Browse Essays
19 essays that got students in.
Supplemental Essay
“Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington.”
I come from a world of twenty kids, spending every Saturday in a classroom. Having two Turkish parents, it had always been one of my dreams to teach the Turkish language and support the kids in my community. My love…
Supplemental Essay
“Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?”
The first time I set foot into my sister’s lab at the age of fourteen, I instantly fell in love with the environment. Witnessing her passion and dedication to her research sparked my interest in learning about her line…
Supplemental Essay
“Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?”
Growing up, my mom used to tell me that the more knowledge one has, the more meaning one finds in the world around them. Although I did not understand her then, now this is something I live by. Seeking answers to…
Supplemental Essay
“Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).”
I come from a world of twenty-something kids, spending every second of my Saturday in a classroom. Having two immigrant Turkish parents, it had always been one of my dreams to contribute meaningfully to my tight-knit…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
“How old are you even?” The little kids glanced up at me, as they examined my age, which did not match the typical age of a teacher. This was my first time standing in front of a class. As the child of two Turkish…
Supplemental Essay
“Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about?”
Are we born with the bystander effect? In a society that claims to value helping others, the bystander effect, a phenomenon where people fail to intervene when others are in need, stands in opposition to this ideal.…
UC PIQ
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
As I walked into the brightly lit room, I found the untidiness of the place unsettling. I had come to my sister’s lab, and my first thought was how quickly we could leave. It wasn’t until I learned about my sister’s…
UC PIQ
“Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”
During our trip to Greece to visit family friends, I faced a reality that was nothing like what I had imagined. Every person we encountered during our trip was a refugee from our home country, Turkey, and their stories…
Supplemental Essay
“Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.”
The first time I stepped foot into my sister’s lab at the age of fourteen, I instantly fell in love with the environment. Her work has always fascinated me, and inspired me to unravel the fascinating components of…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
Making my school and community a better place starts with a mindset of servitude, even in the smallest acts. Whether it's cleaning up after others, offering spiritual or emotional support, or simply showing up for…
UC PIQ
“Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed in your upper-division courses once you enroll at the university.”
Over the past two years at community college, I have made an effort to prepare for my Business Administration major by combining academics, industry experience, and applied research. My time working at a real estate…
UC PIQ
“Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”
One week before the fall semester, the IVC Economics Club was leaderless and unorganized. The president transferred out, and I was asked to take her place having just started as the Head of Research that summer. I…
UC PIQ
“Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?”
Junior year of high school, I threw myself into weightlifting after quitting aquatics. I showed up to the gym five days a week, tracking calories and pushing myself to eat more than ever, but the scale never moved. My…
Supplemental Essay
“Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about?”
I don't know if, in 10 minutes and a million people watching me, I could convince them about the importance of mentorship, but according to the “Aggregation of Marginal Gain,” I should try. I would start by introducing…
Supplemental Essay
“Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.”
Science is my north pole, and classical music is my south pole. One expresses my critical thinking and perseverance, while the other expresses my creativity and freedom. Science gives me a new perspective on life, and…
UC PIQ
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place.”
As time was ticking, empty chairs became witnesses to the long hall of absent seats. An hour passed, and still, there was no audience to hear the presentations, leaving my heart heavy. This disheartening scene unfolded…
UC PIQ
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
Panting. Grunting. Sweating. Bleeding. But I keep moving. There are three minutes left on the clock out of five minutes. I watched his every move, the degree at which he throws his hand, the placement of his feet, and…
UC PIQ
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
What’s the value of life? The complexity of the human body is truly one of the most magnificent structures ever to exist. A single foot comprises 38 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles—held in place by 2…
UC PIQ
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
I entered the grand ballroom of time, witnessing musical notes dressed in shimmering robes of sound, gracefully waltzing in a harmonious choreography, expressing sorrow when needed, anger when necessary, and happiness…