The University of San Diego (USD) has just unveiled its new set of essay prompts for the 2024 application cycle, offering students the chance to showcase their unique experiences and perspectives. With a word limit of 350 for each prompt, applicants have the opportunity to dive deep into what makes them stand out. Let’s breakdown each prompt and provide specific advice on how to approach them effectively.

Understanding the Prompts

Prompt Overview: The first essay invites students to explore the academic opportunities at USD, reflecting on the institution’s dedication to the liberal arts and how its Core Curriculum and Learning Communities foster a meaningful educational journey. The aim is to connect these opportunities to your personal excitement and aspirations.

Prompt: For over 75 years, the liberal arts have been the cornerstone of the educational experience at USD. They help students explore the world, past and present, and lay the foundation for building inspired and meaningful lives. They also provide the skills and experiences students need to be successful in an increasingly changing and challenging world. Throughout the first year and beyond, we engage students in this exploration through our Core Curriculum and Learning Communities, connecting them with faculty who will guide them as they become global citizens. What excites you about the academic opportunities at USD? You can learn more about our Core Curriculum and Learning Community programs by clicking on the respective links.

The next set of options asks you to choose one of three specific prompts:

1. Here at USD, we value the fact that our students come from all walks of life, have experienced different realities, and bring with them an array of unique perspectives, including some that have often been underrepresented and underserved by higher education. Our Horizon Project is a call to action, ensuring that we are dedicating the time, energy, and resources necessary to build an ever more diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community. What contribution have you made to your current school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to these ideals?

2. As a proud Changemaker Campus, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through care for our common home, social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity, and a global perspective. Write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue?

3. Share some of your ideas about the role of faith or spirituality in your life or the life of someone you know. As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We devote great time and energy to ensuring all students feel connected to the vibrant USD community, including opportunities to grow in their relationship with God while considering who they are, what they believe, and who they are called to become.

Approaching the Supplemental Essays

Writing a stellar supplemental essay for USD requires a strategic approach. Here are some insights to get you started:

1. Reflect on Personal Experiences

For the first prompt on the academic opportunities at USD, pinpoint specific programs, courses, or faculty members that align with your interests. Mention how these elements excite you and how they would play a crucial role in your academic journey. Using Sups AI to brainstorm and gather initial thoughts can further enrich your responses and make sure they're detailed and specific.

2. Highlight Your Contributions and Values

The second prompt about diversity and the Horizon Project calls for a deep reflection on your community engagements. Have you been a part of any initiatives that speak to inclusivity and equity? Detail these experiences, emphasizing how they reflect your commitment to these values. Use Sups AI to get feedback and refine your narrative.

3. Address Global Challenges You Care About

The third prompt centers on global challenges. Choose an issue that you’re passionate about and explain its significance to you. Discuss any relevant experiences that demonstrate your engagement with this issue. Sups AI can help ensure that your story is both compelling and impactful.

4. Explore Faith and Spirituality

For the fourth prompt on faith or spirituality, discuss what role these elements play in your life. Reflect on your personal journey, beliefs, and how USD’s inclusive environment would help you grow further. Sups AI can be particularly useful here, helping you brainstorm ideas and articulate your thoughts clearly.

In summary, USD’s essay prompts are an excellent way to express your individuality and alignment with the university’s values. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of platforms like Sups AI to brainstorm, get feedback, and chat with current students. Sups AI has already assisted over 10,000 students in getting admitted to top universities, making it a valuable resource for your application journey.