Applying to George Washington University (GWU) is a significant step toward your academic and career aspirations, especially if you're drawn to the unique opportunities it offers for engaging with policymakers and world leaders. As part of the application process, GWU provides an option to submit a supplemental essay. This is your chance to shine and set your application apart. Let's dive into the prompts and how best to tackle them.

Supplemental Essay Prompts

For the 2024 application cycle, GWU applicants have the option to respond to one of the following supplemental essay prompts, each with a word limit of 500 words:

Essay Prompt 1

"At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?"

Essay Prompt 2

"The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?"

Approaching the Prompts

Firstly, these supplemental essays are optional, but we highly encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity. It's a chance to showcase your values, experiences, and the unique perspective you bring to GWU's diverse community.

Essay Prompt 1

When addressing Essay Prompt 1, consider these tips:

• Reflect Deeply: Think about an issue or event that has a significant impact on either your local community or on a global scale. Identify why it's important to you and what change you envision.

• Be Specific: Clearly outline the specific actions you would take to alter the course of history. Use concrete examples and highlight any relevant experiences or knowledge that support your ability to initiate these changes.

• Connect to GWU: Illustrate how interacting with GWU's community of policymakers and world leaders could facilitate your vision. Mentioning GWU-specific resources, such as certain programs or faculty, can strengthen your essay.

• For more tailored advice and feedback, consider using Sups AI to brainstorm and refine your essay. With personalized assistance from current students, Sups AI can help you put your best foot forward.

Essay Prompt 2

For Essay Prompt 2, here are strategies to craft a compelling narrative:

• Highlight a Meaningful Dialogue: Choose an issue that genuinely matters to you. Provide context on why this topic is important and detail the conversation you had with others.

• Showcase Civil Discourse: Emphasize your ability to engage in respectful, insightful discussions that challenge the status quo. Illustrate the positive outcomes of these conversations, such as changes in perspectives or strengthened relationships.

• Focus on Impact: Detail the tangible impact that emerged from the dialogue. Whether it's a small change in your school community or a broader shift in understanding, demonstrate the importance of civil discourse.

• Sups AI can guide you through this process, providing comprehensive feedback on your essay to ensure it highlights your critical thinking and ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Final Thoughts

GWU's supplemental essays offer a unique platform to highlight your passion for global affairs and your ability to engage in significant, thoughtful conversations. Each essay presents an opportunity to not only share your experiences but also to align them with GWU's values and mission.

Remember, writing compelling essays takes time and revision. Don’t hesitate to seek help from resources like Sups AI. Sups AI has already assisted over 10,000 students in gaining admission to top U.S. schools through personalized feedback and one-on-one chats with current students.

Good luck with your GWU application! Use this guide to navigate the prompts thoughtfully and showcase the best version of yourself.