American University

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? “Wissen Sie, wo die Stadtamhof Haltestelle ist?” (Do you know where the Stadamhof Station is?). The German man directed his question to me, but before I had the chance to respond, my sister interjected, … Read moreThe Segway to Self-Identity

Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today. Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today.In a navy blue Volvo station wagon my entire childhood evolved. Inside, memories rested alongside the hardened French fries and squashed fruit snacks that lined the plastic leather interior.Growing up … Read moreA Newfound Nostalgia

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. I remember when the flowers stopped blooming. All throughout my childhood there was always one thing that would instantly make me … Read moreThe Backyard

Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today. Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today.In a navy blue Volvo station wagon my entire childhood evolved. Inside, memories rested alongside the hardened French fries and squashed fruit snacks that lined the plastic leather interior.Growing up … Read moreA Newfound Nostalgia

Personal Statement My mother was diagnosed with cancer. It all started in April of my sophomore year when she complained of exhaustion, nausea, a back ache, and bad breath. I remember the day perfectly. It was Easter morning and my mom was scheduled for a procedure to examine what was predicted to be a blockage … Read moreMy life defining moment

Please write a personal statement. Please write a personal statement.The day Kurt Vonnegut died my friend Becca called me crying. “So it goes,” I said, and we chuckled in spite of our sadness. We had become devotees of Vonnegut since our introduction to Cat’s Cradle two years ago, and had long talked about holding an … Read moreNice, Nice, Very Nice

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Smack! Within a fraction of a second, my life was changed forever. A homemade slingshot snapped and launched a funnel and water balloon at an unimaginable speed directly into my left ear. Once I’d been … Read moreLife Changing Experience

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Smack! Within a fraction of a second, my life was changed forever. A homemade slingshot snapped and launched a funnel and water balloon at an unimaginable speed directly into my left ear. Once I’d been … Read moreLife Changing Experience

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. Darkness permeates the early hours of a weekday morning as sleep wraps a blanket around New York City. The beaming moonlight … Read moreTwo and a Half Rotations

Topic of your choice (Common App essay) “Repeat Dojo-kun. Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior,” I call out. To my left, the line of kneeling students repeats my words. “Sensei-ni, rei,” I call to the line, and we bow to our teacher. He bows to us, dismisses the … Read moreThe Dojo-Kun