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How to Write the American University Essays 2023-2024

American University has one optional prompt for all applicants about why you want to attend AU. Additionally, the school has prompts for each of its special programs.

There are three prompts for Honors Program applicants, two prompts for Global Scholars Program applicants, three prompts for Lincoln Scholars Program applicants, three prompts for Politics, Policy and Law Scholars applicants, two prompts for Public Health Scholars applicants, two prompts for Sakura Scholars Program applicants, and five prompts for AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (International Students) applicants.

Since AU receives thousands of applications from academically strong students, your essays are your chance to stand out. In this post, we’ll discuss how to craft an engaging response to each of these options.

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All Applicants Prompt

At american university, inclusive excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. please share why you would like to join this community. (150 words).

This is a standard instance of the common “Why This College?” prompt . Unless this is the first college you are applying to, chances are you’ve already seen a prompt like this before. There are no tricks here; this straightforward prompt is meant to gauge your interest in AU.

The admissions committee will use your answer to determine how you fit with the University and how you’ll make the most of all its opportunities. To help them figure these things out, your essay should show how your personal goals and the AU’s resources intersect.

A good approach to an essay like this is establishing a connection with AU. There are two kinds of connections—tangible and intangible. Ideally, you’ll be able to establish both, but a good response will establish at least a tangible connection.

Establishing a tangible connection can be done by explicitly discussing resources and opportunities offered by AU that resonate with you personally. To have a strong, specific response, you’re going to need to do some research. Don’t fret if you haven’t done this before; we’ve created a handy guide to help you research colleges effectively!

To begin, try to find your desired major’s webpage by consulting this list of degree programs . You should also look into faculty members in your department. To do that, you can use this searchable directory to find your department, which will have its own faculty list. Finally, look into the wealth of centers, institutes, and initiatives at AU.

Here’s an example of what a successful, specific response might look like:

“I am from a multicultural family; my mother is Jewish and my father Muslim. This background exposed me to some profound discussions of geopolitical affairs from a fairly young age. I am fascinated by international studies and I wish to contribute to initiatives that aim to reduce conflict between Israel and Palestine. AU’s International Studies program at the School of International Service offers in-depth classes that are highly relevant to this passion of mine. RELG-475 Religion and Violence and SISU-319 Arab-Israeli Relations specifically will grant me insights into the religious roots of the conflict that I simply cannot learn by just talking to my parents.

I am particularly interested in the work of Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer. My mother showed me his book Evaluating Interreligious Peacebuilding earlier this year, and I found his thoughts on conducting evaluations in conflict areas illuminating, as they explain some consequences of fieldwork.”

This response does a few things effectively. First, it gives the admissions committee an idea of who the student is and where she comes from. Second, it establishes her motivations and passions. Third, it specifically discusses several courses and the work of one of AU’s faculty members, as well as why those resources are important to the student. You can do all these things while remaining within the small word limit.

Besides describing the particular resources to intend to make use of, you might also wish to express an intangible connection with AU. This isn’t necessary, but it would add to your application if you can do it. An intangible connection is just what it sounds like—a connection that isn’t based on the tangible resources offered by the University. Often, an intangible connection involves alignment between your personal values and those of the institution.

For example, perhaps you’re deeply invested in environmental conservation. You’ll be happy to know that AU is “the first urban campus, the first research university, and the largest higher education institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality.” It also achieved this goal two years ahead of schedule! You could write a bit about how much you appreciate AU’s sustainability initiatives to your response to establish an intangible connection.

Finally, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid doing in your essay:

• Name-dropping. Don’t write a laundry list of activities, classes, or professors that interest you without explaining why those things are important to you. Even though you are discussing facets of the university, this essay needs to be primarily focused on you.
• Empty flattery. Anyone can write that “AU is a well-respected institution with an amazing international studies program.” It’s nice to compliment the university, but you don’t have a lot of space, and empty flattery suggests that you don’t have anything more substantive to say.
• Generic remarks. Talking about AU’s good location, a strong program in some field, or small class sizes won’t add much to your response. These are generic things that apply to many schools.

Make sure that you do ample research, develop nuanced reasons for choosing AU, and write a sincere response, and you will be off to a great start!

American University Special Program Essay Prompts

Click on the link to be taken to the special program prompts.

• AU Honors Program
• Global Scholars Program
• Lincoln Scholars Program
• Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program
• Public Health Scholars Program
• Sakura Scholars Program
• AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

AU Honors Program Applicants, Prompt 1

Au honors students are distinguished by their sense of intellectual curiosity, both inside and outside of the classroom. tell us what you are most curious about, and how that curiosity has influenced your life thus far. (300 words).

This prompt is fairly broad, so you can approach it in a few different ways. We recommend writing a sort of blend between a “Why This Major?” essay and an extracurricular activities essay . Focusing on an aspect of your intended major will show your passion for something inherently intellectual, and throwing in some of your other interests/hobbies will add nuance and personality to your response.

Before you begin writing, you’ll want to gather your thoughts so that your essay will have structure. Think of the following questions as a way to focus your thoughts:

1. What piques your curiosity and interest the most? What are your authentic reasons for being interested in this thing?

2. What are some specific examples of things that you enjoy with regard to this interest?

If this is something you’re truly curious about, you shouldn’t describe it generically. Instead of thinking “I love reading,” think “I enjoy reading novels that explore existentialist philosophical themes.”

3. How might pursuing this thing serve your life and/or career goals?

Is your curiosity about this thing a driving force in your plans for your future? For example, are you so curious about ocean life that your biggest life goal is to become a marine biologist?

4. Is this interest primarily academic or extracurricular? What are your best experiences with this interest both inside and out of the classroom?

5. Is there any recurring emotional experience that you have when exploring this thing that piques your curiosity? Why do you find that experience or state of mind appealing?

6. How has this thing influenced your development as a person? Have you developed or strengthened any personality traits or skills as a result of your object of interest?

Questions 4, 5, and 6 will be especially helpful when you’re trying to recall some anecdotes to support your interest and curiosity in it.

You only have 300 words to work with, so you should keep your response limited to one thing you’re deeply curious about (or maybe two if they’re related). A strong essay will do a few things:

• First, it will show that you have nuanced interests with intellectual depth.
• Second, it will talk a bit about the trajectory your life has been on as a result of your interests.
• Finally, it will display an important part of your personality that can give the admissions committee an idea of who you are as an individual.

There are a couple of common mistakes you should avoid when writing your response:

• Picking the wrong topic. Bad topics include: an interest you already wrote about somewhere else in the application; an interest that sounds impressive, but that you aren’t very invested in; one you haven’t spent much time on.
• Writing a generic statement about why the interest you chose is interesting or cool without addressing the personal connection you have with it. It’s great to appreciate your own interests, but you need to show the admissions committee why the thing that makes you curious is so important to you.

Some examples of strong topics would be:

• A student who’s a second-generation Japanese immigrant might be curious about the relationship between language and identity. She’s noticed while learning Japanese that it’s easier to have more complex conversations with her parents in their native tongue, and that they’re better able to express their personality. And as she’s become more comfortable speaking Japanese, she’s able to connect more with her heritage. This has led her to attend local language exchanges and start a podcast about the stories of the attendees and their thoughts on language and identity. She hopes to study Japanese at AU and become a translator.
• A runner who got tendonitis in his junior year may be curious about how the tendons and ligaments in our body work to support us during exercise. After doing physical therapy and healing his tendon, he decided to take an anatomy course and shadow his physical therapist. He wants to become a physical therapist or sports medicine doctor to help other athletes rehab their injuries.

AU Honors Program Applicants, Prompt 2

What aspect of the au honors program piques your interest the most (300 words).

This prompt is a slightly more specific version of the “Why This College?” prompt . However, you’re being asked why you’re drawn to the AU Honors Program in particular rather than to American University as a whole.

The prompt is meant to assess a few things:

• First, it’s meant to see if you know what you’re getting into with the program. If you’ve done your research on the Honors Program, you should have something detailed to say about it.
• Second, it’s intended to determine how you will fit in the program. The admissions committee wants to know what role you’ll have in the program and how you’ll make use of its resources to achieve your goals.
• Finally, it’s an effective way for the admissions committee to see which students are genuinely interested in the program.

Before you begin writing, make a list of the reasons you decided to apply to the program. You might find it helpful to explicitly jot down the things that drew you to the Honors Program in the first place. One of these reasons might very well be the subject of your essay. You should also explore the Honors Program website to make sure you don’t miss any of your reasons.

The prompt asks specifically for the aspect that most piques your interest, so you have to figure out if you want to write about an academic reason, an extracurricular one, or an intangible one. Let’s go over what makes each of these unique.

Academic reasons are as straightforward as they sound. Things such as the Honors Colloquium courses, the Honors Capstone , and research opportunities are academic aspects of the program that you might want to write about.

Extracurricular reasons include activities and opportunities that are supplementary to academics. Things such as Honors housing , the Student Advisory Council , and the Honors “Have You Ever Wondered?” discussion series are extracurricular aspects of the program.

Intangible reasons are those that involve values, beliefs, and other nonphysical things. The program’s commitment to interdisciplinary thinking and the BIPOC Affinity Group ’s dedication to “an empowering and supportive environment” are examples of intangible aspects of the program.

Your reasons for being interested in the program don’t have to be the most exotic or outlandish; you can write an effective straightforward response to this prompt. The thing that piques your interest the most might be the ​​Honors Colloquia, the opportunity to engage with Program Associates, or the opportunities in Honors housing. All these options are valid ways to establish a tangible connection with the program.

For example, consider a student who wants to do political science research in her future career. She might be most interested in the Honors Program’s curriculum. Her response can cover the rigorous nature of the program, discuss some of the Honors-specific courses, and talk about the ample opportunities to conduct undergraduate research (such as HNRS-398 Honors Challenge Course and the Honors Capstone).

Avoid name-dropping random courses, activities, or faculty members without elaborating on how they resonate with you personally. Doing so will make your interest look superficial or disingenuous.

As long as you can describe what in particular has drawn you to the Honors Program as well as why it did so, you will be able to write an effective response to this prompt.

AU Honors Program Applicants, Prompt 3

We all have meaningful experiences that shape us and inform our worldview. what aspect of your background would you most like to share with other students in the honors program (300 words).

This is, in essence, a version of the common diversity prompt that many colleges provide. Colleges often include diversity prompts so they can learn something about your personal background and its influence on your worldview.

In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. Nevertheless, the ruling allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. If you feel that your racial background specifically has impacted you significantly, this is the response in which you should write about that.

More generally, you can respond to this common prompt with a fairly traditional answer. One tried-and-true method you could use involves identifying the most important part of your identity, then discussing how that aspect of your background is relevant to you and your life experiences.

Before you jump into writing your response, think of aspects of your background that may have had an impact on the way you look at the world or the way you live your life. Some examples of things that have likely influenced your worldview include:

• Personal identity. Your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, etc. all have a profound influence on the way you think and perceive the world.
• Cultural identity. Your religious affiliations, political views, socioeconomic status, social class, and even the place you are from influence what issues you see the most, and what solutions you envision for these issues.
• Personal history. Things in your life may have an average trajectory. Maybe you’ve had a fortunate life with few obstacles to overcome so far, or maybe you’ve experienced a great deal of adversity or tragedy. The way things generally tend to go in your life will have a great impact on how you view life and the world around you.
• Interests. The things you’re really invested in can change how you perceive the world. If you’re a musician, for example, you might find musicality in the most mundane sounds out in the world on a daily basis.

That said, there are several angles with which you could approach this prompt. Some more specific examples of aspects of identity you might write about include:

• Having a disability that has changed your perspective on something in the world.
• Being a member of an ethnic group that has an interesting cultural practice.
• Fluency in another language that you use to help members of your community.
• Being a member of a fandom.

You have 300 words to work with, which is a considerable length, so feel free to structure your essay using an anecdote. You might begin with a time when your worldview was different, then describe how it changed due to the aspect of your background that is the subject of your essay.

One thing you should avoid is simply listing out things that generate diversity. Diversity includes everything mentioned above and more, but just writing out a list of things contributes very little to your application and also fails to respond to the prompt. The prompt asks you which singular aspect of your background you would like to share, so make sure to choose wisely and elaborate.

This prompt is one of the few opportunities you have to showcase your unique perspectives. Whatever aspect of your background you choose to write about here, make sure your response is sincere. Try to show as much individuality and specificity as you can in your response.

Global Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 1

In your view, what is the greatest challenge facing humanity today and how do you envision yourself being part of the solution (no word count given).

In this prompt, you are asked to give your opinion on the greatest challenge facing humanity today. This sounds like a very tall order, but don’t worry; it’s an opinion question, so any reasonable challenge you choose will be fine.

Admissions committees want to see specifics, so we often recommend not identifying too broad a problem. In the brainstorming stage, however, you can think as broadly as you’d like. Global poverty, world hunger, illiteracy in developing countries, human rights abuses—each of these things can be an effective starting point.

Thinking about your identity and values might help you determine which issues are most important to you. Aspects of your identity include your ethnicity, race, country of origin, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, hometown, income class, socioeconomic status, illnesses/disabilities, and even interests and activities!

Consider these different aspects of your background and list broad world issues that may have an impact on some part of your identity. For example, you might be Ukrainian and have family members directly affected by the current war. In this case, your ethnic background may compel you to write about geopolitical conflicts or human rights issues.

Be sure to narrow your topic to something specific once you begin writing. Even though the prompt asks what you think is “the greatest challenge facing humanity today,” you should be prepared to discuss concrete examples of that challenge.

For instance, if you want to write about world hunger, try to also describe particular situations and specific problems related to that broader issue—some things you might want to examine in such an essay can include widespread food and water shortages in Venezuela as a result of governmental policies, hunger in Haiti due to food insecurity and currency inflation, and the impending famine in Sudan as a result of internal conflicts.

The aforementioned examples can add a great deal of nuance to your essay for a couple of reasons. First, citing specific instances of your chosen challenge goes beyond simply stating that your challenge exists. It creates tangible reasons to be concerned about the issue. Second, having a few concrete examples demonstrates that you are informed and knowledgeable about the issue.

Once you have decided on a global challenge and have thought of a few examples to support your point, reflect on how you might be able to contribute to a solution to this problem. This program is offered by the School of International Service, so you will be pursuing a degree in International Studies.

You might already have some ideas about how you wish to help solve your chosen problem, but your essay will be even better if you can connect your goals to the school and degree. Read up on the BA in International Studies and the Global Scholars Program to inspire your writing!

There really is no wrong way to envision yourself as part of the solution. Consider the following hypothetical students to see how contributions can vary:

• A student who’s passionate about the environment might say that climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity, and might describe how it has devastated different communities around the world, including his small coastal town, which has experienced worsening floods. He might hope to major in International Studies to eventually work in the United Nations and be a part of climate change conferences and agreements.
• A student who wants to be a doctor might say that lack of access to good, inexpensive healthcare is the greatest global challenge. She could describe how the U.S. healthcare system fails many low-income people, and how poorer countries lack the infrastructure and resources to treat easily treatable illnesses. She hopes to go to medical school then join Doctors Without Borders to help those in conflict zones and those facing disasters get the treatment they need.

This prompt is meant to gauge which global issues you deem important and how you intend to use your college education and degree to contribute to ongoing efforts to solve these issues. You’ll have a strong essay as long as you’re sincere and write about a problem you’re personally invested in.

Global Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 2

Describe a situation in which you had to work harder than you expected. when and how did you know that your current efforts were not enough how did you adjust (500 words).

This prompt asks you to describe a time in your life when you faced a challenge that required you to put in an unprecedented amount of time and effort. What you choose to write about doesn’t have to be a singular experience; a situation in this context can be something much larger.

You can choose to describe any experience—academic, personal, extracurricular, and so forth—in your answer. Like most other prompts, the key will be in how you not only relate your chosen situation to your personality, but to the Global Scholars program at large.

Think first about your identity and your environment—are there any distinguishable experiences in which you have always felt that you’ve had an uphill battle or unfair disadvantage? Think about periods of your life in which you may have had to undergo a major transition or change.

Regardless of the situation you choose, remember that the best answers come out of asking yourself questions. This applies equally to a situation you may describe that does not involve your identity or environment—you can also approach this prompt by thinking about any life-altering events that forced you to pivot or make a change.

For example, maybe COVID-19 left one or both of your parents unemployed, and you had to pick up a job on top of your schoolwork. While you may have expected to be able to handle the part-time job, perhaps you saw your schoolwork and relationships begin to slip through the cracks and you were forced to really reevaluate your time management skills.

You may end up writing about an experience that is similar to that of other applicants, so it’s how you relate it to yourself and to your environment that will make you stand out from the crowd. Make sure you continue to emphasize your emotions and honesty throughout your answer, and lastly, try to relate your chosen experience back to the Global Scholars program at large.

You can conclude by writing about how you hope to apply what you learned from your life experiences to your participation in the Global Scholars program—how you hope to apply your newfound understanding of various financial or personal circumstances to learning about various cultural and global circumstances.

Lincoln Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 1

Tell us about a morally complicated text that you think would lead to good discussion for first year college students. in what way is the text morally complicated and why do you recommend it (no more than 500 words).

This might seem like a daunting prompt, but it can be easier than it seems. Don’t worry about having some grandiose, impressive tome to talk about for this essay. If you think creatively, you should be able to identify moral complications in simpler texts. This is the kind of essay that really benefits from careful argumentation.

Brainstorming your topic:

There are two kinds of texts that would probably make for a strong essay:

• Texts you’ve read recently, which should still be fresh in your mind
• Texts you’ve read a long time ago and still remember because they were impactful or profound to you

It’s important that you pick one of these kinds of texts because you’ll want to write about something you know well enough. If you choose a text that you don’t really remember, or worse, a text you haven’t read that looks impressive, your points will probably be shallow and superficial, which will drag the overall quality of your essay down.

As far as the text itself is concerned, you can write about nearly anything (just make sure it’s not too trivial, like a children’s book). Perhaps you have read a clearly morally complex text, such as Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables or Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird . If you have, and you remember the details well enough to explain your choice, then by all means write about it!

However, if you haven’t read a text like that, that’s fine too. Think of things you’ve read recently that have moral dilemmas you might discuss. For some idea on how you might stretch the theme of morality, consider some examples:

• Lois Lowry’s The Giver, a young adult novel, discusses themes related to individuality and emotional depth and can be pitted against order and conformity. This moral conflict leaves a lot of room for debate, as the balance between individuality and societal conformity is one that is often hard for individuals to navigate.
• Marvel Comics’ Civil War, a seven-issue comic book storyline from 2007, has a plot centered around the U.S. government requiring super-powered individuals to reveal their identities to be superheroes under official regulation. While this may not be a traditional text, it has been acclaimed for its exploration of the conflicting desires of security and freedom that are still discussed in American politics today.
• Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs, the authorized biography of Apple’s co-founder, is a thorough look at the life of the controversial business magnate. It discusses not only his great achievements in the worlds of business and technology, but also his personality, which has been described as abrasive or difficult at times. This text allows students to examine the ways in which massive corporations, their employees, and their consumers can be directly affected by the very human individuals who lead them.

As you can see from the above examples, you can find and argue for moral complications almost anywhere you look. You might use a traditional example of a large, classic novel with clear and distinctive moral ambiguity, or you might explore some more creative options, such as biographies, YA novels, and even comic books or graphic novels!

Tips for writing your essay:

A good response will answer every part of the prompt. You should strive to identify the text, explain how it’s morally complicated, and detail your reasons for recommending it. The first and last part shouldn’t be too hard once you’ve settled on your text—naming the text and talking about why you’re recommending it are tasks that you can probably do easily if you know your chosen text well. After all, you know why you like the book.

It’s the second part of the prompt that will require some more careful thought. Effectively explaining how the text is morally complicated is only something you can do if you’re familiar enough with the text and its themes. Oftentimes, the moral complications of a book aren’t directly relevant to the plot—they’re often a thematic consequence of a character’s actions or are intended to be seen behind the main narrative, but not the focal point of the text itself.

That said, it might actually be a good idea to consult online summaries, videos, and study guides of the text you chose. Of course, you should absolutely have read the text and have a decent grasp of its material, but this isn’t a test for school—you can and should see how the moral themes are discussed by other readers. This will inform your argument that this text should be used in discussions among first year students.

Mistakes to avoid:

There aren’t too many ways to tackle this prompt incorrectly, but there are a couple of things you should avoid , which have already been mentioned but are worth repeating:

• Choosing a text you aren’t familiar with, just because it looks more impressive. It’s better to write a thoughtful, intelligent essay on a text that might be seen as lackluster than to write a shallow, generic essay on a text seen as impressive. Remember, the admissions officers aren’t making decisions based on books you have or haven’t read—they’re making decisions based on the quality of your essays.
• Choosing a trivial or juvenile text. Most young adult novels should be complex enough to be valid texts for this essay, but don’t try to be overly creative by writing about something for little children. Children’s books are intentionally written in a way that does not deal with the complex, intellectual themes that you’re tasked with discussing here.

As long as you pick a decent text (i.e., one you’re familiar with that isn’t too trivial), describe the ways in which it deals with questions of moral complexity, and make a good case for its use in Caltech’s first year classrooms, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a strong response.

Lincoln Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 2

One goal of the lincoln scholars program is to encourage intellectual and political diversity on campus. what does this goal mean to you and why does a program with this goal interest you (no more than 500 words).

This prompt puts a specific spin on the common “Why This College?” and “Why This Major?” prompts, with a couple of key differences:

• First, you’re asked about a particular goal and what it means to you.
• Second, rather than discussing the University as a whole or a particular major, you’re tasked with describing why a program like the Lincoln Scholars Program appeals to you.

Make sure to address both parts of the question to have a full response. You have up to 500 words to work with, so you can really go into detail about each part. A good approach would be to answer each portion of the question in turn.

Before you begin writing, think about what intellectual and political diversity mean to you. Note the wording of the prompt: “What does this goal mean to you?” You can take advantage of the nuanced meanings of the word “mean.” In a literal sense, the question is asking how you would define such a goal. But in another sense, it’s asking why the goal is significant or important to you.

It might be helpful to jot down some bullet points that you might want to build on in your response. You might end up with a list that looks something like this:

• Having a group of people with different fields of expertise work on one project from various angles
• Different viewpoints creating points for intellectual debate
• Multiple people of various backgrounds informing each other’s perspectives
• Generating varied approaches to the same problem with the shared goal of solving it

Whatever you think of, try to come up with a solid personal definition of intellectual and political diversity. From there, you can begin to describe why these kinds of diversity are important to you. Using an anecdote-driven narrative to explain this point is a good approach. For example, perhaps you participated in a school project in which a different perspective was the one that led to a solution. Or, maybe you were part of a debate club and learned to see a topic differently because of a well-informed persuasive argument on the other side.

As you develop your thoughts on why such a goal is important to you, transition into a discussion of the program and why it interests you. Here, it’s essential that you establish a connection to the program. Do some research on the program’s webpage to learn about resources and opportunities that are offered.

Perhaps one of the program’s courses is appealing to you because of its content. Or, maybe you resonate with the program’s mission “to explore the great questions of moral and political life in a context of intellectual and political diversity.” Be sure to describe how and why a program like this piques your interest.

Connect the goal of intellectual and political diversity to your personal goals and values. This is the strongest way to convey your interest in the Lincoln Scholars Program and in exploring big questions from multiple viewpoints.

Lincoln Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 3

List five texts, magazines, movies, websites, podcasts, music, or other media that you regularly engage with and explain briefly why you like each one. please list a variety of types of media. (1-2 sentences per item, no more than 400 total)..

This is a more niche prompt that you probably haven’t seen often, if at all. Luckily, there’s really no right or wrong answer! In fact, the program’s webpage lists some of the books that students have applied to the program with this year, and they include all kinds of works—ancient epic poems, classic novels, niche novellas, poetry collections, philosophical dialogues, and memoirs!

AU is curious about what interests you, how you think, how you’ve developed intellectually, and how you may have challenged yourself with the media you consume. Choose your examples carefully, but also be honest.

One great way to think about this prompt is through the idea of a “capsule wardrobe.” In a capsule wardrobe, each piece of clothing is unique and works well on its own—you might have a graphic tee, a leather jacket, a button-up shirt, and a few pairs of jeans. Even though each article of clothing has its own character, each also works toward your overall style—the entire wardrobe. Combining items into outfits can highlight different aspects of each item as well as similarities they share

The same idea applies to the texts, movies, websites, and music in your list. Each item should be compelling on its own, but should also contribute to the wardrobe that is your intellectual style. A great list will have items that complement each other, like a belt that matches with a pair of shoes. Some more style tips:

​​1. List items that build on each other. You want your list to have synergy . Just like wearing two matching items together can convey your sense of style, including two similar items in your list can display a sustained interest in a subject. For example, if you include both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story in my list of films, you’re showing the admissions officer that you’re interested in exploring how the same story has been interpreted by different creatives from different times and places. Neither Romeo and Juliet nor West Side Story could demonstrate this idea alone—when included together, the message is greater than just the sum of its parts!

• Show multidimensionality. There’s something to be careful about. It’s possible to show sustained interest in a topic without indicating growth, and this is something you’ll want to avoid. For example, if your entire list consists of true-crime podcasts, it will look a bit one-dimensional and bland because each item effectively conveys the same message. Aim to list works that show your interest in the multiple angles of a topic. For example, listing the true-crime podcast Serial and Criminal Perspective as well as the journal Psychological Review and a blog on forensic psychology will add levels of intellectual nuance to your interest in the broad theme.
• Don’t overdress. You might want to only include the most impressive, difficult, intellectual media you’ve consumed to show that you’re intelligent and academic, but too much of that will probably make you look like you’re exaggerating for the admissions committee. Instead of doing that, balance the weightier, deeper items with some more relaxed or jocular ones. Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and Einstein’s Relativity: The Special and General Theory are going to look less like you’re pandering if you include something like Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in your list. Balance the intellectual interests you wish to show off with your some distinctive personality.
• Don’t underdress. The opposite of the previous tip is also true. While throwing in some fun little books, movies, or music can add some dimension and personality to your list, they shouldn’t be the only things you include. You absolutely can (and should) include a sitcom or a non-academic novel on your media list, but make sure you don’t overfill the list with items of lesser substance. Also avoid including items that are too juvenile. Think smart casual clothing—you don’t need to wear a suit everywhere you go, but some places (like this supplemental essay) require a bit more than sweatpants and flip flops. Some nice jeans and a polo can be enough.
• Recognizable brands can be effective. Mentioning a couple of notable pop culture items will increase your list’s relatability in the admissions officer’s eyes. And, psychologically speaking , similarities on paper can help you in non-personal interactions. Just make sure you pick something that is well received both critically and by the masses, like a Beatles album or the movie Parasite —something that you and your reader could have a robust intellectual debate about.
• Moderation. If it’s not already clear by now, making a strong list is going to be a delicate task. You’re going to need to find the middle ground between casual and intellectual, specific and general, fiction and nonfiction, books and movies, etc. Don’t wait until the last minute to cobble together a list of random things just because this isn’t a fully fledged essay. Remember that you still need to explain and defend your choices. Devote as much time to this list and you do to your essays. The list reveals as much about you as an individual as a full essay does—be sure to treat it with the same respect.
• Be honest! You may be asked about this list somewhere down the road during the admissions process. Don’t get caught off guard by what you’re passing off as your own list. Nothing is more embarrassing and detrimental during this process than not having a clue about something you purport to have read/seen.

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 1

The politics, policy, and law scholars program is an intensive course of study in which students from diverse backgrounds live and learn together. given its intense and unique nature, why do you want to be a part of the program why do you think you would be a good fit for the politics, policy and law scholars program (250 words).

This is essentially a “Why This College?” prompt , but applied to a special program rather than AU as a whole. Moreover, in addition to describing how the program is a good fit for you, you’re tasked with describing how you are a good fit for the program.

Brainstorming your essay:

A recommended strategy for prompts like this is to establish a connection to the program. Two kinds of connection you might try to establish are a tangible connection and an intangible one.

A tangible connection can be made by identifying specific program offerings that resonate with you personally. To find such resources, you should do some in-depth research on the program. A good place to start is the PPL Scholars website . There you’ll find the course of study, the applicable majors, information about the living learning community, and more.

You might write about things like the campus culture, specific classes or academic opportunities, particular professors, etc. Given the rather low word limit, try to stick to academic features, as others might come off as less important.

An intangible connection can be made by discussing how your personal values align with those of the program. The PPL program emphasizes “the principles, practices, and institutions of politics and law from quantitative and qualitative, philosophical, and social science perspectives.”

If your personal values deeply resonate with the ideas of practicing law, government, public policy, criminal justice, or a similar field, you might wish to discuss how those values will be supported and informed by those of the program. Be sure to take a look at the PPL Scholars FAQ webpage to get a little more insight into the program.

Since you only have 250 words to work with, it would be a good idea to choose either a tangible connection or intangible one to discuss, rather than both. Remember, you need to save some space to discuss how you’re a good fit for the program.

Also note that it’s okay if you can’t develop a really strong intangible connection to the program—that is usually the harder kind of connection to write about. A strong tangible connection and a good explanation of how you’re a good fit for the PPL Scholars Program will make for a good response.

For example, consider a hypothetical student whose mother is a lawyer and whose father is a police officer. She might feel deeply connected to issues of justice and reform through the stories her parents tell her. She might write a response that begins like this:

“My parents are both deeply involved in the legal professions—my dad is a police officer and my mom is a lawyer. They have told me how the justice system isn’t perfect—both of them have seen the system succeed and fail many times. The passion with which they describe their careers has inspired me to go into a legal field too.

Having been raised by two parents in intense careers in legal fields has given me the resolve I will need to undertake such a career myself. I believe that my passion and determination, as well as my existing background knowledge about these fields make me uniquely equipped to take on the challenges of the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program…”

This excerpt is an excellent start to this prompt because it explains the unique features of the students past that equip her with the skills needed to succeed in the PPL Scholars Program. Note that this blurb is only half the word limit, which should give you some perspective on how much detail you might go into.

With prompts like this one, there are three things you will want to avoid doing in your response. These include the following:

• Name-dropping. It looks superficial and insincere to simply name certain courses or professors without elaborating on the ways in which these resources are meaningful or useful to you.
• Empty flattery. Don’t waste your word count talking about the prestige of the program or the University. There’s nothing wrong with being nice, but overdoing that in a prompt with a word limit might lead to you writing an essay that doesn’t answer the question.
• Naming general resources that are applicable to many schools. Don’t base your essay on things like good class sizes, strong political science courses, a nice location, etc.—these things apply to many schools and programs, and don’t showcase a personal connection to this particular program.

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 2

The living learning community and cohort aspects are integral parts of the politics, policy & law scholars program. describe a specific project, course, or other experience that required you to work with others toward a shared goal or to resolve conflict and build consensus. how did you contribute to accomplishing the goal or resolving conflict how did you engage with others how has this experience prepared you for the ppl program be specific. (250 words).

This prompt asks you to elaborate on a team-based problem-solving experience that will give the admissions reader insight into how you will fit in with the PPL program at large. As an intensive program, PPL requires all students to be a part of their Living Learning Community, meaning that you’ll be working alongside fellow PPL students both in and outside of the classroom. As such, the admissions committee wants to ensure that you’re able to support a larger community of like-minded (or even sometimes diversely minded) students.

First, think back over your time in high school and try to identify any large-scale projects that you were involved in with a group. At the same time, keep in mind that this response should not just be more explanation of something that may already appear on your application. When selecting what to write about, try to fill in the gaps your application has.

For instance, perhaps you were on the Executive Board of Model UN, and hope to share an experience about how you organized a conference hosted at your high school. While that’s definitely a valid experience, this answer should be less about the what and more about the how .

How did that conference come together? How did you delegate responsibilities among your peers and which responsibilities did you take on? What challenges or obstacles did you face as a team and how did you overcome them together? Did you have to work through any conflicts when working with one another?

Ultimately, reflect not only on your accomplishments with whichever experience you choose, but also on the failures, conflicts, and honest strategies you chose to employ to keep the ship afloat. The next step will be highlighting the crucial lessons that the experience taught you, and how you hope to apply those lessons to your time in the PPL program.

In order to brainstorm how you wish to close out your response, remember that the PPL program will require you to live and learn alongside your peers—make sure your answer emphasizes that you were able to come together as a group to tackle a complicated problem, and ultimately come out not just successful, but as a closer group overall.

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 3

You have been hired to advise a member of congress or a state legislator (you can choose which one, but you should pick one) about the issues that affect americans aged 18-26. you have been asked to identify one legal, political, or policy issue that will resonate with this group of americans and recommend a policy proposal that he or she should support and promote. explain the issue, explain why the elected official should highlight it, and propose a specific original policy solution. provide support for your proposed solution. your proposal should not simply be to support another individual’s already created policy. (650 words).

This prompt is less of a by-the-books response and more of an exercise, asking you to not only identify a major issue facing the country but also persuading a hypothetical elected official to pay attention to it and also brainstorm a possible solution.

The purpose of this prompt is to get a sense of your level of political engagement, as well as to give you a chance to attempt your first case study, which will serve as a gateway to the PPL program at large. This essay will require thorough research and deliberation, but, at its core, it’s just an expanded version of a typical Political/Global Issues prompt.

First, decide the scale of your chosen issue. Trying to brainstorm a list of possible issues to focus on will end up generating a laundry list of options, and might exhaust your brain before you even begin writing your response.

Something that may help guide you is remembering that you should have a unique perspective on your chosen issue. For example, you wouldn’t want to write your response about something general like the dangers of climate change if you genuinely don’t have anything to add to the conversation—the point is not to reiterate discourse that is already out there, but rather to think creatively and critically about the world and the ways in which your unique perspective can be valuable in trying to solve your chosen issue.

Therefore, it may be more useful to start small and then expand outwards. Look at your environment—what issues impact your community, your state, or your region? Looking again at the issue of climate change, perhaps you come from a state where fracking is not only legal, but still actively occurs. Perhaps your own family or a family you know has ties to the fracking business, and you feel as though current legislation and efforts to outlaw fracking stall because of pushback from these communities.

Tie your belief to your perspective—you may believe that fracking should be illegal, and your perspective can guide you in persuading an elected official to provide various incentives to those who rely on fracking for their livelihoods. As such, starting small will make your answer more specific and unique while still tackling a national issue like climate change.

If you don’t feel as though your environment has given you a distinct perspective on a current event, do some research on what issues have most recently surfaced in the country. For example, recent months have called attention to a migrant crisis that the United States is facing and how resources for these migrants are quickly diminishing.

Regarding this example, perhaps you are very active in community service and volunteering—how can you use that interest to frame your answer? Your proposed solution can involve rallying young people to volunteer and provide support to these migrant communities, while also trying to work with the opposing party to reach a solution.

Remember, your answer still needs an official policy proposal, so perhaps your proposed solution can immediately provide temporary shelter and resources for migrants while also opening the door to a firmer long-term solution. Your proposed solution doesn’t have to completely close the door on an issue, but it should showcase your understanding of the political process.

Public Health Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 1

Discuss a public health issue of local, national, international, or personal importance to you. explain why it is important to you and describe how you envision impacting this issue (500 words)..

This prompt is meant to gauge two things. First, it’s trying to find out which public health issues you consider important and why. Second, it wants to discern how you intend to use your college education and life experience to contribute to a solution to this issue.

Admissions committees are constantly looking for nuance and specificity, so we recommend that you choose a problem that isn’t very broad. A problem like “COVID-19” is too vague to write an effective essay on. Instead, choose something more narrow, such as “COVID-19 in impoverished communities.”

If you’re having trouble settling on a topic to write about, think about your identity and values. Aspects of your identity include your ethnicity, race, country of origin, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, hometown, income class, socioeconomic status, illnesses/disabilities, and even interests and activities! There might be an aspect of your identity that is directly related to a public health issue.

Consider these different aspects of your background and make a list of public health issues that may have an impact on part of your identity. For example, African Americans are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease or stroke than white Americans. In cases like this, people with your racial background may be affected by a health issue more than people of other backgrounds.

To help add nuance to your essay, be sure to cite specific examples or your chosen issue. Concrete examples will make your essay more specific as well as help you transition into a discussion of how you intend to help contribute to solving the issue.

For instance, if you want to write about substance misuse and substance abuse, discuss some specific situations in which these issues take hold. In such an essay, you might want to write about things you have seen firsthand—these can include opiate abuse by the homeless population in your home city, overprescription of certain drugs in your area, a persistent community habit of failing to finish a full course of antibiotics, etc.

The above examples can add nuance to your essay for two reasons. First, simply stating that your issue exists and is important (even if that’s true) is not a compelling argument without concrete evidence. Providing examples shows your reader that there are tangible reasons to care about the issue. Second, having some real-life examples in your essay shows that you are both inquisitive and informed.

Once you’ve picked a public health issue that you can support with tangible evidence, ponder how your future college education and life experience can afford you the ability to help solve this issue. AU’s Three-Year Public Health Scholars Program is an accelerated course of study designed to help you get a BA or BS in Public Health in 3 years (possibly on a pre-med track as well).

You might already have plans for your future contributions to solving your chosen issue, but you can potentially elevate your essay if you’re able to connect your goals to the school and degree. Look at AU’s Three-Year Public Health Scholars Program website as well as the Public Health BA website and BS website to inspire your writing!

This essay is about your plans for a career in public health, so don’t worry too much about having a “right” or “wrong” answer. Here are a couple of hypothetical student bios to show you just how different effective ideas can look:

• Jane has been curious about psychology and mental health since middle school. Throughout high school, she has had many conversations with her uncle, a cognitive behavioral therapist, about the staggering lack of mental health resources across the United States. Jane is pursuing a degree in Public Health because she feels that this field is the key to developing lasting reform in the domain of mental health.
• Robert is a Chinese-American with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Intrigued by this recurrent issue, he has done a lot of independent research on prevalence rates. Robert found that Asian-Americans are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease due to several social determinants. He hopes to get a degree in Public Health so he can help spearhead initiatives that will provide care to his underserved ethnic community.

Public Health Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 2

Why do you want to join a 3-year degree program what skills and insight do you hope to acquire through this experience respond in no more than 250 words..

This prompt is a bit of a mix of two common types of prompt—the “Why This College?” and the “Why This Major?” prompts. It’s a very straightforward question meant to gauge your interest in the University, the field of public health, and the 3-Year Public Health Scholars Program. The admissions committee wants to see how you fit with the program and how you’ll make the most of its resources.

You’ll want to establish at least a tangible connection to the program. The best way to do this is to describe your interest in the field then connect it to your reasons for applying to the program.

Think about why you’re passionate about public health. For what reasons do you want to study it? What are some career and life goals of yours? How will this 3-year program help you achieve these goals?

Explore the program’s website as well as the sites for the Public Health BA degree and BS degree to help inspire your writing! Try to find unique features of the program that you can use to inform your response.

Look at this hypothetical response to see how you might establish a connection with the program:

“Growing up, I had a lot of problems with my weight and health, and I was shamed for not making ‘healthy choices.’ It was only when my dad got a promotion and we moved to a new neighborhood that I realized what the main issue was. In my old, poorer neighborhood, all we had access to were fast food restaurants and corner stores. In my new neighborhood, there were several grocery stores with fresh, healthy food within a mile. My weight and health have improved significantly ever since our move.

I want to get a BS in Public Health because I hope to make it easier for young, poor kids like I was to gain access to the resources to live a healthier life. A 3-year program will allow me to help these communities more effectively.

I look forward to taking the course Gender, Poverty and Health, which will explore the intersections between these topics and allow me to reflect on systemic ways to bring much-needed health resources to impoverished communities. Furthermore, the course Multicultural Health will allow me to approach my work through an intersectional lens, as there are many immigrants in low-income communities who face unique health disparities based on their backgrounds.

Good health is not as simple as just ‘making the right choices’ when there are systemic barriers to making those choices. I hope to help remove those barriers in my work.”

This example is effective for a couple of reasons. First, it gives the admissions committee an idea of the student’s background, motivations, and passion. Second, it answers each point of the prompt explicitly and clearly. The student describes why he is interested in a 3-year program, then lists the main skills he hopes to acquire through this program.

There are a few things you should avoid when crafting your essay:

• Empty flattery. Writing about how unique or prestigious the University/program is might sound nice, but you shouldn’t talk about how cool a program is to you without elaborating on why . This kind of approach is vague and doesn’t add any nuance to your essay.
• Name-dropping. Don’t simply list a bunch of classes, professors, or activities that appeal to you without describing why they’re interesting to you.
• Being generic. A good location, a strong program in public health, a nice core curriculum, etc. are things that apply to many schools and programs. They are too vague and will make your essay stand out less.

As long as you give a genuine answer and you have solid goals that this program will help you achieve, you’ll craft an effective essay that is sure to stand out to admissions officers.

Sakura Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 1

The sakura scholars program requires students to study in both the united states and japan, learn the japanese language, focus on regional topics in east asia and the pacific, and complete a capstone for the joint bachelor’s degree in global international relations. why are you interested in this program what are your personal and/or professional goals and how will this program help you to reach them (500 words).

This prompt is similar to the common “Why This College?” prompt , but more specifically applies to the intercollegiate Sakura Scholars program. This prompt is meant to gauge your reasons for applying to the program to see if you’re a good fit for it and if it’s a good fit for you.

To write a successful essay, you‘ll need to establish a connection with the program and express how your goals are best served by being a part of it.

There are two kinds of connections that you can make with a college, program, major, etc. The first kind is the tangible connection. This involves identifying specific concrete reasons for applying to the program. To do this effectively, you will need to do in-depth research on the program and its offerings.

If you’ve made it to this point, you have probably written your response to the All Applicants prompt that was covered at the beginning of this guide. If you have, doing research on the program will be very similar to doing research on American University broadly, as you did earlier. If you haven’t done that essay yet, don’t worry! We have created a guide to help you research colleges (and programs) for this type of essay.

Go to the program’s website to begin your research. Scroll through the main site and the FAQ page to learn more about the program. In this program you have the choice of starting your undergraduate career at American University or Ritsumeikan University, so be sure to check out Ritsumeikan University’s program site as well! This will help you determine where you want to spend your first semester. Regardless of which school you choose, you’ll spend four semesters at AU and four semesters abroad.

The program awards a degree in Global International Relations, so a good approach to this essay is to describe why the field of international relations is important to you and how the program is uniquely equipped to help you achieve your goals in this field.

One direct way to establish a tangible connection between the program and your goals is to find courses or faculty members that really resonate with you. Since the program is between two universities, you should look through the faculty lists of both American and Ritsumeikan .

Consider the following excerpt from a response that might be written by a hypothetical Uyghur student, whose ethnic background has many people suffering human rights violations abroad:

“The Sakura Scholars program is the perfect opportunity for me to study international relations in the United States and Japan. It would give me unprecedented access to Western and Eastern perspectives. I am particularly interested in the work of Professor Jeffrey Bachman at American University and that of Professor Rieko Kitamura at Ritsumeikan University.

Prof. Bachman studies genocide, political violence, and human rights, and Prof. Kitamura has done work on human rights protections. Studying under the supervision of these professors will offer me the chance to delve deeper into specific regional issues. The degree awarded by this program will offer me new ways to help end the plight of my people.”

This response is very effective for a number of reasons:

• First, it establishes a personal background that helps the admissions committee understand the student’s personal motivations.
• Second, it showcases the student’s sincere interest in the Sakura Scholars program.
• Finally, it explicitly names resources (specifically professors) at both universities that will be assets to the student’s education and to the realization of the student’s personal goals.

The second kind of connection you can make with the program is an intangible connection. This involves things like seeing if your values and those of the program are aligned. For example, you might appreciate how the program takes place in the East and West, emphasizing “voices, experiences, and theory from a truly multicultural, multiregional, global perspective.”

There are some things you’ll want to avoid when writing your response:

• Name-dropping. Don’t simply list activities, courses, or professors that interest you without explaining why you’re interested in them. This essay needs to be about you more than the program itself.
• Empty flattery. Anyone can write about the reputations of AU and Ritsumeikan. Compliments are nice, but empty flattery suggests that you don’t have anything more substantive to say.
• Generic aspects of the program. Talking about good locations, a strong program in international relations, or small class sizes won’t really add to your essay. Try to write about unique aspects of the program or things that are rare .

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to do deep research before you begin writing. Also be sure to write about nuanced personal motivations for applying to the program. Most importantly, write a sincere response! Honestly will go a long way, both in the application process and beyond.

Sakura Scholars Program Applicants, Prompt 2

In this joint degree program, you will gain first-hand comparative international experience as you spend two years at american university and two years at ritsumeikan university. think of a time when you faced a challenge or found yourself in an unexpected situation. explain what happened, what you learned, and how this experience might help you adapt to different intercultural situations, and work through future challenges as a sakura scholar. (no word count given).

This prompt is a very standard example of the Overcoming Challenges essay . You’re being asked about a challenge you faced as well as the lessons you learned from it. These questions are to give the admissions committee an idea of how you handle moments of adversity or surprise, and how you learn from adverse or unexpected experiences.

Before you begin writing, you should plan out your topic as thoroughly as you can so that the writing process can move smoothly. When trying to decide on a topic, think about any major challenges you’ve faced in life. Also consider any unexpected life events that may have turned out to be formative experiences. The prompt specifies that challenges and unexpected situations are both fair game, so don’t feel restricted to thinking only of negative experiences.

Once you’ve thought about possible experiences you could write about, create a list of the challenges that came to mind and a separate list of unexpected situations. For each list, ask yourself which experiences taught you the most important or influential lessons about yourself or the world.

Finally, after deciding on the best experience to talk about in this essay, ask yourself the following questions about it:

• What happened?
• In the moment, what was your reaction to the situation? How did it affect you, your thoughts, and your emotions? How have these emotions changed over time?
• Why was this experience so important to you? What is its personal significance?
• Consider the steps you took to manage the situation. Were they successful? Why or why not?
• Reflecting on the outcome of the event, how did the experience allow you to grow and mature as an individual? What did you learn from the success or failure of your approach? What lessons did you learn, both broadly and specifically?
• How did the experience prepare you to face occurrences like it in the future? How has it equipped you to adapt to different intercultural situations?

Once you’ve chosen a topic and answered these questions, writing the essay shouldn’t be so daunting.

Maybe you don’t have a clear answer for every question above. That’s fine, but be sure that you can do at least three things to effectively respond to the prompt:

• Describe the event/experience.
• Explain the most important lessons you learned from the experience.
• Detail the ways in which these lessons have improved your ability to adapt to different potential intercultural situations and your capacity to be a strong Sakura Scholar.

With regard to structuring your essay, you may find it helpful to frame it with a narrative format. After all, part of your response requires an explanation of the experience, which would benefit from an anecdote.

Here’s an outline to help you organize your writing:

• If you choose to use a narrative format, begin with an anecdote—a vivid and evocative retelling of the event to draw your reader in.
• After introducing the topic through an anecdote, describe yourself (your attitudes, beliefs, motivations, etc.) prior to the event that you learned from.
• State specifically how the experience was a turning point for you. How did your life change? What did you learn about yourself, others, and/or the world? The lesson should ideally reflect the way you now embrace challenges or unanticipated occurrences, and the ways in which you’re better equipped to tackle intercultural issues.
• If storytelling is one of your strong suits, you might choose to rearrange the order in which you describe events. For example, you might start with a summary of who you are now and how you’re able to approach intercultural situations, then transition to a discussion of who you were before the experience, then discuss the experience and how it affected you.

A hypothetical student might write about an experience related to his multiracial background. Perhaps the student felt like he had to deny both of his ethnic backgrounds to fit in with the American teens around him at school. He began to embrace his identity and eventually overcame his fear of being judged. He learned that innocent childhood ignorance was not a reason to detract from his own identity, a lesson that will help him later on because he has spent years confronting issues of identity in a multicultural context.

This example would be effective because it explicitly outlines the challenge the student had to confront, his response to adversity, what he learned about himself from overcoming the challenge, and how it has prepared him to undertake life as a Sakura Scholar in this multicultural program.

There is no word count given, but you should try to keep your response around 300 words. An essay longer than 350 words might become drawn out or redundant, and one shorter than 250 words might not leave you with enough space to be sufficiently detailed.

A Note About the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Prompts

The following five prompts are all required for applicants to the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship. This scholarship covers all billable AU expenses (full tuition, room, and board) for one international student who will need a non-immigrant visa (preferably an F-1 or J-1 student visa) to study in the United States.

Since the scholarship is only being offered to international student applicants, you can disregard the next five prompts if you’re a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, U.S. pending permanent resident, or dual citizen of the U.S. and another country. You are also not eligible to apply if you’re enrolled in or have already begun any post-secondary studies at another university in your home country or the U.S., or if you graduated secondary school earlier than 2022.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants (International Students), Prompt 1

Discuss a significant issue in your home country about which you are passionate and describe how you would use the education you obtain at our institution, american university (au), washington, dc, to create positive civic and social change once you return home. (250 words).

This prompt is intended to help you reveal a few important things about yourself—your ability to find significant civic and social issues around you, the types of problems that are important and interesting to you, your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and your plans for using your college education to its full potential after graduation.

This prompt is a bit like the common community service prompt , albeit in the future tense. It’s different in that rather than describing how you helped solve an issue in the past, you’re tasked with writing about how you foresee yourself contributing to the solution to a problem in the future.

Before you begin writing, think about the issues that truly bother you in your home country. Since you’re just brainstorming a list right now, these problems can be big or small. To have an essay that stands out, however, you should ultimately pick something substantial when you begin writing.

Your problem doesn’t have to be within any specific domain as long as you can envision civic and social change being integral to the problem’s resolution. As you think, consider social, economic, political, governmental, environmental, war-related, and public health issues.

The prompt isn’t asking you to write a whole textbook on the issue, but be sure that you research it well enough to describe its important points at the very least. You need to write a description of the problem, as well as some ways in which your American University education will help you tackle the problem back in your home country.

That being said, you should have a good understanding of what the problem entails. You might want to pick an issue in which you have some personal investment so you can add a nuanced perspective to your essay.

You only have 250 words to address every part of the prompt, so be succinct and direct in your explanation of the issue. Don’t only talk about the basic facts, though. Be sure to also touch on why the problem is important to you. Be careful not to let bias direct how you report the facts. Try to strike a balance between straightforward reportage and personal interest.

For example, consider a hypothetical student from Ethiopia, a country still facing the effects of a yearslong civil war. Perhaps he has noticed that the problem primarily stems from a lack of communication between the government and the rebelling military faction. He might write a response like this:

“In December 2020, my family fled its home, the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, at the outset of war. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front, a political party that ruled Ethiopia for decades, held an election during the COVID-19 pandemic that the current federal government ruled illegal. This debate escalated to violence, beginning a war that, despite a ceasefire, still has lasting impacts.

My family fled and thankfully found a safe haven in Europe, but so many other families did not have such luck. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced or killed in this senseless conflict that is ravaging my homeland.

It is my hope that a strong education will equip me with the skills and knowledge to go back home and contribute to a more definite end to this conflict. Despite the ceasefire, some occupations continue and famine is widespread. I believe a degree in International Studies will help me better understand the causes of war and the preconditions necessary to end it.

I cannot solve this issue myself, but I can no longer watch my home get torn apart. I want to help resolve this conflict by participating directly in the peace and rebuilding processes. If nothing else, I can at least use my education on the global stage to direct more eyes to this dreadful time period. Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan once said, ‘Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.’ I know in my heart that he was right.”

This is an effective response. First, it provides a fairly detailed outline of an issue in the student’s home country. Second, it describes why the issue is such an important problem and why it’s so hard to solve. And finally, it discusses how a degree from AU can help the student contribute to awareness of the issue and attempts to resolve it.

You will craft a strong essay if you can address three things:

• What – Define the issue thoroughly but concisely.
• Why – Describe why the issue is important to you and to the people it directly affects.
• How – Detail how your AU education will prepare you to contribute to efforts to resolve the issue.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants (International Students), Prompt 2

Discuss your current involvement in community service projects and volunteer activities. describe what you have learned about yourself as a result of these activities. (250 words).

This is a prime example of the community service essay. Schools that use this prompt want to know about your level of engagement with the people and environment around you. The Emerging Global Leader Scholarship—a program that emphasizes “leadership development and global engagement” —is especially interested in your impact on your community.

Be sure to check out CollegeVine’s guide to writing the community service essay for some in-depth tips and examples!

Since you only have 250 words, you won’t be able to write about many activities. In fact, we recommend sticking to 1-2 really meaningful and long-term projects. These are the projects that tend to show a genuine commitment to community service. If you only have short-term projects to write about, then you can mention 2-3 in your response.

When picking a topic, try to think about any projects you do that might be less common. For example, painting murals on old buildings to brighten up the neighborhood is less common than volunteering at a food drive or soup kitchen. There’s nothing wrong with writing about a more common volunteering experience in this essay, but if you have a unique project to write about, it may make your essay more engaging.

If you deem all your volunteering activities and community service projects are fairly commonplace, try to choose the ones that are more meaningful to you. If you feel more connected to a particular experience over the others, your writing about it will be more passionate and vivid.

Once you have decided on an activity (or a few), think about these questions:

• What happened during the activity?
• What went through your mind and how did you feel as this was happening?
• How have your emotions regarding the activity changed over time?

With your activity and motivations in mind, think about how you want to structure your essay. If you’re writing about a singular experience, consider taking a narrative approach. An essay that simply lists facts lacks important emotion. Tell about your experience with vivid imagery—show, don’t tell. This is a good way to draw your reader into the experience.

For example, perhaps you speak Spanish and do volunteer work where you can serve as a translator. Maybe you have seen firsthand the impact that speaking someone’s native language can have. Lessons this experience might have taught you about yourself can include the following:

• Your ability to switch between two languages is better than you thought.
• You can take on a leadership role even under the pressure of needing to speak a second language.
• You have more patience than you thought you did.
• You’re really good at working with the elderly, and you didn’t know that before.

As you can see, there are plenty of lessons you can glean from even one volunteering experience. These might include skills, abilities, personal attributes, or something else entirely.

This shouldn’t be a difficult essay to write, but you should note that there are three particular things to avoid :

• Listing out everything that happened. You have 250 words to work with. While this is ample space, you should use it wisely. This isn’t a play-by-play, so stick to the most important details. Your essay should focus more on the lessons you learned.
• Using a privileged tone. You’ll want to maintain a balanced, humble tone. Looking entitled or pretentious is not going to help your application in the least. Show how the experience is important to you without painting yourself as some kind of savior.
• Clichés. You might think it’s a good idea to quote a famous person or to use a trite, old life lesson, but we actually recommend avoiding these strategies. Admissions officers have seen them hundreds of times, so they won’t contribute much to your application.

When you write your response, be genuine about your motivations, honest about your impact on the local community, and specific in your descriptions of activities. Doing all those things will ensure a strong essay.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants (International Students), Prompt 3

Describe an obstacle or challenge you have faced in your life. how have you overcome this challenge and grown from this experience (250 words).

This is the classic Overcoming Challenges prompt , so we recommend that you read our linked guide for advice and examples.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants (International Students), Prompt 4

The au diplomats are a diverse group of current au international students and us global nomads who have been selected by the au admissions team to form and maintain connections with new and prospective american university (au) students, and to represent au to the international community., our emerging global leader scholar is expected to play an impactful role in the work of our au diplomats group. what outreach, communication, and/or intake strategies would you employ to inform and welcome new and prospective students to american university, washington, dc (250 words).

This prompt tasks you with highlighting how you envision yourself connecting with new and prospective students who may also be international students. While it may seem daunting to have to think ahead to welcoming and guiding others to a University you yourself are currently applying to, the answer is really based more on your experience than you may think.

Think about how your application process has felt so far. Applying to a school in a country different from your own may have been an overwhelming process, and it’s perfectly all right to write about that feeling—in fact, it may even guide your answer.

Imagine you were in contact with an AU Diplomat or a current Emerging Global Leader scholar. What questions would you ask now or would you have asked in the past? Doing some role-reversal will help you imagine the kind of Emerging Global Leader Scholar you can be to help new and prospective students like yourself.

Additionally, reflect on what you wish you knew prior to the application process. How did you find American University? Did anything or anyone help you along the way? How did you engage with American University prior to applying? And eventually, what advice would you give to a younger student who will soon be in your shoes?

For example, perhaps you live halfway across the world, and had trouble attending virtual information events at many schools because of the time difference. Maybe American University offered some information sessions specific to your country or region of the world—how did that make you feel more connected to the school? Maybe you want to volunteer for these events to give more prospective students the opportunity to learn about the school, and maybe even reach areas that haven’t yet been reached.

Your strategies will come from your personal experiences, so be open and honest about your past and present—even though your own future may still be undetermined.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants, Prompt 3

This is the classic Overcoming Challenges essay, so we recommend that you read our linked guide for advice and examples.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants, Prompt 4

The au diplomats are a diverse group of current au international students and us global nomads who have been selected by the au admissions team to form and maintain connections with new and prospective american university (au) students, and to represent au to the international community. our emerging global leader scholar is expected to play an impactful role in the work of our au diplomats group. what outreach, communication, and/or intake strategies would you employ to inform and welcome new and prospective students to american university, washington, dc (250 words).

This prompt tasks you with highlighting how you envision yourself connecting with new and prospective students who may also be international students. While it may seem daunting to have to think ahead to welcoming and guiding others to a University you are applying to, the answer is really based more in your experience than you may think.

Think about how your application process has felt so far. Applying to a school in a different country than your own may have been overwhelming, and it is perfectly all right to write about that feeling – in fact, it may even guide your answer.

Imagine you were in contact with an AU Diplomat or a current Emerging Global Leader scholar. What questions would you ask or would you have asked in the past? Doing some role-reversal will help you imagine the kind of Emerging Global Leader Scholar you can be to help new and prospective students like yourself.

Additionally, reflect on what you wish you knew prior to the application process. How did you find American University? Did anything or anyone help you along the way? How did you engage with American University prior to applying? And eventually, what advice would you give a younger student who will soon be in your shoes?

For example, perhaps you live halfway across the world, and had trouble attending virtual information events at many schools because of the time difference. Maybe American University offered some information sessions specific to your country or region of the world – how did that make you feel more connected to the school? Maybe you want to volunteer for these events to give more prospective students the opportunity to learn about the school, and maybe even reach areas that haven’t yet been reached.

Your strategies will come from your personal experiences, so be open and honest even though your own future may still be undetermined.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Applicants (International Students), Prompt 5

What are the characteristics of leadership that you most admire who is a leader that exemplifies those qualities, and why (250 words).

There are two main approaches you can use to navigate this prompt. You can certainly begin by brainstorming a list of leadership qualities you find most important and then find a leader you admire, but it may actually be wise to work backwards and reverse-engineer your answer—essentially, choose a leader you admire first and then identify the qualities that make them a great leader. Choosing someone you already admire may make your response more sincere and detailed.

There are no real wrong answers to this prompt, which also means that the more specific and unique you can get, the better. It is, however, best to avoid leaders who would be generally named immediately. For example, you would not want to pick a figure like the current President of the United States, other former Presidents, or other well-renowned world leaders, as they will likely be a common answer to this question.

Instead, think about whether your home country has any leaders—political, social, environmental, etc.—that would make for a strong response. Remember, this answer isn’t just about proving why your choice is a strong leader, it’s about showing the admissions committee your perception of what makes for great leadership.

After you’ve selected a leader, analyze the characteristics of that leader that resonate with people. Are they a great public speaker? Have they managed to unify a wide populace of differing perspectives? What is their public image? What impresses you most about their accomplishments?

These questions can help you identify how your chosen leader reflects your perspectives on great leadership as a whole, and will allow you to craft an answer around your thesis rather than the other way around.

Where to Get Your American University Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your AU essays? After rereading your essays over and over again, it can be difficult to spot where your writing could use some improvement. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

American University Essay 2022-2023

American university essay 2022-23, american university essay: quick facts.

• American University Acceptance Rate: 36%– U.S. News ranks American University as a more selective school. 
• 1 (~ 150 word) essay
• American University Application: Students must submit their American University application through the Common Application . Make sure to have all of your American University supplemental essays and other required application materials ready when applying. 
• Early Decision: November 15th
• Early Decision 2: January 15th
• Regular Decision: January 15th 
• American University Essay Tip: There is only one American University essay to complete. Make sure that you take the time to answer carefully and thoughtfully. 

Does American University require any supplemental essays?

Yes. There is one 150-word American University essay that students must complete—the “Why American University” essay.

Since there are not multiple American University essay prompts, you should do all you can to make this Why American University essay count. 

You only have 150 words to use in this American University supplement essay. Although there aren’t various American University essay prompts and the only required “Why American University essay” is short, that doesn’t make it easier to complete. The difficulty lies in writing about a broad topic in a small amount of space. 

Showcase your writing

Your American University essay is your only chance beyond your Common App essay to showcase your writing skills. It also lets you show American University why you belong on their campus. As such, your American University supplement can make a major difference in your application. A strong American University supplement essay, then, will increase your admissions odds. So, when strategizing around how to get into American University, prioritize your American University supplemental essays. This will give you an advantage . 

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. Below, we’ve provided a detailed guide on how to write a successful “Why American University essay.” 

What are American University’s Essays?

Here’s the American University supplemental essay prompt:

Why are you interested in American University? (150 words max.)

As we discussed, there are not multiple American University essay prompts. Take advantage of your one chance to impress the American University admissions committee! Students who write excellent American University supplemental essays are sure to stand out.

You might be familiar with “Why School essays” from other supplements. So, approach the “Why American University essay” with the same strategy that you might have used on other applications . Namely, your essay should show the American University admissions committee why you belong at their school. 

This essay also helps the American University admissions committee envision you on campus. The admissions team wants to admit students who will enrich their community. Your American University essay, then, should show how you’d actively contribute to campus life . Successful American University supplemental essays will answer not only the why American University essay prompt, but also show American University why they should invest in you. 

Standing out

No matter your interests, showing passion and leadership will help you stand out . In your American University supplement, therefore, you should highlight exactly how you’d engage with American University and its offerings.  Students who write successful American University supplemental essays will show their motivation and enthusiasm for the school. 

This American University supplement also assesses how well a student fits in with the school’s culture. American University Admissions doesn’t just want to know why you want to attend their school; they also want to know if their school will serve your needs . Well-written American University supplemental essays need to touch on both of these points. 

With this in mind, do some research before writing your American University supplement. The Why American University essay reveals how much you know about American University. It also shows how you’ll take advantage of the resources the school provides. The best American University supplemental essays will show specific knowledge about American University and provide strong evidence that the writer will succeed on campus.

Demonstrate your interest

Pay attention to how this prompt uses the word “interested.” In your American University supplement essay, you should show “ demonstrated interest ,” or DI. Unlike some top schools, American University tracks demonstrated interest. This means that they evaluate how much you engage with the school and actively show that you want to attend. 

Universities often use DI as a tool to measure exactly how much a student wants to attend. Since “why school” essays are useful for determining DI , many universities use questions like the American University essay prompts in their supplements.

Now that you know more about the American University supplement essay, let’s look at how to write it. You can also use the tips in this guide to answer similar questions on other university supplements. If you apply anywhere else with a “why us” essay, the information below will help you complete supplements like the American University essay prompts.

Approaching a “Why School” essay

As we now know, there aren’t multiple American University supplemental essays. So, applicants are faced with the tricky task of impressing admissions officers with one short, well-crafted American University supplemental essay. You may be thrilled at the prospect of not having to respond to multiple American University essay prompts. However, without multiple American University supplemental essays to write, the spotlight is truly on your “why American University essay.”

You’ll likely see the why school essay in other college applications. You shouldn’t reuse essays, as they need to be specific to each school. However, they will all achieve the same general goal. You should use the why American University essay to amplify your application by showing what you’ll gain from attending their school. However, a successful why American University essay won’t stop there. You’ll also need to show how you will enhance the school. What will you bring to campus? This “why American University essay” is your opportunity to show that you are a perfect fit. 

Research is key

There are probably specific qualities that attracted you to the school. Essentially, ask yourself why you want to go there. Is there a certain major , internship , or other program that excites you? Are there clubs you want to join or courses you want to take there?

Try not to think of this research as another chore in your American University application process. Get excited about learning more about the school. Authentic passion and drive will come across in successful American University supplemental essays. However, it can’t be faked. So, take advantage of not having multiple American University supplemental essay prompts to manage. Then, dive head first into your why American University essay research. 

Avoid common mistakes

The biggest mistake that students make when responding to the why school essay is being overly general. Vague or dispassionate American University supplemental essays will not help you overcome the American University acceptance rate. 

Use what you learned during your college search to help you get started. What qualifying factors did you use to compare colleges ? What made you decide to go through the lengthy American University application? Reference specific programs, courses, or unique campus qualities when writing your why American University essay. 

If American University is truly a good fit for you, you’ll probably have many things to talk about. The challenge will be keeping your American University essay focused and within the 150 word limit. Be sure to choose a topic for your Why American University essay that is truly unique and specific to the school. 

Highlight your strengths

Another important part of responding to a why school essay is showing why you are a good fit for the university. What will you bring to campus that no one else could? What kind of experience or leadership skills might you apply to your activities on campus? Think about your skills, talents and interests. Then, highlight them in a way that makes it impossible for American University admissions to deny the positive impact you’d have on the school. 

The majority of schools you apply to will have some version of the why school essay. Similar to the American University essay, NYU only has one supplemental essay which follows the same style. The difference with the why NYU essay is that applicants have 400 words to answer, whereas the American University essay is much shorter. 

Northwestern University, like AU, only gives applicants one supplemental essay apart from the Common app essay. Students must answer the why Northwestern essay prompt in 300 words or less. Check out these successful essays from admitted students. 

UChicago also has a why school essay. However, it is one of multiple supplemental essays that students must complete. And, unlike students responding to the American University essay prompts, UChicago applicants have no word limit to their why school prompt.  

How do I write American University’s supplemental essay?

Writing the “Why American University essay” starts with brainstorming the reasons why you want to attend. Even if American University is not your top choice, you should still have specific reasons why it interests you. The American University admissions team wants to know these reasons!

Think about why you would want to attend American University. Ask yourself what specific aspects of American University most interest you, and make a list. If you’re struggling, do some more research on the school. What extracurriculars does it offer that align with your interests? What academic programs seem exciting to you?

Focus on the details

Once you have your list , make the details as specific as possible. For example, if you wrote down that you like American’s academic programs, try to find a specific discipline or major that American University offers. If you wrote that you enjoy the setting in Washington D.C., you could discuss a specific way AU allows students to interface with the city. The more specific and personal your reasons for applying are, the more the American University admissions committee will want to admit you. 

Then, narrow down your list to two or three specific areas of interest to discuss in detail. Because you only have 150 words in this American University supplement essay, you likely can’t mention every item on your list and stay within the word limit. So, instead of listing everything that interests you in your “Why American University essay,” focus on the most significant items. Although this significance can be subjective, you should likely discuss the programs and offerings that will most influence your choice to attend.

Do your research

After you have your topics, do some more research. Find out exactly how American University will help you pursue your interests. Your American University supplement essay will be more effective if you can reference traditions, specific academic courses, or other opportunities. This shows the American University admissions committee why the school is a good fit for you. 

Some good ways to get that information include:

• Visiting the school’s website: You can look up specific course offerings , browse extracurricular activities , and explore various aspects of student life. Just be sure you use the school’s official page or another trusted source.
• Speaking to a current or former student: If someone you know attends American University or has recently graduated, reach out to them. Their insights can help you connect your interests with specific opportunities at American University.
• Attending a college fair: These events give you a chance to talk to American University admissions representatives about your interests. They also let you gather more information about the school. Plus, speaking to a representative at a college fair is a great way to show DI.

You should also mention any interactions you have had with students or staff in your American University supplement essay. Whether you visit the school (either in person or virtually) or simply email an American University admissions counselor, every engagement with American University shows demonstrated interest. Referencing these conversations in your American University supplement essay reinforces the research that you have done and shows how proactive you are. 

Find a hook

As you begin your “Why American University essay,” start with an interesting hook or topic sentence to grab your reader’s attention. If possible, avoid the standard: “The first reason I want to attend American University is…” because it sounds plain and formulaic. Think about immersing your reader into a story instead of restating the prompt.

Some examples of strong introductions include:

• A description of how you first heard about American University: You might open with the story of a memorable campus visit or an anecdote told by a family member about American University. This introduction establishes an immediate, personal connection with the American University admissions team.
• A career or academic goal that American University will help you achieve: If you already know what career or major you want to pursue, this is a great way to make your intentions known. The rest of your American University essay can then explain why this school will help you achieve your goals.
• A special or unique feature about American University: In your research, you may have encountered a tradition, club, class, or professor that makes American University stand out. Mentioning this in the opening sentence shows that you understand what sets American University apart from other schools.

Focus on core themes

In the body of your “Why American University essay,” stay focused on your core themes. Remember, you may not have enough room to address everything you want to say. Find the essential aspects of American University that make it the ideal school for you. Then, use them as the foundation of your American University supplement essay.

American University Essay Reflections Questions:

• Does this essay show you’ve done research on American University?
• Do you explain why American University is a good fit for you?
• Does this essay reference specific qualities about American University?
• Do you use an interesting hook or introductory sentence?
• Does this essay describe your reasons for applying to American University? 

Want more advice about writing your American University supplement essay? Check out this article for additional tips on impressing American University admissions!

American University Essay & American University Admissions

You may be wondering just how important the American University supplemental essays are in the grand scheme of the American University application. Well, the American University acceptance rate is competitive at 36% . 

For the Class of 2022, there were nearly 19,000 applicants , with the average GPA of admitted students falling in the range of 3.47-4.00. American University currently has a test optional policy. So, if your SAT scores don’t hit at least 1240 (the low end of the average SAT score range for accepted applicants), then you don’t need to submit them. High grades and test scores can help you impress the American University admissions committee. However, grades and scores alone won’t be enough to stand out in the American University admissions process. 

With so many competitive applicants, you’ll want to make sure that you craft an impressive American University application narrative. The American University essay plays an important role in that narrative. The essay matters even more if you’re applying with an average GPA or feel like you don’t have a good SAT score that you want to submit. The American University essay is your opportunity to show admissions what makes you stand out. Use it to highlight why you should be accepted out of the many other qualified candidates.  

Beyond the American University Essay

Knowing how to write the American University supplement essay is important, but in order to figure out how to get into American University you also need to know how to maximize your admissions odds. Since the American University acceptance rate is competitive, your American University supplement essay is incredibly important. And of course, there are other American University supplemental materials that will help to enhance your American University application, such as your teacher recommendation letter . 

The American University admissions committee accepts the Common Application . This means all applicants must complete the Common App essay. You will also submit the American University supplement. On your Common Application, you will report your GPA and courses, share your extracurricular involvement, and write a short personal statement. Each part of the application lets you show the American University admissions team what makes you unique. 

Many factors to consider

Admission to a selective school like American University depends on many factors, including the American University essay prompts. While grades and scores matter, the American University admissions committee also considers things like writing skills and personal qualities. They also evaluate whether American University is the right fit for you. 

To determine these more abstract metrics, the committee relies on the Common App essay—also known as your personal statement —and the American University supplement essay. The American University essay prompts, therefore, let you show why you belong at American University.   

American University admissions states that they have a holistic admissions policy. This means that they look at the whole picture when considering each American University application. So, wondering how to get into American University? AU admissions looks for well-rounded, passionate applicants. Do your best on every part of the American University application, including your American University essay. 

Top 3 Tips for Writing the American University Essay

While there aren’t multiple American University supplemental essays, that doesn’t necessarily make things easier. It will take thoughtful planning to write your compelling yet concise American University essay. 

However, an exceptional American University essay could be what has you opening your acceptanc e letter and planning your college enrollment for fall semester. So, get excited. The more passionate you are about the school, the stronger your essay will be. Here are 3 tips for students to consider in order to write their best American supplemental essays.

American University Essay Top Tips

#1- get specific.

This isn’t not the time to generalize or be vague. Use this American University essay to really learn about specific programs and offerings that are only found at AU. Why did American University make it onto your college list ? A well written why American University essay will highlight the unique education that only American University students can enjoy. 

#2- Why you?

While you want to highlight specific details of American University that you would take advantage of as a prospective student, you also need to tie it back to what you would bring to the campus. Sure, you’re interested in AU, but why should they consider you out of their large pool of competitive applicants? What separates you from the rest?

#3- Make it interesting

Bring your passion and creativity to this American University essay. Think of all the American University supplemental essays that admissions officers have to read. To be successful, yours needs to stand out. Bring some sparkle to your essay by showing off your writing skills and getting innovative while answering the prompt. 

Want more advice about writing your American University supplement essay? Check out this video from American University admissions for additional tips on what to include!

Still looking for inspiration before tackling the American University essay prompts? Before you write your American University supplemental essays, check out some examples of successful college essays . You’ll be able to see what works well. Then, you can use the same techniques to write your best American University essay.

College Essay Examples: 10 Best Examples of College Essays and Why They Worked

American University Supplement Essay: Final Thoughts

When reviewing your American University supplement, the American University admissions team wants to see answers to two distinct questions: “what does this student know about our school” and “what makes our school a good fit for this student.”  Understanding these two implied questions behind the “Why American University essay” will help you craft the best possible response.

Address each part of the question

To answer the first question, let your research shine through in your essay. Use specific examples to let the American University admissions team know that you know a lot about the school. Finally, make sure your American University essay reflects what you might pursue in college.

To answer the second question, make sure you clearly articulate your goals. You want to connect those goals to opportunities at American University and explain how this particular school will help you achieve them. If the topics discussed in your American University essay could apply to any other college, look for more specific details.  

Finally, don’t hesitate to have someone else look over your American University essay before you submit it. A second pair of eyes can help you see ways to improve your writing that you may have missed! 

This American University essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski .  Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile 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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	American University
	Aug 23, 2024   American University Catalog 2024-2025     American University Catalog 2024-2025 To request application forms or for more information: phone: 202-885-6000 e-mail: web: First-year applicants may apply using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Transfer applicants may apply using the Common Application. Applicants are responsible for requesting that letters of recommendation, official transcripts, test scores, and other required items be sent directly to the Admissions Office. American University’s SAT and TOEFL code is 5007, and the ACT code is 0648. International applicants should refer to for additional instructions. American University requires all applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship, to demonstrate English-language proficiency. For more information, see English Language Requirements for first-year applicants: or English Language Requirements for transfer applicants: . First-Year Admission Requirements To be considered for admission, applicants should:  for more information. Transfer Admission Requirements Students who wish to be considered for transfer admission must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at all schools currently attending or previously attended. All applicants with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from all schools attended will be considered. However, competitive applicants will present a grade point average above 2.50. Transfer applicants must request each collegiate institution previously attended to send an official transcript of all work completed directly to the Admissions Office. Attendance at all institutions must be reported whether or not credit was earned and whether or not transfer credit is desired. Failure to report all previous academic work will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of an application or for dismissal from the university. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credit hours completed at the time of application should also submit the final secondary school record. General Admission Information Fall Semester Early Decision: November 1 for ED I Fall Semester Early Action: November 1 EA Fall Semester Early Decision II: January 15 for ED II Fall Semester Regular Decision: January 15 Spring Semester for students outside the US: September 1 Spring Semester for students inside the US: October 1 Fall Semester: May 1 Spring Semester: October 1 American University offers several special programs for high-achieving students, each serving a particular population with a specific mission. These programs offer living-learning experiences and small classes with dynamic professors who use Washington as their lab. Because students cannot have two living-learning experiences at one time, students can only participate in one program. The AU Honors Program, the Sakura Scholars Program, Lincoln Scholars Program, and the Three-Year Scholars Programs (Global Scholars, Public Health Scholars, and Policy, Politics, and Law Scholars) each require a separate application. Admission is based on a strong high school record as well as demonstrated commitment to the mission of the particular program. Admission to these programs is highly competitive, and the academic qualifications of each student are carefully considered. The AU Honors Program is capped at 80 entering students; the Sakura Scholars Program at 15; and the Three-Year Scholars Programs each at 25. The top applicants for admission to the university will be considered for these programs and will be notified of this decision along with their admission letter.   Early Decision round I (ED I) applicants are notified of the decision by December 31; at that time ED I applicants may be admitted, denied admission, or deferred until the general admission date of April 1. Early Decision round II (ED II) applicants are notified of the decision by February 15; at that time ED II applicants may be admitted, denied admission, or deferred until the general admission date of April 1. Early Action first-year applicants whose applications and supporting documents have been received by the Admissions Office by November 1 are notified of their decision by January 31. Regular Decision first-year applicants whose applications and supporting documents have been received by the Admissions Office by January 15 are notified of the decision on their applications by April 1. Transfer applicants to the fall semester who apply by May 1 will be notified by July 1. Transfer applicants to the spring semester who apply by October 1 will be notified by December 1. Full-time undergraduates are required to pay a nonrefundable tuition deposit to reserve a place in the class. Complete detailed instructions for replying to the admission offer are provided with the notice of acceptance. American University offers the opportunity for admission a year earlier than normal to first-year applicants whose ability, academic achievement, and general maturity indicate that they are ready to begin collegiate work. Applicants for early admission must meet the minimum admission requirements for first-year admission. Applicants are considered on their own merit. However, the major factors important to evaluation are: First-year applicants whose first choice is American University are encouraged to apply as Early Decision candidates. Students admitted under the binding Early Decision plan learn of their admission early and receive first consideration for scholarships, financial aid, housing, and registration. The university, in turn, is assured that these students will enroll if admitted. The university offers two Early Decision (ED) options. The deadline for applying for EDI is November 1 with notification by December 31. The deadline for ED II is January 15 with notification by February 15. All documents, including the $75 application fee, must be on file with the Admissions Office by the respective deadlines. Early Decision applicants may initiate applications to other schools before notification, but if they are admitted to American University as Early Decision candidates, they must submit a tuition prepayment by January 15 for ED I or March 1 for ED II and withdraw all applications to other colleges and universities as Early Decision is a binding agreement. Early Decision applicants are evaluated by the same criteria as all other first-year applicants. They may be admitted to the university in December (or February for ED II), denied admission, or have their application deferred until the Regular Decision notification date of April 1. Students deferred until April are released from the commitment to attend if admitted. American University offers a structured program for entering first-year students with learning disabilities who are seeking additional support. Students interested in the Learning Services Program must identify themselves in the regular admissions process and submit a supplementary application to the program at the time they apply to the university. Further information is available from the Academic Support and Access Center at 202-885-3360 or . Enrollment as a nondegree student does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program. If admitted into an American University degree program, nondegree students may apply no more than 60 nondegree American University credits to their degree program. An undergraduate student enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours is considered a part-time student. Part-time degree applicants are required to meet the same standards for admission as full-time first-year or transfer applicants. Part-time study is not available for students who will require an F-1 visa. Applicants considering part-time study in a degree program are cautioned that they may be unable to complete the necessary course work for some degree programs by attending evening classes only. Before applying they should consult with the department of their proposed major to ascertain whether the required courses will be available to them. An undergraduate student whose studies at the university are interrupted for any reason for a period of one semester (excluding the summer sessions) must submit a formal application for readmission and a reapplication fee to the Admissions Office at least two months before the beginning of the semester or summer session for which the student wishes to be readmitted, unless written permission to study at another collegiate institution was secured in advance or the student has been granted an official temporary leave. Students who were in good standing when they left the university and who have maintained a satisfactory grade point average at another school are virtually assured readmission. It is to a student’s advantage to apply for readmission as early as possible so that they may register during the advance registration period. A student who is readmitted is subject to the academic requirements and regulations in effect at the time of readmission. For more information about our readmission process, please visit: . You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience. American University Requirements for Admission What are American 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 American University and build a strong application. School location: Washington, DC Admissions Rate: 40.6% 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 American University is 40.6% . For every 100 applicants, 41 are admitted. This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter. 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. American 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: 3.65 The average GPA at American University is 3.65 . (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.65, American University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student. 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 3.65, 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. American 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 American 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. American 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: 1329 The average SAT score composite at American University is a 1329 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes American University Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores. American University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT) The 25th percentile SAT score is 1290, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360. In other words, a 1290 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1360 will move you up to above average . Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section: 630 700 660 730 1290 1360 SAT Score Choice Policy The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy. American 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: Section R+W Math Composite 700 300 1000 300 700 1000 300 300 600 700 700 1400 Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, American 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 American 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 1329, 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. American University ACT Requirements Just like for the SAT, American 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: 30 The average ACT score at American University is 30. This score makes American University Strongly Competitive for ACT scores. The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 32. Even though American University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 30 and above that a 29 will look academically weak. 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 30 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, in our research, we found that American University does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office: Test Optional Plan Option. Contact school 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 American 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: English Math Reading Science Composite Test 1 16 16 16 20 Test 2 16 16 16 20 Test 3 16 16 16 20 Test 4 16 16 16 20 Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, American 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 American 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 30, 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. American 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 moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1360 SAT or a 32 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 40.6% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%. If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.65. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone. But if your score is a 1290 SAT or a 29 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be 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 American University here. Application Requirements Overview Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required Electronic Application Available Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen Letters of Recommendation 2 Interview Not required Application Fee $75 Fee Waiver Available? Available Other Notes Testing Requirements SAT or ACT Considered if submitted SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional SAT Subject Tests Scores Due in Office January 15 Coursework Requirements Subject Required Years Foreign Language 2 Social Studies 2 Electives 3 Deadlines and Early Admissions Offered? Deadline Notification Yes January 15 April 1 Yes November 15, January 15 December 31, February 15 Admissions Office Information Address: 4400 Washington, DC 20016-8001 Phone: (202) 885-1000 x1000 Fax: (202) 885-1025 Email: [email protected] Other Schools For You If you're interested in American 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 American University. Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into These schools are have higher average SAT scores than American University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools. School Name Location SAT Avg ACT Avg Los Angeles, CA 1440 32 Berkeley, CA 1415 31 Los Angeles, CA 1405 31 Stony Brook, NY 1396 31 Villanova, PA 1395 33 Coral Gables, FL 1384 31 Binghamton, NY 1375 31 Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into If you're competitive for American University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission. School Name Location SAT Avg ACT Avg Seattle, WA 1340 30 San Luis Obispo, CA 1335 29 West Point, NY 1331 30 Storrs, CT 1315 29 South Orange, NJ 1310 30 Syracuse, NY 1310 29 Irvine, CA 1310 29 Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into If you're currently competitive for American University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If American University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools. School Name Location SAT Avg ACT Avg Davis, CA 1280 28 University Park, PA 1265 28 Hempstead, NY 1246 27 Fort Worth, TX 1242 28 Philadelphia, PA 1241 28 Tuscaloosa, AL 1225 26 Cincinnati, OH 1223 26 Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources. If You Liked Our Advice... Our experts have written hundreds of useful articles on improving your SAT score and getting into college. You'll definitely find something useful here. Subscribe to our newsletter to get FREE strategies and guides sent to your email. Learn how to ace the SAT with exclusive tips and insights that we share with our private newsletter subscribers. You should definitely follow us on social media . You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed. Follow us on all of our social networks: Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more. American University Supplemental Essay 2024-25 – Prompt and Advice July 17, 2024 Back in the ‘90s, American University had an acceptance rate of nearly 80%. In recent years, the acceptance rate has fallen as low as 26% and is typically under 40%. Test-optional for over a decade, this now highly selective university in Washington, D.C. utilizes a truly holistic method of assessing candidates, which means that the American University supplemental essay now plays a key role for AU applicants. (Want to learn more about How to Get Into American U? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into American University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.) Given this increasing level of selectivity, the American University supplemental essay offers applicants a crucial opportunity to showcase their writing ability by generating a detail-rich essay that will stand out to an admissions officer. 2024-2025 American University Supplemental Essay Question American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you’re excited. (250 words) Whether it’s a general love for math/science or literature or a specific interest in aerospace engineering or 19th-century French novels, use this opportunity to share what makes you tick, the ideas or issues that keep you up at night, and what subject inspires you to dream big. What topic makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Moreover, you’ll want to share the manner in which you have pursued your hobby, idea, issue, or topic of choice. Whether it’s falling down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the nature of time, consuming thousands of hours of podcasts on game theory, or volunteering at a community agency, this is a chance to illustrate the ways in which you engage with your passions. The admissions reader should emerge from reading this essay with the sense that you are a sincerely curious young person with a strong drive. Finally, we’d recommend thinking specifically about how you’d like to continue pursuing your belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic at American University in particular. As such, you’ll want to do some school-specific research. American University Supplemental Essay (Continued)  Below are some examples of unique facts about American University that may help you as you brainstorm the “American-specific” part of your response: There are more than 170 academic programs (80 bachelor’s degree programs) at American University. 150+  student organizations exist on campus. Talk about the ones you would like to join. AU offers funding opportunities for undergraduate research . Talk about a research idea that you’d like to pursue while at AU. AU runs its own study abroad programs in Brussels, Nairobi, and Madrid. More than half of all undergrads take a semester abroad. 91% of American U grads participated in at least one internship. What’s your dream internship? The AU radio station WAMU reaches an astounding 900,000 listeners every week. AU was the first U.S. university to become carbon neutral in 2020. Of course, these are just few of the countless number of possible features that could be part of a successful essay. Overall, think about the following as you write this section: How will you become an active, contributing member of the student body? How will your past/current endeavors carry over onto AU’s campus? Why is AU is the perfect fit for you and why you are the perfect fit for AU? What specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities, internship/externship programs, study abroad programs, student-run organizations, etc (as in the examples above) would you take advantage of? How important is the American University supplemental essay? AU only considers three factors to be “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. These are: the rigor of one’s coursework, GPA earned, and demonstrated interest. In the second tier of “important” factors are: essays, recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Clearly, essays—both the main Common App essay and the supplemental prompt—are among the most significant factors in this holistic process. Furthermore, demonstrated interest is even more important than essays, and one way you can communicate your interest in American is by writing a thoughtful, American-specific supplemental response. American University Supplemental Essay – Want Personalized Essay Assistance? If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your American University supplemental essay, we encourage you to get a quote  today. On the hunt for additional essay-writing resources? Check out the following blogs: Common App Essay Prompts 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples College Application Essay Topics to Avoid Should I Complete Optional College Essays? How to Brainstorm a College Essay 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics “Why This College?” Essay Examples How to Write the Community Essay College Essay Dave Bergman Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020). 2-Year Colleges ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning Application Strategies Best Colleges by Major Best Colleges by State Big Picture Career & Personality Assessment College Search/Knowledge College Success Costs & Financial Aid Data Visualizations Dental School Admissions Extracurricular Activities Graduate School Admissions High School Success High Schools Homeschool Resources Law School Admissions Medical School Admissions Navigating the Admissions Process Online Learning Outdoor Adventure Private High School Spotlight Research Programs Summer Program Spotlight Summer Programs Teacher Tools Test Prep Provider Spotlight “Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.” — Lynn O'Shaughnessy Nationally Recognized College Expert College Planning in Your Inbox Join our information-packed monthly newsletter. Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25 What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down. Acceptance Rate Undergrad population. Liberal Arts (56) * Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide   American university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown 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I am a * Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Name * First Last Phone Type Mobile Landline Street Address Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country Which kind of private school application are you working on? * Preschool Primary School (K - 8) High School (9 - 12) How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other Our Approach & Team Undergraduate Testimonials Postgraduate Testimonials Where Our Students Get In CEA Gives Back Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions Private School Admissions International Student Admissions Common App Essay Guide Supplemental Essay Guide Coalition App Guide The CEA Podcast YouTube Tutorials Admissions Stats Notification Trackers Deadline Databases College Essay Examples Academy and Worksheets Waitlist Guides Get Started How to write a US college admissions essay A step-by-step guide to writing your personal essay for us college applications. Study abroad Naomi Lofts If you’re one of the thousands of students that have decided to study in the US this year, you may be aware that unfortunately you cannot escape the dreaded piece of personal writing, even as an international student. While there is certainly no Ucas system as there is in the UK, you’ll still be required to write a college admissions essay as part of your application . There are three types of applications:   The Common Application The Universal College Application (UCA) Individual Institution Application The Common Application and the UCA are used by many US universities and colleges, and you’ll find that if you can write an essay for one of these, you’ll have no problems with any other individual applications. The key to a successful essay is to start early – with the Common Application this means choosing which one of the five prompts you wish to answer and getting down some initial thoughts. Think about each prompt carefully and decide whether your skills and life experience relate to one more than the others. Look at the individual words such as “background” and “interest” to help you, and if you still can’t decide, ask your family and friends which prompt they think might suit you best. Remember that these prompts are just that, and not questions that must be “answered”. If you’re applying to institutions that use the UCA or set their own admissions essay, you won’t have to worry about this part, but the advice that follows will still apply. When you’ve made a decision, sit down for a brainstorming session and make notes on how the topics below might be used in your essay: After school clubs and extracurricular activities Holidays and other trips abroad or around the UK Hobbies and interests Work experience Family members and friends Special occasions and other life experiences that have influenced you When you have a few sentences down for each point, you can begin to put together your introduction. Like the Ucas personal statement, an attention-grabbing opening sentence is crucial if you’re going to highlight yourself as an interesting person who the admissions faculty would want on their course. Don’t start with something generic, such as “when I go into the city, I visit the museums because I like history”. Everyone goes to museums to learn more about history, so this isn’t a personal story. Make sure you launch straight into telling the reader why you’re unique, without wasting time restating the prompt or describing what you’re going to write about. Once you have a solid opening paragraph, think about how you can use your notes to construct several more paragraphs that will make up the bulk of your essay. You are only given a maximum of 650 words for the UCA personal statement and the Common Application essay, which isn’t a lot of space, but at this stage it’s better to have too much written down that you can then trim, than not have enough. Institutions that set their own essays may offer more words than this, but it’s best to check the application form or their website first. Think about how your notes from earlier can be used in relation to the prompt you have chosen, and try to link each paragraph so the essay flows well as a whole. For example, if you’re writing an essay for prompt number five of the common application, “ Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family” , you might choose to talk about wanting to get your drivers’ licence as soon as possible. Paragraphs might then be broken down into: Your parent’s view of this and any compromises you had to make with them What you did to prepare for both the theory and practical tests Parts of the learning experience you found difficult and how you overcame them How you paid for lessons and/or a car once you had passed, e.g., getting a part-time job What the experience taught you, e.g., managing money, being organised, etc. and how it improved any of your personal skills or qualities, such as communication, teamwork or problem-solving Looking at some example admission essays may also be useful in structuring your own. The conclusion must round off your essay in a way that leaves a lasting good impression upon the admissions tutor. It should be a summary of what you have learned from your experiences and how they have shaped you into the person you are today. Explain how this will benefit you on the course and make you a valuable asset to the university. You can also include a brief sentence or two about your career path or any other plans you have for the future that your university education will enable you to achieve. Tutors will want to see that you have thought ahead and considered how you’re going to use your degree later on in the field.   When your first draft is complete, don’t rely on a spellchecker to correct spelling and grammar mistakes; ask tutors, family and friends to look at it and give you their feedback. Make sure you go through at least several rounds of this, and you’ll achieve a polished essay that will give you the best chance of success with your US college applications. You may also like .css-185owts{overflow:hidden;max-height:54px;text-indent:0px;} Hoping to apply to a US university as a foreign student? Applying through Ucas as an international student Melisande Riefler Best universities in the United States 2024 Survival guide for international students: your first 168 hours in the United States Kalpesh Kapadia Register free and enjoy extra benefits Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay Tips for writing an effective college essay. College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay. Want free help with your college essay? UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar. Writing a strong college admissions essay Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay. Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays Brainstorming tips for your college essay Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started. How formal should the tone of your college essay be? Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice. Taking your college essay to the next level Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay. Student Stories Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay. Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay. Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback. This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org. American University Cost & scholarships Essay prompt Acceptance Rate Average SAT SAT 25th-75th Students Submitting SAT Average (25th - 75th) Reading and Writing Average ACT ACT 25th-75th Students Submitting ACT Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now Applications, how to apply, tests typically submitted, similar schools. Think you can get into a top-10 school? Take our chance-me calculator... if you dare. 🔥 Last updated March 22, 2024 Every piece we write is researched and vetted by a former admissions officer. Read about our mission to pull back the admissions curtain. Blog > Application Strategy , Essay Advice > College Essay Requirements: Everything You Need to Know College Essay Requirements: Everything You Need to Know Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions Key Takeaway College essays, also called personal statements, are essays that most colleges require students to write as part of their applications for admission. We have a giant comprehensive guide on how to write college essays . But this post goes a little more in detail on the specific requirements you should meet when writing your personal statement for college. Most students write a college essay for a centralized application system called the Common Application. The Common Application has its own standardized requirements for you to meet. But you’re not just looking at logistical requirements like length and prompt choice. You also need to know answers to those intangible questions about what a college essay should actually DO. In this post, we’ll start with the basics and end with a detailed discussion about those unspoken requirements for what your college essay needs to look like. How long should a college essay be? A college essay should be within the assigned word count requirements. The maximum word length for the Common Application personal statement (and other systems, like Coalition) is 650 words . That’s almost a page and a half single-spaced or nearly three pages double-spaced if you’re writing on a word processor. What happens if you go under the word limit on a college essay? To be clear, you do not have to write exactly 650 words to write a good Common Application essay. A good rule of thumb that we use with our students is to get to about 80% of the word count. For the Common App essay, that would mean your goal should be to get to at least 520 words. If you’re in the 520 to 650 range, it’s unlikely that an admissions officer would even think about your word count. But if your essay doesn’t hit the 520 mark, then the length starts to raise some questions. In particular, admissions officers might start scrutinizing whether you put enough time and effort into your essay. Don’t add words just to add words, but make sure your essay is fully developed enough to fall within the word length requirements. What happens if you go over the word limit on a college essay? Several things might happen if your essay is too long. You might be automatically cut off by the application system. Even if you are able to submit your essay, an admissions officer might stop reading when they notice that it’s too long. Or, worse, if your essay is over the word count because your language is long and rambling, you might bore an admissions officer. For these reasons, it’s best to stay at or below the word limit. If your essay is just a little too long, try these tips for cutting words: Cut any unnecessary tangents that don’t contribute to the overall theme of your essay. Eliminate cliche phrases or unnecessary idioms. Delete filler phrases like “in order to” or unnecessary adverbs like “really” or “very.” If your essay is way over the word count, there’s a good chance you’re trying to do too many things at once. Take a step back and make sure your essay only has one main focus (and see our college essay writing guide for tips). Can I submit an essay I’ve written for another class? One of the Common Application prompts often looks something like this: 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. If that’s a prompt option, then you may be wondering whether you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle and submit an essay that you’ve already written, maybe even an essay from one of your classes. While doing so is technically allowed by the prompt, we do not advise that you submit an essay you’ve written for something previously. Why do we not recommend this? Because personal statements have such a specific purpose (more on that in a minute), anything you’ve already written likely won’t fit the bill. School assignments and past essays won’t say nearly enough about who you are. Admissions officers might enjoy a history essay you wrote about the French Revolution, but it probably won’t give them the information they need to confidently admit you. Who reads college essays anyway, and what do they expect of you? College essays are most commonly read by admissions officers. Admissions officers work for the undergraduate office of admission at the institution you’re applying to. While different offices have different practices, these admissions officers are generally full-time university employees. They often did not attend the university at which they work, though sometimes they did. College admissions officers are generally assigned a regional territory, so they work with students and read applications from that territory. That means that if you go to most college admissions pages, you should be able to find your admissions counselor by inputting your geographic information. If you want, you can reach out to this person with any questions about the institution or application process. Now on to the bigger question: what do they expect of you? What an admissions officer expects from your college application essay depends on the kind of institution for which they work. Admissions officers at schools with lower acceptance rates, for example, will have higher expectations than those at schools with higher acceptance rates. But across the board, there are a few things admissions officers expect from your college essays. These expectations come from unspoken understandings of what a college essay should say and do. The next section breaks down the five biggest college essay writing requirements you should try to follow. College Essay Conventions College essay requirements are about more than responding to a prompt and meeting a certain word count. They’re also about fulfilling the expectations that readers have of college essays. College essays are all about creating a cohesive narrative across your application. To help you accomplish that, there are a few conventions you should be aware of. Tell a meaningful story about who you are Why do college essays exist? They are an opportunity to tell admissions officers something about who you are as a person. As we know from our time as admissions officers ourselves, it can be difficult to truly understand who a person is from facts and figures alone. Transcripts and test scores tell us very little about your values, goals, and personality. College essays should therefore communicate something meaningful about who you are. And when we say “meaningful,” we really mean it. College essays aren’t surface-level stuff. They get to the core of your background and motivations. That doesn’t mean you have to write about your deepest, darkest secrets. But it does mean that you have to go below the surface to reveal a genuine personal insight. Write vulnerably and authentically. This tip is an extension of the previous one. To write a meaningful essay, you’ll need to write vulnerably and authentically. Some college essays are just pleasantries that are so generic they could have been written by anybody. The best college essays are ones that are written in your own voice. They open up a part of you that is normally reserved for close family and friends. They skip the formalities and get straight to the heart of why you are who you are. It can be hard to write honestly for an audience full of faceless admissions officers who hold your fate in their hands. But it will be worth it. Craft an essay that focuses on your strengths. Here’s the thing. You can’t write just any old essay for your college essay. Your essay needs to be strategic. And to be strategic, it needs to revolve around your strengths. Your college essay should showcase your strengths because you want to give the admissions officers who read your essays as many reasons as possible to admit you. This isn’t to say that your essay should brag about all your accomplishments. Instead, being strengths-based means that whatever story you tell should leave admissions officers with a positive impression of who you are. They should be able to pick you out of a crowd and say, “Wow, this student is a really strong scholar/entrepreneur/artist/friend/caregiver/etc.” By highlighting your strengths, you’ll show admissions officers why you belong on their campus. Find the correct tone. “Tone” refers to the overarching voice and vibe of an essay. Some college essays have serious tones, while others are lighthearted or funny. The correct tone for your essay will depend on the topic you choose and the strengths you want to convey. Most importantly, however, your tone should always end on some kind of positive, hopeful note. It’s okay to write about difficult or serious topics, but they shouldn’t weigh your essay down and leave your admissions officer feeling uneasy afterward. Similarly, a lighthearted essay shouldn’t be so flippant that it forgets to do its job as a college essay. Finding the correct tone is a balancing act. Adhere to the length and stylistic requirements. It’s worth reiterating that adhering to the rules and requirements outlined by the application is an important part of college essay writing. You want to leave your admissions officers with the best impression possible. That means that taking each part of your application seriously is important. Try to present yourself as a professional and thoughtful person who knows how to follow the rules. Doing so will emphasize that you are a mature student ready to take on the challenges of attending college. Writing a college essay is really different than writing an essay for school, so sticking to these tips will help keep you on track. College essay requirements can be tricky to navigate. But following the guidelines and meeting your readers’ expectations will help you write a standout essay. And if you want to learn even more about how to write a college essay, check out our guide to college essays and our Essay Academy program. 👋 Liked that? Try this next. How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season How to Write a Personal Statement for Colleges 16 Amazing Personal Statement Examples (2024 Update) How to Write Supplemental Essays that Will Impress Admissions Officers "the only actually useful chance calculator i’ve seen—plus a crash course on the application review process.". Irena Smith, Former Stanford Admissions Officer We built the best admissions chancer in the world . How is it the best? It draws from our experience in top-10 admissions offices to show you how selective admissions actually works. Have a language expert improve your writing Check your paper for plagiarism in 10 minutes, generate your apa citations for free. Knowledge Base College essay US College Essay Tips for International Students Published on September 21, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on December 8, 2023. Beyond your test scores and grades, the college essay is your opportunity to express your academic and personal character, writing skills, and ability to self-reflect. You should use your unique culture and individual perspective to write a compelling essay with specific stories, a conversational tone, and correct grammar. Here are some basic guidelines on how to write a memorable college essay as an international student. Table of contents Research: how applying to us colleges is different, stories: show your strengths, tone: be conversational, but respectful, culture: write about what you know, language: use correct grammar, word choices, and sentence structures, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays. The US college experience offers not only academic growth, but also campus community. While admissions officers use your grades and test scores as a baseline, they also use the college essay to further evaluate if you can add value to the academic community, student body, and campus culture. The college essay, or personal statement, is a creative, personal piece of writing in its own genre. Rather than providing a broad overview of your life, personal essays are often centered around a specific narrative or theme. The college essay may be the deciding factor in a student’s application, especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. Many students spend weeks一even months一brainstorming, workshopping, writing, and revising their essays to produce an original, compelling story. Before starting your essay, you should take time to brainstorm topics and research your desired schools’ academic programs and campus cultures. Then, you can start outlining why you’re a good fit for a particular university. Some colleges also require supplemental essays (e.g. diversity essays , “Why this college?” essays ), which must be submitted along with the college application. Scholarship essays are also worth writing, as many students overlook this opportunity. Research deadlines early, and create a college application timeline and checklist . Or check out our guide to writing fast if you’re running low on time. Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check. Just being an international student isn’t enough to be competitive in a pool of both US and international applicants. To write a memorable essay, share specific stories that illustrate your strengths not only as an international student, but also as an individual within your culture. You should add details about your life that aren’t apparent in your application. In South Korea, school is war. Similar to Battle Royale , students viciously compete, not for their life, but for their futures. From 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., I study either in school, an after-school academy, or my room. With no time to spare, I eat my meals over my textbooks while memorizing chemical compounds or geometry theorems. My bathroom breaks are like short breaths before I dive back underwater into the vast sea of knowledge that I must conquer before it drowns me. Among this chaos, I find solace twice a week with my online English tutor, Catherine. Her stories of college in Boston help me to imagine a reality where classmates can be collaborators, not competitors. Rather than memorization drills and one-sided lectures, I imagine a lively discussion between pupil and professor. As we converse in English about my future dreams, I get a taste of what it’s like to be not a prisoner to knowledge, but a friend. American student-teacher relationships are much less formal than those in many other countries. US universities value student-professor discussion, debate, and collaboration. Similarly, college application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing. You should use a conversational yet respectful tone, as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be honest about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the admissions officer. To improve the tone of your essay you can use a paraphrasing tool . Firstly, I would like to elaborate on how my family moved from Xizhou to Beijing. When I was just five, my family and I left behind our tranquil village in southwest China to make a new home in the vast, bustling capital of Beijing. As an international student, you have a wealth of culture that you can share with admissions officers. Instead of potentially using American idioms and cultural references awkwardly, write in detail about yourself within your own culture. Make sure to explain any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might not be familiar with. Provide context to help your reader understand the significance of what you’re writing about. While drowsiness still clouds my thoughts and vision, I trudge over to the bathroom to wash before Fajr , the Islamic dawn prayer. While my mouth still reeks of last night’s kabsa , a Saudi dish of rice and meat, my older sister prances out of the bathroom with sleek, long hair, flawless makeup, and a TikTok-ready outfit. While softly humming BTS’s “DNA,” she picks up a comb and begins to skillfully tackle the labyrinth that has taken over my head. Twenty minutes later, she manages to tame my wild, frizzy mane into an elegant French braid. Sara always knows how to make beauty out of chaos. Admissions officers don’t expect your English writing skills to be perfect, but your essay should demonstrate a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. Remember to use US English rather than UK English . Choose your words carefully. You can be creative in your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers; focus on language that you know well so that your writing sounds natural and genuine. Prioritize simple sentence structures for clarity. If English is not your first language, it’s a good idea to have a native speaker check your essay. You can also use our essay checker . If you want 100% accuracy, you may want to consider working with a qualified editor or essay coach who can check your grammar, tone, cultural references, and content. Scribbr’s college essay editors can help. Explore the essay editing service If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples. Academic writing Writing process Transition words Passive voice Paraphrasing  Communication How to end an email Ms, mrs, miss How to start an email I hope this email finds you well Hope you are doing well  Parts of speech Personal pronouns Conjunctions Admissions officers use college admissions essays to evaluate your character, writing skills , and ability to self-reflect . The essay is your chance to show what you will add to the academic community. The college essay may be the deciding factor in your application , especially for competitive schools where most applicants have exceptional grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. Some colleges also require supplemental essays about specific topics, such as why you chose that specific college . Scholarship essays are often required to obtain financial aid . College application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing . Use a conversational yet respectful tone , as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be vulnerable about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the reader. Aim to write in your authentic voice , with a style that sounds natural and genuine. You can be creative with your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers. If you’re an international student applying to a US college and you’re comfortable using American idioms or cultural references , you can. But instead of potentially using them incorrectly, don’t be afraid to write in detail about yourself within your own culture. Provide context for any words, customs, or places that an American admissions officer might be unfamiliar with. Cite this Scribbr article If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator. Courault, K. (2023, December 08). US College Essay Tips for International Students. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/international-us-college-essay/ Is this article helpful? Kirsten Courault Other students also liked, how to apply for college | timeline, templates & checklist, how to revise your college admissions essay | examples, how to write a scholarship essay | template & example, get unlimited documents corrected. ✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts General Guidelines for Writing Essays Mohamed Taymour Writing and Communication Center Writing Tips and Resources The strength of your paper is not only derived from your ability to respond to the assigned essay question or “prompt," but also from how clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas in writing. Consider how you will use information from your sources and specific references to your readings to support the ideas that you are presenting as well as the position that you are putting forth. In order to do this well, bear in mind that university-level and academic essays in general are thesis-driven and evidence-based. Introduction The introduction paragraph typically provides background and context to the topic that you are writing about. The kind of information that is required depends on the topic of the paper itself. Consider what the reader needs to know so that they can understand the thesis statement and the ideas that follow. You might want to define or explain a key term or concept, provide a broader framework for discussion or identify the different sides of a particular controversy. Thesis  The thesis statement expresses the "main message" of your paper. It generally comes at the end of your introduction, and it clarifies for the reader the point and purpose of your essay. It provides focus to the topic and prepares your reader for what follows. The thesis statement makes a contract with the audience. The author promises in a thesis statement to support this claim and only this claim. It is the most important sentence in your paper. You should divide your ideas into paragraphs that are clearly related to your thesis and which develop your point in a logical way. If you tend to “just write," then once you have done getting your thoughts down on paper, you should then review your structure, and think about how best to organize or arrange your paragraphs to ensure that the ideas in your paragraphs are connected so that your reader is able to follow the logical sequence of your ideas. Strong paragraphs are characterized by their focus, adequate development and flow. Each paragraph should have unity – in other words, a focus and controlled idea – often presented in the form of a topic sentence, which you use to control what you are saying and ensure that each of the points that you are making are related to that point. You develop your paragraphs by providing support – evidence, examples, analysis. These are linked together using transitional phrases and expressions. Remember that transitional phrases are not interchangeable. Overall, you should think about how your paragraphs relate to and connect with one another and the order of your points as you present them. Whenever you include information from a reading or source, you need to clearly indicate where the material has come from. This is done using in-text citations. How you cite a source depends on what you say about it in the sentence preceding it. If you are quoting from a passage from a book, an online article, or a line from a poem then you might want to “introduce” the title or the author in the “lead in.” If you do this, then you only need to provide the page number (or line number for poems) in parenthesis at the end of the quote. If you do not mention the author’s name or title of the article, then you should provide this in a parenthetical citation. Usually, you only quote when necessary – when there is something specific about the language or words used that is central to your discussion and the point you are making; otherwise, you should paraphrase or summarize the point and include a citation to indicate that it is not your own idea. Be sure to use the format required by your professor consistently throughout your paper, and provide a list of the sources you have used in your Works Cited (if in MLA) or your References (if in APA) at the end of your paper. Conclusions  Conclusions typically sum up the main ideas presented. While the introduction moves from the general to the specific, your conclusion can often move from the specific to the general. If there are any broader issues and relevant contexts that are directly related to what you have just been discussing, then indicate what those are. Specific requirements as assigned by your professor: Word count/number of pages (double spaced) Citation style You may also find some of these AUC Writing Center guides helpful: Formatting your paper Style Guides  Integrating sources Revising and editing The Writing Center is a resource that AUC provides to its students for help with their writing in any course.  Art History 354: American Art 1870 - Present Request a research consultation Find Full-Text Articles with LibKey Nomad Find IIIF Images Create your Juncture Essay Find Background Information Find Scholarly Sources Create a Search Strategy Cite Images and Sources UWM Libraries Accessible Services and Resources This link opens in a new window Ann Hanlon - Digital Collections & Initiatives Get help from a librarian The purpose of this guide is to help you with your research in American art and finding sources for your juncture essay. This guide contains links and information on the following: Finding background information on your research topic Finding scholarly sources for your Juncture essay Finding IIIF images Finding scholarly sources Citing and attributing images and works Get research help Librarians at UWM Libraries are here to help you find information resources and develop a research plan at any stage of your research process. To meet with a subject expert librarian please complete the form to request a research consultation . Need help now? Use our 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat or the chat box on this page. Find Full-Text Articles with LibKey Nomad (Browser Extension) LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that indicates the availability of full-text articles through the UWM Libraries or open access when you are searching the open web . LibKey Nomad works on publisher websites , PubMed, and Wikipedia to connect you to scholarly resources. If UWM does not have the full text, LibKey Nomad will route you to Search@UW with a link to a pre-filled InterLibrary Loan request. To use LibKey Nomad: Install the LibKey Nomad extension for your browser The LibKey Nomad icon will appear in the top right of your browser window The LibKey Nomad icon will appear in the bottom left of your browser when you are on a page with resources available through UWM Libraries Next: Find IIIF Images >> Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024 3:41 PM URL: https://guides.library.uwm.edu/arthist354 Graduate Application Information You are here: american university school of communication admissions graduate application information. Back to top Graduate funding still available. Apply today! Admissions information Start an application Attend an event Applying for a Graduate Degree at SOC When you find an SOC  graduate program  that interests you most, it is time to begin the application process. A complete application includes submitting an online application form and supplemental documents including an admissions essay (like a cover letter for school!), updated resume, your bachelor degree transcripts, references and perhaps a portfolio, depending on the degree program. International applicants are encouraged to get started early to meet these specific guidelines. Application Deadlines SOC operates on a  rolling admissions basis  for Masters programs. Admissions decisions will be available  within three weeks  of completing your admissions application file. Please make note of the following priority deadlines and important moments in the admission season.  The PhD in Communication  operates on a hard deadline.  Applications must be received by December 15.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Summer and Fall 2024 Admission  March 2024: SOC Journalism Fellowship Partners will begin reviewing applicant profiles in March!  Applicants must be admitted to the MA in Journalism and Public Affairs before required supplemental fellowship application materials are considered by partners. Prepare your files early to upload as soon as an admissions offer is received. Positions will remain open until filled. Email [email protected] with questions. May 1: Final International Student Application Deadline.  The application, including supplemental items must be submitted for students who require F-1 sponsorship. May 15: Deadline for International Students  to submit visa sponsorship documents (requires prior admission to an SOC program).  July 1: Final MA and MFA Program Application Deadline.  The application, including supplemental items must be submitted.  There is a separate application for the MA in Strategic Communication online program. Explore SOC Graduate Degrees American University School of Communication graduate programs focus on your growth as a scholar and professional. Your place is here at SOC. Connect with us and find your degree program today! Apply to SOC Start or return to a graduate program application. Visit ApplySOC Undergraduate Admissions Visiting Campus Application Requirements Master's applicants. 1. Submit online application form and pay the $55.00 non-refundable application fee The graduate application to SOC is available online and can be saved and completed at your convenience.  The application fee for SOC graduate programs is $55. Fee waiver discount codes are provided within the application form . For more information about application fee waivers visit the Application section of FAQ’s. 2. Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions For admissions review purposes, SOC allows applicants to upload unofficial transcripts from US-based colleges and universities; however, applicants who attended institutions outside of the US are required to submit official evaluated transcripts from an NACES approved organization . Visit the FAQ page section on transcripts. All applicants to SOC graduate programs must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution by the date of anticipated enrollment to SOC. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended. Visit the FAQ section for additional questions about transcripts under Supplemental Items. 3. Resume Your resume/CV allows the review committee to assess your background and previous experiences and will serve as the detailed source of information about your employment. We encourage applicants to be detailed and thorough in preparing their resumes, and to include internships and volunteer experiences in addition to traditional full-time work experiences. 4. Admissions Essay In about 500-1,000 words, we ask that you describe your motivation for seeking graduate study in your chosen program at the School of Communication. The essay is an opportunity for the committee to get to know you, therefore discussions of your relevant qualifications and experiences are encouraged. Please address the following questions: What specific personal, academic and/or professional experiences will contribute to your success in the program? How do you envision your degree will further enhance your academic and/or professional goals? 5. Two letters of recommendation Letters should be from academic or professional persons who can attest to your ability to successfully perform in a graduate program or qualify for the work you have performed. We strongly recommend that at least one of the letters be from a faculty member who knows your work well. Visit the  FAQ section Supplemental Items for more information about Letters of Recommendation. 6. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional, not required 7. Porfolio (optional) If you do have previous academic or professional experience in a communication or media field, submitting samples of your work will make your application stronger. The best way to submit your portfolio will be to provide a link to an external website or to create a PDF document with links to your work online and upload it as a supplemental item in the online application system. Make sure to submit your portfolio BEFORE the application is complete and all other required supporting documents have been received by the Admissions office. The Admissions Committee is unable to review portfolios after the application is complete. 8. Interview An interview is not required, but may be requested by the Admissions Committee. 9. English-language proficiency Proof of English Proficiency is required from all applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. accredited college/institution. Visit the International applicants section, #3 English Language Requirement for more information. International Applicants Below is additional information for those requesting a student visa (i.e. F-1 or J-1). Please refer to the instructions within the Master’s or PhD sections for more details about the application process. Deadlines: If admitted, international applicants must submit all immigration documents  by June 1.   Admissions Requirements: 1. Submit online application form  and pay the $55.00 non-refundable application fee When completing the online application, you will be asked if you wish to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. For more information, visit the ISSS website . 2. Transcripts You must submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions. The unofficial transcript will be used for reference only. In addition, you are required to submit official transcripts from institutions you have received or will receive a degree to a NACES approved organization , who will provide us with an official copy of your course by course evaluation. This is required  before your application can be reviewed. Visit the FAQs under Supplemental Items for more information about Transcripts. 3. English Language Proficiency Proof of English Proficiency is required from all applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. accredited college/institution. To meet the English Language Requirement, students must submit scores from one of the following three tests for admission: Duolingo English Language Test : The minimum required Duolingo score is a 120 .   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): You must achieve a required score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT). Combined scores will not be accepted, nor will SOC accept the ETS MyBestScore results.  The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) , and the ETS code for the School of Communication is 5007 . The test cannot be more than two years old.  International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You must achieve a minimum score of a 7.0 or higher; combined scores will not be accepted. The test cannot be more than two years old.  With permission from the SOC Office of Graduate Academic Services, students may request an English Language Waiver, click here for information. For more information, visit the International Student and Scholar Services website. 4. Other information: I-20 and F-1 Visa Sponsorship Process I-20 and F1-Visa Sponsorship Process: Once the applicant is admitted AND paid the $250 USD non-refundable seat deposit, the applicant will need to start the visa sponsorship process in collaboration with our office and AU ISSS. Financial requirements Bachelor's/Master's Applicants Current American University undergraduate students in any undergraduate major are eligible to apply for admission to a combined Bachelor's/Master's program in SOC during the second semester of their junior year (after completing 75 credits). An undergraduate degree in communication is not required. To be eligible, applicants must have an AU undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher receive automatic admission. Students are admitted formally to the Master's program after all undergraduate requirements have been met. If admitted, candidates may use up to (6) six approved credit hours at the 500 level or above to satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree program requirements. The Bachelor's/Master's program requires continuous enrollment. Students admitted to the program may not defer enrollment. While much of the application process remains the same for Master’s applicants, there are a few additional requirements of Bachelor’s/Master’s applicants. 1. Decide which master's program you are interested in pursuing Ask your faculty member(s) for recommendations and suggestions. Meet with an SOC graduate admissions advisor to learn about the graduate programs at SOC and find out which faculty member you should meet. Then make an appointment with your undergraduate academic advisor to learn about the courses appropriate for the Bachelor's/Master's program. During this time you will need to also complete the Bachelors/Master’s Course Planning sheet . 2. Begin your application When starting an application, you will be asked what best describes you, if you wish to apply for the BA/MA program, you need to choose “I am currently enrolled at American University as an undergraduate student AND am applying as a Bachelors/Master’s student." When selecting “Anticipated Entry Term," select the semester immediately after you complete your bachelor's degree. For instance, if you are graduating in May 2024, select the next available term. Some programs start in Summer, others in Fall.  3. Submit all of the required supplemental items as described in the Master’s applicants section, in addition submit the Bachelor's/Master's Course Planning Sheet .  For more information on approved graduate coursework and pre-admissions advising, please contact the SOC Graduate Office at 202-885-2040. PhD Applicants 1. Submit online application form  and pay the $55.00 non-refundable application fee The graduate application to SOC is available online and can be saved and completed at your convenience. We strongly encourage you to submit the application form as early as possible and to allow time for your supplemental documents to be received by the application deadline.  The application fee for SOC graduate programs is $55. Fee waiver discount codes are provided within the application form .  For more information about application fee waivers visit the Application section of  FAQ’s .   2. Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions For admissions review purposes, SOC allows applicants to upload unofficial transcripts from most US-based colleges and universities; however, applicants who attended institutions outside of the US are required to submit official evaluated transcripts from an NACES  approved organization. All applicants to PhD in Communication graduate program must possess a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by the date of anticipated enrollment to SOC. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended. Prior to enrolling, all admitted students are required to submit official transcripts. Visit the FAQ  for more information on Transcripts. 4. Please address the following prompts and questions as you write your admissions essay. In about 500-1,000 words, we ask that you describe your motivation for seeking admission to the PhD in Communication. The essay is an opportunity for the committee to get to know you, therefore discussions of your relevant qualifications and experiences are encouraged. Please also address the following questions:  Your Research Interest: What do you believe are the most interesting and important questions in the field of media and communications today? Are there aspects of your own personal history or identity inform your research interests? How would you like to address those questions through media research methods or theory? SOC PhD Program and Faculty : What makes American University SOC the right place for you? Who are the scholars that most inspire you, and what interests you most about the way they do their work? Your Career Goals: Why is pursuing a PhD important for you at this time? Why is having a PhD important to your career goals? What would you like to achieve with a doctorate in Communication?   5. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for the PhD in Communication program. Scores should be sent, if desired, to AU SOC’s CEEB code number: 5007. Test scores may not be more than five years old. 6. A copy of your Master’s thesis or another example of substantial research or submitted paper to a journal or publication. 7. Interview Final candidates will be invited to an interview in early spring. Interviews can be done in person or via Skype. 8. Two letters of recommendation: Letters should be from academic or professional persons who can attest to your ability to successfully perform in a graduate program or qualify for the work you have performed. We strongly recommend that at least one of the letters be from a faculty member who knows your work well.  Visit the   FAQ  section Supplemental Items for more information about Letters of Recommendation.  9. English-language proficiency Proof of English Proficiency is required from all applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. accredited college/institution. Visit the International applicants section, #3 English Language Requirement, for more information. Applicants seeking readmission Students who have stopped attending classes or who have been dismissed from AU and wish to return and complete their degree, must reapply. Applications for re-admission are subject to current admissions standards; even if you were previously offered admission, subsequent offers of admission are not guaranteed. Below are the steps to complete this process: Email [email protected]  to request to have your previous AU coursework evaluated to determine if any courses are eligible to count towards your degree. Regulations regarding readmission , evaluation of coursework and time to degree limits are provided online via the Provost office: 2.9 Readmissions of Students with Previous AU Graduate Records, 3 Evaluation of Academic Performance, and 2.8 Time Limits to Degree.  On the enrollment tab, please answer yes to the question "Are you seeking readmission to an SOC graduate program? (Re)Admission Essay (required): In about 500-1,000 words, please describe why you wish to return to AU to complete your degree. Also, please address how your circumstances have changed which will allow you to successfully complete your program. Updated Resume (required) Letters of Recommendation:  If you have not been enrolled in your program for more than 2 years, please submit two (2) new letters of recommendations. Please refer to the Admissions requirements FAQ #5 for more details. Transcripts: If you have not been enrolled in your program for more than 2 years, please also submit unofficial AU transcripts to support the faculty re-admission review. Readmit Form: Once your readmission application is complete and the SOC Graduate Academic Services office has evaluated your transcript, we will email you a copy of the Readmit form to complete before the final review. Once all supplemental items have been received, we will mark your application complete and send it to the Admissions Committee for review. In addition to SOC’s Admissions Committee, the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies may review your application for re-admission. Your application demonstrates your dedication toward a career in your chosen field. All of its component parts should reflect your serious commitment to graduate study.  APU Introduces New Athletic Marks, Including Cougar Mascot. Popular Searches Financial Aid Tuition and Fees Academic Calendar Campus Tours English Major Request Information Study English at Azusa Pacific University Build your portfolio and pursue opportunities to publish your own original work alongside well-published faculty. Your internship experiences will help you step into your future career prepared to think critically and write compellingly. You’ll gain a solid foundation in writing technique and linguistics, literature, creative writing, significant authors, and the history of literary movements. See Admission Requirements Program at a Glance Upcoming events. APU One Day March 8, 2024 Application Deadline Early action        (freshmen only). November 15 Regular Decision March 1   priority application deadline June 1   final deadline August 1   final transfer deadline Program Information Program Units: 45-64 Azusa (Main Campus) Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School Gain Hands-on Experience Explore American, British, and Global literary history and engage with contemporary literary movements. Develop the relationship between your reading, writing, and personal faith. Build professional experience with an internship or assistantship. Become an accomplished, adaptive, and original scholarly or creative writer.  Learn from well-published faculty mentors. Pursue opportunities to publish your own original work. By the Numbers Get started. From Competitor to Leader: Corrie Loeffler ’04 Named Executive Director of Scripps National Spelling Bee English major Corrie Loeffler ’04 learned valuable communication and leadership skills at APU that she carries with her as executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  Read More About Corrie Program Details Students can choose to pursue a traditional BA in English, or a BA in English with an English Education concentration. Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the  Student Services Center  page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need. General Undergraduate Admission Requirements Select an option below: First-time Freshman International You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but  there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality . APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment. Scholarships and Grants Scholarships   and   grants   are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents. Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as   finaid.org   or   fastweb.com . The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request. Education Loans Education loans   are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates. Military Benefits Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for   financial assistance   covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education. Student Employment On-campus   student employment   is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community. Net Price Calculator We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education. Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin. Programs Requirements Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Featured Faculty Windy Counsell Petrie Chair and Professor, Department of English Joseph Bentz Professor, Department of English Caleb D. Spencer Associate Professor, Department of English See All Faculty Career Outlooks and Outcomes Dynamic Conference for Christianity and Literature Draws Scholars from Across U.S. APU recently hosted the Conference for Christianity and Literature, bringing more than 120 students representing 36 universities across 10 states to campus to learn from renowned speakers under the theme, “Literature as Vocation.” Related Programs Creative writing minor, communication management major, digital marketing and design major, explore apu. 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This guide contains links and information on the following: Finding background information on your research topic; Finding scholarly sources for your Juncture essay; Finding IIIF images; Finding scholarly sources Graduate Application Information Email [email protected] with questions. May 1: Final International Student Application Deadline. The application, including supplemental items must be submitted for students who require F-1 sponsorship. May 15: Deadline for International Students to submit visa sponsorship documents (requires prior admission to an SOC program). English Major Explore American, British, and Global literary history and engage with contemporary literary movements. Develop the relationship between your reading, writing, and personal faith. Build professional experience with an internship or assistantship. Become an accomplished, adaptive, and original scholarly or creative writer. essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study