The University of San Diego (USD) has released its new essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle. USD’s commitment to liberal arts education, diversity, and global citizenship shines through in these supplemental essays. This blog post will guide you through each prompt and provide specific advice for crafting compelling responses. The word limit for each essay is 350 words, giving you an opportunity to reflect deeply and thoughtfully on your experiences.
Here are this year’s USD essay prompts:
Essay Prompts
Prompt: For over 75 years, the liberal arts have been the cornerstone of the educational experience at USD. They help students explore the world, past and present, and lay the foundation for building inspired and meaningful lives. They also provide the skills and experiences students need to be successful in an increasingly changing and challenging world. Throughout the first year and beyond, we engage students in this exploration through our Core Curriculum and Learning Communities, connecting them with faculty who will guide them as they become global citizens. What excites you about the academic opportunities at USD? You can learn more about our Core Curriculum and Learning Community programs by clicking on the respective links.
Option 1: Here at USD, we value the fact that our students come from all walks of life, have experienced different realities and bring with them an array of unique perspectives, including some that have often been underrepresented and underserved by higher education. Our Horizon Project is a call to action, ensuring that we are dedicating the time, energy and resources necessary to build an ever more diverse, inclusive and equitable campus community. What contribution have you made to your current school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to these ideals?
Option 2: As a proud Changemaker Campus, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through care for our common home, social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity and a global perspective. Write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue?
Option 3: Share some of your ideas about the role of faith or spirituality in your life or the life of someone you know. As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We devote great time and energy to ensuring all students feel connected to the vibrant USD community, including opportunities to grow in their relationship with God while considering who they are, what they believe and who they are called to become.
How to Approach the Supplemental Essays
Understanding the Core and Learning Communities
When responding to the main prompt about USD's academic opportunities, take time to explore the links provided by the university on their Core Curriculum and Learning Communities. Reference specific courses, programs, or faculty members that intrigue you. Mention how these academic features align with your interests and goals. Personalize your response by linking it to your past experiences. Sups AI can help fine-tune your ideas and ensure your essay reflects genuine enthusiasm and fit for USD.
Option 1: Diversity and Inclusion
If you choose Option 1, illustrate your awareness and commitment to diversity and inclusion with concrete examples. Highlight any initiatives or projects you’ve been a part of that aimed at fostering an inclusive environment. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your understanding of equity and inclusion. Sups AI offers personalized feedback and can help you brainstorm impactful ways to showcase your contributions.
Option 2: Global Challenges
For Option 2, identify a global challenge that resonates with you. Provide context and explain why this issue is significant to you. Use personal anecdotes or experiences to demonstrate your commitment and the urgency of the issue. Discuss how you envision being a changemaker at USD to address this challenge. Sups AI can assist in structuring your essay to highlight your insights and dedication effectively.
Option 3: Faith and Spirituality
Option 3 invites you to discuss the role of faith or spirituality in your life or someone you know. Be honest and reflective about your beliefs and how they shape your identity and actions. USD values authentic self-exploration, so don’t hesitate to share your journey and growth. If you’re unsure how to articulate your thoughts, Sups AI’s one-on-one chats with current students might provide valuable perspectives and advice.
Writing USD's supplemental essays is an opportunity to convey your unique perspective and passion for joining the diverse and dynamic community at USD. Utilize resources like Sups AI to perfect your essays and ensure they truly represent you at your best.
