Common Application: Supplementary Essay(s) (4 versions)
Emory College: In addition to the Common Application's Personal Statement, please choose one (1) of the essays below (500 word limit). This supplemental essay should give us insight on your character as well as your potential fit with Emory University. Please consider your essay thoughtfully, as our Admission Committee and Faculty have special interest in this portion of your application.
Essay Option 1: Last August, Susan Grant, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare, said this of Emory’s choice to treat patients with Ebola: "We can either let our actions be guided by misunderstandings, fear and self-interest, or we can lead by knowledge, science and compassion. We can fear, or we can care." Consider her idea of doing what is in the public interest despite potential cost. Please discuss an example in your life or the life of another that's come to your attention. (500 word limit)
Essay Option 2: In the interest of courageous inquiry, what question do you want to help answer and why? (500 word limit)
College of William & Mary: Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extra curricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? We know nobody fits neatly into 500 words or less, but you can provide us with some suggestion of the type of person you are. Anything goes! Inspire us, impress us, or just make us laugh. Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy and with an attitude. For additional context, check out the William & Mary Admission Office video message at
www.wm.edu/admissionvideo.
Version 1: 494 words
As cosmopolitan as my life experiences have been, I have come to realize that a comprehensive understanding of the world would provide me with only enhanced implements for inquiring into a more specialized field of study and research...
Boston College: We would like to get a better sense of you. Please select one of the questions below and write an essay of 400 words or less providing your response.
1. What contemporary issue or trend relating to politics, culture, and society, or foreign policy particularly concerns you and why?
2. Many human beings throughout history have found inspiration and joy in literature and works of art. Is there a book, play, poem, movie, painting, music selection, or photograph that has been especially meaningful to you?
3. Contemporary higher education reflects a tension between preparing for a meaningful life and preparing for a career. What are you looking for in your undergraduate education? Which emphasis is more important to you at this time and why?
4. “Magis,” a Latin word meaning “more,” is often cited in reference to goals of Jesuit education, which seeks to help students become better, do more, and have as much impact on society as possible. How do you hope to achieve the Magis in your life?
Version 2: 398 words
Just as much as I am interested in Asian studies, I am equally interested in International Studies as I believe a comprehensive understanding of the world would provide me with only enhanced implements for inquiring into Asian studies...
U of Southern California: Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit).
Version 3: 261 words
By majoring in Global and Regional Studies, I intend to build a comprehensive understanding of the world that would provide me with only enhanced implements for inquiring into any subject of my enthusiasm...
Brandeis U: Please include a short response to one of the four prompts below (250 words or fewer).
- Why would you like to attend Brandeis?
- Justice Brandeis said, 'Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.' Tell us how you would implement change in society that others might think impossible.
- There is a ticket in your hand. Where are you going?
- What is your dream?
Version 4-1: 244 words
Although the world in general is primarily categorized into the East and the West, both of these worlds share a similar, or even identical, pedigree...
Brandeis U: For International Students Only Brandeis attracts students from many corners of the world. As an international student at Brandeis, how would you enrich the campus community? (250 words or fewer)
Version 4-2: 248 words
Just as much as I am interested in East Asian Studies, I am equally interested in International & Global Studies...