UVA (U of Virginia): 2. Required of ALL applicants, regardless of school or program. Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words (Please select the prompt you are responding to):

- What's your favorite word and why?
- We are a community with quirks, both in language (we’ll welcome you to Grounds, not campus) and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
- Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the U.Va. culture. In her fourth year at U.Va., Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
- While a student at U.Va., Fulbright Scholar Rowan Sprague conducted groundbreaking research aimed at protecting the complex structure of honeybee hives. We know that colonies include bees acting in a diverse range of roles, all equally important to the success of the hive. What role will you play in the U.Va. hive?
- To tweet or not to tweet?

248-word version:
Since I grew up in the country side, I was always surrounded by various types of animals from birds to cattle to even rodents, and I think my love for and interest in animals began from there...

UIUC (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign): Essay 1
Explain your interest in the major you selected. You may describe a related experience you’ve had to that area of study and/or your future career goals. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words.

354-word version:
Since I grew up in the country side, I was always surrounded by various types of animals from birds to cattle to even rodents, and I think my love for and interest in animals began from there...

CMW (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.

PSU (Pennsylvania State U): Personal Statement (Optional)
Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. We suggest a limit of 500 words or fewer.

UIC (U of Illinois at Chicago): Program Choice Essay
Please provide an essay that explains why you chose your intended program of study. What interests you the most about this major? If Undecided, what areas of study do you look forward to studying in college? (50-500 words)

418-word version:
Since I grew up in the country side, I was always surrounded by various types of animals from birds to cattle to even rodents. Also, as my uncle owned a chicken farm, he allowed me to go into the coop and take care of the chicks from time to time. I would go in, feed them, play with them, and sometimes even bury those that had died overnight. Although the burying part was not pleasant at all, I enjoyed everything that had to do with the animals...

Virginia Tech: Freshman Applicant Personal Statements (Strongly Recommended):
You may respond to up to three of the personal statements below (choose one, two, or three) as you feel they support your individual application.

1. Discuss a piece of writing, music, film or other creative work that has influenced the person you are today.
2. John F. Kennedy once said, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." How do you feel that your experience at Virginia Tech will help foster the relationship between leadership and learning?
3. Explain how our Principles of Community will enhance your experience as a student at Virginia Tech.
4. If there is something you think would be beneficial for the Admissions Committee to know as we review your academic history, please take this opportunity to explain.
5. Our motto is Ut Prosim. (That I May Serve) Comment.
6. The best day of my life (so far) was... Please tell a story that allows us to experience your best day.
7. What are the top five reasons you want to be a Hokie?

430-word version:
Since I grew up in the country side, I was always surrounded by various types of animals from birds to cattle to even rodents. Also, as my uncle owned a chicken farm, he allowed me to go into the coop and take care of the chicks from time to time. I would go in, feed them, play with them, and sometimes even bury those that had died overnight. Although the burying part was not pleasant at all, I enjoyed everything that had to do with the animals...