started the Elon-specific application on that portal, but decided to apply using the coalition app instead). I suspect the partially completed Elon-specific application may be the problem. His application is still showing as incomplete on the portal. He even got an email from Elon today telling him “Don’t drop the ball” by forgetting to finish his application!

But, he wants to apply to the Fellows program and needs to get started on the Fellows essays this weekend. Apparently he can’t see this year’s essay prompts until the portal says his application is submitted, and again, even though the Coalition app has been submitted it isn’t showing up that way on the portal. We found prompts from earlier years online, but he wants to be sure he has this year’s prompts before he starts writing.

So, he’s interested in this year’s Honors Fellows and Elon College Fellows prompts. If someone who can see the prompts could post them, he’d really appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

And, now he can see the prompts! It took about 24 hours for the coalition app to show as submitted. The prompts this year are:

Honors Essay: Think back over the past few weeks to a question, issue or idea that captured your interests beyond the classroom. What was it? What do you find compelling about it? What have you done to explore it? How does it relate to other parts of your life/interests?

Elon College Fellows Essay: The Elon College Fellows program values passion, curiosity, and responsibility. What are you intellectually passionate about? Where has that curiosity taken you? How would you understand your responsibility as a member of an arts and sciences learning community, such as the Elon College Fellows program?

Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows Essay: Reflect on your leadership experiences over the last few years. Share a time when you engaged in a significant leadership experience with others working toward positive change. How did that impact or influence you as a leader? How did your understanding of leadership change as a result of that experience?

Teaching Fellows Essay: Schools serve multiple purposes. For example, they are expected by various groups to inspire a love of learning, teach both knowledge and skills, educate responsible citizens, shape young people’s character, provide safe spaces for students, and combat societal problems that impact children’s lives. Explain the one or two purposes for teaching that motivate you most.

Very nice of you to post these, thanks! Good luck to your son!

Recent Posts

Welcome to our Admissions Blog!

This blog is your go-to guide for Elon Admissions, Financial Aid, and everything related to your college search process. We hope it is a helpful resource during this important chapter in your life. Student bloggers, admissions counselors and other people from the Elon family will stop by to write about all the experiences Elon has to offer.

Feel free to comment or suggest topics you’d like us to cover – but before you do, try a search of the blog to see if we’ve already shared that information. Happy Reading and Go Phoenix! Let us know if you need anything.

Elon University Admissions

Meet briana.

We are very fortunate to have three fabulous interns this Spring. With our campus community dedicated to and focused on diversity and inclusion, Briana’s role in our office is increasingly important to what we do in admissions. Here’s a little more about what she does..

Hello, My name is Briana Alston! I am currently the Diversity Recruitment Intern, working with Natalie Garza. With a focus on researching methods of diversity recruitment and ensuring the comfort of prospective students of diverse backgrounds interested in Elon, I also assist Natalie and other counselors with office duties as well as admissions events. I graduated from Elon University this past January with a degree in Psychology. I had minors in Human Service Studies and Women/Gender Studies. I aspire to become a marriage and family counselor or school psychologist. My passion is to work with both students and family, especially of diverse backgrounds if possible, regardless of my area of work. During my undergraduate career I dedicated most of my time to Elon’s Finest hip hop dance team and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I also participated through the CREDE (Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education) in SMART and EFFECT, the Elon feminist organization. I also volunteer with Crossroads Sexual Assault Response and Resource Center.

Our Spring Interns- Meet Mackenzie and Conner

Hi y’all! My name is Mackenzie Daniel and I recently graduated from Elon in December 2014. I earned a B.A. Degree in English Literature and minored in both Business Administration and Psychology. Although I graduated a semester early, I am fortunate enough to continue being on campus this semester by serving as one of the two Elon University Office of Admissions’ Spring Interns. I have always maintained a unique career goal of wanting to work in Undergraduate Admissions so I am beyond grateful and thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the Admissions Staff and assist them in a variety of ways.

I am originally from Pleasanton, California, which is located in Northern California’s Bay Area. Though transitioning to college life—especially when you are literally 3,000 miles away from home—can take time, it’s because of Elon University’s campus climate and culture (one that I often refer to as a family) that I was able to never look back on my decision and dive head in on all of the opportunities Elon has to offer.

Throughout my time at Elon, I was extremely involved in a wide range of activities and organizations (as are most Elon students). I worked in the Office of Admissions Records Area, which taught me the technical side to application processing. On another note, I was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and also served as a senator on Elon’s Student Government Association. Having been an English Literature Major, I was became a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society. However, my Elon experience was heavily influenced by my three-year commitment to New Student Orientation where I served as an Orientation Leader and then progressed to be its Coordinator-In-Training and eventually its Coordinator. Orientation is something that is near and dear to my heart and having the chance to work with incoming students and help them make their transition to college a positive and exciting one, was something I will never forget.

Throughout the semester you may see me walking the halls of our beautiful Inman Admissions Welcome Center, interacting at our various Admissions events or even running to get my daily cup of coffee. No matter what, I am here to help and would love to talk with you. Please feel free to email me at [email protected]!

My name is Conner Croxson and I am a current senior at Elon University studying Political Science and minoring in both Leadership Studies and International Studies. This semester, I am serving as an Intern in the Office of Admissions. Having previously worked in the Office of the President as an Executive Intern, I am thrilled to be embarking on a new opportunity to learn more about higher education, especially as I hope to work in higher education after graduation.

As a senior, I frequently reflect on how fortunate I am to have had the privilege of being a student at Elon. Like many, I did not originally pin Elon as “the school” I would attend. But during a spring break college road trip, I drove past Elon and spontaneously decided to see the campus. At the time I asked myself, “Why Elon?” and wondered why we were stopping here. Now, looking back it was one of the best decisions I made.

My Elon Experience has been heavily influenced by my involvement and leadership in several on campus organizations, including the Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows Program, Campus Recreation and Kappa Delta Sorority. One of the most influential parts of my four years was studying abroad during the fall semester of my junior year in Dublin, Ireland. I had the chance to explore various parts of Ireland as well as travel to Norway and London. I certainly caught the travel bug during my semester abroad and look forward to traveling more in the future.

If you find yourself in the new Inman Admissions Welcome Center over the next few months, you will likely see me assisting counselors, interacting with families and also giving presentations. Please say hi, I would love to meet you and get to know you!

If you have any questions about the admissions process or Elon itself, feel free to contact me at [email protected]

Why I Chose Elon: The Watson-Odyssey Program

As a Watson Scholar and a third year mentor for the Watson & Odyssey program, I have had the chance to see the program grow into what it is today. Watson & Odyssey is a need based scholarship that has allowed many of us to have the Elon experience we wished for.

The summer transition program gave me a solid support system that proved to be huge benefit throughout my 4 years here. I have a group of like minded scholars who I can depend on when needed most. Before coming to Elon University, I made it my goal to study abroad and experience another culture by being submerged in it rather than reading about it in a book during class. Thanks to the scholarship program I was able to live out my dream. Every year I am granted $21,000 towards my tuition and an extra $4,000 to study abroad. While at Elon, I have taken a service trip to the Dominican Republic and helped a family build a home in six days when it usually takes two weeks. I have also studied abroad in Florence, Italy where my classes were held in cathedrals, museums and on hill tops looking over Florence. As an Art major, studying in Florence, rich in art history, was something I never thought I would have the chance to do but thanks to Watson & Odyssey I was able to surpass my dreams and make my decision to choose Elon one I will always remember!

-Desmond Harrell ’15

When should I visit Elon?

We are going back into the blog vault to pull a previous post about on-campus events! Wanting to visit campus but wondering which experience will best fit what you’re looking for? We have broken down (again) each of our events and what you can expect to be covered.

Traditional Campus Visit (Information Session & Tour)

When: Monday-Friday (morning and afternoon times available), most Saturdays (9am, 10am, 11am) Who: All are welcome! What: A 30 minute information session with an admission counselor, followed by a student-led tour of the main portions of campus. Families also have the option of taking a self-guided driving tour afterwards to see other parts of campus not included in the campus visit. Families unable to register for a tour are welcome to take a self-guided walking tour of campus and utilize our admissions counselor on duty to answer any questions they may have. If participating in this visit option, please plan your visit to Elon to last 2 hours. Seniors (only) also have the option of sitting in on a class. (Note: class visits must be arranged at least 2 weeks prior to coming to campus.) How: Families are urged to register for their campus visit prior to coming to campus. March and April are our busiest months and campus visits will almost certainly fill up. You can schedule a campus visit here: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/visit.xhtml

Phoenix Fridays and Maroon Mondays (NEW)

When: February 20, April 13, and April 17 Who: Admitted students What: If you’ve been admitted to Elon, we invite you to spend a day on campus, and see what it’s like to be an Elon student. Students will attend a class, have lunch with a current Elon student in one of our dining halls, and take a campus or residence hall tour. Students and families can expect to learn more about residence life, academic programs, as well as student life on campus. Phoenix Fridays are capped in order to allow for a personal experience with current Elon students, faculty and staff so please sign up in advance. How: Students can register for Phoenix Fridays via their Application status page.

Fellows Scholarship Weekend

When: March 6-7 Who: Admitted students. Students must be invited to participate in Fellows weekend. What: Elon University will welcome candidates invited to interview for the Fellows Programs to campus beginning Friday, March 7 at noon. The two-day event concludes Saturday evening, March 8. Throughout the weekend candidates will take part in interviews, panel discussions, seminars, presentations, receptions and tours. How: Students invited to participate in Fellows Weekend must register via their OnTrack account For questions about Fellows and Scholarship Weekend, please email [email protected].

Rising Phoenix Weekends (Formally named Spring Orientation Weekends)

When: March 13-14, April 24-25 Who: Admitted students who have paid their $500 enrollment deposit What: Spend a weekend exploring campus and find out about the exciting opportunities that await you at Elon. Rising Phoenix Weekend is a two-day event that celebrates your acceptance to Elon and prepares you for enrollment in the fall. It’s a great way for you and your parents to learn more about life on campus, our signature Elon Experiences and hear from Academic Advising, just to name a few. Hopefully this weekend will answer all of your questions about Elon and what to expect in college. How: Students may register for either Rising Phoenix weekend via their application status page. Participation requires advance payment of $500 enrollment deposit. (Please allow 72 hours for your deposit to be processed.)

Explore Elon (Our version of an open house)

When: April 11 Who: All What: Spend a day touring Elon’s campus and meet professors and students who will answer all of your questions about college life. Learn more about Elon’s academic and scholarship programs, have lunch on campus, and find out how you could spend the next four years of your life! Students will have the opportunity to sit on special interest sessions regarding Global Study, Internships, and Campus Life. How: Registration will open up in the coming weeks.

For any questions about your campus visit, feel free to call our office at (336) 278-3566 or email [email protected].

Leadership Fellows

The Leadership Fellows program has been, hands down, one of the best opportunities I’ve had to learn about myself while here at Elon. The four-year program allows you to track your leadership development in a variety of different settings. The first year is about learning about one’s self as a leader, and I had the chance to better understand my strengths and weaknesses, and how to respond to different working scenarios. I also had the chance to take a variety of different personality tests and participate in workshops to also learn about myself as a person: what makes me tick, how I handle different social situations, etc.

The next year is about learning how to work with others, and I had the chance to learn how my leadership traits effect how I am able to work with others. This was also when other fellows in my class were beginning to establish themselves within their respective organizations, and I realized what a resourceful network of students I had through the fellows program. During the next two years, the fellows program has given us a lot of opportunities to make ourselves the best leaders we can be on campus, and mentoring us through our Common Good Project. The Common Good Project is a chance to work on something that will continue to benefit the community we’ve found here at Elon even after we graduate.

I truly have had great time learning about myself as a leader for the past 4 years, but I cannot overemphasize the amount of support that I’ve had through the program as well. It has been a great group of people that genuinely care about me and my development here at Elon. It is an experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone that is interested.

-Stanley Dowell ’15

Honors Fellows

Being an Honors fellow has been my most formative experience at Elon University. A two year, self-driven but faculty mentored research thesis is the hallmark of the honors experience. The honors program is set up to scaffold you through this process and connects you with all the opportunities available to augment your research and your academic career. Elon has a plethora of resources that are particularly useful for any student doing research and the honors program ensures that we are fully aware of all of them.

My research mentor and I met because of the direction of the then honors program director. With the help of my mentor, I applied for and received the Lumen Prize spring of my sophomore year – a semester before honors fellows start proposing their research. The Lumen Prize is a $15,000 research grant given annually to 15 Elon sophomores. It allowed me to travel to Senegal, West Africa for 6 months and also spend 2 months in New York City in order to complete my research on Senegalese migration narratives.

The honors program exposes us to different resources available on and off campus. Early on, we were introduced to the office of National and International Fellowships. With their support, I applied for the Boren Scholarship – a federal program that supports students in their efforts to study abroad in less commonly studied abroad locations and learn critical need languages that are usually not taught in universities. I was able to spend two months at the University of Florida studying Wolof, the lingua-franca of Senegal, before I embarked on my research. In addition, the Honors program creates a community like no other. Honors fellows are in the same orientation group together, and take Elon 101, Core 110 and other courses together. From the start we were welcomed to Elon wholeheartedly, and had a cohort of people with a similar commitment to their education to befriend immediately. The directors of the program also took the time to get to know us and made an effort to create a community that we could thrive in. Honors fellows have two learning communities available to them, I chose to live in neither but between the activities and classes we had together for 4 semesters, people from the various honors cohorts became my closest friends.

Being an Elon student opens many doors to you. In addition to being challenging and intellectually stimulating, the honors program allows you to take advantage of all these opportunities at Elon and beyond.

-Omolayo Ojo ’15

Elon College Fellows

I’m very excited to be an Elon College Fellow! This 4-year program for students with majors in the Arts and Sciences facilitates many opportunities at Elon, culminating with an undergraduate research project. We spend the first semester of freshman year attending colloquiums to learn about the research of different faculty members who are mentors in the program. Then, during winter term of freshman year, we create research questions and take a five-day trip to Washington, D.C. to conduct the inquiry. During the sophomore seminar class we begin to develop our own research interests and select a faculty mentor who we will collaborate with throughout the research process. Junior year we submit our project proposals and begin reading to gather background research for our project. The junior year seminar concludes with a poster session in which we present our initial research to second-year fellows.

While my question has changed a lot throughout the past two years, with the guidance of my faculty mentor, I have finally settled on a research topic that I am excited to pursue. My research will examine communications preferences of faculty (email, texting, home phone, Skype, etc.) and how these methods affect student outcomes like retention, class attendance, and academic achievement. In addition to the research opportunities, Elon College Fellows also receive a $1000 study abroad grant. Last Winter Term I used my grant for a month-long study abroad program in India. In India we traveled throughout the three southernmost states teaching in schools and engaging with the communities. For the last three days of the trip we traveled to Northern India to experience the culture in New Delhi and Agra, and of course see the Taj Mahal! Overall, the Elon College Fellows program has enabled me to take full advantage of my time at Elon.

-Kelley Dodge ’16

Communication Fellows

After months and months of touring and online researching, my mom and I had been highly encouraged to look at Elon University for its communication school. We decided that because so many people were begging us to check it out that we needed to give it a try.

We toured on October 28,2011–a day that started the first day of my Elon career.

I fell in love with Elon: The location, small classroom environment, architecture, the television studios, collaboration of students and faculty, and finally the opportunity to be a part of a cohort of students who, even before coming to campus, were focused and driven about excelling inside and outside the classroom in the realm of communications.

I applied to be a Communications Fellow and I consider it to be one of the best decisions I’ve made as an Elon student.

I, along with my fellow 2012 Communications Fellows, come from all backgrounds and each come to campus with different dreams and passions but we are all united in the fact that we want to be leaders both on and off campus in the communications field.

Among the components and opportunities that come with being an Elon Communications Fellows are the opportunities to take classes together and take educational trips to learn more about the media markets in major American cities.

My first day walking into COM 100 was the first time in my life I didn’t feel like the oddball in the room. The room was filled with young men and women who too loved journalism, news, writing, current events and most importantly shared my dream of impacting the realm of professional communications.

As mentioned above, as Comm Fellow I have gotten the chance to travel to Atlanta and Orlando on an all expense paid learning experience in order to better learn about the news industry as well as meet and network with Elon alums and fellow Comm Fellows who are using what they learned as a part of being an Elon Comm Fellows program in their jobs and professions and want to give back to current students who are pursuing similar dreams.

Back on campus, being a Comm Fellow comes with certain expectations that I have chosen to exceed in order to set myself up to be the best communication student I can be thanks to the generous investment I have received from my professors, fellows and classmates.

I am a leader in student media by serving as an anchor and reporter for Elon Local News, Elon’s Emmy award winning news leader. Being a leader on campus through student media and in the classroom is both an expectation and an opportunity that all Comm Fellows strive to meet and exceed in order to better the program and the school as a whole.

Professors and faculty know that I along with my fellow fellows serious from the start of our first year about the field so they can come to us first about projects and opportunities on and off campus.

Moreover, through the experiential learning grant through the Fellows Program, I am able to study abroad with Elon. In January of 2015, I am studying abroad in Barbados in order to learn about the media, culture and sport of the island nation. Without this grant, I would not be able to have such an opportunity. I am so excited to learn more about the news industry in a completely new culture, which will make a better journalist and global citizen.

The greatest advantage of being an Elon Communications Fellow is found in the relationships that I share with my fellow fellows, staff, faculty and alumni.

-Meredith Stutz ’15

Fellows Friday: Business Fellows

I still remember the first email I received as an Elon student. The director of our Business Fellows program sent us a message the summer before classes started saying, “Hope you guys are excited for your trip to Poland!!” Timeout. Poland? Needless to say I was surprised by the message, but I had no idea how exciting the adventure I was about to embark on would become. The Business Fellows program at Elon’s Love School of Business is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable business and professional development experience. From day one, students are introduced to leadership opportunities on campus and encouraged to challenge themselves academically and professionally. Business Fellows take two classes each semester as a cohort for the first two years of the program, which I believe helped our group grow strong friendships.

Each year of the Business Fellows program has a unique theme. Students spend their first year developing their teamwork and study skills through their classes and a first-year study abroad experience in Winter Term. Our class spent nine days in Krakow, Poland, but other recent groups traveled to Ukraine, Cuba, and Mexico. Our trip to Poland was an awesome opportunity to learn about Polish culture, history, and business. To this day, we all talk about our great memories on that trip. During sophomore year, students focus more on professional development. We learned valuable skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and relationship building that are essential to success in business. During junior year, most students study abroad, many for a full semester. Our group of Fellows studied in Argentina, Singapore, Denmark, and China, just to name a few. I spent a three-week Winter Term traveling to Cuba and the Cayman Islands to study accounting and economics. We also traveled to New York City for a three-day weekend where we visited the New York Stock Exchange and major companies in accounting, finance, and marketing.

Finally, senior year students work in capstone projects. Finance, accounting, and economics majors invest a portion of Elon’s endowment in different stocks and mutual funds, while management, marketing, and entrepreneurship majors work with local businesses to develop marketing strategies and business plans. It’s essentially like having a full-time internship, which is really helpful during job searches.

Overall, my experience in the Fellows program has been fantastic. It’s a great program with great rewards for students who are willing to work hard and challenge themselves. I’ve made so many great friendships with fellow students in the program, and I encourage hard-working business students to apply and challenge themselves. Who knows, maybe you can travel to Poland as well.

Denis Dotson ’15

A Day in the Life of an Elon University Student

Name: Elizabeth Chang Year: Senior Hometown: Richmond, Virginia Major(s): Marketing, Art History Minor: Professional Sales Elon Experiences: Study Abroad (CIEE International Business & Culture Program in Seville, Spain in Fall 2013), Internships (Fine Art Carolina Marketing Intern, Art Works Studios & Galleries Event Management Intern), Leadership (Sigma Kappa Sorority’s Vice President of Philanthropic Service), Community Service Campus Involvement: Elon University Tour Guide, Art History Department Ambassador, Sigma Kappa Sorority, Colleges Against Cancer Special Events Committee

TUESDAY, November 14th 8:30 AM Wake up, homework 9:30 AM Panhellenic Brunch 10:15 AM Walk to class 10:30 AM Art History Methodologies with Dr. Ringelberg 12:25 PM Sales Management with Dr. Gillespie 2:00 PM Lunch 2:20 PM Operations & Supply Chain Management with Dr. Horky 4:00 PM Special Events Committee Meeting with Colleges Against Cancer 5:00 PM Studying in the Great Hall 6:30 PM Dinner with friend 7:30 PM Frozen 10:00 PM Homework 11:30 PM Roommates & bed

I have three classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but only one on Mondays and Wednesdays, leaving those mornings free to work as a tour guide in the office of admissions. I woke up early this morning to finish the readings for my first class. I am an art history major so I have a lot of reading for my classes, but all of it is very interesting which makes the work worthwhile!

Today, my sorority sister Shelly and I walked to campus early to go to Delta Delta Delta’s Panhellenic Breakfast in the Moseley Student Center’s kitchen. Delta Delta Delta is one of the 12 sororities on campus. I belong to a different sorority, Sigma Kappa. Today, Delta Delta Delta hosted a brunch for the nine PHC sororities. It was a great way to mix and mingle with women from other sororities and I loved seeing some of my friends that I don’t get to see every week! I ran into my best friend Katie, who is in Phi Mu and studied abroad with me in Seville, Spain last fall, at the brunch. Catching up with her was a great start to my morning.

After the brunch, I walked to my first class, Art History Methodologies, in Powell House. My class has only seven students, including myself, and is currently my favorite class because of its small size. It is held in a small conference room where I get to discuss in detail with my classmates and professor the concepts associated with historical art research. I have learned a lot this year from this course and am excited to apply this knowledge next semester to my capstone Art History Senior Seminar class & research project.

My next class is across campus in the Koury Business Center. I am a double major and love the difference between my two disciplines. I recently declared a Professional Sales minor after taking a sales course last semester and falling in love with the subject. This semester I am taking Sales Management. In contrast to my art history class, there are about thirty students in this class and the course involves a lot of projects, case studies, and role plays.

My third class of the day, Operations & Supply Chain Management, is on the floor below my second class in the Koury Business Center. Usually between classes, I grab a quick coffee at Java City coffee shop in KOBC. This class is taught by my favorite professor, though the subject is not my favorite. Two of my good friends – my roommate Marie and my best friend Thomas – are in my class and sit on either side of me so that we can work together when we have projects or group discussion. Today, my professor brought the whole class donuts, which was a fun surprise!

After class, I ran back to the Moseley Student Center for a Colleges Against Cancer Special Events Committee meeting. Colleges Against Cancer is an organization that hosts Relay for Life in the spring to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The Special Events Committee plans smaller events year-round to fundraise and promote Relay for Life. Today, we discussed plans for upcoming profit shares with local restaurants, TriathELON, and a potential acoustic concert at a local bar.

After my meeting, I stopped by Global Commons, more specifically the great hall, to work on some of my homework. The Great Hall is a new study space for students that opened at the beginning of the school year.

Then, I met my good friend and fellow art history major, Bethany, for dinner in Lakeside, one of the main dining halls. Over curry chicken and mango flan, we discussed her current research. Bethany is a Lumen scholar, which is the most prestigious research scholarship given to students. She recently was informed that she will be one of a few undergraduate researchers to present at a prestigious research conference in Wisconsin in the Spring. She is a very dedicated student that I am lucky to call one of my closest friends.

After dinner, I met my roommates in the Performing Arts Center to attend Frozen, an adaption of a Tony award winning play about mental illness. My sorority sister, Morgan, who is a Communications and Theatrical Design and Production worked on Frozen for her senior thesis project & we all attended to support her hard work. The play was chilling and very well done. I have never been disappointed by a production that I have seen in the Performing Arts Center.

After such a busy day, I went home to finish up my homework, catch up with my roommates, and get ready for the next day!

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Outside the T50 highlights: Elon University

I thought I would continue my series of posts about private universities outside US News' T50, what makes them great, and the amazing opportunities they offer top students with this hidden gem of a school in North Carolina's Piedmont region which emphasizes active and experiential learning: Elon!

Elon University

Location: Elon, NC (population 12k), 19 miles from Greensboro (population 291k)

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,291

Merit scholarships: $3,000-$19,500 (+ $4,000 if you’re pre-med), full tuition

Acceptance Rate: 78%

US News Rank: #83

Students involved in Greek life: 43%

Campus: 656 acres ( Campus Tour )

Religious Affiliation: None

Opportunities for top students:

Honors Program: In each incoming freshman class, 45 students are named Honors Fellows and have the opportunity to take small innovative honors courses. Honors Fellows also have the support of a peer mentor also in the honors program, strong faculty support, and a faculty mentor to conduct thesis research with. Honors Fellows receive a $13,500 scholarship on top of the $6,000 Presidential scholarship; pre-med scholarships can also apply for an additional $4,000 scholarships; each year one fellow receives a full tuition scholarship. Benefits of being an Honors Fellow include a $1,000 grant for study abroad, the ability to live in the Honors Pavilion, a $1,000 grant to support thesis research, and the opportunity to attend selected cultural events on campus and participate in lively debates with fellow peers following the programs.

Elon College Fellows: 50 Elon College Fellows, for majors in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural and mathematical sciences, take seminar classes together focused on exploring breadth, depth, and connection in the Arts and Sciences. Elon College Fellows receive a $5,500 scholarship (in addition to any Presidential scholarship received) and take a team-taught seminar with embedded travel to Washington DC, enjoy a two-year mentorship with a professor in their major as they complete a research project, get to live in the Elon College Fellows LLC, and receive a $1,000 grant for study abroad.

Business Fellows: 30 Business Fellows manage a $300,000 portfolio or consult for a company as part of a senior capstone seminar, spend two weeks abroad as part of a sophomore Business Fellows global business course, engage in a strategically designed four-year career development plan, and travel to conduct company visits to engage with executives and gain insight into various industries and organizations. All fellows complete at least one internship for academic credit. Fellows receive a $5,500 scholarship which can be stacked with the Presidential scholarship (if received) as well as a $1,000 grant for study abroad.

Communications Fellows: 30 Communications Fellows are invited to work on special projects for the School of Communications, participate in news conferences and Q&A sessions with the high-profile speakers that Elon brings to campus such as Anderson Cooper, hold leadership positions in student organizations, and publish research in scholarly journals, including the Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications. Fellows receive a $5,500 scholarship which can be stacked with the Presidential scholarship (if received) as well as a $1,000 grant for study abroad.

Teaching Fellows: Fellows study abroad for a semester in New Zealand, work with a faculty member to conduct research, spend two Winter Terms engaged in Washington DC and another east coast city, tutor in local schools, participate in retreats and common readings with their cohort, attend academic seminars, and take field trips to innovative schools. Fellows receive a $5,500 scholarship which can be stacked with the Presidential or Elon Engagement scholarship (if received).

Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows: Leadership Fellows complete a leadership minor, a Winter Term domestic travel experience, participate in a community service project and team-building exercises, attend special monthly forums, and work with a faculty mentor to research a social issue. Fellows receive a $5,500 scholarship which can be stacked with the Presidential or Elon Engagement scholarship (if received) and a $1,000 grant for study abroad.

Engineering Scholars: Scholars collaborate with peers and faculty mentors to take on Grand Challenges developed by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and develop engineering skills over four years. Upperclassmen serve as peer mentors to freshman scholars and scholars have the support of faculty mentorship in conducting a research project. Scholars receive a $5,500 scholarship which can be stacked with the Presidential or Elon Engagement scholarship (if received) and a $1,000 grant for study abroad.

Nursing Scholars: Nursing Scholars spend four years working closely with faculty mentors exploring the many opportunities within the field of nursing and identifying ways to impact health disparities in local and global communities, such as volunteering at the Health Outreach Program at Elon, participating in a Winter Term study abroad related to healthcare, and completing nursing coursework and clinicals. All scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Change Maker Scholars: Scholars live in East Neighborhood, a residential hub for civic engagement and social innovation, join service and community engagement organizations on campus, pursue leadership and civic engagement activities, and pursue a domestic internship or study abroad experience. Freshman scholars receive mentorship from upperclassmen. All scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Sports Vision Scholars: Scholars gain immersive and hands-on experience with Elon’s NCAA Division I Athletic Department in live broadcasting, content creation, sports business and marketing, in-venue productions, and studio shows. Elon Sports Vision also includes student-produced “Elon Phoenix Weekly,” which airs regionally on Spectrum channels, and “One on One Sports,” a talk show airing locally to the Elon campus. All scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Health Professions Scholars: 15 Scholars spend two years working closely with faculty mentors learning about the many health-related professions through activities such as a lecture and a meal with an expert speaker on a health-related topic, attending panels with health care professionals, and collaborating with fellow Scholars to identify health-related service opportunities. All scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Public Health Scholars: Scholars spend four years working closely with faculty mentors exploring the many facets of public health and partnering with community collaborators to promote the health of the surrounding area through activities such as attending the annual Minority Health Conference, engaging in public-health focused summer research and internship opportunities, taking a Senior Seminar focused on health equity and social justice, and scholars undertake either a domestic internship or study abroad experience. Freshman scholars receive mentorship from upperclassmen. Scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Legal Professions Scholars: Scholars spend two years working with dedicated faculty mentors learning about the law alongside a community of peers and interact with students and faculty in Elon’s law school. Activities include attending lectures and panel discussions on law-related topics, participating in a mentoring program with Elon’s law school students, and taking Introduction to the Study of Law. Scholars receive a scholarship of $4,500-$5,500.

Other great things about Elon:

At Elon, there is not a single class larger than 33 students to encourage discussion and student/faculty interaction.

80% of Elon students study abroad through Elon’s more than 100 study abroad programs.

The five Elon Experiences are undergraduate research, internships, service learning, study abroad, and leadership; students must fulfill at least two to graduate.

Elon has a plethora of housing options from 26 LLCs such as Creative Arts, Gender and Sexuality, and Innovation to traditional residence halls to university-owned apartments.

To encourage student/faculty interaction, Elon has a weekly tradition called College Coffee where students and faculty mingle over free breakfast and coffee.

88% of Elon students are involved in community service.

Elon has, arguably, the most architecturally consistent campus in the country.

Elon has an awesome tradition where, at each year’s opening convocation, entering students are given an acorn, and then are presented with an oak sapling at commencement as a reminder of how things grow and change.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Elon is just an hour's drive from the mountains.

On the north end of campus is Lake Mary Nell which is home to lots of geese and ducks.

No. 1 in study abroad (IIE)

No. 1 in most popular study abroad programs (PR)

No. 2 in undergraduate teaching (USN)

No. 4 in best career services (PR)

No. 6 in best college theatre

No. 14 in best college newspaper (PR)

No. 17 in happiest students (PR)

No. 19 in their students love these colleges (PR)

No. 20 in students most engaged in community service (PR)

Other ‘Outside the T50 highlights’:

Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

University of Denver

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