oregon state application essay prompts

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This section of tools provides writers with some information and support in writing and revising materials such as application essays for graduate school, cover letters, resumes and CVs, scholarship essays, and more. 

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How to Make Your Admission Essay Memorable

• Post author By Ahmed Mohamed
• Post date November 2, 2023

Most learning institutions analyze high school grades, ACT and SAT scores, and extracurricular activities when assessing student’s admission credentials. However, recent admission committees are adopting the ‘test-blind’ to add more weight to the application process.

What does this mean for applicants? It means you must dig deeper into your writing skills to bring out an authentic and well-thought-out essay.  

The admission committee sorts through thousands of applications. Hence, standing out from the rest and leaving an impression takes effort. There’s much more to reveal to the admission committee than your test scores.

This post underlines the importance of crafting a stellar admission essay that evokes emotions for your audience.

What Is Important?

Part of your college application process involves delivering an essay that describes your persona. It is an opportunity for any applicant to showcase a different side to themselves far from their GPAs and test scores.

It gives the admission committee a glimpse into the applicant’s aspirations, objectives, and goals. An applicant must showcase their fortitude towards undertaking the applied course for study.

The content depends on the question posed by the admission committee. Most prompts involve divulging information about one’s past experiences. What drives you? What do you hope to achieve? Why choose this specific school?

These are some important questions an applicant must answer to the admission committee. Also, the admission committee likes it when applicants actively participate in the community. Remember to mention your work at the children’s home or community shelter for bonus points.

Professional Strategies to Employ

The high level of competition for application spots at the institution makes the writing process nervy. Here are professional tips from experts to carve a name for yourself with the admission committee:

1. Authenticity

Generic responses often bore the admission committee. They need something new and exciting that reflects their true self. Inauthenticity could be using overly flowery language with fluff that irritates your audience.

Choose an interesting subject about your life and naturally bring out experiences and how they shaped your current self. Ensure to highlight pan points that showcase your strengths and be vulnerable to note your weaknesses.

2. Attention-Grabbing Statements

The admission committee is probably accustomed to reading similar essays from other applicants. Take time to grab their attention within the first few sentences. Start with a bold statement or a quote that invokes curiosity.

Start with a clear and precise thesis statement that guides the rest of the essay. For storytelling purposes, start with an intro that naturally flows with the main agenda behind the writing.

Stay calm while trying to grab the attention. Could you keep it simple but unique? A good and solid introductory part will entice the reader to finish the rest of the document.

3. Be Unique

Imagine a thousand applicants thinking similarly about how to approach this essay. It means a thousand applications with similarities. It means your chances of acceptance get lower than expected.

Rather, try a unique approach to answering prompts. Adopt a new perspective on how to view the assignment on hand. Most applicants will choose to glorify their past life experiences and how they molded them. What about speaking about your losses and how they changed you?

The element of surprise is a rare talent most writers don’t possess. You can buy research papers online to find unique ways top writers like J.K Rowling, Leo Tolstoy, and Neil Gaiman brought out the element of surprise when reading a piece.

4. Avoid Common Themes and Topics

Over the years, most applicants have eaten into similar topics to get into the good books of the admission committee. Some exhausted topics and themes overly used include sports, immigration, obstacles/success, and volunteer stories.

It’s about more than avoiding these themes while writing completely. Moreover, it’s about avoiding the same trajectory used in these themes to drive home the message.

For example, facing life challenges such as poverty at a young age and growing up intending to change the scenario seems a sad topic. However, it’s a rerun strategy most applicants employ many times.  

5. Keep the Reader in Mind

Often, we get so engrossed with our writing that we need to remember our intended audience. Picture an admission board seated on a panel sorting through thousands of applications with tight deadlines. Picture the pressure they face turning down prospective applicants based on their writing.

It gives you an in-depth look at the intense vetting process the board goes through. Hence, make it easy for the board by ticking all the expected boxes within the application. Answer the prompt correctly, and edit for any grammatical or spelling errors.

Literary Devices to Add to Your Document

One new technique to freshen up your document is the addition of literary devices. Literary devices attract your readers and catch their attention. Here are some popular literary devices to include in your essay:

1. Symbolism

Symbolism is the usage of abstract concepts or objects to represent ideas. Adopt symbolism in your essay to represent the essay’s main theme. These symbols help in conveying your main message to your readers.

2. Flashback

Flashbacks are essential in transporting your reader from the present mode to past events. It helps the admission committee better understand yourself and your current personality. It helps them gauge your personal goals, motives, and objectives.

3. Dialogue

Incorporating dialogue into your essay creates a sense of suspense while transporting your main message within the essay. Adopt the technique strategically and avoid coming off redundant. Make it precise and ensure it fits the context within the application process.

Quotes are essential to catch your readers’ attention, especially during the introductory sentences. Use famous quotes from important people in your life. It can be idols, family, or friends. Make it powerful, original, and blend with the context of the document. However, avoid going overboard with overquoting.

Key Giveaway

The fear of failure often limits our creativity. Therefore, don’t think about the possible outcomes after sending your application. Countercheck each parameter and ensure you put your best foot forward. Other opportunities are available, which should encourage you to try again. 

How to write a college or scholarship essay

Use these tips to write a successful essay. Practice with sample prompts or one from your applications.

Some college and scholarship applications require written responses to a specific question. These may range from a short paragraph to a longer essay.

Follow directions

This simple tip is the most important one—pay attention to what is asked. Answer the question, keep within page or word limits, and follow any special formatting requests.

Write your best

For most applications, you will only be submitting one or two written pieces. The people who read your applications assume that what they see is the best you can do. It’s your job to make sure you prove them right! Your essays should be examples of your best writing.

This is good practice no matter what you’re writing, but you’ll want to make sure you proofread these essays extra carefully. Better yet, have a friend or trusted adult proofread for you, too. You’d be surprised at the number of applicants who write that they really want to go to Oregon State University on their application to Linfield University! Thorough proofreading can prevent these simple mistakes.

Be yourself

Essays are an opportunity for admissions and scholarship committees to learn about you and your experiences that aren’t captured by your GPA or test scores. Use your essay to show them what’s important to you and to let your personality shine through. A note of caution: funny essays can be great to read, but if no one’s ever told you you’re funny, this isn’t the time to try.

Remember you have an audience

Most of the time you won’t meet the person who is reading your application, so it can feel like you don’t have an audience. It’s important to remember that you do. Keep in mind that you don’t know the politics, religion, or personal beliefs of the person who is reading your application. Choose a topic that matter to you, but be careful not to offend.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

There’s no question that writing essays can be time consuming. Reduce the amount of time you spend by reusing your work when possible. Many prompts are only slightly different from one another. With some careful editing (and proofreading!), you should be able to recycle an essay for one application into a usable essay for another.

Sample essay prompts from Oregon colleges

Common Application

A standard application used by 10+ colleges in Oregon as well as more than 900 colleges around the U.S. so you can apply to multiple schools with just one application. Some colleges may have additional essay questions.

Choose one of the prompts to write an essay of between 250–650 words.

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• 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.

Other college applications

Many colleges ask additional essay questions. Often the admissions committee is looking to see you understand how the college would be a good fit for you and your future goals.

• Why do you want to want to attend [college name]?

Other colleges may ask you to focus on specific skills that will help you succeed in college, such as leadership, community service, or commitment to diversity.

• The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Many colleges also offer students who don’t meet minimum entrance requirements or who have struggled in school an opportunity to explain their specific circumstances.

Sample essay prompts from Oregon scholarships

OSAC Scholarships

Limit per statement is 1,000 characters (approximately 150 words).

• What are your specific educational plans and career goals and why? What inspires you to achieve them?
• What have you done for your family or community that you care about the most and why?
• Describe a personal accomplishment and the strengths and skills you used to achieve it.
• Describe a significant change or experience that has occurred in your life. How did you respond and what did you learn about yourself?

The Ford Family Foundation

Limit per statement is 150 words.

• Choose one: Describe a skill or ability you have developed that you are proud of. How did you develop it and why is it important to you? -or- Describe a topic idea or concept you find so engaging it makes you lose track of time. Why does it interest you and what do you do when you want to learn more?
• Choose one: Think of the place(s) you grew up or consider home. What lessons have you learned living there and how have they shaped who you are today? -or- What are you known for among people who know you well? What would you like to be known for and how will college help you achieve that?

PNACAC Scholarship

• Record a video (no more than one minute in length) responding to one of the following prompts. What would you like to be doing in 10 years, and how does college help you get there? -or-
• How has your college/career counselor, school counselor or advisor helped you (and/or others) in finding the right college fit and what would you like to say to them?

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The personal statement.

Your Personal Statement should narrate your personal and intellectual development. It should illustrate how the proposed experience is the next logical and necessary step in your life, and how you are qualified to carry it out. It is your opportunity to illustrate what a unique and exceptional individual you are. Here are questions to consider while writing:

• Overall, is your Personal Statement interesting and easy to read? Does it show, rather than tell, who you are?
• Does your Personal Statement demonstrate your motivation and ability to work independently?
• Does your Personal Statement show who you are, and make the reader want to know you better?
• Do you demonstrate your experience and interest in becoming a leader and innovator in your field?
• Will the reader feel confident you would represent the funding agency well?
• Do you maintain a theme or connecting concept throughout your Personal Statement?
• Does your Personal Statement explore connections between your academic life and the rest of your life?
• Do you repeat information included in other parts of your application? Omit repeated information unless it is absolutely necessary, e.g., further explanation or emphasis.

Mistakes often made by applicants when writing a Personal Statement:

• Turning the Personal Statement into an extended version of a resume. Applicants often ask how they should incorporate activities into their essay when they have already listed them separately on the application. Leave out less important things (or limit items that ate not critical to the Personal Statement to other portions of your application—there are sections in the scholarship application for listing honors, awards, and activities).
• Exaggerating your history and situation. Do not believe that all applicants expand on the truth. Experienced interviewers often uncover exaggeration during interviews. This can be embarrassing and disastrous for an applicant.
• Being overly clever or cute in writing the Personal Statement. Selection committees have read quite literally hundreds of essays, and they find overly clever essays annoying. This reaction can do nothing but harm the future of your application.

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Additional Resources for Writing a Personal Statement: 

• How to Write an Excellent Personal Statement in 14 Days - 2 pager from our office 
• Write a Great Personal Statement  - 2 pager from OSU's Career Development Center 
• Tips for Becoming a Strong Applicant  - 1 pager from our office 
• Shitty First Drafts - Essay by Anne Lamott  

The Statement of Purpose

Statements of Purpose are usually limited in length.  Use your space wisely to fully describe your project or purpose. You should cover the essential details of your project or purpose within the first or second paragraph.

The Statement of Purpose should demonstrate that you are able to plan and implement a successful research project or course of study. Statement of Purpose is your guide to completing your study and meeting your objectives. The Statement of Purpose should be as specific as possible, while also being flexible enough  to allow for adjustments in response to unanticipated circumstances.

Ask yourself the following questions during your writing and editing processes:

• Overall, is the Statement of Purpose persuasive, direct, concise, and easy to read? Short (three or four-sentence) paragraphs can be very effective.
• Does the Statement of Purpose emphasize the relevance and significance of the project from start to finish?
• Does the first paragraph answer who, what, when, where, why, and how?
• Do the subsequent paragraphs detail what you propose to do and how you will do it?
• Is the timeline realistic, specific, acceptable, and appropriate? Does it include any pre- and post-grant plans?
• Are there clearly defined, achievable goals and objectives (the activities/steps to reach your goals), concrete outcomes, and measurable results?
• Does the proposal fit within the context of your academic experience and skills?
• Are the methodology and activities comprehensive, relevant, appropriate, feasible, and approved/approvable, if necessary?
• Does the proposal include an explanation of your field of study and the context of the project?
• If applicable, does the proposal describe with whom you will work, the support that they have offered to give you, and the significance of this assistance?
• Does the proposal demonstrate why the project or study needs to be at the proposed location/university, the resources provided, and how your collaborators will benefit from your work there?
• Does the proposal demonstrate that you have the academic background necessary for your project?
• Does the proposal clearly explain your future plans (immediate and long-term) and how your work will help further your academic and/or professional development?
• Does the proposal leave the reader with a sense of why your project should be supported?
• Does the closing paragraph of the proposal reemphasize what you will achieve and what makes your project exciting, necessary and unique?

Overall, the Statement of Purpose should be compelling and easily understood by both an educated “lay” person and an expert in your field. Since you do not know exactly who will read your application at the national (and/or international) level, write a proposal that is clear and comprehensible to someone who knows nothing about your subject, while also specific and detailed enough to convince an expert. Do not be afraid to use language or concepts specific to your field and to reference the work of other authors. If your project is highly technical, about 75% of your proposal should be easily understood by all readers

Links to Essay Writing Tips

500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

How to Win a Graduate Fellowship

Writing Personal Statements Online

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The Honors College is a diverse community of about 1,800 students across three campuses, all working toward an Honors Baccalaureate degree in their academic major. The HC offers the benefits of small engaging classes, a collaborative learning community, personal advising and unique access to research opportunities that culminate in the honors thesis. While admission to the Honors College is competitive, the selection process is holistic. We value a broad definition of achievement, which considers not only GPA, but also coursework, extracurricular activities and service to community, and responses to the Honors College essay prompt and short-answer questions. 

To apply, students must complete the appropriate HC application.  

Minimum Requirements for HC Admission

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3.75  cumulative unweighted high school GPA. Students who don't meet the GPA minimum can qualify with a test score of 1300 SAT or 27 ACT.

Students transferring to OSU from another college or university (applying to the HC at the same time as they apply to Oregon State)

3.5  Cumulative transfer GPA

Current OSU Students  (students who have completed at least one term of classes at Oregon State as an undergraduate student)

3.5  Cumulative Oregon State GPA 

The Honors College is currently allowing applications from students who do not meet one of the HC minimum criteria. If you have been impacted by circumstances that affected your ability to meet the HC GPA or test score minimum but wish to apply, you should complete all sections of the Honors College application and ensure that you have provided relevant information on the additional information/circumstances question of the Oregon State application. All applications will be reviewed holistically and fully considered.   

How to Apply

Students applying to the HC directly from high school apply by filling out the Honors College section of the Oregon State undergraduate application  for admission on Oregon State's website or on the Common App .

*Note:  First-year applicants who applied to Oregon State without filling out the Honors College application section and now wish to apply can do so by submitting the first-year Honors College application found in the Oregon State Beaver Basecamp Portal (where students log in to check on the status and materials of their Oregon State application after they've submitted it). All information must be filled out, even if the questions also appeared on the Oregon State application.

The deadlines for first-year students to apply to the Honors College are November 1 (early action) and February 1 (regular decision).

If you have missed those deadlines but plan to attend Oregon State, you can apply to the HC after you complete one term at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student. Please see the section for "Current Students" for more information. 

Students transferring to Oregon State from another college or university  who wish to apply to the HC should apply by filling out the Honors College section of the Oregon State undergraduate application  for admission on Oregon State's website or on the Common App . Transfer students who applied to Oregon State without filling out the Honors College application section and now wish to apply can do so by submitting the Honors College application found in the Oregon State Beaver Basecamp Portal (where students log in to check on the status and materials of their Oregon State application after they've submitted it). All information must be filled out even if the questions also appeared on the Oregon State application.

The deadlines for transfer students to apply to the Honors College match OSU's deadlines for transfer applicants .  If you are a transfer student who did not apply to the Honors College prior to your first term at Oregon State but are interested in the HC, please see the section for "Current Students" to learn more about how you can apply to the HC after your first term at Oregon State . 

Students who are already attending Oregon State  and have completed at least one term of classes at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student can apply to the HC by filling out the Honors College current OSU student application .

Applications may be submitted at any time during the academic year. Applications will be considered for entry terms based on the submission deadlines listed below. 

*Note: Although the final deadline to apply for fall entry term is August 1, if you want to be able to register for honors classes for fall term, you must submit your application by the Monday of Week 2 of the Spring term prior to the fall in which you would join the HC (if admitted) . If you submit your application after the Monday of Week 2 of Spring term, your application may not be processed before registration for fall term begins, and fall honors classes may be full at the time you receive your HC admission decision.  

If you are an incoming first-year or transfer student who will be attending Oregon State in an upcoming term and you did not apply to the Honors College before your appropriate deadline, you can fill out this application after you have completed at least one term at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student. 

International students who meet HC application eligibility will be invited to apply to the Honors College when they are offered admission to Oregon State University by the Office of International Admissions. Incoming international students who plan to attend Oregon State and are invited to apply to the Honors College should apply at least 4 weeks prior to their first term at Oregon State to ensure their application can be processed before their first term at Oregon State. The link to the application will be available in the email students receive inviting them to apply to the Honors College. 

International students who do not apply to the Honors College before they attend Oregon State can still apply as a current Oregon State student after they complete one term at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student. See the section titled "Current students" for more information about applying to the HC after you have completed one term at Oregon State. 

Honors College Tuition and Financial Aid

Honors College students are assessed Honors College differential tuition each term. The HC differential tuition enables the Honors College to provide small honors classes, academic advising, co-curricular activities and other core elements of the Honors College student experience. HC differential tuition is currently $500 per term for full-time students (enrolled in 12 or more credits that term) and $250 for part-time students (enrolled in less than 12 credits that term) and will appear on each student's billing account for each fall, winter and spring term that the student is enrolled at Oregon State based on their enrollment level that term.   

The HC recognizes that the HC Differential Tuition associated with enrollment in the Honors College can present a financial challenge for some students. The Honors College offers a limited number of  need-based scholarships , emergency grants and experiential learning awards to students each year to support full engagement with the HC experience. 

Important Information

Though similar, the selection process for HC admission is separate from admission to the university.  Due to enrollment constraints,  HC selections are competitive . While many applicants meet the minimum criteria for application consideration, not all applicants will be offered admission.

Selection criteria for an incoming first-year student is based on cumulative un-weighted high school GPA and the response to the essay question. SAT or ACT scores ( optional ), The strength of courses taken in high school, as well as personal or academic attributes that will enrich the Honors community, are also considered.

For college transfers or current Oregon State students, selection criteria are based on the applicant's college GPA and the essay response. Personal or academic attributes that will enrich the Honors community are also considered.

The Honors College is currently allowing applications from students who do not meet one of HC the minimum criteria. If you have been impacted by circumstances that affected your ability to meet the HC GPA or test score minimum but wish to apply, you should complete all sections of the Honors College application and ensure that you have provided relevant information on the additional information/circumstances question of the Oregon State application. All applications will be reviewed holistically and fully considered.   

First-Year Applicants

Early Action application submission dates: August 1st - November 1st (11:59 p.m. PST) 

• Early Action HC admission decision date: December 31st*

* HC admission decisions will be posted in Beaver Basecamp and sent via email no later than December 31st. 

• Regular Decision application submission dates: November 2nd - February 1st
• Regular Decision HC admission decision date: March 31st*

* HC admission decisions will be posted in Beaver Basecamp and sent via email intermittently between February 1st and March 31st. 

Note: if you are a first-year student planning to attend Oregon State and have missed the deadlines to apply to the Honors College, you can apply to the HC after you complete one term at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student. Please see the section above for "Current Students" for more information. 

Transfer Applicants

Applications may be submitted by the deadlines for OSU Transfer Applicants  (within your Oregon State application or in Beaver Basecamp after you have applied to Oregon State). Admission decisions are posted in Beaver Basecamp and sent via email on a rolling basis.

International Applicants

International students who meet HC application eligibility will be invited to apply to the Honors College when they are offered admission to Oregon State University by the Office of International Admission. Incoming international students who have been invited to apply to the Honors College may submit applications at least 4 weeks prior to your first term at Oregon State. Admission decisions are sent via email. 

Current Oregon State Students (students who have completed at least one term of classes at Oregon State University as an undergraduate student)

HC Essay Prompt for students applying for Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, or Spring 2025 entry terms:

Making connections between multiple subjects or perspectives and then drawing insights from those connections is the basis of interdisciplinary thinking, a central part of the Honors College curriculum.

For your essay, choose an interesting or unique connection: explain the connection, why it interests you, and why it is meaningful or significant. Be creative! You can choose from activities, academic subjects, concepts, natural or human phenomena, etc.

You must clearly and completely address this specific prompt with a 450-500 word essay for your Honors College application to be considered. Keep in mind:

Make sure you address the entire prompt.

We are looking for evidence of your original thinking and individuality – avoid generalities.

Essays should showcase your best writing and attention to detail; they will be evaluated on your demonstrated ability to think deeply and creatively and to write effectively.

Please do not write about your accomplishments (academic, athletic, or extracurricular). The HC admissions committee will review all your other application materials and responses.

If you have questions about the HC application essay prompt, please contact Honors College Admissions at [email protected]  or  541-737-6400

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How to Write the Oregon State University Essays 2020-2021

We’ve updated this post! Check out our 2021-2022 OSU essay guide .

Oregon State University is a public research institution located in the bucolic city of Corvallis, Oregon, in the midst of mountains, rivers, and forested streets. Like the beaver on OSU’s crest, OSU students prioritize hands-on solutions and learning: OSU receives more research funding than any other university in Oregon, and is esteemed for its top programs in forestry, oceanography, and robotics. OSU is also home to the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oregon Forest Research Laboratory. 

Oregon State University has 77% acceptance rate. The middle 50% ACT range is 22-28, as of 2019. Applicants can apply via the Common Application or an OSU-specific portal. OSU requires applicants Honors College applicants submit six supplemental essays in addition to their application. 

So get ready to sink your beaver teeth into the quick of these supplemental essays! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tackle each and every one of Oregon State’s supplements so that your Honors application will shine!

Want to know your chances at Oregon State? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Oregon State will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Oregon State needs to know.

Required for Applicants to the Honors College

Prompt 1: “I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls, because I think those are the two elements of poetry.” – Rita Dove

Drawing insights from the connection of multiple subjects or perspectives is the basis of interdisciplinary thinking, a central part of the Honors College curriculum. In the quote above, the poet Rita Dove observes that poetry gets its particular power from the combination of language and music. Choose something that is important to you, identify two of its components, characteristics, features, or attributes, and write an essay in which you examine how the two parts work together to make an outcome that is uniquely meaningful or important.

Be creative with this! “Something” can be anything – you can choose an academic subject, concept, activity, or a passion of yours. Successful responses will offer a unique and specific perspective that will stand out among the many essays the admissions committee will review (450-500 words)

Prompt 2: List any college credits you have completed. Include grades if applicable. (800 words)

Prompt 3: Knowledge in a field/creativity: Describe any special interests and how you have developed knowledge in these areas. Give examples of your creativity- the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things. (100 words)

Prompt 4: Dealing with adversity: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include whether you turned to anyone in facing the challenge, the role the person played, and what you learned about yourself. (100 words)

Prompt 5: Handling systemic challenges: OSU remains committed to creating an inclusive environment and dismantling systems that perpetuate discrimination at various levels. How, specifically, will you contribute to furthering this commitment? (100 words)

Prompt 6: Goals/task commitment: Articulate the goals you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish these. Give at least one specific example that demonstrates your work ethic/diligence. (100 words)

Honors College, Prompt 1

“I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls, because I think those are the two elements of poetry.” – Rita Dove

As specifically stated at the end of the prompt, this essay is not a personal narrative: it is a response to the question of “interdisciplinary thinking,” so your focus should be on your subject matter. 

Who was Rita Dove? Dove is a world-renowned poet and former Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. OSU commended her with the Stone Award for literary achievement in 2016. Let’s look at her quote one more time: “I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls, because I think those are the two elements of poetry .”

Here, Dove chose to explore the art of poetry, her personal specialty and passion, through two other disciplines: language and music. Thus, we arrive at your task: to write an essay about “something” and identify two of its components. The equation is A + B = C, but the ingredients should be surprising. OSU is essentially asking you to come up with your own version of “How is a raven like a writing desk?” The more random and incompatible you make the components A and B, the more likely you are to have a striking and memorable solution (C).

A successful essay will:

• Identify and present your “something” in a nuanced and intricate way.
• Dissect the nuances of two of its components, showing their interdisciplinary nature and how they contribute holistically to the “something.”
• Reveal an outcome that is “uniquely meaningful and important.”

Let’s begin!

1. Identify and present your “something” in a nuanced and intricate way 

Dove is a master of her craft. But this fact should not intimidate you – it should inspire! Dove is a master of poetry; what are you a master of? If an idea is not immediately coming to mind, don’t fret. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What odd thing could I talk extensively about?

Your expertise should be unique. This can be anything from multivariable calculus to crocheting. Start drafting a list of anything that comes to mind. Can you make the best chocolate chip cookies you have ever had? Solve a Rubix Cube in under a minute? Are you a photojournalist?

• What unique talents do I have?

The key word is Some fascinating essays come from the smallest, most unique parts of ourselves. Are you a gymnast?  Are you a physics whiz? Dig deep!

Once you have asked yourself those questions, narrow your list down until you choose the most memorable and unique expertise. That should be your “something.”

Now, you have to present it in an engaging way. Because the prompt specifically explicates to stay away from personal stories, you might want to not start with an anecdote. Ways to possibly start the essay include: a brief history of your interest in the subject; a problem that you have faced with this expertise; your favorite thing about your “something,” etc. Here’s an example:

I struggle to understand things I cannot see—the insolubility of immunoglobulins below a certain temperature, the tiny movements of electrons, the division of a cell. Although I’m a lifetime science enthusiast, it’s hard for me to visualize things that happen at a sub-microscopic level. In 9th grade, I lost my intellectual curiosity for science, because I was exhausted from rote memorization and opaque concepts. I missed my childhood experiments with magnetism, combustion, and projectiles. 

This all changed when I began to study physics.

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with energy, temperature, heat and work. I was asked to calculate the coefficient of friction on a car tire—something I had seen and could understand. I could picture an apple falling from a building and could calculate the trajectory of a thrown football. 

Here, we describe the “C” of the equation. What is this essay going to be about? Physics. You draw the reader in with a hook (“I struggle to understand things I cannot see….”). You can create a sense of conflict (no longer curious about science as you once were). Finally, you should create a setup for your “A” and “B” components. 

2. Dissect two of its components, showing their interdisciplinarity and how they contribute holistically to the “something”

Now that you have identified your “something,” you need to break it down into two distinct and unique parts. These parts should be specific, and, ideally, unexpected. Think back to Dove’s A + B = C quote: while “language” (A) seems like a logical component of “poetry” (C) Dove’s inclusion of “music” (B) is a bit more unexpected.

For example, given the physics example from above, you might use the formula A + B = C in the following manner. 

A = Mathematics. This is somewhat expected for physics. Perhaps you are fascinated by the reliability of formulas, or the satisfaction of getting the correct answer. The mathematical concepts reveal larger universal truths, and represent monumental discoveries. 

B= Imagination. This is the more unexpected component. Thermodynamics involves intense visualization. You can picture a car skidding around a banked curve. You can see the spiral of the football’s projectile. Thermodynamics involves drawing and directional force, which takes an intense imagination. 

C= Thermodynamics or Physics. 

This is just one example. Talking about swimming? Maybe that’s the perfect combination of physics and discipline. Talking about baking? Maybe that’s the perfect combination of science and improvisation. Even academic subjects should have two different, distinct parts. Mathematics? Structure and art. Ecology? Curiosity and kindness.

You should ensure that you have distinct points for each discipline. They should be different enough that there is zero, or little, overlap between them. Try to choose something that is not obvious—that provokes conversation and makes you a memorable applicant.

Here’s another example:

Daunted with the possibility of a white canvas, I know I can always rely on two ideas when I am stuck. Optical art, after all, is an amalgamation of mathematics and innovation.

When I was younger, I was fascinated by the geometry and mathematical concepts that occur naturally within nature. I would study the hexagonal outline of honeycombs, the concentric spread of tree rings, and the triangularity of palm leaves. When I am stuck—unable to choose what direction to take a work of art— I consider first, the shapes. What lines am I using? I look for parallelism and lines, scanning my piece for right angles or swirling parabolas. How is shape contributing to this piece?

But true art requires not just maths, but innovation. When I begin a work of art,, I am reminded of T.S. Eliot’s famous line from “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock:” “Do I dare disturb the universe?” As an artist, I must not just copy the universe – I must disturb it. I plan out my piece of art on several pieces of paper beforehand, trying to find the most innovative ways to communicate—whether that is through perspective, color, composition, or medium. I study the work of artists like Manami Sasaki, who creates stunning work out of toast. I am always looking to push the envelope and to expand boundaries.

Here, we have relied on the trustworthy A + B = C formula presented in the prompt. We start with an engaging hook to introduce “C”– a visual of a white canvas to represent art. Then, we present the two ideas: innovation (A: somewhat expected) and mathematics (B: somewhat unexpected). 

3. Reveal an outcome that is “uniquely meaningful and important”

Finally, what does your something accomplish? A great college essay will always “zoom out” to consider a larger societal picture, bigger problems, or how one’s subject is important for the world at large. For Dove, poems have motivated some of the greatest thinkers, have started revolutions, and have inspired creativity. What does your “something” (C) accomplish on a wider scale? Take care to also mention how each of its A + B components contribute to that.

For example, take an applicant who’s combining history (A) with communication (B) to get her result – baking (C). She can talk about how baking enables intergenerational encouragement to everyone, no matter their background. For example: 

 In the kitchen, I’m often greeted with a condescending smile or pat on the shoulder. “That is so cute that you bake cookies!” they’ll say, unknowingly.

“This cookie is a piece of history that you will never understand,” I want to tell them. I think of my great grandmother, painstakingly writing out her recipe on an index card with immaculate cursive. I think of the generations of women who have traced her spindly handwriting, eager to follow the next step. I think of my mother and her mother, and my grandmother and her mother—of the sheer power and strength of the women in my family.

“This cookie is my own,” I want to tell them. I want to tell them of the alterations I have made over the years, the trials of shortening the baking time, the addition of caramel, the introduction of sea salt and pretzel.

But I don’t tell them either of these things. I watch as they take their first bite. Their furrowed brow relaxes. Their posture shifts: closed to open. And a smile begins to creep across their face, perhaps the first one in a while. I am reminded of the picture book, The Gardener, I used to read with my mother in bed when I am younger, about the Great Depression.

“A cake is worth a thousand smiles.”

A cookie may seem like a small achievement, but it carries a huge cultural story. Generations of watching others smile. Generations of following and breaking (baking) rules, and not getting caught. Small success? Well. maybe. But in my opinion, the smallest victories always taste the sweetest.

Concluding with an outcome that is “uniquely meaningful and important” can be difficult–as you run the risk of sounding trite or cliche. Here, we reintegrate A and B to prove our thesis. Baking is an act of historicization, that is often unseeable or unnoticed. Baking is also a testament to trial and error. While both of these things are personally important, the real positive outcome is the joy it sparks in other people, however small.  

Honors College, Prompt 2

List any college credits you have completed. include grades if applicable. (800 words).

While a standard question, this essay has a surprisingly large word limit. If you have taken college credits, this is an opportunity to share more about the course(s), give a brief description, and address any successes or areas for growth.

Because you have so many words to work with, it’s advisable to share a narrative perspective of how you engaged with this college class – which is a huge undertaking. Fully flesh out what your experience was like, and how it influenced you as a scholar.

“This year, I was invited to take Introduction to Physics at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs. The class was a quantitative study of the basic facts and principles of physics with a particular emphasis on electromagnetic phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation and waves and electric circuits.”

Articulate why you sought out the college course, opposed to any comparable high school courses. This can involve any future goals you wanted to achieve, or how you wanted to get ahead on a college major. 

“There were some fundamental differences in the curriculum between my high school and the university. The course at UConn, for example, had a laboratory component, which offered me more fundamental training in a research setting and the scientific method. Electromagnetics, furthermore, has been an enduring interest of mine, and I wanted to spend a few months on it, rather than the few weeks we would have taken in AP Physics.” 

As the prompt asks about grades, feel free to talk about any challenges you faced. A lower grade in a college course isn’t anything to be ashamed of, and it may allow you to discuss how you dealt with a steep learning curve. 

“Mathematically, I was behind all the other students in the class. While I understood the physics concepts, I often had not learned the math to help prove them. This was my biggest challenge in the class and was, quite frankly, a very steep learning curve. The first few tests, I floundered; however, I met with the Calculus teacher at my high school and received extra help in the morning. I raised my grade drastically, and am on track for my second semester.

As my transcript reflects, this course was my lowest grade. As a perfectionist, I found earning a “B –” in this class extremely frustrating. But now, I am thankful for the opportunity this class has provided. While I do not want to study physics at university, I am proud that I allowed myself to be challenged. The skills of perseverance and the ability to ask for help academically are well worth the small inconsistency on my transcript.”

This is a good response because it: 

1. Concisely presents the course and its curriculum. What was the class and what did it cover? 

2. Explicates your interest in seeking a college-level education. What was your reasoning for taking this course? Did it follow a specific interest of yours? Provide a significantly larger challenge academically? 

3. Elucidates Your Challenges. How was your academic performance in this class? What were some major challenges that you faced? This section can address your grade. It is important to not make excuses for yourself, only to present the obstacles you faced. 

4. Concludes with Your Successes. What is your major takeaway from this course? Was it the material? Did it serve as a testament to your ability to persevere? Did you make a good connection with the professor? End on a high note! 

Honors College, Prompt 3

Knowledge in a field/creativity: describe any special interests and how you have developed knowledge in these areas. give examples of your creativity- the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things. (100 words).

Like the first question, this one is asking you to choose a creative “something.” So try not to repeat the subject you discussed in the Rita Dove prompt . Or, if you do, pick a niche or subset of the larger subject: “mystery fiction” as a subset of “writing,” for example.

The second part of the prompt is wordy; break it down . As a sentence, it bombards you with a lot of phrases: “the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things.” But if we look closely to related words like “alternative,” “varied,” “original,” “new,” etc, we can break it down to one necessary element: a time you thought outside the box. 

Be brief and vivid. Because the word allowance is only one hundred words, use a quick hook (a striking anecdote, a question, even a word or sentence fragment, etc.) to encapsulate your creativity in your field.

“I love music the same way I love science: there is structure, but there is also improvisation. Jazz is freedom: at the piano, I deviate, explore within the key, but try out new melodies. When I finish, my neighbor claps. He is an accomplished classical musician and can play any sheet music.

We both want what we don’t have. He tells me he wishes he could improvise, and I tell him I practice daily, but don’t have close to the technique he does. We’ll never be content, we joke, but maybe we don’t need to. Music is like a boundless world: we can map whole regions, but there’s always more.”

This response is successful because it quickly introduces your field of creativity, in this case, music. It presents a developed knowledge (improvisation) and an opportunity to take a diverse perspective and try new things (a more classical approach to music) and explains your insatiable quest of the acquisition of knowledge and mastery over a topic! All within one hundred words!  

Honors College, Prompt 4

Dealing with adversity: describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. include whether you turned to anyone in facing the challenge, the role the person played, and what you learned about yourself. (100 words).

Hint: this is about an event, but also about your core identity, culture, or values. You should use this space as an opportunity to explain aspects of your personal background that would not otherwise be readily apparent in your application. This could range from any academic performance difficulties to financial hardship your family is experiencing. Maybe you suffered from a concussion in your sophomore year, and your grades dropped because you had trouble focusing. Maybe you couldn’t participate in as many extracurriculars because your parents both worked, and you had to take care of your younger siblings. Or, maybe, your dyslexia is a major impediment in your learning.  

Make sure the problem is significant : while there is no right answer to the prompt, avoid superficial topics such as getting a C on a single test or bickering with your sibling. Writing about minor setbacks will make it seem like you haven’t thought hard enough about your autobiography.

But the problem is only half the essay : whatever you choose to write about, demonstrate your ability to persevere and overcome something. Consider writing about: 

• How your perspective changed
• How your values changed
• Something you had to compromise about
• Strategies you used
• A goal you set
• A belief you gave up 
• A fear you conquered

You have only 100 words: be brief! Avoid long, complicated anecdotes or metaphors, and explain yourself quickly.

Nod towards the future. Conclude by summarizing how your way of looking at the world is different, and what you plan to do with that knowledge. Mention any problems, either with yourself, your circles, or society, that you’ve been inspired to deal with. 

For example: 

“Whenever a teacher asks me to read aloud in class, I experience a feeling I can’t define. It straddles embarrassment and fear, frustration and anger. 

I have struggled with dyslexia my whole life. 

After years of specialists, I began to love reading, but only under certain conditions: privately and slowly. In class, I drag my finger along the words and try to remain calm. 

At first, I was frantic to “fix” myself, but I’m learning to accept that I read differently from others. Dyslexia will always be the albatross around my neck, and yet, I choose to keep climbing. I find the feeling of success is greater than the temporary embarrassment of inverting sentences or mispronouncing words. I’m not ashamed of dyslexia, because I want to show others that they shouldn’t be, either.”

This example is a good start, because it pinpoints a problem, highlights a personal shortcoming, and gestures to how the narrator solves her own problems and a larger, societal problem. 

It’s also fantastic in that it starts with a jolt of emotion and includes concrete details (“I drag my finger along the words”). And in an essay about reading, the Coleridge allusion doesn’t hurt, either. 

Honors College, Prompt 5

Handling systemic challenges: osu remains committed to creating an inclusive environment and dismantling systems that perpetuate discrimination at various levels. how, specifically, will you contribute to furthering this commitment  (100 words).

Your answer should be verb- and action- based. Here, OSU shares their ethos, but also their actions. Oregon State University is “inclusive” – but keep in mind that while “inclusive” is technically an adjective, it’s actually a disguised verb: “include.” Same with “dismantle oppressive systems” – that’s a verb. And the operative word of the question – “how?” – is another word that’s fundamentally concerned with verbs. At the forefront of your mind, remember: the question is not “What do you believe?” but “What will you do?” It may be a good idea to brainstorm a list of verbs. If you like certain OSU programs (nouns), what verbs to those programs perform.

Touch briefly on your motivation. This could be through a cultural backstory or “identity,” which can give you a sense of the actions you want to perform. For instance, someone who has experienced discrimination or ostracization might have a clearer view of what policies, laws, or initiatives are needed to address the problem. Note that “identity” isn’t a concrete list of topics OSU wants you to pick from: don’t feel like you have to come at this through the traditional descriptors of race, color, class, gender, creed, and sexuality. You may not feel qualified to, and you may not want to. Instead, you could talk about other “identities”: a misunderstood hobby; regional origins; speech patterns or dialect; types of learners; access to computers and resources; clothing and appearance; lifestyles and cultural differences; housing; age; intra-group conflict; etc. 

Instead of “identity,” you might choose a values lens instead. How have your values shaped who you are? How do your values dovetail with OSU’s values of acceptance, diversity, and inclusion?

Remember to relate it back to OSU. They actually hide the most important part of the prompt towards the beginning, and that’s OSU’s environment. Although your inspiration for combating oppression might come from a distant place, like your parents’ time living in the USSR, you should angle your focus back to what you want to do (verb!) on campus. 

Here’s an example: 

“Growing up, my seven-person family lived in a two-bedroom apartment. I wore secondhand, dated clothes, which drew ridicule from my classmates. When I came home crying, my mother would play the song “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton—a ballad which teaches us that being rich with love is the only thing that matters. 

Dolly made me feel better, but I wish her kindness towards those with financial problems could have been practiced culturally and publicly – not just in the privacy of our home. And because finances is such a pressing topic in college, I want to do my part to make its discussion less taboo. My current priorities include volunteering as a tutor for students in need and pressing health centers to address socioeconomic obstacles to services. As an aspiring engineer, I would also love to join OSU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, to apply my skills at design towards needed projects in disadvantaged regions.” 

One hundred words seems like very little; however, you are able to pack in a lot of details! This essay “works” because it presents a quick anecdote about how this goal is personal to you (in this case, a personal experience with poverty) and your goals to make this interest actionable at OSU (Engineers Without Borders, volunteering, etc.).

Honors College, Prompt 6

Goals/task commitment: articulate the goals you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish these. give at least one specific example that demonstrates your work ethic/diligence. (100 words).

For this question, it’s best to begin with a clear list of 1-2 general goals, and then move into specific actions towards them. Don’t think small: a general goal might be a broad characteristic you want to acquire (“cosmopolitan,” “organized,” “financially stable”). By having such a large goal, you’ll 1) be able to think of contributing actions and projects more easily, and 2) show OSU your priorities on a macro level. Big goals and life aspirations aren’t bounded by time: for example, my “Italian 102 class” might be over, but my desire to “reconnect with my family’s roots in Palermo” is a lifelong quest that will continue to bear fruit. 

Remember the limit. Because you only have one hundred words, forego flowery language and anecdotes, although you should still put some interesting detail into your chosen example (“that demonstrates your work ethic”). 

Brainstorm examples of “work ethic.” This could mean a lot of things. Food for thought:

• A project that took an exceptionally long time
• A project for which you hunted down elusive information
• A subject that pushed you out of your comfort zone
• A journey with multiple long steps
• A time you stayed up late, or got up early
• A time you were on the cusp of giving up
• A risk you took
• An instance where you were tempted to cut corners or cheat
• A time you paid attention to the smallest detail
• A time others told you your product was “good enough,” but you kept perfecting it
• Something that required an investment of effort, money, or resources
• A task that put you through boredom, tedium, or pain

OSU wants to hear that you’re willing to engage in the parts of your interest that don’t involve “fun,” “passion,” or “inspiration.”

In praxis, your essay might look something like this, or follow a similar structure:

“My goals have always been simple: to do my personal best, treat others kindly, and foster a welcoming community. While all of these can intersect, I have found myself emphasizing “community,” especially in my final year of high school. After four years on the Student Council, I noticed a massive inequity between the lowerclassmen and the upperclassme n. Freshman and sophomores were often scared to speak at meetings, and sometimes, offered no contributions to the discussion. Inspired by my brother, who attends OSU, I brought in a copy of routine Guidelines for Dialogue: assume best intentions, don’t interrupt, and acknowledge impact versus intent. For two weeks, I kept data on how often members spoke, which proved the disparity. I presented it to the Council, and I offered a 3-Step Plan to make all voices heard. It was a success, and our community became more welcoming. I should know: I kept logging the data.”

This is an effective answer, because it presents a broad goal (“community”) at the outset – and also in the conclusion. The narrator discusses a concrete strategy that demonstrates “work ethic” – in this case, going above and beyond to generate persuasive data. Even without the bonus points for having an OSU brother, this essay would mark the applicant as someone who walks the walk when it comes to goals.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Writing & Supplemental Essays

Items marked with a red asterisk * are required. Students are not required to complete items that do not have the red asterisk.

Introduction

Some colleges have additional “supplemental” essays in their section of the My Colleges tab. In this section of the AXS Companion, you will learn more about supplemental essays, including:

• Where to find prompts for supplemental essays
• How to approach the “Why do you want to come here?” or “Why Us?” essay
• How to approach the disciplinary history essay
• Resources with more advice about how to write supplemental essays

This is an example of the supplemental Writing section for a specific college found within the My Colleges tab of Common App.

In this video, we discuss why supplemental essays are an important part of your application and where to find them in Common App. This video should take approximately 4 minutes.

In this video, we discuss the most common supplemental essays and how to use supplemental essays to tell colleges more about yourself. This video should take approximately 5 minutes.

In this video, Timothy Brunold, Dean of Admission at the University of Southern California, talks about what he wants to read about in a “Why Us?” essay. This video should take approximately 4 minutes.

In this video, we provide a more detailed explanation of how to write the “Why Us?” essay. This video is for students who want more advice on how to write a thorough, authentic “Why Us?” essay. This video should take approximately 5 minutes.

In this video, we discuss how to approach questions about disciplinary or criminal history. The purpose of this section is for you to understand how to write about your disciplinary history, if you have one. If you have to write about a disciplinary history, this section should take approximately an hour.

Tips & Reminders

• Don’t wait until the last minute to scroll through the My Colleges tab. Essays can pop up in different places depending on the college.
• Supplemental essays are a good opportunity to tell a college more about yourself. If a college has several supplemental essays, think about how the essays can work together to tell more about you.
• Additional Information
• After you indicate your intended major
• When writing a “Why Us?” essay, your goal is to tell the college how you will pursue your academic interests there and why you are genuinely a good fit for the college. WOW provides detailed advice for how to write this essay in the WOW – Writing The “Why Us?” Essay Guide .
• WOW provides detailed guidelines for how to approach other supplemental essays in the WOW – Writing Supplemental Essays Guide .
• WOW also provides detailed advice for how to write about academic challenges in the WOW – How To Write About Academic Challenges Guide .

AXS Companion Copyright © 2022 by OSU Ecampus & IECA is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

University of Oregon 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

University of Oregon 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250-500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community

As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks unique. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you who you are, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two following options will guide you in sharing those thoughts.

Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. what did you learn from the experience in what ways will you bring those lessons to the university of oregon.

Discrimination can take many forms and be based on a number of things — race, socioeconomic background, disability, gender (to name a few) — and we have all witnessed it in some way, whether we were the targets or not. When approaching this essay, remember that admissions is looking for awareness, not perfection. Admissions doesn’t expect you to have solved a worldwide problem, but they do want to know that your eyes are open to who is being left out or treated unfairly, and whether or not you have taken it upon yourself to do something about it. Have you worked toward inclusion in a club or organization? Do you support girls who break into male-dominated sports? How? The second way to answer this is to recount a time when you were on the wrong side of discrimination. Be vulnerable here, but be sure to analyze why you acted, be it youthful ignorance, implicit bias, or wrong-headed cultural “norms” — this will show admissions that you are self-aware and reflective. It’s important to show that you have learned from your mistakes and are evolving. Lastly, how will you bring those lessons to U-O? Will your actions speak louder than words? Do you want to volunteer in local Special Olympics events? Will you get involved in an LGBTQ+ rights group? Let admissions know that you care and are working for a more inclusive future in your way, however that may be.

The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others ?

Diversity applies to many facets of who we are, including but not limited to: cultural heritage, ethnic background, gender, socioeconomic upbringing, or an inter-sectional combination of all of the above. No matter who you are, you bring something to the table. How will your differences help to enrich your future community at U-O? Maybe reflect on how you influence those around you now, and then mentally place yourself on campus as a college student doing the same. Maybe you’ll share your love of Korean BBQ or your knowledge of Flamenco dancing. Maybe you’ll get on stage with the college improv team and make your peers laugh with your satirical social commentary. No matter what you have to offer, admissions wants to know how you’ll share it and how you’ll contribute positively to U-O’s diverse community.

About Kat Stubing

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Preparing for Graduate School Applications and Interviews

Personal statements, letters of recommendation and interviews all serve to make an impression. They show potential programs that you have a track record of success and a future direction that aligns with their goals. Let’s make the right mark.

Personal Statements

Personal statements typically cover research interests, achievements and sometimes identify possible faculty who you are interested in working with. Sometimes you will receive a general prompt about what to write and other times you’ll respond to a specific essay question(s) tailored to the program.

This document is used by graduate programs' admissions staff to assess potential matches for their programs. And while the primary goal is to determine educational goals and interests, reviewers also are evaluating your writing skills. Writing is often a big part of graduate school, whether it’s law school or a Ph.D. in physics.

Graduate school is competitive, so your personal statement should effectively advertise your skills and background. Covering your unique qualifications, experiences and connections is important. There's a lot to think about, but there are plenty of people at Oregon State to help you through the process. Tutors at the Writing Center can help you brainstorm ideas, organize your thoughts and revise your statement, or you can work with the CDC staff to gain feedback about preparing a strong personal statement.

• Write a Great Personal Statement and Samples

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A letter of recommendation is a written document from a supervisor, professor or other non-family individual who has observed your successes, character, progress and other impressive achievements. Letters of recommendation should be written by those who hold great respect and appreciation for you and can communicate that. The more advance notice you give, the more likely someone will be able to accommodate your request, so aim for a minimum of two weeks.

You must ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation before you list them on an application. When you do ask them, you need to explain what program you are applying for and why you are interested in pursuing graduate school. This will help them gauge what to highlight in the letter. You also need to clarify the deadline and how to submit it (to you or the employer directly, electronic or hard copy, etc.).

• Tips on Requesting References and Letters of Recommendation

Graduate School Interviews

Graduate and professional school interviews can take various forms: one-on-one meetings, group interviews, campus/faculty visits, panel interviews and/or phone interviews. Not every program requires interviews, but if your program of interest does, here are some tips. This is also your opportunity to learn more about whether the program would be a good fit for you.

• Do your homework.  Know the school, program and faculty, especially those with whom you want to work (use the web and your networking skills). Contact graduate students to get the real scoop on the department and faculty. There was a reason you applied to this school and chose this field—recall why and convey that during the interview.
• Know your goals.  Consider whether your goal is to teach, do research, go into the industry, etc. Really think about what area you’d like to specialize in and what topic you might pursue for your dissertation/thesis.
• Review your transcript.  Be aware of “glitches” in your transcripts and be prepared to explain them (just as you may have done in your statement of purpose). In addition, remind yourself of commitments outside of academia that may contribute to making you a strong candidate to succeed in graduate school.
• Practice.  Do a virtual practice interview through  StandOut  and/or schedule an interview practice appointment with your college-specific career advisor.

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2024-2025 Scholarships

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Oregon State University recognizes student excellence, diversity, and achievement through an array of scholarship opportunities.

En Español:  Becas del año escolar 2024-2025 de OSU para estudiantes nuevos.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the majority of Oregon State University’s scholarships for newly-admitted freshmen and transfer students will be awarded automatically based on a holistic review of your application for admission. These admission-based scholarships are awarded only to students whose first term of enrollment at OSU will be Summer 2024 or Fall 2024. Through this review process, OSU seeks to identify and award students who have the skills, abilities, and drive to succeed at Oregon State based on the following:

For Freshmen Students:

• Your high school grades
• Rigor of coursework, considered in the context of your school
• Grades in any college or dual-credit courses
• Information provided in your personal statement on the application
• Your response to one of our available essay prompts

For Transfer Students:

• Your grades in college
• Rigor of college coursework
• Number of transferable credits completed 

All new and continuing OSU students also are encouraged to submit an application for additional college and departmental scholarships that are awarded through OSU ScholarDollars , Oregon State University's online scholarship search and application system. OSU ScholarDollars will begin accepting applications for 2024-2025 scholarships on November 1, 2023. (Students must have been admitted to OSU before accessing OSU ScholarDollars.)

Some Oregon State scholarships are only available to students who have demonstrated financial need.  OSU determines whether you are eligible to be considered for these opportunities based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application).  We recommend that you submit your FAFSA or ORSAA  as early as possible  every year to allow enough time for it to be processed before the earliest OSU ScholarDollars application deadlines.  Take this quiz to decide which financial aid application is right for you!

OSU Scholarship Programs for Residents

New resident freshmen.

Oregon State University’s Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded based on the application for admission to new resident freshmen students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses. Award recipients typically have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.50 or higher. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their application for admission on or before February 1 st ; students who apply after February 1 st will be considered on a funds-available basis. Awards are renewable for up to three additional years (up to four years of funding total), and they have an annual value of up to $4,500 per year. 

The Presidential Scholarship, OSU’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship, awards up to $40,000 ($10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years total) to new resident freshmen students attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses. To be eligible for consideration, students must be current Oregon resident high school seniors attending an Oregon high school with a minimum 3.85 unweighted high school GPA and/or a minimum 4.20 weighted high school GPA.  Students are evaluated based on a holistic review of their application for admission, with specific attention to their accomplishments, contributions, experiences, and talents; their achievements within the context of their social and personal circumstances, and their participation in activities that demonstrate their academic potential, leadership abilities, and commitment to service. No separate application is required to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship. All students who meet the minimum criteria and apply for admission on or before February 1 st are automatically considered for the award.

Recipients of the Presidential Scholarship are also offered additional perks to help amplify their first-year experience. More information on the additional Presidential perks is available here .

OSU’s Diversity Achievement Scholarship is awarded to new first-year students who are actively working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Recipients are selected based on their current and past activities that promote and support diversity on their campuses and/or in their communities, as well as their potential to contribute toward building a more diverse campus community at OSU. Applicants whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree and applicants who have financial need will be given preferential consideration and are strongly encouraged to apply. Awards are $3,000 annually and renewable for up to two years total (up to $6,000 over two years). To be considered for this competitive award, students must submit an application and a personal statement through OSU’s online scholarship search and application system, OSU ScholarDollars , between November 1 st and March 1 st . (Students must have been admitted to OSU before accessing OSU ScholarDollars.)

The Middle College Program Award is available to Oregon resident high school seniors who are first-year OSU applicants and are enrolled in one of the following eligible Middle College Programs:

• Clackamas Community College (with Clackamas Middle College)
• Mt. Hood Community College (with Centennial High School, Corbett High School, David Douglas High School, Parkrose High School, Reynolds Learning Academy, Reynolds High School, Rey Academy, Sandy High School, or Springwater Trail High School)
• Portland Community College (with Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies)

In addition, eligible students must demonstrate:

• Successful completion (grade of C- or better) of three or more college-level courses through the partner community college, which must include at least one math course and at least one writing course (students may complete math courses below 100-level as long as they pass the course), and
• Eligibility for the Oregon Opportunity Grant as determined by the OSU Office of Financial Aid and the State of Oregon based on the FAFSA or the ORSAA

The award includes a gift aid package which covers the estimated cost of OSU’s basic in-state tuition and fees through a combination of federal, state, and institutional grant and scholarship funds plus a $600 annual book stipend.  Awards are renewable for up to 3 additional years (up to four years of support total).  MCP Award recipients also have access to academic and social support through OSU’s EOP, TRIO, and/or LSAMP programs.  

OSU's National Scholars Award is a highly competitive, renewable scholarship offered to approximately ten incoming first-year students who received a national or global level recognition or award while in high school. Examples of such awards and recognitions may include, but are not limited to: National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist, National AP Scholar, Scholastic Art & Writing Award recipient, Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Award recipient, U.S. Presidential Scholar, and/or the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Program participant. Students may apply for the National Scholars Award through OSU ScholarDollars between November 1st and March 1st, and they will be asked to provide verification of the recognition or award as part of the application process. Recipients will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship that may be renewed for up to four years of support total.

Students participating in an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program may qualify for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Scholarship. To qualify, entering freshmen must have scored a total of 30 or higher on the IB exam and complete the IB Diploma. Award offers will be finalized after exam scores are verified in July. Awards are $3,000 annually and renewable for up to 3 additional years (up to $12,000 over four years).

Students receiving these scholarships may submit an application through OSU ScholarDollars to be considered for additional scholarships from the university, alumni and/or donors, and the academic colleges/departments. (Students must have been admitted to OSU before accessing OSU ScholarDollars.) Students also may be eligible for need-based awards if they submit an application for financial aid ( FAFSA/ORSAA ).

New Resident Transfers

Oregon State University’s Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded based on the application for admission to new resident transfer students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses. Award recipients typically have a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.75 or higher. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their application for admission on or before March 15 th ; students who apply after March 15 th will be considered on a funds-available basis. Awards are renewable for up to three additional years (up to four years of funding total), and they have an annual value of up to $2,000 per year.

OSU’s $3,000 Diversity Achievement Scholarship is a one-year award for new transfer students who are actively working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Recipients are selected based on their current and past activities that promote and support diversity on their campuses and/or in their communities, as well as their potential to contribute toward building a more diverse campus community at OSU. Applicants whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree and applicants who have financial need will be given preferential consideration and are strongly encouraged to apply. To be considered for this competitive award, students must submit an application and personal statement through OSU’s online scholarship search and application system, OSU ScholarDollars , between November 1 st and June 15 th . (Students must have been admitted to OSU before accessing OSU ScholarDollars.)

OSU Scholarship Programs for Non-Residents

New non-resident freshmen.

Oregon State University will consider eligible new students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses starting summer or fall of 2024 for the  Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarship. Residents of the following states or territories will be considered automatically for a scholarship that reduces tuition costs to 150% of resident tuition: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. WUE Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on a holistic review of the application for admission. Not all students from a WUE state or territory will be offered a WUE Scholarship.

The discount associated with OSU’s WUE Scholarship only applies to OSU's on-campus, base non-resident undergraduate tuition . Ecampus tuition, differential tuition, campus fees, and room and board charges are not eligible for the discount, so students receiving OSU’s WUE Scholarship will be billed for the full cost of any Ecampus tuition, differential tuition, campus fees, and room and board. More information regarding the WUE Scholarship is available on our FAQ page .

Oregon State University’s Provost Scholarship is awarded based on the application for admission to new non-resident freshmen students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses. Award recipients typically have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.00 or higher. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their application for admission on or before February 1 st ; students who apply after February 1 st will be considered on a funds-available basis. Awards are renewable for up to three additional years (up to four years of funding total), and they have an annual value of up to $12,000 per year.

New Non-Resident Transfers

Oregon State University will consider eligible new students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses starting summer or fall of 2024 for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarship. Residents of the following states or territories will be considered automatically for a scholarship that reduces tuition costs to 150% of resident tuition: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. WUE Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on a holistic review of the application for admission. Not all students from a WUE state or territory will be offered a WUE Scholarship.

Oregon State University’s Provost Scholarship is awarded based on the application for admission to new non-resident transfer students who will be attending the Corvallis or Bend campuses. Award recipients typically have a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.00 or higher. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their application for admission prior to March 15 th ; students who apply after March 15 th will be considered on a funds-available basis. Awards are renewable for up to three additional years (up to four years of funding total), and they have an annual value of up to $5,000 per year.

OSU’s $3,000 Diversity Achievement Scholarship is a one-year award for new transfer students who are actively working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Recipients are selected based on their current and past activities that promote and support diversity on their campuses and/or in their communities, as well as their potential to contribute toward building a more diverse campus community at OSU. Applicants whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree and applicants who have financial need will be given preferential consideration and are strongly encouraged to apply. To be considered for this competitive award, students must submit an application and personal statement through OSU’s online scholarship search and application system, OSU ScholarDollars , between November 1 st and June 15 th . (Students must have been admitted to OSU before accessing OSU ScholarDollars.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Resident students.

Typically, you will be notified of any scholarships you have been awarded based on your admission application within four to six weeks of being offered admission to OSU.  If you are selected to receive a scholarship based on your admission application, the award offer will be posted on your Beaver Basecamp portal, you will receive an email notification, and a paper letter will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your application for admission.

For scholarships that accept applications through OSU ScholarDollars , college and departmental scholarship committees will review applications and choose scholarship recipients starting in mid-February and continuing throughout the summer.  If you are selected to receive a college or departmental scholarship, you will receive an email notification inviting you to log into ScholarDollars for information about the scholarship award.

If you are selected to receive an OSU scholarship based on your admission application, the award offer will be posted on your Beaver Basecamp portal, you will receive an email notification, and a paper letter will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your application for admission.

If you are selected to receive a scholarship from an OSU college or department, you will receive an email notification inviting you to log into OSU ScholarDollars for information about the scholarship award.

Although some campus scholarships are available only to students who have financial need as determined by the OSU Office of Financial Aid , there are many that are awarded based on other eligibility criteria such as academic merit, participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, career plans, and geography. 

If you wish to be considered for the campus scholarships that require financial need, you should submit a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  or an Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) by February 28 th  each year. 

To be eligible to receive a payment of your USP scholarship in a given term as a Degree Partnership Program (DPP) participant, you must meet the following enrollment requirements as outlined in the terms and conditions of your award:

• Enroll in at least 6 credits at OSU, and
• Enroll in at least 12 credits total between OSU and your partner school, and
• Select OSU as your home institution for financial aid purposes

If you do not meet all of these requirements in a given term, you may be eligible to retain your scholarship for future terms. More information on USP Scholarships and DPP enrollment can be found  here .

Some third-party scholarships and college/departmental scholarships may have different requirements regarding DPP enrollment. We recommend you check with your awarding organization or department to verify the requirements for your specific award(s).

For the 2023-2024 academic year, almost 4,000 new and continuing OSU students received a total of over $12 million in OSU scholarships through OSU ScholarDollars . 

Both newly-admitted and continuing OSU students are eligible to use OSU ScholarDollars to apply for Oregon State’s scholarships.

If you have applied for admission, but not yet received an admission decision, you can use the ScholarDollars search engine to learn about OSU scholarship opportunities, but you will not be able to log in or submit an application until you are admitted.

You do not need to set up a separate user account to access  OSU ScholarDollars .  Newly-admitted and continuing OSU students may log into ScholarDollars using their ONID user name and password.  If you are a newly-admitted student, you will need to set up your ONID account before you can log into ScholarDollars.   Information about activating your ONID account.

If you have applied for admission, but not yet received an admission decision, you can use the ScholarDollars search engine to learn about scholarship opportunities offered by OSU and third-party organizations.  Only admitted and continuing students are able to log into ScholarDollars and submit an application.

OSU ScholarDollars begins accepting applications on November 1st each year.  We recommend that you submit your scholarship application no later than February 15th to maximize the scholarship opportunities for which you will be considered.  Most scholarships have deadlines on or after February 15th, but specific deadlines may vary.

If you have additional questions about OSU scholarships, please contact the OSU Scholarship Office at  [email protected] . 

Non-Resident Students

For scholarships that accept applications through OSU ScholarDollars , college and departmental scholarship committees will review applications and choose scholarship recipients starting in mid-February and continuing throughout the summer.  If you are selected to receive a college or departmental scholarship, you will receive an email notification inviting you to log into OSU ScholarDollars for information about the scholarship award.

If you are selected to receive a scholarship based on your admission application, the award offer will be posted on your Beaver Basecamp portal, you will receive an email notification, and a paper letter will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your application for admission.

If you wish to be considered for the campus scholarships that require financial need, you should submit a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  by February 28 th  each year. 

Oregon State University began awarding Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarships to eligible new students starting fall of 2021.  If you are a resident of one of the following states or territories, you will be considered automatically for a scholarship that reduces your tuition costs to 150% of resident tuition:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

OSU’s Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)  Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on a holistic review of your application for admission.  Not all students from a WUE state or territory will be offered OSU’s WUE Scholarship.

Contact Info

Scholarship Office 108B Kerr Admin Building Corvallis, OR 97330 541-737-1125 Contact Us

Enrollment Management

University of Oregon

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at University of Oregon?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Oregon’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Additional info essay.

This section can be used for various purposes, and gives you an optional opportunity for discussing any of the following.

•Your academic record might have included periods of low performance such as grades of D or F, inconsistent or downward trends in grades, deficiencies in particular subject areas, or discrepancies between your test scores and GPA. This might be because of special personal circumstances such as death or illness of a parent, caring for a family member, homelessness, frequent moves, or due to learning disabilities/differences or study habits. If relevant, be sure to let us know what actions you have taken in order to be successful, and what you have learned from the experience.

•You want to help us better understand how your involvement in activities was limited by work or family obligations, or by the unique setting of your school or community

•You need to share any other information with us about yourself that is not provided elsewhere, or UO admissions staff told you to provide certain information in this space

(When responding, keep in mind that University of Oregon employees are required by law to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse to law enforcement or the Oregon Department of Human Services per ORS 419B.005. Other knowledge of illegal activity may also be reported by UO, pursuant to other reporting requirements.)

Honors College Essay

Essay Instructions: Curiosity and breadth of interests are defining characteristics of Clark Honors College students. We value originality and want to learn more about your unique journey and the nature and breadth of your intellectual curiosity.

Note: applicants are required to submit the UO‘s application essay and the CHC application essay. The UO’s essay cannot be used to fulfill the Clark Honors College admission essay requirement.

Essay Prompt: Please tell us about a specific enthusiasm that showcases your curiosity and intellectual engagement with the world. Your chosen enthusiasm or passion can be from any domain—academic, artistic, scientific, cultural, or any other area that has captivated your interest. Be thoughtful and provide concrete examples to support your response.

Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Architecture and Interior Architecture Prompt 1

Why have you decided to study this design program? Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations that have shaped your desire to apply to the major.

Architecture and Interior Architecture Prompt 2

Describe your engagement with an experience, activity, or creative project (as in art, construction, or craft, etc.) that has influenced your interest in design. What did you learn from this experience?

Select-A-Prompt Essay

Essay Topic: (250-500 words - choose one of the topics below)

Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to the University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

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.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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Admissions menu, – decision day extended –.

Due to the delay in FAFSA data being supplied to the University of Oregon, the UO is extending the confirmation deadline to June 1, 2024, for first-year students admitted for fall 2024. Find the latest information about our FAFSA timeline and financial aid offers .

Freshman Requirements

Below are the standard admission requirements for freshmen. See the requirements for:

• Transfer students
• International students
• Other applicants

English/Language Arts—4 years

• All four years should be in preparatory composition and literature with emphasis on and frequent practice in writing expository prose.

Mathematics—3 years

• Effective through fall 2023 enrollment, coursework must include first-year algebra and two additional years of college-preparatory mathematics, including Algebra II (or equivalent) or higher. An advanced mathematics course is highly recommended in your senior year. One year of either algebra or geometry taken prior to ninth grade are acceptable.
• Effective for enrollment after fall 2023, students interested in attending a State of Oregon Public Higher Education Institution should take at least three years of high school math. The third year could be satisfied by any math course with a primary focus on concepts in algebra, calculus, data science, discrete mathematics, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability, or statistics.  
• Prospective students are encouraged to take a fourth math course in their senior year of high school. Those intending to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major or another field for which calculus is required are strongly encouraged to take pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus in high school.

Science—3 years

• Must include a year each in two fields of college-preparatory science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and physical science.
• One year of laboratory science is recommended.

Social studies—3 years

• Complete three years of social studies from such areas as global studies, history, or social studies electives.

Second language—2 years

• The UO offers several options for meeting the second-language requirement .

Now that you know what the requirements are, read about  how we evaluate your application  or start your application  online.

Alternative Admission

If you do not meet one or more of the standard admission requirements, review the options for alternative admission , including information for students from nonaccredited high schools. Also, see the requirements for homeschooled students and students who earned a GED .