University of Delaware Honors Essay

<p>I am having trouble with my honors essay for the udel app. I believe that my numbers are good enough for the honors program (92 gpa, 31 ACT) but I'm afraid that this essay is going to hold me back. Does anyone have some suggestions as to where to start with the essay, and what to include?</p>

<p>A University of Delaware education is more than the sum of its parts. Over one-third of Delaware students double major or pursue a major with multiple minors. All students participate in discovery learning – from study abroad to undergraduate research to service-learning. Honors students are especially inclined to be interdisciplinary, creative, or entrepreneurial. Tell us about your unique combination of interests and how you hope to apply them to your Honors experience at UD.</p>

<p>Above is the prompt for the essay.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for anyone who decides to help out.</p>

<p>Hi. I’m a parent who is helping my daughter complete applications for summer study and research. I’d be happy to share my ideas with you. I know just getting started is sometimes the toughest. </p>

<p>IMHO I think what UD is looking for is a unique interest you have that crosses different diciplines. For example a class that ties into a volunteer activity or extracurricular activity you enjoy. Try writing down all your classes, ECs, volunteerism, hobbies and see if you notice a connection.</p>

<p>For instance, say you take long walks because you like to stay healthy. On those long walks you always notice the beautiful wildflowers in your neighborhood. Since you also like taking pictures you start photographing them on your walk and submit those photos to your school or local paper. See the connection across disciplines? Healthy living, the environment, photography, published articles or artwork. </p>

<p>Good luck with your application. UD is a great school!</p>

<p>What they want is a personal connection between you and the university and you and the program. What specific things are you looking to get from your education that you can only get at Delaware, and what will you bring to the honors program that is uniquely special. They want it personal and they want details. Good luck!</p>

<p>Sorry I steered you in the wrong direction. I read it differently. I was just trying to be helpful.</p>

<p>You didn’t read it the wrong way, you just need to go one step further and make your excellent suggestions specific to UD. The student can spend a little time on the website and see all kinds of things, like classes in the catalog or professors with a noteworthy expertise, just to tie it all in.</p>

<p>I read it kind of like zoosermom, but am afraid mine was probably boring… oh, but hey quick question Boston, are you sending in subject test scores? because I don’t know if I need to or not. My SAT is a 2160 but SAT II’s are 700 lit, 700 USH, 600 Math I - so given that they aren’t stellar should I spend another 10$ for UD to see those even though they already have my SAT I score? I now the programsays they are “recommended”</p>

<p>The two 700s are certainly stellar, and the 600 is just fine. Given that they only ask for two, the scores can only help you. Send them.</p>

<p>Boston, if you still haven’t completed it yet, I would say, don’t over think it. They just want to know that you are not a one dimensional person just looking to get a degree. For example you could be great at a sport, and/or music or dance, and be really strong in writing or science or math. YOu might also have something unique about you…speak a foreign language, have a special needs person in the family, or went on a mission trip and loved it …Take those three or four things and explain how you might continue to pursue them through classes, foreign study, community service, joining a team or ensemble. No one expects you to show how you will connect them all into an interdisciplinary major or future job. They just want to know that you will take advantage of the incredible resources and opportiunities that UDEL offers, and that you are not one of those duds that does the minimum to get by and plans their life around the next kegger.</p>

<p>Thank you to everyone who has contributed and provided insight. To the person that asked, I did not take the SAT II’s and only have my ACT score, so I’m hoping that is alright. I plan on completing and submitting this app within the next two days. I will take all thoughts into consideration. The answers you guys provided did truly help and I plan on focusing on the different aspects of what I can bring to the school, while also talking about what the school can give to me. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.</p>