Short Answers & Essay
The short-answer questions invite you to share in your own words what you have done, who you are, and what you aspire to do in the future. We ask you to answer three questions:
- Describe your short term and long term academic and professional intentions. (250 word limit)
- Please tell us when you: a) engaged with someone with a different perspective, b) acted with courage, and c) fell short of expectations. (250 word limit combined)
- Please tell us eight improbable facts (things that are unlikely but true) about you. (150 word limit combined)
The essay prompt invites you to reflect deeply on your life’s journey and the people, events, and circumstances that have impacted it.
There is no right answer, topic, or format — only you can tell your own story — and yet we hope you will focus much less on what you have done and much more on who you are. The strongest essays balance introspection with recognition of external influences, and are so personal that no one else could have possibly written it. The essay topic:
- Connect the dots. How have the influences in your life shaped you? (500 word limit)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What are improbable facts?
A: Improbable facts are aspects about you - experiences, beliefs, traits, skills, etc. - that seem unlikely but are true. These could include: facts that people wouldn’t expect to be true and/or facts that others are surprised to learn about you. This does not mean a list of achievements. Use this as a way to show a different side of you. And have some fun!