CMU: Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and program, your essay can impact our final decision. Hint: A .pdf file under 500 KB in size will be accepted.
722-word version
The pattern: Kusama Yayoi, a Japanese artist and writer renowned for her color, repetition, and pattern, held her first exhibition in my hometown in Korea. Upon entering the exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing...
689-word version
The pattern: Kusama Yayoi, a Japanese artist and writer renowned for her color, repetition, and pattern, held her first exhibition in my hometown in Korea. Upon entering the exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing...
Common Application: Personal Essay
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Please write an essay (250-650 words) on the topic selected.
Art Center: Required Essay Questions
1. Who do you believe to be the three major artists and designers who are shaping the discipline you are interested in pursuing or who have influenced you? These should be individuals who have brought relevance to the world or to you in some social, political, emotional, economic, or other meaningful context. Explain why you feel they are important. In what ways do you want your own work to contribute to or make a difference in the world?
592-word version
The pattern: Kusama Yayoi, a Japanese artist and writer renowned for her color, repetition, and pattern, held her first exhibition in my hometown in Korea. Upon entering the exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing...
U Michigan: Artist's Statement
Use this space to tell us more about your work and practice as a whole. Some ideas:
• Discuss how the different works in your portfolio share a common theme • Discuss the issues and concerns that inform your artmaking practice • Discuss your artistic goals
SAIC: Statement of Purpose
Use your written statement as a way to better represent yourself and your work. Writing is a very important component of being an artist. We will be looking closely at your ability to compose an essay, as well as the manner in which you utilize text as a tool. We are interested in finding out more about you, why you do what you do, and why you are a strong candidate for SAIC’s undergraduate program. Please also include information about community service projects, exhibitions you have participated in, or any other activities that contribute to the making of your work.
If you are applying to the BFA with an Emphasis in Writing, your statement needs to also address how you imagine a studio arts environment will impact your writing practice. Hint: A .pdf file under 500 KB in size will be accepted.
550-word version
The pattern: Kusama Yayoi, a Japanese artist and writer renowned for her color, repetition, and pattern, held her first exhibition in my hometown in Korea. Upon entering the exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing...
U Michigan: Essay #2 (Required for all applicants. 500 words maximum) 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? (500 words)
500-word version
The mural: My grandma’s house was to be leveled in several months in the wake of citywide suburban reclamations. Not only did it mean that she had to find a new home but it also meant that my mom and I would be losing the cherished monument to our memories...
500-word version (2 versions)
The pattern: Upon entering Kusama Yayoi’s exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing as it reminded me of the patterns of Jean Philippe Lenclos...
USC: Artist Statement (500 word max):*
Tell us about your creative process: how do you research your subject matter and investigate materials, mediums and techniques?
490-word version
The pattern: Kusama Yayoi, a Japanese artist and writer renowned for her color, repetition, and pattern, held her first exhibition in my hometown in Korea. Upon entering the exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing...
RISD: Please indicate which prompt you would like to respond to:
1. Every day we’re confronted by circumstances that range from the worrisome to the inspiring. What do you find most compelling in the world right now? How might this impact our future? What influence can you have on this situation? (400 words or less)
2. Is there something you love, have to do, can’t stop thinking about? Write about a personal passion or obsession other than visual art or design. (400 words or less)
Please upload your response to the above prompt here: Hint: A .pdf file under 500 KB in size will be accepted.
400-word version
The pattern: Upon entering Kusama Yayoi’s exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing as it reminded me of the patterns of Jean Philippe Lenclos...
UIUC: Tell us about one interest or experience of yours that allows us to get to know you better as an individual. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words.
360-word version
The pattern: Upon entering Kusama Yayoi’s exhibition, her use of dots on canvases was incredibly simple yet impossibly refreshing as it reminded me of the patterns of Jean Philippe Lenclos...
Parsons: Please describe ways in which you have demonstrated leadership and/or service to communities in which you have lived, studied, worked or worshiped. (1000 characters)
192-word version
My grandma’s house was to be leveled in several months in the wake of citywide suburban reclamations...
189-word version
My grandma’s house was to be leveled in several months in the wake of citywide suburban reclamations...