University of Washington (UW) 2017-18 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of Washington 2017-2018 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One 300 word essay (required), one 200 word essay (optional).
Supplemental Essay Type (s): Oddball, Community

Short Response

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington. (300 max)

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how applicants relate to the people around them, forge connections, and commune with their peers. In this particular instance, the question calls attention to family as well, so consider how the people who you are related to (or those who you consider family even if they’re not bound to you by blood) have influenced your life and worldview. Maybe you’re very involved in your local synagogue, polka dancing club, or environmental organization. University of Washington wants to know about your life beyond the classroom and how you will continue those activities and interests on their campus. Why do you invest in the people you invest in?

Additional Information About Yourself or Your Circumstances (Optional, 200 word max)

This prompt is an opportunity for you to explain anything else from your life that is not addressed elsewhere on the application, and that you think would be a valuable contribution to the package you’re presenting. This can be the explanation of a complication, like an illness that caused you to miss school and impacted your grades. It can also be a place for you to talk about how you’ve taught yourself piano in your spare time — something that might not show up in your official activities list. What else might admissions officers want or need to know about you? You have an additional 200 words at your disposal to speak to them in your own voice, so use them as long as what you’re writing isn’t simply filler — if that’s the case, it’s better just to leave this blank. That said, we’re confident you can find something to highlight here!