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Writing a Great 200-Word Essay (Tips & Examples)

While some students often struggle to write longer essays and come up with enough words to hit the required word count, others are challenged to write shorter ones. In fact, 200-word essays are among the toughest to write as students must convey a complicated message in four short paragraphs. In this article you will find effective tips on how to write a great 200-word essay, as well as some examples.

Here’s How to Write a 200-Word Essay

• Step 1: Understand the Prompt : Clearly understand what the essay is asking. Identify the key points or questions you need to address. Jot down your thoughts, facts, or arguments related to the topic. This step is about gathering content, not worrying about the word limit.
• Step 2: Create a Thesis Statement : Develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main idea of your essay. This statement will guide the direction of your essay.
• Step 3: Plan Your Essay Structure : Organize your thoughts and knowledge on the topic into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Given the word limit, plan for a brief introduction and conclusion (about 40-50 words each) and a more substantial body (100-120 words).
• Step 4: Write the Introduction : Start with a hook to grab attention, then briefly introduce your topic and end with your thesis statement.
• Step 5: Write the Body : Focus on 1-2 key points that support your thesis. Provide evidence or examples for each point, explain your ideas. Be concise and avoid over-elaborating.
• Step 6: Write the Conclusion : Summarize the main points and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information.
• Step 7: Edit and Revise : Review your essay. Ensure each word serves a purpose. Check for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure you’ve met the word count requirement. Read your essay aloud to ensure it flows well and makes sense. Make any last adjustments.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check our 200-word essay templates and examples below. These will help you create your paper by giving you an idea of the format and writing style to use.

Here are Some 200-Word Essay Examples

Essay example #1 (the impact of technology on modern education), essay example # 2 (the power of music in cultural unification), essay example #3 (the meaning of friendship), general essay writing tips, ✅ brainstorm ideas.

Take another look at the prompts for the essay to gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Make sure you fully understand what your teacher expects before starting to write. Don’t jump into writing an essay blindly without understanding what the paper is supposed to be about. The document may be 200 words, but it still needs a compelling structure like any other essay. Take advantage of all the other fundamentals of essay writing, you know. Create an attention-grabbing introduction and introduce a new idea with each paragraph.

✅ Choose an Appropriate Topic

Choosing a topic you know about and familiar with is vital for any essay, especially a short one. Write your paper on something that means something to you or is otherwise essential to you. Choosing an appropriate subject helps you create an authentic and excellent piece. Your essay reflects your familiarity with the issue. A perfect quality paper increases your chances of achieving your goal, such as landing a scholarship.

✅ Do Some Research

Be sure to dedicate some time to researching the subject. Understand the topic at hand. Doing research gives you the information you can use to write a better essay backed up with facts and figures to convince the audience to your way of thinking.

✅ Give Yourself Enough Time

Be sure to take your time when writing the essay and think about the prompt. Create a plan and draft and revise them to put together the best possible paper. Essays and personal statements that you take the time to write correctly are sure to stand out and improve your chances of success.

You don’t have much room to play with for a 200-word essay. As such, you should keep things brief and avoid using jargon and complicated terminology. Stick to direct and efficient language to send your message.

✅ Have a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement covers the main themes of an essay. The statement introduces readers to what they should expect from the piece. You can develop a short, two-sentence statement after creating an outline for the paper. This statement should introduce the purpose of the essay, so having an outline in mind helps to create one. This statement also gives you something to refer back to when writing the essay.

✅ Write the Introduction

Once you’ve created a thesis statement and written the body of the essay, go back and write a compelling introduction. The introduction fascinates readers and encourages them to keep reading. Busy openings discourage people from reading and send the wrong message. Use an exciting story, quote, summary, revelation, or other hooks to start your paper and introduce the topic. Your hook should tie into the thesis statement.

✅ Write the Essay Body

The essay body is the bulk of the text. This is where you describe your topic and make your arguments. The body is where you discuss the main ideas identified in your outline. Each paragraph in the body introduces one new concept or idea. Don’t forget to give each section an introductory sentence and ensure they serve a purpose.

Explaining the themes and ideas of the essay comes after this introductory sentence. Be sure to back up your claims with credible sources and information. Cite any material you reference or quotes you use according to the assigned essay format.

✅ Stick to the Word Count

The desired word count is one of the most essential parts of writing an essay. If your piece comes with a word limit, then make sure that you respect that word count and convey your message in an appropriate number of words. Slight deviations are acceptable, but don’t severely under-write or over-write your essay. Also, avoid repeating information covered in companion pieces, such as a resume. The paper should be brief and written with perfect grammar. Go through the essay and correct grammar and spelling mistakes.

✅ Write a Conclusion and Proofread the Essay

Make sure the points of your essay are appropriately organized. Avoid writing too much in the paper, or you risk losing control of the writing. Your essay conclusion summarizes the paper and the main points covered. The conclusion should be no more than five sentences long.

Don’t introduce any new ideas during the closing statements. With that said, you can restate your thesis statement. Some people like to write conclusions by restating the introduction. When finished, go through the paper and correct any mistakes or other issues you find.

The Key Features of a Short Essay

• Thesis Statement . The thesis statement is crucial to any essay, no matter how long it is. However, how you formulate that statement can change. This statement should be placed in the first three sentences of the essay. Ensure that your thesis statement appears at the start of the essay.
• Opening Sentences . Each new paragraph must begin with a topic phrase. Approach the topic sentences from different angles and choose the most persuasive argument to create the most substantial opening sentences in a 200-word essay.
• Supporting Phrases . Writing such a short essay means ensuring each paragraph has supporting evidence that backs up the main arguments. However, avoid using over-long sentences or wordy facts to save room in the piece. Remove quotes that don’t add to the paper.
• Conclusion . Cover the thesis statement in the conclusion and provide a summary of the paper.

How to Reduce Word Count For a 200-Word Essay

Writing a 200-word essay is a challenge for students and professionals. Summarizing a complex idea in 200 words is a challenge for anyone. One way to approach the issue is to write a longer essay and then remove words to bring it down to 200. If your paper is longer than 200 words, you need to go through it and remove unnecessary words and sentences. Here are some tips on how to reduce the word count in a 200-word essay.

• Highlight key sentences you need in the essay and remove ones that aren’t.
• Single out and remove unnecessary words to ensure the essay only contains essential data.
• Evaluate the essay to see if sentences are connected to your main point or not. Delete any unnecessary sentences.
• Simplify long and complex sentences into simpler and shorter ones.

Writing a 200-word essay is more complicated than it sounds. We hope you understand how to write such a short essay correctly with our advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact the best essay writing services if you still need help writing essays of any length, not just 200-word essays.

200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

How long is 200 words? A 200-word text is perfect for conveying concise and focused thoughts on a topic. It takes less than one double-spaced or 0.4 single-spaced pages , so it requires you to prioritize the most crucial points while preserving clarity and consistency. This word count is typical for abstracts, annotated bibliography entries, discussion board posts, position papers, and book reports.

In this article, we will discuss how to structure a 200-word essay to make it compelling and engaging. As a bonus, you will also receive a list of interesting topics, writing prompts, and practical samples. You can check out IvyPanda free essays for more inspiration!

• 🔝 Best Essay Topics
• 📝 Obesity Essay Examples
• 💡 Essay about Myself
• 🤰 Pregnancy Essay Examples
• ✍️ How to Write a 200-Word Essay
• ⚡ Alternative Energy Essay
• 📱 Social Media Prompts
• 🖊️ Essay Examples on Life after Covid-19
• 📋 Sample Essay Prompts
• 🖥️ Essay about ICT: Samples

🔝 Best 200 Words Essay Topics

• Why is it important to recycle?
• The significance of education in society.
• How does social media influence teenagers’ mental health?
• My role model for my career.
• What are the benefits of being bilingual?
• Effective ways to decrease depression among youth.
• My first trip abroad.
• Modern technology: the key drawbacks.
• People should protect the environment.
• How does fashion impact self-expression?
• Teenage abortion: for or against.
• The value of time management.
• Gambling should be banned in the United States.
• Why is it crucial to forgive?
• The benefits of a positive mindset.

📝 Causes and Effects of Obesity Essay 200 Words: Examples

• Extreme Obesity as a Risk Factor of Respiratory Disability One of the most widespread risk factors that perturb the prevalence of respiratory impairment is extreme obesity. In conclusion, extreme obesity is a dangerous condition that may pose as a threat to the life of […]
• “Childhood and Adolescent Obesity”: Article Review In the article “Childhood and adolescent obesity: A review,” the authors examine the different treatment options for obesity and argue that current medication is the most effective approach to addressing this issue.
• Obesity Problem in Medical Cardiology My preceptor advised me to concentrate on the visual part while presenting the prevalence of obesity globally and emphasizing the importance of preventing this condition.
• Obesity Problem and Community Initiatives Increasing the availability of healthier food choices and improving the access to these healthier foods within the community will help reduce obesity.
• “Obesity, Physical Activity, and the Urban Environment” by Lopez Additionally, the study had proved that suburban areas’ features could not be connected to the higher risks of obesity since the inner-city population has higher rates of illness.
• Epidemiology Discussions: Childhood Obesity Disease Obesity is a serious disease among children of Chicago. As a rule, it is measured by the use of a Body Mass Index.
• Disseminating Evidence: Childhood Obesity The attendees at the meeting will also publish the proposed solutions and results of the research study. It is also vital to mention that researchers of the study will be expecting feedback after the convention.
• Management of Obesity and Social Issues That Emerge With Its Development The article by Omole focuses on recent shift in the management of obesity and the social issues that emerge with its development, namely, the culture of fat-shaming, by considering some of the alternatives toward evaluating […]
• Obesity Among the Elderly People in Warren Township Obesity among the elderly people living in Warren Township could be a result of different measures of socioeconomic status which may include; the family, cultural factors, biological pathways as well as ethical and sociopolitical factors […]
• Obesity Cure in Children The purpose of the research will focus on examining the effectiveness of the medicines introduced, usage, and any associated side effect.
• Obesity as a Health Challenge in Starr County, Texas It has been declared that this county is the most obese in the state. However, the government and county leaders can contribute to the development of proper lifestyles.

💡 Prompts for a 200 Words Essay about Myself

Here are some helpful 200-word essay example prompts that you can use to reveal your personality or talk about your life experience:

• Autobiography about yourself 200 words. In your essay, you can describe your place of birth, childhood, or major life events that have shaped your worldview.
• Who am I: essay 200 words. Write about your bad and good habits, values, and hobbies. Also, you can describe your personality traits and preferences.
• 200-word essay about the importance of research to you as a student. Provide the benefits you get from conducting research. Examples include acquiring new knowledge, clarifying complicated concepts, understanding research methods , and balancing between collaborative and individual work.
• How will counseling help you get through with your problems: 200 words essay. Discuss how counseling may be a beneficial resource in dealing with personal issues that prevent you from achieving your ambitions.
• My first job essay — 200 words. Describe your first employment, the lessons you learned from it, and how it shaped your outlook on work and responsibilities.

🤰 Adult & Teenage Pregnancy Essay 200 Words Examples

• Substance Use During Pregnancy as a Crime Personally, I believe that the system where healthcare workers must report drug abuse is the most effective method to help pregnant women get rid of addiction and protect the health of their babies.
• Should Pregnant Women Be Subject to Criminal Prosecution? The research shows that criminalizing pregnant women who use or misuse drugs is harmful to both them and their unborn children.
• Adolescent Pregnancy and School Dropout After COVID-19 in Kenya The article of Zulaika presents the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on adolescent pregnancy and school dropout among secondary school girls in Kenya.
• The National Campaign End Teenage Pregnancy in Ohio The dream of most parents is to ensure their children lead to a successful future which may be affected by the occurrence of unplanned teenage birth.
• Interrelation of Ramadan Fasting and Pregnancy Therefore, the principal aim of this research is to investigate and analyze the long-term effects of Ramadan fasting among pregnant Muslim women on unborn babies.

✍️ How to Write a 200 Word Essay

Writing an essay in 200 words may be difficult since you must present a logical and convincing point in a limited number of words. It requires you to be precise and selective in choosing the information you want to cover, making every word count.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the structure of a 200-word essay in detail!

What Does 200 Words Look Like?

A 200-word essay usually consists of 3 parts:

• Introduction (2-3 sentences)
• Main body (4-5 sentences)
• Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

A 200-word essay’s main body should be focused and clearly address your chosen topic. Each sentence should efficiently express your point of view while staying within the word limit.

Try our outline generator to create a compelling 200-words example outline!

200 Word Essay Introduction

The introductory paragraph of a 200-word essay is about 50 words in length. Since the paper is short, you can begin your opening paragraph with a strong thesis statement. After the thesis, summarize the points you want to reveal in the body paragraph.

To make the process of writing the introduction easier, use our hook sentence generator , thesis statement tool , and research introduction maker .

200 Word Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of the 200-word article, like the introduction, should be about 50 words. It must briefly outline the main thoughts and restate the thesis statement. Also, the last paragraph should provide the reader with a sense of closure and emphasize the importance of the topic.

We also recommend you use our concluding sentence generator to write your essay’s conclusion quickly and effectively!

How Many References in a 200 Word Essay?

The number of sources depends on the type of work and your teacher’s requirements. On average, for 150 words, you need to include 1 reference. As a result, for a 200-words paragraph, you will need 1-2 sources.

Our citation generator is a helpful online tool that can assist you in creating the reference list for your essay within several seconds.

⚡ Alternative Sources of Energy Essay 200 Words: Examples

• Energy: Types and Conversion Process This process is called energy conversion, and it is one of the most important concepts in understanding energy. An example of energy conversion in daily activities is the shift from electric energy to heat in […]
• Technology and Wind Energy Efforts by the elite members of the society enlightened the global countries about the benefits of renewable energy sources in conserving the environment prompting the need to consider wind energy.
• ExxonMobil: Shaping the Future of Energy Through Innovation and Responsibility ExxonMobil, one of the world’s major publicly-listed energy suppliers and chemical manufacturers, manufactures and deploys next-generation technologies to help fulfill the world’s expanding demand for energy consumption and high-quality chemical products safely and responsibly.
• The Nuclear Power Passages: Rhetorical Analysis At that, the writer also provides some data utilized by the former vice president and some information to show the negative side of power plants.
• Non-Renewable Energy and Gross Domestic Product of China The use of non-renewable energy in China has the negative impact on the GDP, as indicated by the negative values of DOLS and CCR coefficients. The generation of renewable energy has a negligible negative impact […]
• Building Energy Assessment and Rating Tools Houses are rated prior to building them or after building them and the rating depends on the dwelling’s plan; the erection of its roof, walls, windows and floor; and the direction of its windows relative […]

📱 Essay of 200 Words on Social Media: Prompts

Writing an essay on social media? We have prepared for you good writing prompts that can be helpful when crafting a 200-word paragraph on social media. Find a suitable 200-words sample prompt below:

• The advantages and disadvantages of Facebook: paragraph 200 words. Discuss the pros and cons of Facebook. Its benefits can include networking, access to new information, and dating. Among the disadvantages are privacy issues , addiction, unnecessary criticism, etc.
• The impact of social media on mental health: essay 200 words. Explore how social media might damage mental health. You can also come up with possible solutions.
• Impact of social media on youth: essay 200 words. Investigate the effects of social media on young people, emphasizing the benefits and risks social platforms may have for teenagers’ behavior and development.
• Facebook should be banned: essay 200 words. Provide arguments for or against banning Facebook. Support your opinion by sharing your experience using this social media platform.
• 200 words essay on social media addiction. In your essay, you can focus on a specific aspect of social media addiction . For example, you can dwell on its major signs, risks of developing, or ways to deal with it.
• Virtual life and real-life paragraph 200 words. Compare and contrast virtual life with real life, highlighting differences and possible intersections. Discuss how virtual life can make you less social.

🖊️ Essay on Life after COVID-19: 200 Words Examples

• Future of Public Health After the COVID-19 The pandemic acted as a detonator of the problems of the key sphere of life support of the population. In my opinion, public medical institutions will improve themselves under the influence of factors such as […]
• Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Policy Changes The case of COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the necessity for governments to institute new policies swiftly in order to address the spread of infections.
• Unemployment Rate After COVID-19 However, there is a visible disparity between the national unemployment rate and that of the Hispanic or Latino demographic group, which was 12.
• The Healing Wings Project After COVID-19 The pandemic of COVID-19 did not only pose a threat to the physical health of the population but also put many people in a position in which they had to deal with the loss of […]
• The Issue of Gender Inequality After Covid-19 To date, the role of women in society has increased many times over, both in the economic, social, and political spheres of public life.
• Curriculum Trends in Schools After COVID-19 It is especially relevant in an era of the pandemic because distance education is a reality the whole world is facing. That is, the curriculum should be flexible and meet the needs of learners.
• World Medical Relief After COVID-19 In conclusion, patients’ needs for healthcare equipment and supplies are critical, and the failure to receive the appropriate medication might be life-threatening.
• The Recovery of the US Economy After the Pandemic One of the key issues that the United States is currently facing is the recovery of its economy after the pandemic.
• Digital Economy After the COVID-19 Pandemic With the spread of COVID-19 in the world, more and more people work remotely using video conferencing services and instant messengers.

📋 Essay 200 Words: Sample Prompts

Check our writing prompts for a 200-word essay now to receive some more fresh ideas:

• Online classes vs traditional classes essay 200 words. In your 200-words text, you can provide several reasons why online courses can be better than traditional ones. Support your opinion with a real-life example.
• Should smoking be banned: essay 200 words. Examine both sides of the issue while discussing the health, economic, and societal effects of smoking prohibition .
• Essay on Pythagoras in 200 words. You can start by providing a biography of Pythagoras and the most memorable events of his life. Then, dwell on the contribution he made to the philosophy.
• Coping with stress: essay 200 words. Discuss ideas and strategies for efficiently managing stress and preserving mental well-being.
• A trip to Mars essay 200 words. You can describe the fictitious expedition to Mars. Try to provide details about preparation, challenges you may face, and your emotions about such an experience.
• Outdoor activities essay 200 words. Emphasize the physical and mental advantages of participating in outdoor activities and spending time in nature. Then, write more about your favorite outdoor activity.
• You are what you eat: essay 200 words. Discuss how food choices affect general health and well-being. You can also highlight the importance of nutrition in daily life.

🖥️ Essay about ICT 200 Words: Best Samples

• Health Information Technology: The Main Benefits The promising functionality of HIT has attracted media attention, but its eventual implementation faced obstacles such as a lack of technological resources or inability to understand which types of HIT must be used. Thus, HIT […]
• The Role of Health Information Technologies In the summarized study, the authors explored the role of Health Information Technologies for health improvement through the safe integration of primary care and behavioral health.
• How My Organization Uses Technologies for Communication In addition, new forms of communication are constantly being improved, enhanced, and updated, allowing one to optimize the existing work in the right direction.
• Health Information Technology: Aims and Applications In general, health information technology aims to improve care coordination and delivery by providing remote access to patient data and other necessary information for clinicians, allowing asynchronous communication, and improving legibility.
• Evaluation of Health Information Technology Since most data will be categorical, this can be a terrifically effective technique of analyzing data because it will also be immensely useful to this project.
• Information Technology as a Competitive Advantage In as much as IT gives firms a competitive advantage, the main factor in business growth is the value that consumers attach to the products offered. Integration of IT and other resources is the key […]
• Relevance and Significance of Communication Technology In the view of the fact that there are diverse clients, companies should customize their means of communication to meet unique desires of their clients.

📌 200 Word Essay: Answers to the Most Pressing Questions

📌 how many pages is 200 words double spaced.

How many pages are 200 words of academic text? According to the guidelines of all the key citation styles, one page should contain approximately 250 words (12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced). If you follow these guidelines, your 200-word essay will be one page. If you make it single-spaced, it will take half a page.

📌 How Much Is 200 Words in Paragraphs?

How many paragraphs is a 200-word essay? Since a typical paragraph in academic writing contains 50-100 words, an essay of 200 words will consist of 2 to 4 paragraphs.

📌 How Many Sentences Is 200 Words?

How many sentences is a 200-word essay? A typical sentence in academic writing consists of 15-20 words. So, 200 words are not less than 10-13 sentences.

📌 How to Outline a 200-Word Essay?

When you write a 200-word essay, proper planning is the key to success. Such a short piece will consist of three to five concise paragraphs. A 200-word paper outline can contain a short introduction with background information, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

📌 How Long Does It Take to Write 200 Words?

How long does it take to write a 200-word essay? It will take you 4-8 minutes to type 200 words on your keyboard (the total time will depend on your typing speed). Writing an academic paper will take more time because you’ll have to research, make an outline, write, format, and edit your text. It would be best if you planned to spend not less than 40 minutes for a 200-word paper.

📌 How to Reduce Word Count in a 200-Word Essay?

The easiest way to do that is to get rid of the less important arguments you consider in your 200-word essay. Rank your arguments and eliminate those weaker. Another idea is to edit your paper in order to make sentences shorter. For instance, you can remove some of the adverbs.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, November 23). 200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas . https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to condense my thoughts in a 200-word essay.

I have to write a short 200-word essay for one of my college applications. I'm struggling to fit everything I want to say within the word limit. Any advice on how to be concise and still get my point across effectively?

It can be challenging to express your thoughts eloquently within a strict word limit, but it's definitely possible! Here are some tips on how to condense your thoughts in a 200-word essay:

1. Focus on one central idea: Choose a core message or theme that you want to convey and build your essay around that. This will help you stay on track and ensure your essay is focused and coherent.

2. Be selective with details: Share only the most relevant and compelling details to support your main idea. Think about which aspects of your story will have the greatest impact on your reader and emphasize those.

3. Write succinctly: Short, clear sentences can be more powerful than long, complex ones. Use active voice and concise language, and avoid unnecessary words or phrases.

4. Edit ruthlessly: After writing your initial draft, review your essay and cut out any extraneous information or repetitive content. Look for ways to rephrase or restructure sentences to make them shorter and more direct.

5. Be mindful of transitions: Smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs can help make your essay feel more cohesive. Avoid abrupt changes or disjointed thoughts, as these can be distracting and make your essay difficult to follow.

Remember that it's crucial to prioritize clarity and impact over trying to fit in every detail. If you keep these tips in mind and practice writing within the word limit, you'll be able to create a powerful, concise essay that effectively conveys your message.

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my application essays by Rona W. '23

try not to cringe

October 27, 2019

• in Admissions ,

It’s been four years since I applied to MIT, and while I’ve been irrevocably changed in many ways (my meme game has improved exponentially), I am sadly still 5’2″. That’s 157 cm, for the 95.7% of humans who don’t reside in America.

Autumn came late this year; the leaves are only now ripening. The sky is full-bellied with sunshine. Still, we’re on the verge of November, and I’m reminiscing about my own early action application. Here’s what I wrote about, and what I would change if I could do it all over again. Of course, this is only one approach to the essays. The most important thing is to be true to yourself.

• We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer)

I wrote this essay about K-pop. However, before I wrote about K-pop, I considered writing about a myriad of other things. I posted to College Confidential, asking which topic would best showcase my abilities, and promptly got roasted for trying to turn this essay into another opportunity to humblebrag. Lesson learned. It’s actually okay to do things for fun, guys.

I still love K-pop; however, I could also see current-me writing an essay about memes or naps. I didn’t truly appreciate the value of either of these things until I got to college.

• Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words or fewer)

I initially misunderstood this question and wrote about wanting to help out with the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament, which I participated in during high school. Then my dad was like, “I’m pretty sure they mean an  academic  program,” and I wrote a new essay, which you can read below:

With passion for both English and mathematics, I’m drawn to MIT’s unique writing department, which offers both creative and science writing. I’m particularly interested in 21W.742[J] Writing about Race and 21W.032 Science Writing and New Media. In my own work, I examine an Asian-American narrative often marginalized in the media; these courses would allow me to explore new ways of bringing visibility to this identity. In addition, I want to study the roles writing can play outside of literature and learn how I can meld my interests to do something that will make an impact.

In retrospect, this essay could’ve focused more on why I particularly wanted to study at  MIT . I didn’t look at the course catalog too carefully. I simply pulled the titles of some classes that sounded interesting and relevant. Perhaps similar courses are offered at other schools; I should’ve researched more about what made MIT unique. (Current-me can confirm MIT does have a pretty kick-ass writing department.)

• At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words)

I wrote about organizing my school’s Harvard-MIT Math Tournament team and about starting an online writing mentorship program. Current-me wants to be obnoxious and point out that leading is not necessarily the same as contributing, but to seventeen-year-old Rona, these examples were the most obvious ones to write about, even if they weren’t truly the most impactful. Still, I cared a lot about these initiatives, had fun carrying them out, and saw their effects ripple through the communities I was part of. Maybe that’s all that matters.

• Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (200-250 words)

For this one, I wrote about slam poetry:

The stage lights burst open, blinding and white. I trembled. I was at the citywide poetry slam, Verselandia, about to perform in front of hundreds.  Earlier in the month, I had qualified through my high school’s contest, which I had signed up for because, “Hey, there might be free cookies!” (There were not.) At the time, I didn’t know much about spoken word besides from street performers (this was downtown Portland, after all). But I practiced in front of my mirror, my friends, and my faithful stuffed animals. Ultimately, I’d placed first at school. At Verselandia, I watched others perform about abuse, racism, and feminism. A few talked about their LGBTQ+ identities; one addressed bisexual erasure, which I could personally relate to. Slowly, I realized that writing didn’t serve just as a cathartic outlet; it could startle others into empathy and create awareness.  At the slam, I delivered lines like “ Your heritage is more than an exotic enigma. ” Afterwards, several Chinese-American classmates told me they could relate. I realized that my writing had the power to give these experiences visibility, which in turn might help erase damaging yet common preconceptions about my ethnicity. As a Portland Youth Poet Ambassador, I have opportunities to not only promote creative writing, but also advocate for social equality. Through poetry, I want to depict not only a narrative from a person of color, but also a narrative of a queer person of color–a perspective almost completely obsolete in the media.

In my opinion, this essay doesn’t do a great job of answering the actual question; it doesn’t provide a good sense of what Portland is like, or how it has shaped me. In retrospect, the coolest part of doing slam poetry was the opportunity to see Portland outside of the upper-middle-class suburban bubble I resided in. Through poetry, I met kids from all over the city. Each one of them had something to say: sometimes devastating, sometimes uplifting, but always astonishing. I wish I had focused more on that.

• Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words)

I had a lot of trouble with this essay, because I wasn’t sure if I could write about a personal family issue. I fretted. Maybe it was oversharing; maybe I should stick with a safe topic, like failing my driver’s ed test or not having a prom date. Ultimately, though, I took the risk, and I don’t regret it.

If you’re applying to college this year, my best advice is to be yourself . It’s overused, I know, and whether or not any of us even have a self is a discussion for another blog post. But the application process is an opportunity to reflect upon the last several years of your life; don’t squander it by writing what you think someone else might want to hear. Also, being genuine seems way less stressful.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. 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. 2. 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? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. 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? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. 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?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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Free 200-Word Essay Samples

226 samples of this type

A 200-word essay is a short piece. It might be assigned by a school teacher to test the student’s knowledge of the topic and their ability to formulate thoughts concisely. The most common genres for texts of 200 to 250 words are a discussion board post and a personal statement for a college application.

Porter’s Factor Conditions in Sports and Business

Porter’s factor conditions explaining Switzerland’s victory of America’s Cup sailing competition in 2005 Porter’s factor conditions for countries’ competitiveness are demand condition, related industries, firm’s strategy, and the level of rivalry. Australia has been challenged for the trophy and there was an increased demand for the country to produce results...

Postmodern Criminology: The Violence of the Language

Starting from the 1990s, postmodern criminology has been gaining substantial importance. This discipline lays particular emphasis on such aspects as gender, class, and race in its theories of the origins of crime. According to Arrigo (2019), postmodern criminology recognizes the specific value of language as a non-neutral, politically charged instrument...

Nursing Job Application Form

Nursing I have recently completed a Bachelors’s Degree in nursing and I am currently looking for suitable long-term employment. I am a hardworking person with a great personality benchmarked by excellent interpersonal skills which have helped me score great successes in the past. While at college I held several practical...

The Disparities in the Legal System about Women

Women account for one of the groups most affected by the disparities in the legal system. Therefore, this sphere has been an area of intense interest for feminist researchers and activists. Subsequently, various standpoints are expressed through different means of communication, calling for an equal approach to justice for both...

Variola Virus Prevention and Infection Control

As a technologist, I must learn the nature of different pathogens, even those that do not bother people today. This knowledge helps me predict the development of dangerous diseases and recognize symptoms fast. Many microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa provoke mutations and diseases (Jensen & Peppers, 2006). Some...

How Long Is a 200 Word Essay Double Spaced?

A 200-word text usually takes about 1 page. All the major citation styles assume that an essay will take approximately 250 words per page. The most common format is double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. The details might differ – for instance, in MLA 9 and APA 7, Calibri and Arial are also accepted. However, 12-point Times New Roman remains preferable.

How Many Paragraphs Is 200 Words?

A 200-word essay should include 2 to 4 paragraphs. In academic writing, a paragraph should contain at least 50 words and three sentences.

200-Word Essay Structure

A 200-word essay is quite a short piece. However, it should be properly planned. Your essay should contain four to five concise paragraphs. It is to consist of an introduction paragraph, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How Long Does a 200-Word Essay Take?

It will take you about 4 to 8 minutes to type 200 words on your keyboard, depending on your typing speed. However, if you also need to perform research, make a reference list, add in-text citations, and graphic materials, you’ll need more time – not less than 0,5 hours for 200 words.

How Many Body Paragraphs Are in a 200 Word Essay?

An average 200-word essay contains 1 to 2 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be 70 to 150 words long.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is an 18th-century novel of manners set in rural England and portraying the relationships between the four daughters of the Bennet family and their neighbors. While accurately and vividly depicting the manners and social norms of that time, the novel also provides sharp observations on...

Analysis of Drug Classification

Radiologic technologists play an important role in providing patients with care and assessment. These medical specialists are responsible for conducting imaging procedures to examine people’s physical and emotional well-being and promote diagnostic accuracy (Suchsland et al., 2020). In clinical settings, radiologists should identify and prescribe different pharmacological agents during the...

Researching of Stakeholder Theory

When defining the target settings for the activities of an organization, the diverse interests of various parties should be acknowledged. Stakeholder theory presents a universal approach that considers the interests of stakeholders and an organization (Fernando and Lawrence, 2014). The main stakeholders are investors, consumers, competitors, suppliers, and financial institutions....

Company vs. Government Budgeting Processes

The budgeting processes of a company and a government have several differences. Governmental budgeting is less flexible compared to business; it requires allocating resources regarding various federal agencies. Authorities adopt top-down budgeting considering fiscal stress (Hendrick, 1989). A top-down approach means that the government implements the budgeting process with minimal...

Social Justice and Civil Rights

Justice has been one of the most discussed topics for thousands of years. As such, Steiner (1994) concluded that justice is primarily concerned with the termination of resolving conflicts that develop as one follows ambitions in a social setting, which means that there should be an authoritative source for fairness:...

• Social Media

Implications of Media Influencing Society

Rupinder provided a fairly convincing argument about the currently emerging shift of power from traditional media to citizen journalism. At the same time, the posts offer a fairly unambiguous picture of the phenomenon without highlighting the potential problems and wider social implications. The suggestion that professional and non-professional journalists may...

Future Fuel Price Rise and Its Impact on Population

For this discussion, I found an article discussing future fuel price rises. Given world events and the instability of the global economy, this news should be put into the context of possible prospects. Changes in logistics routes for raw materials and the revision of investment currencies are also strongly influencing...

Differentiation in the Classroom Setting

Approaching a diverse group of learners requires adjusting the relevant teaching strategies to meet unique needs of each learner. Therefore, a teacher needs to incorporate differentiation into the range of strategies to integrate into the classroom context and ensure that all learners are provided with equal opportunities. However, the excessive...

Managing Dilemmas: Homer’s “The Odyssey”

At this point of the story, Odysseus’ and Penelope’s strategies for dealing with the crises they face are similar in that both of them utilize cunning to gain their goals. Such a practice seems to signify the insecurity of both spouses since individuals who reach their objectives by negotiating are...

Increase in Social Media Usage and Marketing Future

Today, billions of people worldwide use social media platforms, making it the most advanced technology for the current and future generations. Current statistics show that social media usage is estimated to cover over half of the world’s population, which accounts for 4.20 billion people who use the internet. For example,...

Researching of Financial Ratios

Financial ratios allow a business to assess many aspects of the performance, being an integral part of financial statements analysis. The ratio compares companies, industries, different periods of activity of the same company, and the results of the organization with the average industry ones. In financial statement analysis, the following...

The Advantages of Dating Online

In my opinion, online dating is a good way of finding a like-minded partner. People often do not have enough time to focus on their personal lives, but dating online provides individuals with the opportunity to be matched with someone who shares their interests and views. Usually, people have to...

Dante’s Inferno: Controversial Topics

I think Dante’s inferno is very popular because it talks about one of the most controversial topics in the common world. Its popularity can be attributed to the description of hypothetical experiences, imaginations and the description of hell. Most of us fear discussing weird stories, such as imaginative experiences or...

Wolfgang Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte: the Winning Duo

Abstract A leading and most efficient composer of operatic music and plays, Mozart is a genius since his childhood. His mastery extended over a hundred plays and operas. He was assisted by his librettists in his success. One of the most noted librettist is Da Ponte. While Ponte’s work on...

Statistics. Dependent and Independent Variables

An explanatory variable is an independent variable. Normally, these variables are any factors that can influence the outcome generated by the response variable. On the other hand, a response variable is a dependent factor that evaluates the results of a particular study. It is the specific factor and quantity through...

• Communication
• Health Promotion

The Pay Gap in Women and Minorities

The frame of reference The gender wage gap persists in most countries, including the world’s most developed economies. The reasons why women are paid less than men for the same job with the same qualifications are often explained by differences in experience, education, working conditions, or even self-confidence (Binns, 2021)....

Grit! By Angela Duckworth: ”The Virtue of Hard Work” by Smith

In her article “Grit! By Angela Duckworth:” The Virtue of Hard Work “, Esfahani Smith discusses the definition of “grit” and reviews the information of the original book. Referring to Duckworth, Smith describes grit as “a combination of passion and perseverance” in order to reach an achievement. Smith cites the...

Russians Fear Mariupol Abuse Will Backfire by CBS News

The article provides a recently declassified intelligence summary of which the cases of war crimes, torture, and abuse of Mariupol residents and local government officials by Russia. The intelligence data was shared with CBS news by an anonymous US official. The article explains that the facts of abuse may lead...

Development at 4 Years Analysis

It is understandable if one is frustrated and impatient with his or her child’s development. One can behave in ways that are difficult for an adult to understand. However, such odd behaviors are a necessary part of a child’s development. At 4 years of age, the child is in the...

Trans-ocean Transportation: Environmental Study

The ocean has always been an inseparable part of human existence. It serves as a source of food and a transportation network, linking all continents. Nowadays, airlines have given access to every place around the globe, but marine shipping continues to develop. The purpose of this paper is to give...

“On Care of Our Common Home” by Pope Francis

In his writing titled On Care of Our Common Home, Pope Francis contends that the evils and sources of suffering are part of labor that he uses to gain humans’ cooperation with Him. With the gospel of God’s love for all His creatures, the question then beckons; why would God...

The Film “Concussion” by Peter Landesman

The ethical perspectives of the NFL include the provision of help to the people in need. The support should mainly be directed towards the youth, especially those who suffer from concussions. In addition, benevolence is required in managing the players and football, in general, to ensure success in the sport...

Utilitarianism Theory and Its Subtypes

In general, utilitarianism is a theory in ethics that claims that the best actions are the ones that provide maximum utility. Regarding the utility, in this case, it is an overall pleasure which all parties receive during the time that the consequences of these actions are in effect. Utilitarianism is...

Competence and Performance Definitions by Chomsky

Welcome to our sample paper on competence and performance definition. Get some inspiration for your paper while learning more about competence and performance with our essay example! Competence and Performance Definition Chomsky defines ‘competence’ as “the ability of the idealized speaker – hearer to associate sounds and meanings strictly following...

Order vs. Chaos in World Creation Stories

The common themes of order versus chaos are addressed in the stories. The differences demonstrated in stories are various Gods and ways of creating the world. For instance, the myth of Enuma Elish describes how the mighty God, Marduk created order at the beginning of the universe by defeating the...

• African American

Brain Disorders’ Effects on Human Health

Symptoms of Depression Negative moods. Lack of interest in usual activities. Troublesome sleeping. Lack of appetite, which may cause weight loss. Fatigue usually accompanied by low energy. Slowed physical movements/inactivity. Low self-esteem. Reduced or complete lack of concentration. Hopelessness. Recurrent thoughts about death. Effects of Long-Term Depression on Health Long-term...

Aviation Shortages: Problem Statement and Methodology

Problem Statement The world’s growing population and availability of plane trips mean more air travel consumption (Abdullah, Chew, & Hamid, 2016). Impending shortages might impede the industry from meeting consumers’ needs. It is well-known that the aviation industry lacks workplace diversity: out of all pilots, technicians, and cabin crew, only...

“The Game Changers” Documentary on Nutrition

The documentary titled “The Game Changers” had an ambitious objective of having a strong impact on society, as implied by its name. The film has assembled a team of prominent personalities in the spheres of sports and cinematography. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, and Novak Djokovic were among the...

Understanding “The Other Side of the Bar” by J. Kaida: Analysis

The author of the story primarily uses the descriptive type of narration incorporating metaphorical elements. Such a hidden comparison connects the emotions of the characters with the surrounding atmosphere. For example, “evening clarity reigned over the damp green and brown diamond” (Kaida, 2010, p. 1). This allows the reader to...

The Term “Oriental” as Discrimination Against Asian People

The term ‘oriental’ remains disputable because of the historical context and numerous cases of mistreatment. In some contexts, it is used to speak about violent and discriminative policies related to Asian people or culture. At the same time, it demonstrates that Asians were not integrated into U.S. society and were...

Nursing Knowledge and Theoretical Models in Practice

The Theoretical Model of Interpersonal Relations developed by Hildegard Peplau can be used to look at a conflict from a psychodynamic perspective. A nurse is able to understand the behavior of others and herself, applying the principles of human relationships to identified needs. It is a progressive process, evolving from...

Importance of Identity: The Value of Human Being

“As Though a Metaphor Was Tangible”: Baldwin’s Identities article by Aliyah I. Abdur-Rahman (2015) examines the concept of identity in James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” (1956) and “Going to Meet the Man” (1965). Abdur-Rahman argues that Baldwin politicizes identification by showing that it is not internally coherent. In addition, the article...

Music Listening: “Say a Little Prayer“ Song by Bacharach & David

“I Say a Little Prayer” is written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The genre of the song is pop, but it can be called soul too. The song is about a woman praying for her husband who is fighting in Vietnam. It is very lovely and romantic, and the...

Adolescence and Human Development Challenges

There are various questions about how puberty affects adolescents because not all people are impacted in the same way. The fundamental answer is associated with the environment of a certain adolescent, experiencing cognitive, biological, and social changes. The three mentioned changes and the very context shape an adolescent’s perception of...

Conflict: Positives, Negatives, and Strategies

Conflict is a significant part of interpersonal interactions, arising from a perception of incompatible goals between interdependent parties. Conflict can have both positive and negative consequences, depending on the behavior of both parties. For example, two people can have shared plans to start a creative or business project, but disagree...

• Environment
• Nursing Theory

“Don’t Misrepresent Africa” TED Talk by Leslie Dodson

In this TED talk, Leslie Dodson explores the complexity encountered by journalists and researchers in presenting their narratives to the public. Journalists and researchers could be covering the same event or issue. However, their approaches to presenting them to the public are very different—sue contradictors ethics and practices in reporting....

Beauty and the Beast’: Movie Review

The beautiful, but swaggering Prince Adam was punished for arrogance and exorbitant pride. The sorceress cast a spell on Adam and his entire castle. The handsome Prince turned into a terrible furry monster, and his faithful servants became household items: utensils, candlesticks, watches, and other trinkets. This sorceress left Adam...

The Offer to Expand the Curriculum With New Topics

The initiative to update the curriculum with specific topics related to credibility and bias in the news is relevant. Your proposal is relevant because false facts and difficulties with validity do appear. We appreciate your objective to promote literacy on this topic. At the same time, updating the curriculum is...

“Severn Cullis-Suzuki at Rio Summit” Speech Analysis

To achieve the desired level of attention to the issue, the author calls on the audience’s feelings of respect towards her and her peers for her effort, which provides ethos. Suzuki calls for the audience’s reason and rationale when she states that “if you don’t know how to fix it,...

Food Safety Issues in Modern Agriculture

Food safety constitutes proper preparation, storage, and preservation of all foods. According to the United Nations Asian and Pacific Center for Agricultural Engineering and Machinery (APCAEM), an upsurge in international trade on agricultural products has made food safety a major concern. Furthermore, food safety is becoming a serious policy matter...

Modern Issues in “The Myth of Sisyphus” by Camus

The article by Camus titled “The Myth of Sisyphus” is dedicated to the account of mythology and its reflection on the modern situation of the middle of the 20th century – the author ties the myth telling about eternal tortures of Sisyphus and the human sufferings that he sees at...

Rosetta Stone in Ancient Egyptian Culture

Rosetta Stone is famous because of its role in enabling experts to read Egyptian hieroglyphs. Aside from the hieroglyphs, the stone has demotic and Greek types of writing. The writers inscribed the same message on the stone using these writing styles. Therefore, experts who could read either demotic or Greek...

Attachment Theory and Cycle of Violence

Injuries which are mechanical, associated with sex, mental attack, and deprivation are the four kinds of violence identified by the typology of PlanStreet (2022). “Attachment theory” discusses how early childhood trauma has shaped a particular manner of relating to others. According to another idea called the “cycle of violence,” domestic...

Food Safety: A Policy Issue in Agriculture Today

Graduate nurses’ required leadership attributes.

Graduate nurses need certain attributes to perform optimally in their work. These attributes include self-awareness, accountability, time management, and social awareness (Finkelman & Kenner, 2010). Self-awareness means the proper understanding of one’s emotions and their effects on oneself and other people. Graduate nurses need to understand their emotions in order...

• Human Rights
• Marine Life
• Agriculture

Newton’s Third Law With an Example

According to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, a body exerting force on another body experiences a force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. As bodies experience acceleration proportional to the magnitude of the force and inversely proportional to their mass, lighter objects exerting force on heavier ones accelerate away...

Germany After Signing Versailles Treaty

The signing of the Versailles treaty was done on the 28th of June 1919 at the Versailles Palace. It is one of the critical pacts in history since it helped end World War I. According to the reports from the sessions, Germany was treated unfairly since it was the only...

Tecnocap’s Recycled and Recyclable Aluminum Closures

Introduction Sustainability is a prominent trend. Recycling enables people to achieve sustainability. Tecnocap’s aluminum cans are 100% recyclable. Product Identification Tecnocap’s metal closures are made of recycled material. Tecnocap’s cans can be recycled themselves. Tecnocap’s products can be customized. Benefits for Consumers Tecnocap’s bottles are extremely durable. Consumers can use...

Code of Ethics in Medical Practice

The code of ethics, which regulates the relations between clinical nurses and general practitioners, can be correlated with Peter Drucker’s theory of management. Specifically, according to the author of the insightful book about entrepreneurship, the structure, and effectiveness of working processes are damaged by the general practice of subordinate-directed relations...

Inspiration for Women to Address Inequality

When you think about inequality, according to you, what kind of people face it now more than others? Blacks? Latinos? The right answer is women. They share this planet fifty-fifty with men, but they are less respected. At the same time, you may ask – how women do not have...

The Three Types of Managers’ Skills

There are three basic types of business in the market, depending on which competent managers should choose their activity methods. Competition is divided into perfectly competitive, monopoly, and oligopoly. In the first case, all goods in the industry are perfect substitutes, so managers need to build a policy without raising...

Effects of Colonization on Women in Canada

Introduction These traces were manifested most strongly in the rapist policy of sterilization of women, which was carried out in Canada by the then authorities. In addition, there were multiple significant violations of their rights, which will be studied in this work (Ryan et al., 2021). Forced Sterilization Forced sterilization...

Personal Experiences and Social Imagination

There are a number of factors throughout my life that have shaped my understanding of the world and the self. In particular, I think that gender has been an interesting topic to think about and a theme that has given me considerable trouble throughout my life. Gender is a complicated...

How Mass Media and Entertainment Influences Our Culture

Mass media are quickly becoming a real power in the political, social and spiritual spheres of people’s life. Lule (2016) states that “throughout U.S. history, evolving media technologies have changed the way we relate socially, economically, and politically” (6). Zengotita (2008) adds that human culture has always filtered reality through...

Organizational Change Management and Communication

The previous post emphasizes the importance of integrating organizational changes with the needs or input of the employees. As Belkis outlines, under-negotiated or poorly consulted changes can cause serious adverse effects. This caused a serious increase in workload for employees and therefore decreased their well-being, energy levels, and work satisfaction...

• Food Safety
• Western Civilization
• Ancient Civilizations

Health Education and Health Promotion Revisited

McCauley’s nursing tradition has been referred to as Careful Nursing, a method of nursing created in Ireland in the early 19th century and adopted by Irish nurses in the Crimean War. Even though records of careful nursing have been preserved, little emphasis has been given to it in the literature...

Epigenetic Drugs for Cancer Treatment

Currently, cancer is a disease that requires special attention since it is not curable in all cases. However, scientists are developing new epigenetic drugs, which include HDAC inhibitors. The mechanism of action of pills is that they deactivate checkpoints during the cell cycle when cancer cells increase. The role of...

Religious Beliefs in Egypt and Mesopotamia

Polytheism was the most outstanding feature of the ancient religious belief system among the Egyptians. Several deities or gods interacted with Egyptians. The gods had full control of nature and that nothing could take place without their influence. Hence, it was the role of individual Egyptians to act according to...

Constructive Criticism in Public Administration

I was quite negative about any type of criticism as I did not want to hurt people’s feelings. I often felt uneasy when heard some criticism concerning my actions, behavior, ideas and so on. However, I have acknowledged the benefits of constructive criticism. In my studies, I find it rather...

Abstracting and Persuasive Discussion of “The Green Knight” Movie

The Green Knight is an aesthetically pleasing movie that managed to intrigue and mesmerizes the audience with its visual presentation. I have watched the film recently and came out of it thinking that the cinematic aspects of its presentation were the strongest, far outshining the story or the characters themselves....

Concept of God and Philosophy of Religion

What characterizes good? The concept of good, by definition, has two defining characteristics. The first one is the presence of perceivable benefits to either the person (personal good) or the community at large (community good) (Howing, 2016). The second characteristic of good typically involves the absence of harm to either...

The Problem of Microplastics Contamination

Technology is not standing still, and humanity is faced with innovative products that can change the quality of life every month. If breakthrough solutions have the right characteristics for everyday use, they become part of life. Nevertheless, there is a downside to inventions, such as the one with plastic. Indeed,...

“The Slave Ship” by Turner: Romantic Landscape of Death

Joseph Turner, a prominent Romanticist, expressed strong opinions on the anti-slavery agenda, and The Slave Ship is a part of his activist statements. The background portrays a lost ship caught in the storm (Turner). Foreground displays sea creatures and chained black slaves pushed into the water. I find it fascinating...

The Abortion Issue Regarding Human Rights

This article discusses how the ruling on laws about abortions can impact other rights rooted in privacy. These rights include gay rights, contraceptives, marriage, and others not written in the constitution but vested in the human race because people are human (Glenza). The court ruling seems to undermine these inalienable...

Chapter 9 of The Archetypes of Wisdom by Soccio

René Descartes was the first philosopher who focused on acquiring knowledge about knowledge, giving rise to the new era of epistemology in philosophy, becoming the pioneer of rationalism. According to rationalists, knowledge relies primarily on reason and not on sense evidence. The coherence theory of truth states that knowledge is...

• Ancient History

Non-Literal Language Understanding: Sally-Anne Task

Before getting down to explaining why autistic children typically have difficulties in an understanding of non-literal language such as metaphor and irony utilizing the Sally-Anne task/test, the main idea of this test is to be considered. Sally-Anne task/test is the ability to recognize the false beliefs in others (Gehring, Debry...

Professional Networking: Advantages and Disadvantages

Available literature demonstrates that the use of online professional networking comes with obvious advantages, particularly in this era where many professionals and businesses rely on information and communication technologies not only to communicate but also to conduct business. The foremost advantage of online professional networking is that it can enhance...

Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal Communication Process of developing a good relationship with other people Interpersonal skills can be learned and developed Effective communication is an essential skill and is related to success Principles of Interpersonal Communication Good listening is being interested in what you are being told Judgment should come after the information...

Biostatistics and Public Health Study Evidence

Biostatistics is the application of statistical knowledge to aid the interpretation of biological and public health related data. For research to provide scientific evidence, data should be correctly collected, analyzed and the findings interpreted. At this point, the role of biostatisticians becomes crucial because they engage in interdisciplinary collaborations through...

Mark Harris’ Pessimism as to Movie Industry

In his article on the current movie industry trends, Mark Harris expresses his extreme skepticism about the future of American cinematography. The title of the article, “The Birdcage”, stems from the famous “Birdman” film (Harris, 2014). The example is employed by the author to reveal the nature of contemporary movies’...

Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Five different practices of exemplary leadership are discussed in modern research. The first of them is “model the way,” which implies clarifying the values by finding your voice and affirming the shared values, and then aligning the actions with the shared values (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). One has to fully...

Health Education and Promotion

Today, health promotion has become more relevant than ever in addressing challenges related to public health. The adverse effects of climate change, sedentary lifestyles, financial crises, security threats, and access to unhealthy foods contribute to public health challenges (FRAC, 2017). Therefore, implementing efforts to make healthier lifestyle choices can help...

Road Speed Limits Importance

Many drivers can find speed limits to be annoying, distracting, or lacking any meaningful contribution to road safety. However, there is an alarming trend that reveals the increase in the number of road fatalities in the past few years (Farmer, 2019). I believe that human lives must be put above...

Jane Addams’ History of Activities

The history of Jane Addams’ activities in this module seemed particularly interesting. This is due to the fact that my research paper focuses on the study of the activities of women politicians; hence the story of Jane is of particular curiosity. Her contribution to the development of social homes for...

Nietzsche’s Philosophy: Nihilism, Slave Morality

Nietzsche is considered the first philosopher to recognize the main flaw of modernity – viewing science, morality, or religion as the basis of meaning. Instead, he versioned art as what needed to be the answer. He rejected the idea of a neutral stance or the lack of perspective. He insisted...

• The Yellow Wallpaper
• Indigenous People
• Entertainment

The Cold War Era’s Impact on the US Politics

The Cold War era included many reforms that occurred internally and externally in relation to the politics of the United States. In terms of domestic conflicts, the anti-communist movement became a major cause of concern for the government. In that way, while the national statement itself called for an open...

Female Martyrs in Early Christianity

The persecution of early Christians was a process accompanying the development of religion in the past. From this perspective, a life of a missionary at the time was not easy, especially when the series of martyrdoms started with St. Stephen being the first victim of this policy initiated by Roman...

How Database Views Restrict Access to Data

Any database is, first and foremost, a large body of information, not all sections of which can be read by humans. Typically, databases have access levels, which determine whether a specific individual (basically a specific device) is allowed to access certain sections of the database. Views in SQL are database...

Philosophy. The Problem of Personal Identity

A possible thesis of this reading is ‘personal identity is flexible on a number of levels but remains based on a solid foundation of rarely changing principles.’ The author says, “if you are like me and you have a strong attachment to the belief that we persist through time …,...

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes: Overciew

All creatures can be divided into two groups: prokaryotes or eukaryotes, depending on their cells’ structure. Prokaryotes are unicellular living organisms; they do not transform into a multicellular form, capable of autonomous existence. They can be bacteria, including cyanobacteria or blue-green algae and archaea. These organisms are the oldest and...

An Investigation of HIV/ AIDS Prevention Program

Dear Editor, Your article on the Investigation of HIV/AIDS prevention program targeted to a unique population group in Bangkok makes an important contribution to resolving the common problem of sexually transmitted diseases. (Svenkerud, 1998) Thai department of health statistics indicated that the overall number of HIV infected is more than...

Analytic Philosophy and Its Conceptual Differences

The idea of analytic philosophy in contrast with other schools of philosophy Analytical philosophy has flourished in the United States and England. Analytical philosophy is characterized as a meta-linguistic discipline different from other schools of philosophy regarding empirical science (Stadler & Camilla, 2001). This philosophy is mainly concerned with our...

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Staff Evaluation

The article is a study of the factors that bar or facilitate evidence by staff in a vocational agency. The report addresses, among other things, the ease of locating and comprehending research findings, implementation funds, professional collaboration, and upcoming research. This article relates to the professional association because it focuses...

“Twentieth Century Crisis of Belief” by Marheine

The article by Marheine titled “Twentieth Century Crisis of Belief” summarizes many ideas and social phenomena that distinguished 20th-century ideology, philosophy, and art. The main trends discussed by the author in the compilation of famous artists’ abstracts are the disgusting wartime pictures in literature and reflection of despair and exhaustion...

Chronic Conditions: Definition and Assessment

Chronic conditions are often complicated by psychological symptoms or emotional suffering (Conversano, 2019). As adolescence is a critical developmental stage associated with a high risk of mental conditions, chronic diseases “contribute to the risk of psychosocial stress and unhealthy psychosocial development” of the youth with higher intensity (Santos et al.,...

• Social Media Marketing
• W.E.B. Du Bois
• Time Management
• Acquisition

Brief Description of the Tesla Company

Current Organizational (Model) Design and Features Started in 2003 as Tesla Motors, Inc., but became profitable in 2013, Tesla’s organizational model supports continuous growth development, corporate sustainability and profitability over the seasons under the u-form structure. With the function-based strategy, the company has several offices and units that manage both...

Cross-Sex Friendships: The Main Benefits

Although this is a subject of a very long debate, I believe that men and women can form platonic friendships. In the clip from “When Harry Met Sally,” Billy Crystal’s character, Harry, claims that the reason men and women cannot be friends is that sex always gets in the way....

Good Health and Well-Being Promotion Initiatives

It goes without saying that all people across the globe deserve good health and well-being. As I am pursuing a degree in nursing, I know that the responsibilities of health care specialists include not only the provision of quality health care delivery but the prevention of health issues as well....

Police Shooting of Richard Cabot in Pittsburgh

On September 7, a police officer shot a 32- year-old Richard Cabot. The incident unfolded near the sports bar in Pittsburgh, where the victim and his friends watched the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals game. “The family’s account differs vastly from the statements of dozens of witnesses,” officer Debra...

Leadership Qualities and Their Role in Nursing Practice

The most important leadership qualities that represent excellence in nursing practice are empathy, communication skills, conflict resolution, and delegation (Weberg, Porter-O’Grady, Mangold, & Malloch, 2018). They may be reflected in different nursing roles: Nursing leadership role Empathy Communication skills Conflict resolution skills Delegation At the bedside helps to understand patients’...

Vietnam’s Emerging Market Potential

The western countries can help Vietnam improve its business climate by assisting the country in improving its legal, political, and regulatory frameworks. Since Vietnam’s exports depend on multinationals such as Samsung, the country must focus on providing opportunities for local companies. Western nations can instruct the Vietnamese officials on how...

Graduate Nursing Role and Leadership Skills

Parsons and Cornett (2011) believe that leadership is a meaningful aspect of every level of nursing. Leadership competencies make it easier for nurses to inspire others and promote the most desirable health outcomes. Graduate-level nurses should have specific leadership skills and attributes in order to become competent promoters of health...

“Children’s Visual Imagery” by DeWindt-King and Goldin

DeWindt-King and Goldin are considered the brains behind research in cognitive approaches to problem-solving and their qualifications and expertise in technological approaches in solving mathematics problems cannot be debated. Serving as full-time professors in their respective universities, the authors have made immense contributions to the field of mathematics education. Mediterranean...

General Understanding of It and Is Concepts

Whether one should purchase or build an information system (IS) is a decision that requires specialized expertise to make. For the upper-management, the outcome of both decisions may be the same, but the cost, risk time and labor requirement may differ greatly. Furthermore, the problem for which system acquisition is...

“Metropolis Berlin”: History of Berlin

In the book Metropolis Berlin: 1880-1940, edited by Iain Boyd Whyte, and David Frisby, the authors write about the different stages of the city’s development. It reflects various events that influenced the structure, development, and population of the town. For example, one of the most important milestones in Berlin’s growth...

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Free Essays by Words

Cosmos '21

Hi everyone!

I’m a sophomore applying to COSMOS this year, and I have a few questions regarding the clusters that I’m interested in. If anyone has participated in these clusters before/has gotten into COSMOS/knows the answer to any of these questions, your input would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve heard that the bio clusters are the most difficult to get into, but all the clusters that I’m really interested in happen to be bio-related. So I’m wondering if someone could rank these clusters in order of difficulty of getting accepted, or elaborate on some experiences that you’ve had with them if you got into/attended them.

• Cluster 11: Future Foods Sustainable Aquaculture & Aquaponic Food Production
• Cluster 7: Introduction to Plant Microbiology
• Cluster 3: Climate Change
• Cluster 8: Marine Mammals and Oceanography: From Prey to Predators
• Cluster 3: Blubber, Feathers, and Fur: Exploring Animals in the Ocean and on Land

Hey I’m a sophomore applying to UCI. Anyone got any tips for the essays? 200 words isn’t a lot to narrate a complete story.

What do you most enjoy and love? Write about that, and finish it up by connecting it to your interest in learning about STEM. I think the personal statement is 300 words, the cluster-specific one is 200 words. The cluster essay should be more subject and COSMOS specific.

Ok, thank you!

I’ve heard that it’s good to write essays in the narrative style. Should all of my essays be like this? I have ideas for stories, but I’m not sure whether they are looking for a story for the cluster-specific essays.

I think that style lends itself well to a personal statement. For the cluster essays, you only have 200 words, and they do need to be more targeted. So you could use narrative if a story fits well into describing why that cluster, but I don’t think it has to be, and I wouldn’t try to force it.

Which clusters?

I’ll probably go for one of the CS clusters at UCI. I think I have pretty good grades (3.86 UW, 4.16 W) and extracurriculars to go with my application. What about you?

nice! I’m not too sure yet. Which is ur first choice cluster? I’m assuming cluster 2 is the best for cs

Yea cluster 2 would probably be my first choice. That would probably be the most competitive one though, so I might apply to another CS cluster as my first choice, and put cluster 2 as my alternate.

I’m a freshman applying with a 4.0 uw GPA. Is Cluster 12: scattering and diffraction of materials in UCSC competitive or not? I’m trying to choose between that and UCD computers in biophysics + robotics, mathematical modeling of biological systems, and Irvine’s computation and machine learning.

Does anyone know how to get a transcript from their middle school?

I chose UCSC!!

I just emailed one of the office attendants at my middle school and then they emailed me a file of my transcript.

In the references section, it asks for the teacher’s title. Is this referring to things like Ms., Mr., Dr.? Or is it asking for something like chemistry teacher?

I put “biology teacher” or “math teacher”, but I can’t guarantee if that’s correct.

Has anyone taken UC Davis cluster 5 or 9? (Computers in biophysics + robotics, mathematical modeling of biological systems). Any advice would be very appreciated!

Or scattering and diffraction of materials.

Those are the exact clusters I’m interested in for UCD!

Hopefully we both get in and get to meet each other (even though it’s gonna be online).

I literally don’t know what to write my essay on; I genuinely feel so lost right now and we only have a little over a week.

I heard that essays are like the “killing point” (most important part) of the app… and it should be personal and creative. I’m really neither creative or good at writing, so this isn’t going to be too good.

Yea I heard the essays are the most important part of the application. I’m a little lost on the cluster-specific essays as well. Advice would be good.

Mhm, I just finished the personal statement, but I’m struggling with how to make the cluster essays personal.

Apparently the cluster specific essays are reviewed by the professors that teach those clusters…

I’m in the same boat as you. My writing skills aren’t the best and I’m struggling to come up with what to write. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do great! Also, what grade are you in, I’m in ninth grade.

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How Long is a 200 Word Essay

Whenever students are given a 200-word essay to complete, they usually scratch their heads wondering how many pages it should be. This is because instructors normally assign essays that are 600 words or more. 

The response to such a question rotates around the paper's font size, spacing, and margins. Composing a 200-word essay can be challenging for college students because they only have a limited number of words to put their words across and hence are discouraged from going further in their research.

However, having the best idea in mind can lead to drafting a comprehensive and attractive essay of 200 words for your readers. It requires good preparation, good research focusing on the topic, writing, and editing time. 

What Does a 200-word Essay Look Like?

A 200-word essay is a short paper consisting of about three paragraphs. The article focuses mainly on a single theme from the introduction to the conclusion. Writers should remain concise and focus on a specific argument within a limited number of words.

An essay of 200 words has fewer words than the usual essay given to students by instructors. It usually comprises a single paragraph that presents the major idea or point and has a strong thesis statement.

The body paragraphs, which typically consist of two paragraphs, expand upon the primary concepts introduced in the thesis.

A topic sentence that introduces a particular idea of the subject appears in every paragraph. The entire essay is formatted according to industry standards, which include double spacing, Arial font, and font size 11 or 12. This results in a professional and readable presentation.

As much as an essay of 200 words is concise and to the point, it should contain enough words and a standard structure for it to be considered an excellent essay.

How to Shorten Your Lengthy Essay to 200 Words

Have you ever felt like you were drowning in an endless pool of words, desperately trying to fit your essay into a 200-word limit? It's important to embrace the art of simplifying words, where you focus on the challenge of simplifying your lengthy essay of 200 words. Let's dive into several ways you can transform your long essay into a short one.

Prioritize Information in Your Essay : First, start by doing a thorough content assessment and determine the primary idea or core message in your essay.  After that, list the most significant elements first and cross out any redundant or unrelated information that doesn't directly support the main idea. It's crucial to condense phrases and paragraphs; strive for wording that is precise and clear.

Scrutinize Your Essay Structure:  You should ensure that every paragraph makes a substantial contribution to the story as a whole. Reassessing a paragraph's placement may be necessary if it deviates significantly from the core idea. Eliminate superfluous words without changing the essay's meaning; instead, use assertive, memorable language that communicates concepts clearly.

Use Effective Editing Skills:   To achieve this, start by paying close attention to vocabulary and grammar, and get rid of any extraneous words or sentences that could add to wordiness. To cut down on words and improve clarity, use active voice. Furthermore, think about using brief examples that effectively highlight important ideas without necessitating a lot of explanation.

Refine your Language:   Information can be presented clearly and logically by using visual aids like lists or bullet points. These tools help create a more simplified presentation in addition to improving readability. Ultimately, ask for input from others to get insightful viewpoints on anything that could be further streamlined or explained.

The Reasoning Behind Assigning Students a 200-Word Essay

Sometimes students ask themselves, "Why is this essay word-count too short yet I have a lot of content to write?" Assigning short essays is a common occurrence in different academic settings. Instructors issue essays to ensure learners can convey their key ideas concisely. It is also a way to ensure writers communicate effectively by prioritizing a given information. 

When writing 200-word essays, you develop skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and summarization relevant to your academic journey.

Being a short piece, the paper is always meant to test the student’s knowledge of the topic. The essay also ensures that learners concisely formulate their thoughts. A 200-word report focuses on discussion posts and other personal statements that require limited words to portray a message. 

These essays also encourage the writer’s clarity, effective communication, and precision in as few words as possible. The main goal of a 200-word essay is to challenge writers to convey their thoughts by maintaining relevance and coherence. A short essay of 200 words ensures the writer addresses a specific topic by focusing on an argument and responding to prompts. They also clarify their responses more concisely.

These essays are usually used to answer questions related to course content where students can articulate their thoughts incisively. Short essays of 200 words help learners demonstrate their thinking within a limited space. Thus, short essays of 200 words are vital in enhancing valuable writing and communication skills.

What are the Fundamental Aspects to Consider When Crafting Short Essays?

Every short essay of 200 words should contain different valuable elements to make it significant. Below are the primary sections that each paper should contain.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the backbone of every paper. It portrays specificity and guidance in every essay. A thesis statement summarizes the entire essay in a single, thought-provoking phrase. A well-formatted thesis statement enhances exploration, guiding the writer to prove their main idea effectively. 

Choose an appealing thesis statement that raises concerns and controversy among the readers. A good thesis statement makes the process of writing your paper easy. While writing the essay the writer must concentrate on writing the 200 words with accuracy and conciseness. A concise thesis statement should be like the one below.

“The transformative influence of digital tools in modern classrooms raise questions about their role in shaping educational paradigms, demanding a sophisticated exploration within the constraints of a 200-word essay.” A thesis statement is written in the introductory paragraph, probably the last word of the introduction.

Topic Sentence

A topic is the first statement in a paragraph that encapsulates the primary argument to be developed. Every section needs to commence with a thematic issue. Usually, when writing an essay of 200 words, most instructors advocate for a paragraph length of about five sentences.

The writer then builds a paragraph from the topic statement. This format ensures the logical arrangement of words in a section.

Supporting Statements

Supporting sentences are significant in every paragraph. These are written after a topic sentence to enhance the thematic content of the topic statement.  Supporting statements also include examples in a paragraph to elaborate on the introductory sentence. Remember to present your thoughts more accurately and precisely when writing a short essay.

Final Section

The final section of the essay of 200 words consists of the conclusion. It summarizes all the threads of an argument. A call to action is necessary when the topic requires writing a persuasive essay.

You could restate the opening sequence or example from the introduction to maintain the consistency of the article. As a writer, you should ensure your arguments are well-reasoned and support the central thesis.

What is the  Structure of a 200-word Essay?

Every short essay of 200 words follows a concise structure to ensure the flow of ideas. It consists of the introduction, the body section, and the conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction is the initial paragraph of an essay. It introduces the context of the paper and the background information. A comprehensive introduction in an essay of 200 words has an approximate word count of 30-40. An opening has a concluding statement that presents the thesis of the paper.

Many students ask themselves, "How many words should be in the body paragraph?" A 200-word paper should have a body of about 120 to 140 words. To concisely present your ideas, divide the body into two or three paragraphs. This makes it more presentable and easy to focus on the main ideas.

Each body paragraph in the 200-word essay focuses on a specific idea related to the central thesis. Supporting details then follow with particular examples. To make the paper more presentable, maintain the logical flow between paragraphs. 

A conclusion contains a summary of the main points in the essay. It is always extracted from the thesis statement. You can restate the thesis to develop a perfect conclusion and ensure it summarizes the entire work. Ensure you include your thoughts in the decision, especially in an argumentative essay.

Ensure that each statement contributes to a meaningful idea of the essay due to the word count limitation. Avoid unnecessary details and conversation and focus on precise language.

Sample 200-Word Essay

Topic: the impact of technology on education.

The integration of digital tools in education has become critical with the advancement of technological innovations. This paper focuses on the different technical aspects of education, emphasizing its transformative role in shaping learning environments.

Technological innovations in education enhance students’ engagement and understanding. Most students in a flipped classroom access digital resources before joining their learning session. This increases their collaboration with fellow students and teachers. Adaptive learning platforms also help individuals personalize their education, creating a conducive learning environment. 

Technology has enhanced the connectivity between students globally. Virtual learning removes geographical barriers, as students don’t have to travel longer distances to attend physical classes. It also promoted cross-cultural understanding and enhanced connectivity of global students.

Concerns arise about introducing technology in education despite the advantages. There might be an education gap between affluent and disadvantaged students accessing online resources. However, institutions that advocate fusing technology in education should ensure students can access digital tools like laptops to ease their learning.

Technology has a significant influence on education. This is evident through global connectivity, enhanced student engagement, and potential disparities. Therefore, institutions, learners, and other education stakeholders can ensure a balanced learning platform by embracing technological advancements.

Tips for Writing a 200-word Essay

Writers should be precise and clear when writing essays with limited word count. However, it may be challenging, especially for newbies. Here are helpful tips that will help you achieve this goal.

• Focus on the main point of the essay.
• Avoid portraying the same information using different words.
• Ensure readers can easily understand your language. Ensure you use simple and understandable language.
• Present every point and statement in a precise manner. The words should contribute to the overall thesis of the essay.
• If it is a must, incorporate examples and ensure you include those relevant to the topic sentence. Each instance should have a significant value to your explanation.
• Ensure you structure your content starting with the introduction, body, and conclusion.

These suggestions will help you focus on your content to maintain a low word count. The tips also ensure your message remains concise, clear, and compelling based on the requirements. 

Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing Short Word Essays

Making errors is a common pitfall for every writer, whether a starter or a professional. Here are some common mistakes that each writer is likely to cause:

• Most writers add unnecessary information to meet the word count requirements.
• Writing complex statements without offering enough explanations. This can easily confuse the readers.
• Writers may also omit explaining the main points, making it difficult for second parties to understand the essay easily.
• Assuming formatting guidelines is another common mistake most writers commit.
• It is also expected to ignore the specified word count and write too many or too few words.
• Writers also make the mistake of submitting their paper without editing and thoroughly revising it to remove errors that might arise.

What Mistakes Should Students Avoid When Writing Short Essays?

Making a mistake is common in writing. However, it's crucial to correct your work before submitting it. Here are some essential tips for ensuring your essay is error-free.

• Focus on major points by avoiding repetition.
• Ensure you break down complex ideas into more straightforward statements.
• Revise your paper before submitting it to your instructors.
• A proper citation style should be followed.

Skills Perfected When Writing a 200-word Essay

Writing short essays is a valuable skill for every writer. Below are some general skills gained during the practice.

Concise communication.  Writing short essays allows writers to convey information clearly and concisely. Concise communication is a valuable skill easily transferrable in presentation and professional presentation.

Time management.  Writers learn effective ways to manage their time when working on limited-word-count essays. They allocate time effectively for brainstorming, proofreading, and editing their articles.

Research Skills.  A 200-word essay will likely demand efficient research to issue relevant examples or content. Research skills are important in conducting more complex and sophisticated studies.

Formulating a thesis statement.  A concise and precise thesis statement is emphasized while writing short essays. This ability is essential for developing focused arguments and directing the general direction of a piece of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A 200-word essay is divided into how many paragraphs.

A 200-word essay is usually divided into two to three paragraphs. Begin with an introduction, then move on to the main body, which should include significant themes, and finish with a summary, all while maintaining a brief and organized structure.

How Much Time Should a 200-Word Essay Take?

A 200-word essay normally takes 20-30 minutes to write. Allow time for preparation, drafting, and reviewing to ensure that your writing is clear and coherent within this short time limit.

How Many Pages Does a 200-word Essay Take up in an A4?

A 200-word essay on A4 paper takes up almost half a page when conventional formatting is used with 1-inch margins, a 12-point font, and single- or double-spacing.

How Many Sentences Are There in a 200-Word Essay?

A well-structured 200-word essay typically comprises 10 to 12 sentences depending on the number of words in each sentence. Ensure that each sentence is well structured and has a significant contribution to the clear and concise presentation of your ideas.

What Font Should I Choose for a 200-word Essay?

For a 200-word essay, use a common, readable typeface like Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size. To improve the reader's experience, you should give priority to clarity and legibility in your paper.

How Many Pages is a 200-Word Essay, When Double-Spaced?

An essay of 200 words, on a double-spaced page, usually fills up about three-quarters to a whole page depending on the number of paragraphs. Double-spacing follows accepted academic style guidelines and improves readability while reviewing and giving feedback.

How Many Pages is a 200-Word Essay, When Single-Spaced?

An essay of 200 words, single-spaced,  usually takes up about a third to half a page depending on the paragraphs. Although single-spacing can be appropriate in some situations, it can make your writing less readable than double-spacing, so keep that in mind as you write.

Bottom Line

Essentially, writing 200-word essays helps people become better communicators and promotes reflective writing, especially in a constrained setting. Because of its conciseness, writers are forced to condense important information while optimizing every word.

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How to Write the Washington University in St. Louis Essays 2023-2024

Washington University in St. Louis, more affectionately known as WashU, requires all applicants to submit two essays, one of which offers three options for students to choose from. Additionally, applicants to the Beyond Boundaries Program and applicants to the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will have to submit an additional essay for their respective program. There are also 2 required prompts for each of WashU’s three scholarship programs.

The application process at WashU is highly competitive, so you will need strong essays to stand out from the crowd. In this post, we’ll go over each prompt in detail and explain how to successfully write it to help guide you through the process.

Read this WashU essay example to inspire your writing.

Washington University in St. Louis Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, required prompt, please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. undecided about your academic interest(s) don’t worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. remember that all of our first-year students enter officially “undeclared” and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. you can explore all of our majors and programs on our website. (200 words), all applicants, optional prompt, this optional question allows you to add another dimension to your application – something that the admissions committee might not learn by reading your transcript or your personal statement., if you prefer, you may focus your optional 90-second video submitted through the washu pathway on addressing one of these three questions. (students who choose to submit a written response to one of these questions may still opt in to sharing an optional video)., washu is a place that values diversity of perspectives. we believe those perspectives come from a variety of experiences and identities. respond to one of the following prompts to help us understand “who are you” (250 words).

• Option A: Discuss a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project.
• Option B: Describe a community you are a part of and your place within it.
• Option C: Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community.

Beyond Boundaries Applicants, Required Prompt

The Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? What would you contribute to the team? (250 words)

Joint Program in Business and Computer Science Applicants, Required Prompt

Students in the joint program in business and computer science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines..

This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skillset. Graduates of the program will able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few.

Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines? (200 words)

Danforth scholars program applicants, required prompts.

Prompt 1: Chancellor Danforth and Mrs. Danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. As servant leaders, they demonstrated a true passion and commitment to enhancing the experiences of students, staff, and faculty. In the words of Dr. Danforth, “The achievement of understanding, mutual trust, and appreciation is not only an end in itself, but it is also the prerequisite for major progress.” How have you demonstrated your commitment to servant leadership and improving community? Please provide 1-2 specific examples. (Maximum 250 words)

Prompt 2: Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. As a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. How will your lived experiences impact the Danforth Scholars Program? (Maximum 200 words)

Ervin Scholars Program Applicants, Required Prompts

Prompt 1: Dr. John B. Ervin was a nationally renowned black educator and the first African American Dean at Washington University in St. Louis. The Ervin Scholars Program was founded on and continues to live out his legacy and the legacy that scholars have built over 35 years. Reflecting on his biography and the history and legacy of the Ervin Scholars Program, how have you taken action to champion diversity in your own life? Please provide 1-2 specific examples. (Maximum 250 words)

Prompt 2: Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. As a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. How will your lived experiences impact the Ervin Scholars Program? (Maximum 200 words)

Rodriguez Scholars Program Applicants, Required Prompts

Prompt 1: Annika Lynn Rodriguez was born and raised in Puerto Rico prior to attending Washington University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from WashU’s Olin School of Business in 1996, majoring in international business. While a student, she championed awareness for students of all backgrounds, including starting WashU’s first Latin American Awareness Week. She joined the Peace Corps after graduation and was sent to Honduras to support and engage with communities in need. Tragically, she was killed in a flash flood while serving. In remembering her, a friend said, “Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.” Reflecting on Annika Rodriguez’ history and legacy, How have you demonstrated your commitment to serving others and championing cultural awareness and understanding? Please provide 1-2 specific examples. (Maximum 250 words)

Prompt 2: Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. As a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. How will your lived experiences impact the Rodriguez Scholars Program? (Maximum 200 words)

This is a classic example of the “ Why This Major? ” essay question. The goal of this prompt is to understand your interest in your selected major and how your background supports that major. If you’re undecided, that’s totally fine (as the prompt even says!), but you’ll still need to explain your interest in the potential major you selected on your application.

You only have 200 words, so it’s important to keep your answer succinct and informative. The major you choose is likely related to one of your biggest interests or passions, which makes this a great opportunity to showcase your personality to admissions officers.

A good essay would introduce the major, articulate the core reason(s) that you are interested in this major, give specific examples from both inside and outside the classroom of your positive experiences with the subject, and describe what you hope to achieve with that major. To effectively answer this prompt, you need to show the admissions officers why you enjoy this topic, rather than just telling them. An essay that tells why you are interested in a major might look like this:

“I want to study architecture at WashU because I want to build houses one day. I love looking at buildings and seeing all the different designs and structures. I have enjoyed building things from a young age. When I was five years old, I got my first set of Legos and I have built countless houses, skyscrapers, and landmarks since then. I also enjoyed my wood-working class sophomore year of high school, where I tried to build scale models of buildings I had seen while traveling.

An architecture major would be perfect for me, since I would be able to continue building different structures. I’m also interested in studying abroad to experience different types of architecture in different countries. I think WashU’s architecture program would be perfect for me to build on my current interests and learn new skills.”

While this student does include everything they are supposed to, they tell the reader everything by directly saying what they enjoy or think, which leaves the essay looking a bit bland. The same student could write an essay that shows their interest in architecture if they write something like this:

“My feet were aching after walking through the streets of Paris all day, and I begged my mom to go back to the hotel so I could relax. Three more blocks. Eagerly picking up the pace, I rounded the corner and my little brother knocked into my frozen body. Marble pillars glistened in the sunlight, intricate carvings graced every side, and a giant green dome crowned the top of the Paris Opera House.

All the pain dissipated as my feet carried me closer to the most breathtaking feat of architecture I had ever laid my eyes on. Fascinated by the glamor and opulence of the opera house, I took in every detail from the giant arches to the tiny inscriptions. The next fall, when my wood-working teacher announced our independent projects, there wasn’t a moment of hesitation in my mind when I decided to construct a replica of the Paris Opera House.

At WashU, I will take classes like Architectural History: Antiquity to Baroque and participate in the Sam Fox Florence Architecture study abroad program to continue learning about European architecture. With the skills and knowledge I will gain at WashU, I will be able to combine the splendor of old architecture with the practicality of modern architecture.”

This second response is engaging, descriptive, and it conveys the student’s passion for architecture without them having to say “I like architecture” even once. This student is also able to talk about how their passion developed both inside and outside of the classroom, demonstrating their true passion for the subject.

The other thing this essay does well is connect the student’s interest to WashU by mentioning specific classes and programs that appeal to them. This is much more effective in showing genuine interest to admissions officers than making vague statements about enjoying architecture, as the student does in the first response.

With this in mind, you are equipped to write a stellar response to WashU’s supplement prompt. Good luck! If you’re applying to any special programs, stick around for a breakdown of those prompts.

All Applicants, Optional Prompt Introduction

All applicants, optional prompt, option a, discuss a fresh perspective or opinion you brought to a collaborative setting or project. (250 words).

Choosing this prompt will give you the option to discuss traits like your creativity, teamwork, intelligence, leadership, and ingenuity. If any of these characteristics sounds like you, you should seriously consider responding to this option. Admissions officers are asking this question to learn both about your intellect and problem-solving skills, as well as how you work with others.

When it comes to writing this essay, the best strategy is to tell a story. That doesn’t mean you should just include an anecdote in the hook and then transition away from it—writing like that tends to be less engaging and more focused on telling, rather than showing. In order to fully captivate your readers, you need to pick a specific moment and expand it into a story that encapsulates the entire essay.

To ensure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, you can use the following steps as guidance for your writing.

Step 1: Set the scene

Like any good story, you need to start by establishing the equilibrium that exists before any conflict arises. If you think about your essay in the context of a traditional story arc, this would be the exposition.

Show the reader where you are, why you’re there, who you’re with, when it is, etc., so that they have enough imagery to place themselves in the situation. Since this essay is on the shorter side, you won’t have a ton of space to focus on setting the scene. A sentence or two should be sufficient. The examples below demonstrate good hooks that are both enticing and provide context:

“Whoever said group projects are a blast has clearly never endured the cosmic slowing of time, the rhythmic tapping of pencils, and the zoned-out stares that result from Mrs. Green’s third-period English book clubs.”

“Seated criss-cross-applesauce on the lip of the stage in a semicircle, the cast of Hairspray anxiously awaited our director’s notes on our abysmal run-through.”

Step 2: Explain the conflict

The next step in a good story is some sort of conflict—and no, we don’t mean a physical fight. While conflict can be physical, it will probably be emotional or mental in most of the stories you would share with a college admissions committee. You want your essays to be free of any violence or similar questionable subject matter.

This should be pretty straightforward and, like the setting of the scene, shouldn’t take up too much space in your essay. You need to highlight that there was some interpersonal or situational issue that prevented your group from performing at its best—that way, your contribution and solution to the issue can be the main focus of your essay.

It’s possible that you think your story is free of conflict, but conflict can really come up anywhere. Maybe your group just had no ideas about what topic to choose for a presentation—that’s conflict. Or perhaps your entire group agreed on one way to complete a task, but you wanted to try something new—that’s also conflict.

Step 3: Show the reader what you contributed

This is where the bulk of your essay should be focused, but notice the keyword: show . Telling the reader your new idea or opinion would make for a rather straightforward essay that reveals very little about your thought process and interpersonal skills. By showing with imagery and details, you can make much more of an impression on the admissions committee.

You might want to include your internal dialogue to demonstrate your inner thoughts and feelings towards the situation:

“Everyone was talking over one another and not a single word was processed. If we could just discuss this civilly, then we might stand a chance of turning the paper in before the deadline.”

Another strategy to show what you brought to your group is including dialogue. Adding snippets of conversation between you and your team members adds some flow to the essay and can easily demonstrate your attitude towards the situation with the word choice you use. Just be careful not to include too much dialogue, otherwise your essay might read like a novel.

You can also choose to focus on your feelings and your group members’ feelings. For example, maybe everyone was feeling unmotivated and lazy, which made you upset, but rather than accept defeat you decided to use humor to diffuse the tension and started suggesting silly ideas until something stuck.

There’s many ways to go about showing rather than telling, so don’t feel like you’re just constrained to these options. As long as you’re able to communicate what your fresh perspective or idea was and how you presented it to your group, you should be fine.

It’s also important to include where your idea came from. Whether you had a fresh perspective because your background is different from that of other people in your group, or you’re generally a creative person who’s always coming up with new ideas, make sure the admissions committee understands where your contribution came from.

Step 4: Demonstrate your impact

In the conclusion of this essay, you’ll want to demonstrate how your idea or opinion impacted your group. While the impact could be something along the lines of getting a good grade or winning some competition, we’d urge you to dig a little deeper and think about a more personal impact you had.

Did your perspective change your group members’ minds about the topic? Did your solution allow your team to engage in an activity they were unfamiliar with and, in turn, they all learned a new skill? Try and think about the impact you had on others beyond the obvious things that come to mind and you will impress the admissions committee with your astute perspective.

All Applicants, Optional Prompt, Option B

Describe a community you are a part of and your place within it. (250 words).

College is one big community, and WashU is curious to see how you will fit into their campus community. This prompt is very straightforward, but it also gives you a lot of freedom to talk about any community that is meaningful to you and what you do as a part of it. The goal of this essay is to demonstrate that you are an active community member and can fit right in at WashU.

It’s extremely important that you pick a community that is central to your life and that you play a large role in. Here are a few examples of communities you could consider:

• Religious community
• Racial or ethnic community
• Sports teams
• Clubs and extracurricular organizations
• Volunteer organizations
• Political movements
• Apartment building or street block
• Online communities or groups
• Community of people who share a similar hobby or interest

As you can see, there are many different ways to approach this essay. Once you know what community you want to write about, you need to discuss your role within the community.

A quick note if you intend to write about your racial background: In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court  struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts.

This is not exactly a traditional diversity prompt, and by no means are you required to choose your racial or ethnic community as your topic for this essay, but if you feel that this aspect of your background has impacted you significantly, you may wish to consider choosing the third option for this prompt instead. That said, feel free to write about a racial or ethnic community for this option if you want to.

When choosing a community, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can only talk about one where you were a leader or contributed to some big project—even as a member of the community you could still play a large role. When you’re thinking about the role you played, ask yourself these four questions:

• What actions do I take?
• Why do I enjoy being in this community?
• How do I impact others in my community?
• What do I learn from being a part of this community?

If you can answer these questions, you can write an essay that is personal and informative. Including self-reflection, especially for the third and fourth question, will demonstrate your critical thinking and maturity to the admissions committee.

Finally, the last part of this essay is being able to look beyond your past experiences in your community and apply them to a broader context. The first way you can go about this is by applying a lesson you learned from being a part of the community that you take with you in all other aspects of your life.

For example, a student might have learned the power of collective action from being a part of the March for Our Lives community, which they have applied to other issues they care deeply about so they can achieve results when everyone bands together.

The other way to broaden the horizons of your essay is to talk about WashU. In fact, even if you go the first route and discuss a lesson you learned, you should still consider bringing WashU in to show how you can apply that lesson on campus.

Maybe your Indian community at home is extremely important to you, so you’re looking forward to joining the Indian dance team on campus to stay connected to that community. Or, perhaps you’re planning to start a fashion entrepreneurship club on campus to create a community that currently doesn’t exist.

By the end of your essay, the admissions committee should know exactly what you value in a community and should be able to imagine you in specific WashU communities. Ending the essay with your community involvement at WashU is a nice way to leave the admissions officers with a positive impression of you as an involved student.

All Applicants, Optional Prompt, Option C

Tell us how your life experiences have impacted the way you view or interact with your community. (250 words).

A quick note: As mentioned before, the recent Supreme Court decision striking down the use of affirmative action in college admissions has caused many colleges to implement open-ended prompts like this that allow you to discuss life experiences. Colleges are still allowed to consider race on an individual basis, so if you feel as though your racial background has impacted you significantly, use this prompt to share that with the admissions committee.

Race is by no means the only way to approach this topic; students with any impactful life experience are welcome to choose this option. You might consider answering this prompt with what you think is the most important part of your identity, then continue with a small discussion about how that aspect of your life is relevant to you and your other general experiences.

Such a response might be written about one of the following scenarios:

• Using your fluency in another language to help members of a specific community.
• Interpreting a text in class differently from your classmates because of your ethnic culture.
• Having a friend of a different background who has changed your perspective on something important.
• Having an illness or disability that helps you view accessibility through a different lens than your peers.
• Being part of a niche interest group/fandom and trying to represent the group faithfully when talking to people who aren’t members of it.

Simply listing things that generate diversity should be avoided. Sure, your identity includes your ethnicity/race, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, and even languages you speak, but writing that laundry list out with no elaboration doesn’t contribute much to your application. Instead, pick one or two aspects of your identity, and elaborate on them using anecdotes about your experiences.

Also, bear in mind that the traditional markers of identity listed about aren’t the only ones you might discuss. There are other aspects of identity that can contribute to the ways in which you might interact with the community around you, including your socioeconomic class, your hometown, any illnesses/disabilities you might have, and even your interests or hobbies.

You are the only person who has lived your own unique life, so strive to convey that through individuality and specificity in your response. This prompt, like all the others, is an opportunity to showcase your unique life perspective. You don’t want to waste this opportunity by writing down some bland dictionary definitions.

Think of what life experiences have been meaningful to you, or what you consider to be a particularly significant aspect of your life. From there, think of personal anecdotes or stories about how these experiences have contributed to your growth or development as a person.

Beyond Boundaries Prompt

The beyond boundaries program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require diverse perspectives and skill sets., what is the big societal issue you would like to tackle who would you need on your team what would you contribute to the team (250 words).

WashU’s Beyond Boundaries program is all about addressing the big issues facing the world and equipping students to be creative, informed problem solvers. Your essay will be an important factor in determining whether or not you are the type of person they are looking for, so your essay needs to emphasize personal qualities like global awareness, problem solving, creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

This prompt follows a pretty typical structure “Global Issues” prompt , but like other WashU prompts, there is an extra focus on teamwork. Not only do you need to demonstrate what problem you want to fix, but you also need to explain who you will work with and how you’ll work together to achieve the solution.

The first step is to choose a societal issue you want to focus on. It can be global, regional, or local. The key is to choose something that you genuinely care about and have some connection to. Don’t pick a topic just because you think it’s what admissions officers want to hear—that almost never goes well for applicants.

Your connection could be related to your lived experiences. For example, a student who lives in a food desert might choose to write about solving food insecurity. Alternatively, you might have exposure to an issue from a class or club. For example, a student who represented China in a Model UN conference learned about the mistreatment of the Uyghur people during their research, and might want to write about developing a solution to that issue.

In your essay, be sure to explain your connection to the issue you chose. This is where you can build credibility and empathy, while really showing the admissions committee your dedication to addressing problems facing the world. When considering explaining your connection, consider the following example students:

The first student writes: “Addressing rising sea levels before it is too late must be the number one priority of our generation.”

The second student writes: “The deafening crash of the waves drowns out the sounds of my childhood. I can’t bear the thought of the pastel blue houses I’ve known all my life being pulled out to sea as nothing more than driftwood when the sea level rises a mere two inches more.”

The second student very clearly has a personal stake in the issue and is passionate about solving it. Like the second student, you should write about an issue you are truly involved in. Strive to convey what solving this important issue would mean to you personally.

Next, you need to describe who will help you achieve your goals and what everyone involved will bring to the table, including yourself. WashU isn’t looking for you to list out a dozen NGOs or broad political structures like the Senate as your answer. Instead, they want to see that you make thoughtful, informed decisions.

Maybe you pick an established organization like the NAACP that shares your mission and could provide you with resources to solve the problem. Or, perhaps you want to create a team of young, like-minded students you will meet in a particular class or club at WashU. Or, maybe there’s a WashU professor who is an expert on the issue you care about that you would love to work with.

The main takeaway is that you should focus on the depth you go into about why you choose a particular group, rather than the breadth of all the stakeholders who will be useful in solving the societal issue. When choosing members for your team, think quality over quantity.

As you discuss what others will contribute, also include what you will bring to the table. What knowledge or skills do you already possess that make you uniquely qualified to address this issue? Similarly, what knowledge and skills will you acquire with a WashU education that will be useful in tackling the issue? Don’t forget to highlight yourself in your essay—after all, you’re trying to convince WashU to admit you , not the other people helping to solve the problem.

Joint Program in Business and Computer Science Prompt

This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skillset. graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few..

For this prompt, you want to convey how you plan to synthesize two different topics into one passion that you possess. The prompt itself lists possible careers and specifically asks “how you would use this combined degree,” so this essay should focus on your future plans and possible careers you are considering.

Since you only have 200 words, don’t spend half the essay discussing your interest in business and the other half discussing your interest in computer science. In fact, the majority of this essay should be about the fusion of the two subjects.

To successfully write this essay, you should include a discussion of what drew you to the intersection of business and technology, what your career plan post-graduation is and why, and what resources or offerings in the program would be helpful to you. Now, let’s run through what should and should not be included in each part of the essay.

What drew you to these topics?

While this shouldn’t be the majority of your essay, it’s important that you address this question to demonstrate your passion for this unique combination of disciplines. A brief anecdote would be good to include at the beginning of your essay.

For example, a student who was so fascinated by trends in the stock market that she generated detailed charts and graphs could discuss how she organized data and analyzed the graphs she made. Or, a student who coded her own app so customers of the bakery she worked for could order ahead might describe the challenges she overcame to make the app.

What do you plan to do?

Answering this question should be the bulk of your essay as admissions officers want to know what creative aspirations you have that other applicants don’t. For this section, you might want to expand on an experience or project you worked on in the past that you want to delve deeper into. If you don’t already have much experience in these two fields, you can go into detail about your aspirations.

For instance, if you want to start your own technology company, you should discuss your inspirations, how you plan to overcome challenges with the knowledge and skills you’ll acquire at WashU, and why these two disciplines are essential to your future goals. The key is to be specific and exciting. WashU is looking to admit students who will be impressive alumni, so show them how you plan to make an impact down the road.

What resources will you use?

Finally you should mention how the goals you want to accomplish will only be possible if you obtain this education from WashU. You could talk about specific classes that pique your interest, professors you want to conduct research with, and extracurricular opportunities that fit your niche.

It’s important that you intertwine the program’s resources with your future plans and interests to actually demonstrate your passion for these topics. You want to convey specific ways in which WashU will provide you with a fulfilling education. You do not want to simply name-drop random professors or classes without establishing a connection, though. Additionally, the resources you discuss should be unique to this specific program at WashU, and not available anywhere else.

Danforth Scholars Program, Prompt 1

Chancellor danforth and mrs. danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. as servant leaders, they demonstrated a true passion and commitment to enhancing the experiences of students, staff, and faculty. in the words of dr. danforth, “the achievement of understanding, mutual trust, and appreciation is not only an end in itself, but it is also the prerequisite for major progress” how have you demonstrated your commitment to servant leadership and improving community please provide 1-2 specific examples. (maximum 250 words).

Apart from Dr. Danforth’s quote, this is a fairly standard instance of the community service essay, so check out CollegeVine’s guide dedicated just to this kind of prompt!

Danforth Scholars Program, Prompt 2

Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. as a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. how will your lived experiences impact the danforth scholars program (maximum 200 words).

Brainstorming Your Topic:

This prompt essentially boils down to its last sentence—how will your lived experiences impact this program? That is a very open-ended question, which you could use as a road into just about any topic. That freedom means that the brainstorming process is crucial to writing a strong response. If you don’t already have a clear sense of what you want to say, your essay may end up all over the place.

One good way to focus your brainstorming is through the prompt’s attention to dialogue. You’re likely going to share anecdotes and advice with your peers at WashU, as you probably already do with your friends and family right now. Questions like the following may help you start figuring out what you want to write about:

• Which stories do you tell most often?
• When you meet someone new, what are some of the first things you usually talk about?
• When you give advice, which experiences do you draw on?
• How have the experiences from the previous question shaped you into who you are today?

Hopefully, thinking through these slightly more targeted questions will give you some ideas about what you might want to include in your essay. You only have 200 words to work with, so you’ll probably have to home in on one experience to use as the foundation for your essay. Once you have an idea of the general structure for your essay, you can then connect bigger picture takeaways to it, which ensures that your essay is cohesive.

One thing you should avoid is rewriting the same essay as the previous prompt. You don’t need to go into another story about your impact on your community here. You have more of a chance to be creative and try to convey a different message from the previous one.

For example, maybe you choose to focus your essay on your tradition of getting an owl-themed trinket anywhere you go on vacation, and how this small, seemingly silly routine has given you something consistent across different periods of your life. Perhaps this consistency is something that grounds you, and you might share this story with your future peers to help them come up with their own ways to order and appreciate the big events in their lives.

Remember, the Danforth Scholars Program , as well as the Ervin Scholars Program and Rodriguez Scholars Program , are centered around the ideas of leadership, community service, and diversity. Try to find a life experience that touches on at least two of those values so you can discuss how you will bring the lesson it taught you to WashU.

Tips for Writing Your Essay:

As noted above, for this prompt, brainstorming is more than half the battle. If you have a clear game plan before you start writing, actually getting the words down will hopefully be more about finding the right phrasing and crafting smooth transitions than actually generating content.

You do want to make sure that, like in any college essay, you’re utilizing the “show, don’t tell” strategy. In other words, rather than telling something to your reader directly, describe a moment or situation that illustrates the point you’re trying to make. To see the benefits of this approach, compare the following two excerpts from hypothetical essays:

Excerpt 1: “For as long as I can remember, I’ve collected owl trinkets on family vacations. In 2009, I got my first one, a ceramic burrowing owl from Tucson, Arizona. The most recent addition to my collection was a dense, bronze owl from Athens, who I was especially excited about since owls are the symbol of Athena, the patron goddess of that city.”

Excerpt 2: “As my family enters the small, dimly lit shop at the end of one of Athens’s many winding streets, my eyes immediately lock onto the shelves upon shelves of owls. Huge, marble ones that cost hundreds of euros, and tiny, wooden ones as spindly as a toothpick. After much deliberation, I select a dense bronze fellow who is barely an inch high. I can already envision how he’ll look on my desk at home, lined up next to all the other owls I’ve collected over the years.”

These two excerpts give us basically the same information, but the first presents it to us in a very dry, factual way. The second, on the other hand, drops us right next to the writer as they pick out their latest owl, and includes vivid descriptions that make this excerpt much more engaging to read.

Since you only have 200 words at your disposal, you should keep your stylistic flourishes limited, but don’t feel like you can’t use them at all. That being said, in your early drafts, don’t focus on this kind of finer detail. Make sure you have a personal, informative, cohesive essay first, then take the time to add the cherries on top later.

To connect your experience and its lesson to the program, visit the program’s web page and do a little research on the values it holds in high regard. Since each of the three scholarship programs offers this as their second prompt, all three program web pages are linked above, just before this tips section.

Mistakes to Avoid:

As we hinted at in the brainstorming section above, the biggest potential pitfall with this essay is that—because of the open-ended, narrative nature of this essay—you may end up adrift, without any clear focus point to anchor you. To avoid that happening, don’t just rattle off a bunch of vague, Hallmark card lessons. Instead, follow the strategies laid out in the previous two sections to ensure that the points you make are clearly connected to your own personal experiences.

The other thing you want to be sure to avoid is repeating information that can already be found elsewhere in your application, namely in your Common App essay. If you already wrote about your owl collection there, you want to pick something else to focus on here. You only get so many opportunities to share your personality with Princeton’s admissions officers, so don’t waste one by telling them things they already know.

Ervin Scholars Program, Prompt 1

Dr. john b. ervin was a nationally renowned black educator and the first african american dean at washington university in st. louis. the ervin scholars program was founded on and continues to live out his legacy and the legacy that scholars have built over 35 years. reflecting on his biography and the history and legacy of the ervin scholars program, how have you taken action to champion diversity in your own life please provide 1-2 specific examples. (maximum 250 words).

At its core, this is a standard diversity prompt . Be sure to check out our linked post for all the tips and examples you need to write a successful essay! That being said, there are a couple of things to note:

First and foremost, you should note that earlier this year, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is definitely the place to discuss that.

Second, a typical diversity prompt generally asks about your background, life experiences, or identity, and how these things have shaped you into the person you are now. This prompt is a little bit different in that it’s asking how you’ve “taken action to champion diversity in your own life.”

The act of championing diversity can take many forms. Perhaps you’ve led a march for gender equality after a major institutional injustice occurred, or maybe you do something on a much smaller scale, like teaching kids in your neighborhood your native language. However you support and advocate for diversity is fair game for this prompt.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—after all, diversity encompasses many things. You might think of a more traditional aspect of identity, such as ethnicity/race, country of origin, first language, gender identity, or sexual orientation. But diversity also includes things like your hometown community, socioeconomic status/income class, illnesses/disabilities, and even interests or hobbies!

Ervin Scholars Program, Prompt 2

Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. as a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. how will your lived experiences impact the ervin scholars program (maximum 200 words).

Like the Danforth Scholars Program’s second prompt, this is a great example of the classic “Community” essay !

Rodriguez Scholars Program, Prompt 1

Annika lynn rodriguez was born and raised in puerto rico prior to attending washington university. she received a bachelor of science in business administration degree from washu’s olin school of business in 1996, majoring in international business. while a student, she championed awareness for students of all backgrounds, including starting washu’s first latin american awareness week. she joined the peace corps after graduation and was sent to honduras to support and engage with communities in need. tragically, she was killed in a flash flood while serving. in remembering her, a friend said, “annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.” reflecting on annika rodriguez’ history and legacy, how have you demonstrated your commitment to serving others and championing cultural awareness and understanding please provide 1-2 specific examples. (maximum 250 words).

Looking through the lens of Annika Rodriguez’s enduring legacy at WashU, this prompt asks you how you’ve demonstrated your commitment to two things—serving others and championing cultural awareness and understanding. In order to successfully address both parts of the prompt, you’ll want to incorporate elements of both the community service essay and the diversity essay .

The most effective response to this prompt should reflect on your community service experiences from the perspective of cultural awareness. If you volunteer at a local cultural center—like one that practices and preserves traditional Indian dances, or one that teaches children about traditional Mexican holidays and cultural practices, for example—this is the perfect place to write about that.

Even if you don’t have a service experience that is directly tied to cultural awareness, you can respond to this prompt. For example, you might tutor someone in another language, or perhaps you volunteer at a nursing home and teach the residents a card game from your hometown. Remember, the idea of “cultural awareness” encompasses many things that can be used to respond to this prompt—even something as simple as spreading a tradition that began in your city.

Rodriguez Scholars Program, Prompt 2

Our lived experiences shape our worldly perspectives. as a community, we aim to learn from one another through attentive listening and meaningful dialogue. how will your lived experiences impact the rodriguez scholars program (maximum 200 words).

This prompt is identical to the Ervin Scholars Program’s Prompt 2, apart from the name of the program, so you’ll once again want to tackle this as a traditional “Community” essay !

Where to Get Your WashU Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your WashU essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Questions ‘seemingly cater to those from highly privileged backgrounds,’ students say

Harvard University’s new application essay requirements, including a 200-word limit, put racial minorities at a disadvantage, the editors of its student newspaper wrote this week.

In an editorial Tuesday, The Harvard Crimson student editorial board said the new short-essay questions “seemingly cater to those from highly privileged backgrounds.”

“Our foremost concern: How can students reasonably condense discussions about formative life experiences and their identities into 200 words or less?” the student editors wrote.

Harvard revamped its admissions process after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that its race-based admission practices were unconstitutional.

Among the changes were its essay requirements. The Ivy League school used to allow student applicants to choose from a series of questions and write one long, open-ended essay and two shorter optional essays, according to The Crimson .

Now, the application requires students to write five short essays within a 200-word limit in response to “new mandatory prompts,” the student editors wrote.

These requirements hurt “marginalized” students, forcing them to answer questions that may “not be relevant to their background,” they continued.

“Learning to package yourself within a shorter amount of space is a product of advanced education; longer essays more equitably allow applicants to discuss their experiences in full, particularly if they are from non-traditional backgrounds and require more space to elaborate on nuanced qualifications,” the editorial board wrote.

As an example, they quoted one essay prompt: “Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you.”

The Crimson student journalists said the question provides an unfair advantage to students who had better academic opportunities in high school because of their “well-resourced backgrounds.”

However, some scholars have expressed the opposite concern, saying Harvard admissions staff may use the essays to skirt the Supreme Court ruling.

They pointed to a June 29 memo from Harvard President Lawrence Bacow that quotes a line in the ruling saying colleges and universities may consider “an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.”

But the  Crimson student editors said the new essay questions are unfair and could result in less diversity on campus.

“While Harvard’s new prompts signify a notable effort to meet the moment, we have misgivings about the ability of these new questions to thoroughly capture the diverse array of student experiences,” they wrote.

The editorial urged Harvard to take steps to ensure the “student body remains diverse” and underprivileged students have the opportunity to attend.

“As the Class of 2028 gets to writing, we mourn the loss of Harvard’s old application. However, the focus on retaining a diverse student body in the questions Harvard asks its applicants is a welcome supplement,” they wrote.

          MORE: Harvard loses $15 million in affirmative action legal fees in appeal

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Harvard Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Harvard supplemental essays 2023-2024.

If you’re applying to Harvard , you might be wondering how to approach the Harvard supplemental essays. Harvard is one of the most prestigious schools in the United States and the world, and as such is ultra-competitive. As an applicant, you’ll want to take every opportunity to distinguish yourself, starting with the Harvard essay prompts. This may feel daunting, but writing stellar Harvard application essays is guaranteed to make your application shine.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing your Harvard supplemental essays. This includes understanding the Harvard essay requirements and showing you where to find Harvard essay examples. We’ll also go over general Harvard application requirements that you should know, including the Harvard acceptance rate and application deadline.

Want some advice on how to get into Harvard? You’ve come to the right place. Now, let’s go over some quick facts about the Harvard supplemental essays. 

Harvard Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Harvard university essay quick facts.

• Harvard acceptance rate: 4% – U.S. News rates Harvard a highly competitive school.
• 5 short-answer questions (200-word limit)
• Restrictive Early Action: November 1st 
• Regular Decision: January 1st 
• Harvard application note: The Harvard supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle have changed from past years. All five Harvard supplemental essays are required for all applicants.
• #1 Harvard Essay Tip: Your essays are your opportunity to show Harvard how you’ve interacted with the world. This includes how your experiences have shaped you into who you are and the kind of impact you hope to make.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Now that you know the basics about the Harvard application, let’s dive into more information about the Harvard supplemental essays. 

What are the Harvard Essay Prompts?

The Harvard essay prompts for the 2023-2024 have changed dramatically from past years. Previously , Harvard only required a short extracurricular essay. Students then had the opportunity to write an additional essay, choosing between a few Harvard application essay questions. These included topics such as how you hope to use your college education and unusual circumstances in your life.

Now the Harvard supplemental essays are different. According to the latest information for first-year applicants, Harvard requires 5 short-answer essays of 200 words or less. 

Here are the Harvard essay prompts for this year :

Harvard University Essay Prompts

1. harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. how will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to harvard, 2. briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you. , 3. briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are., 4. how do you hope to use your harvard education in the future, 5. top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. .

If you’ve read the Harvard supplemental essay prompts for their optional essay in years past, these questions may look familiar. Before, students might write one long Harvard application essay that only touched on one of these questions. Now, Harvard is requiring their applicants to succinctly respond to multiple prompts. 

You might find writing multiple Harvard application essays is more intimidating than writing just one. And that’s okay! Even though this is the first year the Harvard supplemental essays are structured this way, these prompts are nothing new. We’ve still got all the information you need to successfully tackle the Harvard supplemental essays..

But before we dive into the Harvard supplemental essay prompts, let’s first talk about your Harvard personal statement. 

Harvard Personal Statement

When you apply to Harvard, your Harvard application must include a personal statement. Both the Common App and Coalition App require you to write a personal statement, choosing from a selection of prompts. This essay is also what the Harvard admissions committee considers your Harvard personal statement. Unlike your Harvard supplemental essays, your personal statement is not school-specific. That means it can be submitted to any school you are applying to.

The 2023-24 Common App prompts are broad, and intentionally so! The prompts are meant to give students the space and opportunity to write about something they care about.

You can write about:

• Your background
• A lesson you have learned
• A time that you challenged a belief
• Something you’re grateful for
• An accomplishment, a topic that fascinates you
• Any topic of your choosing!

Harvard encourages students to write about something they’re passionate about, not something they think would impress the Harvard admissions committee. According to this list of tips about the Harvard personal statement, “The point of the personal statement is for you to have the chance to share whatever you would like with us. Remember, your topic does not have to be exotic to be compelling.”

Whatever you write your personal statement about, it should stand apart from your Harvard supplemental essays. Each one of your Harvard application essays should tell the Harvard admissions committee something new about you. Or, it should elaborate and build upon something that you haven’t had enough time to discuss elsewhere in your application. 

What should I write my Harvard essay about?

There is no one perfect essay topic that will automatically earn you admission to Harvard. The best Harvard supplemental essays will communicate something unique about you, giving the admissions committee a window into who you are. 

One way to come up with ideas for your Harvard supplemental essays is to read successful application essays! In this list of Ivy League essays that worked, you’ll see essays about everything. From AP Biology to Adventure Time to a family member’s hospitalization for schizophrenia. The quality of your writing, and whether the topic is important to you, is more important than the topic itself. 

Harvard personal statement examples

In this guide to past Harvard personal statement examples, you can read essays from previous years. These essays answered many of the same questions Harvard asks today—except using far more words. Not all of these Harvard personal statement examples align with the current Harvard prompts, but they’re still examples of great writing.

Additionally, these Harvard personal statement examples still show the diversity of topics, as well as styles, that Harvard looks for. Though the Harvard essay requirements are different this year, there are many overlapping topics covered in the Harvard personal statement examples. 

Choosing a topic

If you’re still stuck coming up with a topic for your Harvard application essay questions, try a brainstorm! Brainstorming or free writing about the different short answer questions is a great way to generate potential essay ideas.

Strong essays often focus around moments of change or personal growth. Think about an experience you grew from, or maybe one that demonstrates your values and what matters to you. You can also look to your application for inspiration. What aspects of who you are do you feel like your extracurriculars, grades, or potentially test scores leave out? 

Harvard Short Answer Questions

In the next sections, we’ll go over each of the Harvard supplemental essays individually. For each of the Harvard essay prompts, we’ll discuss what the prompt is asking for and how you might approach it. And we’ll give you tips on what to include in your Harvard supplemental essays to make them stand out. 

This year, the Harvard supplemental essays consist of 5 separate short-answer questions. The Harvard supplemental essays are called “short-answer” because of the word limit. You only have 200 words to provide a strong, detailed, and specific answer to the Harvard essay prompts. Limiting your Harvard supplemental essays to only 200 words can be tricky. So, it’s important you choose your topic wisely, consider the important details, and make every word count.

You can look up the Harvard supplemental essays with the Common App’s search tool . By searching for Harvard, or any other college, you can go over their school-specific writing requirements for that college. On Harvard’s website you can find guidelines for your Harvard application, including requirements for the Harvard supplemental essays. 

Now, let’s go over each of the Harvard essay prompts in more detail.

Harvard Essay #1 – Contributing to Harvard

The first of the Harvard supplemental essays is about contributing to Harvard.

Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

This question is a bit misleading. Although it’s phrased as a single sentence, there are really two parts to this prompt. What in your life has shaped you into the person you are today? Then, how does that affect what you’ll contribute to Harvard’s community? 

For the first of your Harvard supplemental essays, think about what “diversity” means to you. Maybe it’s where you grew up, your race, your gender or sexuality. Or maybe you’ve had a unique upbringing that falls outside of those identity categories. Once you have identified the piece of your upbringing you would like to share, think about how it’s shaped you. What value has that brought into your life, and how can that part of you enrich Harvard’s community? 

For example, maybe you went to school in a really homogeneous suburb. Think of a place where everyone was the same race and from the same socioeconomic class. Once you recognized that, you tried to do everything you could to learn about different perspectives. Maybe you volunteered outside your community to try and understand the experiences of people outside of that bubble. This intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness is a product of your upbringing that impacts how you’d interact with others at Harvard.

Harvard Short Essay #2 – Intellectual Experience

For the second of your Harvard supplemental essays, you’re asked to focus on the intellectual.

Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you. 

This Harvard application essay should speak to your academic interests and your intended concentration— Harvard’s version of a major . Even if you don’t know what you want to concentrate in, that’s okay! You don’t have to worry about your Harvard supplemental essays defining what you will eventually go on to study. All you need to do is focus on a moment in your education, or in your life, that stimulated you intellectually.

Each of the Harvard supplemental essays are trying to learn something specific about you. In this one, Harvard is trying to see if you are intellectually curious and passionate about learning. As a prestigious university, Harvard puts a huge value on its students having a desire to learn. If you are applying to Harvard, this should be a pretty easy question to answer! 

If something doesn’t immediately come to mind, try asking yourself these questions. What moment made you love English, or Math, or Science? Was it inside or outside of the classroom? Was it a political debate, or a conversation with a family member? An essay topic you didn’t expect to enjoy but ended up adoring? As long as you explain an intellectual passion, there’s no wrong answer.

Harvard Essay Prompt #3 – Extracurricular Activities Essay

If the first two Harvard supplemental essays focused on identity and curiosity, you can think of the third as focusing on action. The next of our Harvard supplemental essays centers around the things you do outside of the classroom. 

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

You may have already gone into detail about one of your extracurricular activities or other experiences in your Common App. If so, you should consider selecting a different one to speak about here. Having all of these individual Harvard supplemental essays allows you to share so many facets of who you are. Don’t limit yourself by describing the same thing multiple times!

This question is very open-ended. Since you only have 200 words, focus on answering this question succinctly and honestly. Don’t overthink it — simply pick one of these experiences and describe how it has shaped who you are. 

You could talk about grocery shopping with your mom, working at a summer camp, or being the captain of the swim team. What matters most is that you pick an experience that really impacted you. This could be something that inspired a change in your perspective, or helped you develop a new skill. The most important part of question 3 of your Harvard supplemental essays is not which activity you pick. It’s in showing how it has shaped you. 

Harvard Essay #4 – Education and the future

For #4 of your Harvard supplemental essays, Harvard tasks you with envisioning your future. 

How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?

A Harvard education can get you a lot of places. Harvard knows that it’s a renowned institution—there’s a reason that the Harvard acceptance rate is so low. However, you don’t need to inflate its ego by discussing Harvard’s prestige. Instead, think about how a Harvard education will prepare you to make a positive impact in the world.

Also be wary of writing your Harvard supplemental essays in a way that inflates your own ego. Don’t just say you think you’ll be the next Elon Musk or the President of the U.S. Focus less on who you’ll be and more on what you’ll do. Think about what technology you could create to make peoples’ lives easier or policies you could enact to reduce poverty. Many Harvard students go on to achieve amazing things. However, make sure you’re focused on why those things are important and not the achievement itself.

You can also use the 4th of your Harvard supplemental essays to sneak in some “why Harvard” details. Consider mentioning a specific Harvard class or professor that you wish to study under. Maybe five years after graduating, you want to be writing a book with Professor X. And five years after that, you want to be teaching at Harvard on the same topic. 

Harvard Essay #5 – Roommate Essay

This final question for the Harvard supplemental essays gives you an opportunity to chat with an imaginary future roommate. 

Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

In the last of your Harvard supplemental essays, you can get a little creative. Since this question gives you complete freedom over what you include, it can be helpful to save it for last. Then you can look back at your other Harvard supplemental essays and brainstorm what the admissions committee hasn’t heard yet. If you could only describe three things about yourself, in 200 words, what would you say?

Since you’re hypothetically talking to a roommate, don’t be afraid to be more joking or casual—let your personality shine through! But, keep in mind that an admissions officer will still be reading your essay. So long as you’re being appropriate and true to yourself, you get to decide what to share and how to share it!

That being said, don’t mention only things that are superficial. Remember, this is still part of your application, and your reader is deciding whether you belong at Harvard. “I leave my clothes all over my bedroom floor, but I promise to never leave them in the common room,” may be the truth. However, opt for the personal over the mundane! What do you geek out about? How do you like to spend your free time? What Harvard experiences are you most looking forward to?

How to write the Harvard supplemental essays

So, we’ve gone over the individual Harvard application essays. Now let’s talk about some general tips that you could use to answer any of the Harvard essays.

Be specific

Whether you’re writing about your extracurriculars, your upbringing, or Harvard itself, be specific. Generalizations can feel like they let you say more in fewer words. But, they don’t say as much about who you are or your experiences.

Instead of saying “I’ve always been passionate about history,” get specific! There are lots of people who like history—what exactly about history interests you? A specific time period? A social movement? Is it something about the discipline itself? Did you always feel this way about this subject? The more specific you are, the more the Harvard Admissions team can learn from your Harvard supplemental essays. 

This tip also applies to when you’re talking about Harvard. At some point in your Harvard application essays, you’ll want to mention something about why you want to attend Harvard. There are a whopping five Harvard essay prompts, after all! Avoid the obvious, like that Harvard has good academics and is prestigious. Be specific — you can list clubs, professors, majors like Sociology or Economics , or anything else that’s specific to the school. This shows that you’ve done your research and you want to come for a reason, not just the Harvard degree. 

Be yourself

At the end of the day, your Harvard application essays are for Admissions to get to know you better. The more introspective you can be before writing them, the more you can use the essays to demonstrate your values. Since the Harvard acceptance rate is so low, you’re competing against many incredibly qualified applicants. Sure, you might have stellar grades—but so does the average Harvard applicant. Your answers to the Harvard essay prompts are a way to set yourself apart. And the best way to do that is by being yourself. 

When you’re writing your Harvard application essays, it can feel intimidating to try and be “unique.” It can feel like you’ve never had a truly unique experience. But no one is exactly like you, so the more true to yourself you can be, the better! In your Harvard application essays, you don’t need to perform anything that you think Harvard wants to hear. Just be honest and speak about yourself and your experiences.

Show, don’t tell

This tip on perfecting your Harvard application essays is a classic: show, don’t tell. Instead of simply stating the facts or your feelings, you put the reader into the experience using dialogue, imagery, and storytelling. 

For example, you might start your Harvard application essay by saying, “I was the most excited I had ever been.” Instead, could you describe how that excitement felt? Were your palms sweaty? Was your heart racing? Paint the reader a picture so they can imagine what it must have felt like to be there with you.

We know you do only have 200 words for these Harvard essay prompts. However, that leaves more than enough room for an evocative anecdote. Many students place this type of anecdote at the beginning of their Harvard application essays as a “hook.” A hook is something that grabs the reader’s attention, and pulls them into the essay. It makes them want to keep reading. Since the admissions committee will be reading so many essays, using a hook like this can make your essay stand out.

Grammar and spelling

It’s not super exciting, but it is non-negotiable: your Harvard application essays must have perfect grammar and spelling. The Harvard acceptance rate is 4%. You don’t want to let a typo or a run-on sentence be the distinguishing factor between you and another applicant. 

Use spell check, use an online grammar checker, or give your Harvard application essay to a parent or friend. Reading the essay out loud is also a great way to catch typos and grammatical errors. If something sounds wrong when it’s read out loud, you know that you have to go in and fix it. Reading out loud also forces you to look at each word. So, it’s less likely that a copy-paste error like having two “and’s” in a row would slip by. 

Get creative

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your Harvard application essays! The Harvard essay prompts might seem pretty straightforward. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take them in a more fun direction. 

One way to stand out is to get a little creative. Sure, there’s probably such a thing as being too creative. You don’t want to be so quirky that you forget to answer the question, or come off smug. But adding a little natural humor or excitement into your essays is a totally acceptable way to get the admissions committee’s attention. 

If after reading these tips you’re still in doubt, consider reading some Harvard personal statement examples. Keep in mind our Harvard personal statement examples are from before changes were made to the Harvard essay requirements. However, they cover many similar topics as the current Harvard essays. Even though the Harvard essay prompts aren’t exactly the same, and the word count is certainly different, they’re still valuable. Our Harvard personal statement examples can show you how many different ways there are to answer the same questions. And how to write an essay that stands out. 

Does Harvard like risky essays?

Judging from personal experience, yes! When I wrote my Harvard application essay in 2015, they were still asking for the optional extended personal essay. I chose to answer the prompt that asks what your roommate should know about you—similar to the current prompt. 

Instead of writing an essay, I wrote a play/screenplay where I meet my roommate for the first time. It was formatted like a play, with dialogue and stage directions, and set in the Harvard dorms. I researched specific things about Harvard and Harvard Square, and incorporated different places in the dialogue to make it feel more specific. I also shared a lot about myself: my values, quirks, extracurriculars, and more. And I guess they liked it, since I was admitted in the class of 2020!

In general, Harvard is looking for students who aren’t afraid to stand out. This includes students who are intellectually curious and passionate about what they believe in. It might feel harder to get creative in only 200 words. But, since you have five questions, you can always pick one of them and take a risk! Write a poem, use a quote or song lyrics, write with a specific audience in mind. As long as you’re using correct spelling and grammar, and you’re answering the question, the world is your oyster!

What does Harvard look for in applicants?

So what does Harvard look for in applicants? If you want to know how to get into Harvard, you’ll need some idea of what Harvard is looking for. 

First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re answering all of the Harvard essay prompts. And, be sure you’ve fulfilled all of the Harvard application requirements. That means:

• Including your Harvard personal statement
• Answering the Harvard application essay questions
• Meeting all of the Harvard essay requirements
• Submitting all of the required materials.

You also need to carefully observe the Harvard application deadlines, and pick which deadline works best for you. 

Outside of these Harvard application requirements, what else do you need to think about to know how to get into Harvard? Start by thinking about why you want to go to Harvard. It can seem like a simple question, but why Harvard specifically? Why are you a good fit? Why would you excel there? And why do you need to be there, specifically, to reach your highest potential?

Looking for more concrete answers to how to get into Harvard? On Harvard’s website, they provide admissions criteria . Stellar academics are understandably important, but Harvard also considers factors like leadership, character, and community involvement. One way to show Harvard that you embody these factors is through your answers to the Harvard application essay questions. 

When is my Harvard application due?

There are two Harvard application deadlines. Regardless of which deadline you choose to submit by, you’ll need to submit a complete application. This includes:

• Your answers to the Harvard application essay questions
• Your (optional) SAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Extracurricular list
• Any other Harvard essay requirements or supplements

One Harvard application deadline is Restrictive Early Action, and the other Harvard application deadline is Regular Decision.

Harvard Restrictive Early Action

The Harvard application deadline for Restrictive Early Action is November 1 . Restrive Early Action means that you can only submit your application early to one institution. Unlike Early Decision, it’s not a binding acceptance. So if you get into Harvard early, you can still apply to other schools Regular Decision. 

You should only apply to Harvard early if you’re confident that you’ve satisfied the Harvard essay requirements. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve answered all of the Harvard application essay questions to the best of your ability. When writing your answers to the Harvard supplemental essays, give yourself enough time to draft and brainstorm. Don’t write your answers the night before the deadline. If you haven’t filled the Harvard essay requirements or answered the Harvard application essay questions, don’t rush! Rather than hurry to submit Early Action, give yourself until the Regular Decision deadline.

Harvard Regular Decision

The Regular Decision deadline is January 1 . This gives you plenty of time to fulfill the Harvard essay requirements, including answers to all five Harvard essay prompts.  This might make for a busy Winter Break, but it’s worth it to make sure that you’ve confidently satisfied all of the Harvard application requirements. 

Additional Harvard Resources from CollegeAdvisor

Hopefully by this point you’re feeling more confident about answering the Harvard essay prompts. Although the Harvard application essay questions are different this cycle, you’ve still got plenty of resources to depend on. 

If you’re still looking for advice on how to get into Harvard, check out our guide that covers every step of the Harvard admissions process. We also have webinars like this one where you can hear from Harvard students about their college journeys. 

Don’t forget that if you’re still struggling with answering the Harvard essay questions, you can read these Harvard essay examples: Harvard personal statement examples from years past. Even though these Harvard essay examples are a little out of date, Harvard personal statement examples can give you a feeling for what kind of essay Harvard is looking for—regardless of the Harvard application essay questions. 

Harvard Essays – Takeaways

Now that you’ve reached the end of our guide to the Harvard supplemental essays, you’re ready to write your own. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind: 

Harvard University Essay Key Takeaways

• The Harvard application essay questions are different this year. Be sure to check Harvard’s website for the most up to date Harvard application requirements. 
• This year, there are 5 Harvard supplemental essays. Each essay has a word limit of 200 words. 
• When writing your essays: Be specific. Be true to yourself. Show and not tell. Always check your spelling and grammar. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
• Be mindful of the two Harvard deadlines: November 1st (Restrictive Early Action) and January 1st (Regular Decision).
• Wherever you are in your college journey, CollegeAdvisor is here to support you. From guides to Harvard’s extracurriculars , to Harvard personal statement examples and what to expect after you apply, we’ve got you covered. Even though the Harvard personal statement examples aren’t answering the same prompts as this year, they can still be educational. Give them a read and see for yourself! 

Thanks for reading our guide to Harvard’s supplemental essays—now go forth and write!

This essay guide was written by advisor, Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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