Choose the one you find most interesting and thought provoking; then, answer the question which accompanies the statement you select. This essay, usually around 500 words, is your chance to display your critical and creative thinking.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Full Answer Section
Suddenly, someone sat down next to me. It was a girl named Sarah. Sarah was one of the smartest kids in school, and she was really good at math. I was surprised that she was talking to me, but I was also grateful.
Sarah asked me what I was struggling with, and I explained the concepts that I didn't understand. She patiently explained everything to me, and she answered all of my questions. She even helped me to do some practice problems.
I was so grateful for Sarah's help. She didn't have to take the time to help me, but she did. She went out of her way to make sure that I understood the material.
Sarah's act of kindness motivated me to work harder in math class. I realized that I wasn't alone, and that there were people who were willing to help me. I also realized that I was capable of learning the material, even if it didn't come easy to me.
I ended up passing the math test, and I continued to improve in math class throughout the rest of the year. I was so grateful to Sarah for her help. She made a big difference in my life.
How gratitude has affected or motivated me:
Sarah's act of kindness taught me the importance of gratitude. I am grateful for the people who have helped me along the way, and I try to pay it forward by helping others whenever I can.
I am also motivated to be more kind and compassionate towards others. I know that a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.
I am also more confident in my abilities. I know that I am capable of learning new things, even if they don't come easy to me. I am not afraid to ask for help when I need it.
I am a better person because of Sarah's kindness. I am more grateful, more compassionate, and more confident. I am thankful for the positive impact she has had on my life.
Conclusion:
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It can motivate us to be better people and to do good things for others. It can also help us to overcome challenges and to achieve our goals.
I am grateful for Sarah's act of kindness. It has had a lasting positive impact on my life.
Sample Answer
Prompt: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Story:
I was in high school, and I was struggling in my math class. I was always a good student, but math had never been my strong suit. I was starting to fall behind, and I was worried that I would fail the class.
One day, after school, I was sitting in the library, trying to study for a math test. I was feeling really frustrated and discouraged. I couldn't seem to understand the material, and I was starting to give up.