Prompt 6: Intellectual Engagement

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?

Smiling student in lab coat using microscope

This Is What Consumes Me

This prompt offers you a chance to discuss one or more of your deepest interests to show admissions something about what kind of student you are and how you think.

While a topic, idea or concept can be chosen from literally anything, make sure you choose something that is mature and reflective of your own interests; a math concept, something from history that interests you, a social issue that you feel worthy of your time.

Make Your Essay About You

The best topic, idea or concept will come from your own interests or academic experiences.

Ideally, you want to describe the concept and then use the rest of the essay to discuss why you feel interested, how it has changed you or caused you to explore a topic, idea or concept even further.

For the what or who do you turn to part, make sure you state what or who and then why that choice is an important one for you.

Be Reasonable

Playing it safe is important: don't risk harming your application outcome just to make a point. Choose a topic that tends not to be so controversial that it might offend others or place an admissions officer in direct opposition to your way of thinking.  

You are one good essay away from admission to your dream school!

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