Supplement Essays

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hi. I am currently applying to Stanford for its Energy Engineering Program. In writing the supplementary essays, I have several questions:</p>

<p>1) For the Intellectual Vitality Essay, should I write about my research project and the participation in the Japan Super Science Fair, or should I write about my cultural identity? Personally, I prefer the cultural identity essay but I don't know what Stanford would prefer to see.</p>

<p>2) For the Roommate Essay, is it better to be more casual or formal? Also, would it be better to focus on a single personality trait, or would it be better to concentrate on several, say three, to paint a broader picture of who I am? </p>

<p>3) In the supplements, it is better to address my future plans of being an energy engineer in my supplements, or would it be better to keep my generic essays which I believe are quite strong. </p>

<p>Many comments and feedback much appreciated</p>

2

<p>Your goal should be to stand out from the crowd in the applicant pool. Write about what you feel is most important in your life. If you feel that a topic reflects who you are as person, then go with that topic. Write about who you are, never about what a university “wants to see.” I can guarantee that the last thing they want to see is you just trying to please them. I simply wrote essays which came from the heart, and I was accepted. I never once thought about “what they want to see.”</p>