American University

Imagine that you are the editor of a major national news magazine. Write the cover story you would choose for the issue that would be on the newsstands January 1, 2025. At the turn of the twenty-first century, the United Nations committed to eradicating poverty by the year 2025. Many foreign nations were skeptical at … Read more The Face of Poverty

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. “Entonces, Max, ¿dime porque has venido a España?” I stared blankly at my host Dad while trying to catch a glimpse of how … Read more Familiarity

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. The thought that nearly eight hours later we would be dragging a canoe through a swamp in the dark never crossed anyone’s mind as we began to film. Clad in American Revolution-era attire, my friends … Read more Life in a Canoe

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. Every time I strap on a guitar, a joyous juxtaposition of feeling washes over me. Sweet harmony glides on a smooth, still surface … Read more Outlets of Sound

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 more My life defining moment

The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? I have never loved math—in fact, it’s always been my least favorite subject. I spent years attempting to keep up with … Read more The 72 Point Trophy

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 more The Dojo-Kun

The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? I have no idea why freshman me signed up for debate. However, I marked a check next to “DEBATE1” on my … Read more Debating My Way to Certainty

Common application question: write about an experience that had an impact on you / topic of your choice. It was hours before dawn when I awoke, but I was not tired. There was an almost palpable sense of apprehension and excitement spreading throughout the country, and I felt a wave of it hit me as … Read more Election

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised] My grandma thought I was going to die. By studying abroad in France, away from her care, I learned that I must be the one to make the most out of an experience, … Read more ‘Ohana