Sample University
Describe a topic, idea, or experience that you find so engaging it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you?
Focus on one specific moment rather than a general interest. Show your thought process in action instead of just stating that you’re passionate about something. Avoid starting with “Ever since I was young…”
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and communities. Tell us about a community you belong to and the role you play within it.
Define “community” broadly — it doesn’t have to be cultural or geographic; a team, a hobby group, or an online community all work. Be specific about your contribution, not just your membership.
Tell us about a time you took initiative or led others, even if it wasn't in a formal leadership role.
This doesn’t need to involve a title like “president” or “captain” — initiative can be a single moment of stepping up. Emphasize the impact and what you learned, not just the action itself.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and what would you ask them?
This is a chance to reveal personality and curiosity — the choice of person matters less than the reasoning behind the questions. Steer away from purely famous/historical choices unless there’s a genuine personal connection.