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The Requirements: 2 essays of 250 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why
Alvernia’s supplement is short and sweet–but that is no excuse for slacking! Alvernia wants to make sure you’ve given your application some thought and that you’re ready to hit the ground running come next fall. Let’s dig in!
Does it get any more straightforward than this? In order to ace your response to this prompt, you’re going to want to go the extra mile. Don’t just respond with the first thing that comes to your mind. Instead, take a moment to consider why you’re applying or how you discovered Alvernia in the first place. If nothing is springing to the forefront of your mind, feel free to peruse Alvernia’s website. What stands out to you? Is it important to you to attend a Roman Catholic university? Is Reading just far enough away from home (but still close enough that you can go home for Sunday dinner)? Are there clubs and organizations you’d like to join? Anything that appeals to you is fair game, but don’t write too much about academics, because Alvernia is already on it…
Ta-da! This prompt sounds simple enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it so much that you’re willing to dedicate four years of your life to it (at the very least). While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will also expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. Lucky for you, we would have advised you to start with an anecdote anyway. The most memorable essays spring from concrete descriptions of your experiences. What excites you and why? When was the last time you got drawn down a Reddit rabbit hole–and what was the topic? While you don’t need to pinpoint the exact moment you became interested in European History or Calculus, try to zero in on some inspiring experience. What was the best TED Talk you ever watched? The first time you spoke to your new friend in French? Your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study.
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