Essay guide · 2026–27 cycle
The community essay
This is now the most common supplement in the library, and it asks two things at once. Which community actually shaped how you think, and what you will bring to the school because of it. The first half is where most drafts spend all their words. The second half is where the essay is decided.
No card. Paste a draft and Admitify reads it line by line against the question it has to answer. It never writes for you.
What the question is really asking
Two things at once: which community actually shaped how you think, and what you will bring to the school because of it. The second half is where most drafts stop short.
Describing the community instead of your role in it, or choosing the one that sounds impressive rather than the one that changed you. "Diversity" as an abstraction, with no scene.
Pick a community you can describe with a scene, not a label. Show one moment where it taught you something or asked something of you. Spend the last third on what that means you'll do at the school: a specific contribution, not "bring my perspective."
How to write it, in order
Choose the community you can describe with a scene, not a label. The chess club you ran is a label. The Tuesday nights where the same four people argued about the same opening is a scene.
Open inside that scene. One moment where the community asked something of you or taught you something you did not expect.
Say what your role was. Not your title: what you actually did that someone else noticed.
Spend the last third on the school. One concrete thing you would do there because of this community: start something, join something specific, bring a way of working.
Avoid the word “diversity” as a subject. It is a description of a group, not something a reader can see.
Before you submit
- The first paragraph contains a place, a time and a person other than you.
- Your role is shown by an action, not stated by a title.
- At least a third of the essay is about what you will do at this school.
- “Bring my perspective” does not appear; a specific contribution does.
- The community was chosen because it changed you, not because it sounds impressive.
Every school that asks it
76 schools, 106 prompts. Click a school for all of its supplements, word counts and a prompt-by-prompt guide. Schools marked with a cycle year show last year's wording; the 2026–27 version was not yet published when verified.
- Harvard Universityup to 150 words
“Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?”
- California Institute of Technology100-150 words
“What is something you would be excited to do, share, teach, make, start, or contribute as part of the Caltech community?”
- Princeton Universityup to 500 words
“Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?”
- Columbia Universityup to 150 words
“Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment.”
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology100-200 words
“How have your personal and academic experiences influenced the types of problems you would want to tackle with an MIT education and the impact you aim to make on your community?”
- Yale Universityup to 400 words
“Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.”
- Brown University150-250 words
“Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community.”
- University of Chicagono stated word limit
“AI: Allen Iverson. NASA, or the North American Saxophone Alliance. Share a potentially confounding, comedic, or captivating example of MIA (Mistaken Identity of Acronym) and tell us its backstory. – Inspired by Jeeho Byun, Class of 2030”
- University of Pennsylvaniaup to 200 words
“How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.”
- University of Pennsylvaniaup to 400 words
“Explain how you will use the M&T program to pursue problems or opportunities that require both engineering and business perspectives.”
- Dartmouth Collegeup to 250 words
“"It's not easy being green…" was Kermit the Frog's frequent refrain. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity, outlook, or sense of purpose?”
- Duke Universityup to 250 words
“We all belong to communities defined by place, faith, family, culture, interests or shared experience. Tell us about a community that has shaped who you are, any way it has set you apart, and what you've learned from being part of it that you hope to bring to Duke.”
- Duke Universityup to 250 words
“We believe a wide range of viewpoints and experiences is essential to maintaining Duke's vibrant living and learning community. Please share anything in this context that might help us better understand you and your potential contributions to Duke.”
- Cornell Universityup to 650 words
“Describe your interest in urban and regional studies. Discuss experiences, ideas, or issues that have shaped your interest in cities, communities, and regional systems, and explain how URS at Cornell aligns with your academic and career goals.”
- Cornell Universityup to 100 words
“What do you believe you will contribute to the Duffield Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?”
- Northwestern Universityup to 300 words
“We want to be sure we're considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background (your identity, your school setting, your community, your household, etc.) have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern's community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?”
- Northwestern Universityup to 200 words
“Painting "The Rock" is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call "Purple Pride"), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?”
- Northwestern Universityup to 200 words
“Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.”
- Northwestern Universityup to 200 words
“Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern's classrooms and around our campus?”
- Vanderbilt Universityup to 250 words
“Vanderbilt University's motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for "dare to grow." In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.”
- Pomona Collegeup to 250 words
“Reflecting on a community that you are a part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona?”
- Barnard Collegeup to 250 words
“Barnard College is shaped by trailblazing women with a multitude of perspectives. Think of a woman – historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant – whose views or approach to problem-solving differ from your own, but who excels at bringing people together. What lesson from her approach would shape how you show up at Barnard both inside and outside of the classroom?”
- Rice Universityup to 500 words
“Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community: The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?”
- Rice Universityup to 500 words
“Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or cultural identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?”
- University of California, Los Angelesup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Bowdoin Collegeup to 250 words
“If you wish, you may share anything about the unique experiences and perspectives that you would bring with you to the Bowdoin campus and community or an experience you have had that required you to navigate across or through difference.”
- University of California, Berkeleyup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Grinnell College200-450 words
“Grinnell's core values include supporting a diverse community that is respectful, egalitarian, and committed to the common good. How might your background, respect for the lived experiences of others, and/or eagerness to be exposed to new perspectives equip you to thrive at Grinnell and serve the common good?”
- Washington University in St. Louisup to 100 words
“Share a specific example of how you have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership and improving your community.”
- Washington University in St. Louis200-250 words
“Share a specific example of how you have taken action to champion diversity in your own life or community.”
- New York Universityup to 250 words
“We are looking for students who want to be bridge builders, students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together. Consider one or more of the following questions: Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn, about yourself, the other person, or the world? Tell us about an experience you've had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts? Tell us about someone you've observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise?”
- Georgetown Universityup to 650 words
“As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.”
- Georgetown Universityup to 500 words
“Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University.”
- Colgate Universityup to 250 words
“On Colgate's campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 250 words or less, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.”
- University of Notre Dame50-100 words
“What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?”
- University of Notre Dame50-100 words
“Notre Dame's undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?”
- Harvey Mudd Collegeup to 500 words
“Share how an experience you've had or community you belong to has shaped the kinds of problems you want to solve and the impact you want to make.”
- Boston Universityup to 400 words
“Strong communities are sustained by traditions. Boston College's annual calendar is marked with both long-standing and newer traditions that help shape our community. Tell us about a meaningful tradition in your family or community. Why is it important to you, and how does it bring people together or strengthen the bonds of those who participate?”
- Boston Universityup to 400 words
“In her July 2009 Ted Talk, 'The Danger of a Single Story,' Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a 'single story' through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?”
- Boston Universityup to 400 words
“Boston College's Jesuit mission highlights 'the three Be's': be attentive, be reflective, be loving – core to Jesuit education. If you could add a fourth 'Be,' what would it be and why? How would this new value support your personal development and enrich the BC community?”
- Boston Universityup to 400 words
“One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?”
- Wellesley College250-400 words
“Wellesley students actively seek ways to build bridges and to change the world for the better. Tell us about an experience working with and alongside people of different backgrounds and/or perspectives from your own. Why was this important to you, and what lessons from this will you bring with you to Wellesley?”
- Haverford College150-200 words
“We have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford's values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you?”
- Boston Collegeup to 400 words
“Strong communities are sustained by traditions. Boston College's annual calendar is marked with both long-standing and newer traditions that help shape our community. Tell us about a meaningful tradition in your family or community. Why is it important to you, and how does it bring people together or strengthen the bonds of those who participate?”
- Boston Collegeup to 400 words
“In her July 2009 Ted Talk, 'The Danger of a Single Story,' Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a 'single story' through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?”
- Boston Collegeup to 400 words
“Boston College's Jesuit mission highlights 'the three Be's': be attentive, be reflective, be loving – core to Jesuit education. If you could add a fourth 'Be,' what would it be and why? How would this new value support your personal development and enrich the BC community?”
- Boston Collegeup to 400 words
“One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 250 words
“W&L's mission statement focuses on preparing graduates for lifelong learning in a global and diverse society. Engaging with faculty, staff, and classmates with diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives is an essential component of our education. Recognizing that diversity takes many forms, what diverse aspect would you bring to W&L?”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 800 words
“In his October 1963, A Talk to Teachers, James Baldwin said "…the whole process of education occurs within a social framework and is designed to perpetuate the aims of society." Yet, as he aptly notes, "the paradox of education is precisely this – that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated." Baldwin suggests that the purpose of education is to teach us to think for ourselves, to question – and change – the "framework" that we have come to understand and accept. What norms of your home or community have you become conscious of during your time in high school, and how would you like to use that knowledge to make it a better place?”
- Vassar Collegeup to 300 words
“Please select and respond to one of the following prompts in 300 words or less. Option A: At Vassar, we aim to foster an inclusive community through our philosophy of engaged pluralism. Engaged pluralism is rooted in 'the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.' In short, we believe it's our differences that make us stronger. Tell us a little bit about an important part of your identity and how it has shaped your life and/or interactions with others. Option B: Vassar is a diverse community that inspires positive change through open inquiry, deep dives into society's most difficult challenges, and collaborative problem solving. We care deeply about one another, the communities that have forged us, and the community we build together on campus. Tell us more about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity.”
- Wake Forest Universityup to 300 words
“Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person's dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou's powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community?”
- University of California, Irvineup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Babson Collegeup to 250 words
“A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson's collaborative community.”
- University of California, San Diegoup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Villanova Universityup to 250 words
“As Pope Leo XIV (Villanova Class of 1977) has said, 'no one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing, just as no one is so weak that they cannot play their part.' What have you done to play your part in advancing equity and justice in your community?”
- Villanova Universityup to 250 words
“Villanova embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a commitment to thoughtful, ethical use rooted in our Augustinian mission and values. How do you see technology helping you to lead, serve, and contribute to the common good?”
- University of Richmond350-650 words
“Richmond is a community that strives to be relentlessly welcoming. Tell us about a time you made a space better for other people by helping them feel welcome, heard, included, or supported.”
- University of Richmond350-650 words
“Richmond's mascot is the Spider. Just as you are unique, this singular mascot represents over 52,680 unique species of spiders. Tell us about the communities, experiences, or ambitions that have shaped you into the unique person you are and how you will make your mark as part of a Spider community.”
- University of California, Santa Barbaraup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- University of Texas at Austin250-300 words
“Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.”
- Trinity Universityup to 300 words
“The identities you claim, the challenges you face, and the successes you enjoy shape the background for your college experience to come. What is an aspect of your background that you are excited to share and/or explore as a member of the Trinity community and why?”
- Howard Universityup to 500 words
“Diversity of all kinds is important to enriching the educational experience at Howard University. Please share with us anything in your background or lived experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at Howard.”
- Macalester Collegeno stated word limit
“Macalester is one of the few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the heart of a metropolitan area. Identify one way Macalester's location in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul would enhance your academic, social, or community experience.”
- Macalester Collegeno stated word limit
“Four values guide Macalester's mission: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Guided by these values, Macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. In what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with Macalester's mission and community?”
- Reed College200-500 words
“For one week at the end of January, Reed students upend the traditional classroom hierarchy and teach classes about any topic they love, academic or otherwise. This week is known as Paideia after the Greek term signifying "education" – the complete education of mind, body and spirit. What would you teach that would contribute to the Reed community?”
- Bryn Mawr College250-500 words
“Bryn Mawr students bring their authentic selves to campus. What do you know about yourself to be true—and what in your background or experience led you to that truth?”
- Trinity Collegeup to 300 words
“The identities you claim, the challenges you face, and the successes you enjoy shape the background for your college experience to come. What is an aspect of your background that you are excited to share and/or explore as a member of the Trinity community and why?”
- University of California, Davisup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Spelman College150-300 words
“The Spelman College tagline is 'A Choice to Change the World'. If you could create meaningful change around one issue in your school, community or globally, what would it be and how would you approach making this change?”
- University of Central Floridaup to 250 words
“What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?”
- University of Marylandno stated word limit
“Because we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity.”
- Santa Clara University150-300 words
“At Santa Clara University, we encourage our students to be creative, embrace challenges, and become changemakers. Think about an issue you care about and believe is important to address. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge?”
- University of California, Santa Cruzup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- Stony Brook University (SUNY)up to 250 words
“How are the perspectives of multiple communities helpful to the advancement of STEM research?”
- Southern Methodist Universityup to 250 words
“SMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community?”
- University of San Diegoup to 350 words
“USD is committed to fostering a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. What does community mean to you and how have you helped create a welcoming environment for others?”
- University of San Diegoup to 350 words
“As a contemporary Catholic university, students from all backgrounds and faith traditions are welcomed and celebrated. Share an experience that highlights the ways faith or spirituality–either your own or someone else's–have influenced your life.”
- Fordham Universityup to 300 words
“At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?).”
- Virginia Techup to 120 words
“Virginia Tech's motto is 'Ut Prosim' which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech?”
- Virginia Techup to 120 words
“Have you had an experience when you or someone you know were not being included? Did you reach out to anyone for assistance, direction, or resources? Were you able to affect change and/or influence others? Did this experience change your perspective and if so, how?”
- Chapman Universityup to 200 words
“Our committee would like to hear about a personal experience or lesson that has helped you better understand who you are now and/or appreciate a perspective different from your own. How would you utilize this understanding to contribute to the values and welcoming fabric of our campus community? Part of the Chapman experience is to help students expand their perspectives. How will you grow personally and/or learn more about others throughout your time at Chapman?”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“The 'Chapman Challenge' combines going to the mountains, Disneyland, and the beach in one day. If you designed a challenge to showcase your hometown or community, what three stops would be on the itinerary?”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Chapman students often line up at Philz Coffee, Bruxie, or The Taco Stand. What is a place that attracts a line in your community?”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Pete the Panther (our mascot), our students, and our community love to show Chapman pride by using the catchphrase 'Paws Up!' What is your catchphrase?”
- University of Massachusetts Amherstup to 100 words
“At UMass Amherst, no two students are alike. Our communities and groups often define us and shape our individual worlds. Community can refer to various aspects, including shared geography, religion, race/ethnicity, income, ideology, and more. Please choose one of your communities or groups and describe its significance. Explain how, as a product of this community or group, you would enrich our campus.”
- Bentley Universityup to 250 words
“Bentley's core values are Caring, Collaboration, Diversity, Honesty, Impact, Learning, and Respect. Select one or two of these core values and share how you currently embody them in your life. How will you continue to develop these values at Bentley?”
- Bentley Universityup to 250 words
“Our students bring to campus a variety of experiences, cultures, and intersecting identities including race and ethnicity –aspects that are important to a rich educational experience and our success in college and beyond. You may use this section to discuss how race and ethnicity affected your life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.”
- Cornell Collegeup to 650 words
“Describe your interest in urban and regional studies. Discuss experiences, ideas, or issues that have shaped your interest in cities, communities, and regional systems, and explain how URS at Cornell aligns with your academic and career goals.”
- Cornell Collegeup to 100 words
“What do you believe you will contribute to the Duffield Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?”
- University of California, Riversideup to 350 words
“What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”
- University of Oklahomaup to 650 words
“The University of Oklahoma is home to a vibrant, diverse, and compassionate University community that is often referred to as "the OU family." Please describe your cultural and community service activities and why you chose to participate in them.”
- University of Oregonup to 500 words
“What have you learned from a social justice issue that inspires you, and how will you apply these lessons to drive change?”
- University of Oregonup to 500 words
“Please explain how you will share your experiences, values, and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?”
- Hamilton Collegeup to 350 words · 2025-26
“At Hamilton, we each bring different backgrounds and perspectives, and we teach one another about the world through our individual and shared experiences. In the spirit of Hamilton's motto, Know Thyself, please reflect on your unique perspective and how Hamilton might shape it, as well as how your perspective will shape Hamilton.”
- Pitzer Collegeup to 250 words · 2025-26
“As a mission-driven institution, we value and celebrate the synergy created by our differences and similarities. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, identity, or personal interests that you would bring to Pitzer, and how you plan to engage in our community.”
- Mount Holyoke College250-400 words · 2025-26
“Every day, our students cultivate the competence, confidence and courage to make an impact — whether on a personal, community or global level. Tell us about the context in which you have grown up, what forms your aspirations and how your community has shaped your outlook.”
- Connecticut Collegeup to 150 words · 2025-26
“Developing a strong, equitable and inclusive community is important to us at Connecticut College. After all, camels live and work together in herds. In 150 words or less, please tell us a little more about who you are and what you will bring to the Conn community to help us grow into the best version of ourselves. You may choose to include details about how your background, identity, challenges, and lived experiences have shaped your accomplishments and potential contributions.”
- George Washington Universityup to 500 words · 2025-26
“At The George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?”
- Clark Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Clark is known for being a rigorous academic environment that is also equally committed to being a kind, welcoming, engaged, and inclusive community. Choose one of the following prompts to help us get to know you better: The communities we belong to shape our values, our aspirations, and who we are as people. Share a story of a community that has impacted you the most and how it will influence your time as a member of the Clark community.”
- Clark Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Clark is known for being a rigorous academic environment that is also equally committed to being a kind, welcoming, engaged, and inclusive community. Choose one of the following prompts to help us get to know you better: At Clark, we are a force for change. We work together to improve the lives of others and the future of our planet. Share a story of how you've worked with others to make a positive impact.”
- Sarah Lawrence College250-500 words · 2025-26
“In today's rapidly changing world, many social, political, and ethical issues spark intense debate and demand nuanced understanding. Choose a contemporary issue that you find both challenging and urgent—whether it relates to identity, justice, artificial intelligence, environment, or another area—and critically explore your perspective on it. How have your previous experiences, background, and/or values shaped your viewpoint? How do you envision engaging with this issue during your college education and beyond?”
- Illinois Institute of Technologyup to 800 words · 2025-26
“How have your background and lived experiences shaped your perspective, and how would you bring those insights to the classroom and community at Illinois Tech?”
- Gonzaga Universityup to 300 words · 2025-26
“A Gonzaga education promotes dedication to human dignity, social justice, diversity, global engagement, solidarity with the vulnerable, and environmental stewardship. Reflecting on these values, how have you shown your commitment to standing for and with others in your actions?”
- Gonzaga Universityup to 300 words · 2025-26
“Gonzaga's Presidential Speaker's Series invites leaders from around the world (such as LTC Olga Custodio, America's first Latina military pilot or Cotopaxi founder Davis Smith) to share their work and passions with the GU community. If you were able to invite any living person to come and speak to the GU community, who would it be? Why would you want to invite them?”
- Texas Tech Universityup to 800 words · 2025-26
“Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.”
- Elon Universityup to 200 words · 2025-26
“What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why?”
Common questions
- Does the community have to be about my ethnicity, religion or background?
- No. Prompts that say “background, identity or community” accept any of them. A family, a team, an online group, a job and a neighbourhood all count. Choose the one you can describe in the most detail.
- What if my community is ordinary?
- Ordinary communities described precisely beat unusual ones described vaguely. The reader is looking at how you see, not at where you were.
- How is this different from the Common App personal statement?
- The statement is about you alone. This essay is about you in relation to others, and it must end at the school. If your statement already covers this community, choose another one here.
Prompts verified September 2026 against each school's published application. Browse all schools A–Z. Spotted a change? Tell us.