Common App PROMPT: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Personal/identifying information redacted, but content remains authentic. Growing up, I pretended to be two different people. At home, I was Taiwanese; I spoke Mandarin, took off my shoes before entering the house, and ate delicacies like stinky tofu. At school and in public, I Americanized myself by packing sandwiches instead of dumplings for lunch and...

These are my 4 UC personal intake short essays. Personal/identifiable information has been redacted but the content all remains the same. PROMPT 1: Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. A mountain of pads, tampons, and underwear was piled in the gym. The [REDACTED] Project is a significant event at my high school. For a week, we collect feminine hygiene products to donate to...

PROMPT: Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. Growing up, I was two different people. At home, I was Taiwanese; I spoke Mandarin, took off my shoes before entering the house, and ate delicacies like stinky tofu. At school and in public, I Americanized myself by packing sandwiches for lunch and speaking English to my parents. In third grade, someone once asked me what my favorite part of...

PROMPT: Other parts of your application give us a sense for how you might contribute to Northwestern. But we also want to consider how Northwestern will contribute to your interests and goals. In 300 words or less, help us understand what aspects of Northwestern appeal most to you, and how you'll make use of specific resources and opportunities here. Wildcats are passionate, driven, and versatile. They proudly cheer at football games, enjoy themselves at Dillo Day, and are committed to their...

PROMPT: The late New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham once said "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization." Tell us about your “armor.” With a long scratch marks the left toe, innumerable scuff marks on each side, and a once white rubber sole, it’s clear that my white Adidas Stan Smiths have been with me for the...

PROMPT: 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. Beyond a world class education that comes with a core curriculum, UChicago offers numerous research and minor opportunities through institutes and centers such as the Human Rights Program and the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture. I’m particularly...

PROMPT: What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? Beyond being located in a fast paced city, BU provides numerous opportunities for students. I was excited to learn that nearly all students participated in research and that BU strongly promotes undergrad research. Coming from a supportive high school, BU reminds me of the community I come from. As an International Relations major, I also look forward to participating in one of BU’s 90+ study abroad programs, from...

PROMPT: What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? My entire school lined up behind posters that read, “I march for justice,” “I march for awareness,” and others, before marching around the block. Instead of focusing on a single issue, we stood for many. The idea wasn’t for one ideology to rise above all, but for us to learn the importance of solidarity. I am someone who embraces activism and social justice. A class that left...

PROMPT: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. I am fascinated by politics and economics, subjects that explore the structure of society and its impact on our lives. Through International Relations and the Global Economy, I look forward to taking courses on broader topics such as foreign policy, and focused topics such as economic development in East Asia. Through Philosophy, Politics, & Law, I hope to...

PROMPT: Describe a high school or community activity in which you have taken initiative. What was the outcome? What did you learn from the experience? The [REDACTED] is a significant event at my high school, where we collect feminine hygiene products throughout Spirit Week to donate. I was serving as a Campus Ministry representative for the first time junior year, and it was also the first year we were in charge of the project. We shifted the focus away from...

PROMPT: 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 University of Washington. My friends and I lined up behind posters that read, “I march for justice”, “I march for awareness”, and others, before spilling out in...