1.

MIT
2. Caltech,
3. Princeton,
4. UC- Berkeley...
5. Georgia Tech
6. univ of Illinois Urbana Champaign
7. Carnegie Mellon
8. Texas A&M,

1. MIT Essays questions

For the 2024–2025 application, we’re asking these short answer essay
questions:

1. What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note:
Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this
field of study at MIT appeals to you.
2. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are
required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the
pleasure of it.
3. While some reach their goals following well-trodden paths, others
blaze their own trails achieving the unexpected. In what ways have
you done something different than what was expected in your
educational journey?
4. MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate,
from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping
hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn
from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.
5. How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect?
What did you learn from it?
Depending on the question, we’re looking for responses of approximately
100–200 words each. There is also one final, open-ended, additional-
information text box where you can tell us anything else you think we really
ought to know.
 2. CALTECH
Advice for Five of the 2025 Supplemental Essay Questions

These essays cover a wide range of themes and should each be approached differently and
thoughtfully. The advice listed after each question is designed to help you kickstart your
writing process. You got this!

The first three questions are about your STEM journey — or your STEM future, present, and
past.

Question One – Your STEM Future: Academic Interests

Caltech has a rigorous core curriculum and students don't declare a major until the
end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields
and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want
to explore.

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose?

Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what
topics are you interested in pursuing? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)
WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?
Although we don't require you to pursue the major you write down on your
application, we want to know that you're able to articulate your academic interests
and future goals. It gives you a chance to help the admissions committee
understand your motivations, and commitment to the mission of Caltech.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

 Be honest, don't tell us what you think we want to hear. This is a chance to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm
for your desired field of study.
 Research and explain why this is the right program for you and how it aligns with your research and/or career goals.
 Do not try to game the system by choosing other fields to hopefully stand out. This will make your answer less sincere and
will reflect poorly on your candidacy to the admissions committee.

Question Two - Your STEM Present: Curiosity

Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and
talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be
as specific or broad as you would like. (Min: 50 / Max: 150 words)

WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?

We want to know what's happening in the STEM world currently that interests you.
We want to see your enthusiasm and interests beyond your primary focus area. This
will provide the admissions committee insight into how you think about new ideas.
And we want you to have fun telling us about a STEM topic that captivates you!

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

 You should choose something you are genuinely interested in at the moment. Authenticity matters and will come through in
your response.
 Remember that there is no way to "out-STEM" us. When we say "nerd out", we mean it!
 Be sure to be specific by mentioning the aspects and concepts that fascinate you and let us know why.

Question Three - Your STEM Past: Prior Experiences

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are interested in learning
more about your engagement with STEM.

Please share two STEM-related experiences:

1. Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or any STEM topic, and how you have pursued or
developed this interest or passion over time. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)
2. Tell us about a STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity. (Min:
100 / Max: 200 words)

WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?

We want to give you the space to tell us directly why STEM matters to you and to
show us how past experiences in STEM tie into your larger story. Your STEM
experiences help us understand who you are as a scientist, mathematician, or
engineer on a deeper, more personal level.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

 These responses are not resume entries — there is already room for that elsewhere in your application. Dig deeper than a
list of accomplishments.
 Remember, we are asking about YOUR experience. Many students are inspired by a mentor or a family member, but we
want to hear about your STEM experiences.
  Struggling to think of an experience to write about? Not all STEM experiences will look the same (and imagine how boring
that would be!). Here are some questions to help kickstart your brainstorming process:
o Have you encountered a problem that you solved through STEM?
o Did you combine two interests to discover a new passion? Biology and Computer Science! Physics and Ice
Skating! Social Justice and Environmental Science! The combinations are endless.
o Are you on a team? Do you have a hobby? What are some specific moments or events that highlight why you
have a passion for that activity?

Question Four - Creativity in Action

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech's students, faculty, and

researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also
imagine smaller-scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to
how to 3D-print dorm decor to experimenting in the kitchen. How have you been a
creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 200 / Max: 250 words)

WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?

Caltech's mission includes "educating outstanding students to become creative
members of society"and this is your opportunity to show us your creative and
innovative spirit in action.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

 We celebrate innovation in all forms, whether they happen in the laboratory, the classroom, the kitchen sink, or entirely in C+
+.
 Tell us the ‘why' behind your creative endeavor. Maybe you invented a new way to freeze ice cream, but was your
passion sparked by taking apart an old ice cream maker, learning about the triglycerides in milk fat, or starting a side hustle?
 Have fun here and let your personality shine.

Question Five - Caltech's Values

Caltech's values include respect for a diversity of thoughts and ideas. How have you
cultivated this value in your own life? (Min: 50 / Max: 200 words)

WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?

Caltech is a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and we value the wide
range of experiences and perspectives our students, faculty, and staff bring to
campus. We want to understand how your own personal experiences and
perspectives have shaped you.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION:

 Take time to read the question, explore Caltech's mission and our fundamental values, and think deeply about what
resonated for you.
 Be specific. For example, instead of simply telling us that you are open to new ideas, paint a picture of a time that you had
an idea or belief challenged and how it affected you.
 Do you have a story to tell? We care about your lived experiences and identities and how they intersect with Caltech's
values.
 Center yourself in the response — remember, we are asking about your own life.
 3. PRINCETON
Our Advice
Instead of worrying about meeting a specific set of criteria, try to create an
application that will help us see your achievements — inside the classroom
and out — in their true context, so we can understand your potential to take
advantage of the resources at Princeton and the kind of contribution you
would make to the Princeton community. Show us what kind of student you
are. Show us that you have taken advantage of what your high school has
to offer and how you have achieved and contributed in your own particular
context.

We look for students who make a difference in their schools and

communities, so tell us about your leadership activities, interests, special
skills and other extracurricular involvements. Tell us if you’ve had a job or a
responsibility in your home. Most Princeton students were academic
standouts in high school. Most of them also invested their energy and
talents in significant ways outside the classroom. We want to know what
you care about, what commitments you have made and what you’ve done
to act on those commitments.

In addition to the Coalition Application, Common Application or

the QuestBridge Application, Princeton University requires you to answer
Princeton-specific questions. Below you will find the questions for the 2024-
25 application cycle. Depending on which degree you wish to pursue at
Princeton (A.B., B.S.E. or undecided), you will answer one of the two
academic prompts, then there are three additional sections meant to help
us get to know you even better.

First-Year Essay Questions

For B.S.E Degree Applicants

Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at

Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering,
and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your
particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)
Your Voice
1. Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff
and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can
expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a
prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived
experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the
classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons
have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn
from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you?
(Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)
2. Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our
responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How
does your own story intersect with these ideals? (Please respond in
250 words or fewer.)

More About You

Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right
or wrong answers. Be yourself!

1. What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

2. What brings you joy?
3. What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
 4. UC Berkeley

Personal insight questions

Imagine UC was a person. If we met face-to-face, what would you want us to know
about you? These personal insight questions allow you to tell us. You could write
about your creative side. Your thoughts on leadership. A challenge you’ve faced.
Whatever questions you answer, make sure you show us your personality—just as
you would in real life.

Directions

 You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the
8 questions.
 Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
 Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. However, you
should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that
best reflect your individual circumstances.

Questions & guidance

Remember, the personal insight questions are just that—personal. Which means
you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you
need help. The important thing is expressing who you are, what matters to you and
what you want to share with UC.

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have

positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group
efforts over time.

Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean
being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking
the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished
and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities?

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading
others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your
community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn't necessarily have
to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your
family?

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways:
problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a
few. Describe how you express your creative side.

Things to consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill
that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used
creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took
to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom?
Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career?

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you
developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Things to consider: If there is a talent or skill that you're proud of, this is the time to
share it.You don't necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for
your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so).
Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or
talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the
classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational

opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added

value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For
example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment
in an academy that's geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced
courses that interest you; just to name a few.

If you choose to write about educational barriers you've faced, how did you
overcome or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did
you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help
shape who you are today?

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you
have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your
academic achievement?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in

your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a
good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you've faced and what you've learned
from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it
alone?

If you're currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now,
and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, How
has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family?

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have
furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Things to consider: Many students have a passion for one specific academic
subject area, something that they just can't get enough of. If that applies to you,
what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the
subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside
the classroom such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer
programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs and what you have
gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future
career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject
(honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject
further at UC, and how might you do that?

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better
place?

Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group,

team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. You can define
community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that
community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your
actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with
others to initiate change in your community?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you
believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of
California?

Things to consider: If there's anything you want us to know about you but didn't find
a question or place in the application to tell us, now's your chance. What have you
not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you
think will help us know you better?

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC?
Don't be afraid to brag a little.
 5. Georgia Tech
Personal Essays
The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, most
importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the
application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit, and better
understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.

Application Essay Prompts

Below are the Georgia Tech essay questions for 2024 applications. Both
prompts are required of all applicants.

 Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants

will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App.

 Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max 300 words):

Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want
to study that major at Georgia Tech?

Common App has announced the 2024-2025 essay prompts. Below is

the complete list of the Common App essay prompts.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that

is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete
without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be
fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a
challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did
you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or
idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made
you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude
affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a
period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or
others.
6. 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?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've
already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of
your own design.
What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?

Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So,
before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and
review your essays thoroughly. Strong essays include traits that:

 Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness.

 Demonstrate thoughtfulness.
 Display attention to topic, style, and grammar.
 Demonstrate a student's thoughtfulness about why Georgia Tech,
specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia
Tech’s Values. The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public
research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in
1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology
and improve the human condition.

6. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Write a personal essay.

Answer the prompt of your choice from Common App's full list. Your essay
response can be anywhere from 250 to 650 words total.

Common App has announced the 2024-2025 essay prompts

Below is the complete list of the Common App essay prompts.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that

is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete
without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be
fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a
challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did
you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or
idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made
you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude
affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a
period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or
others.
 6. 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?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've
already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of
your own design.

Tell us why you're interested in your chosen major.

Questions you'll answer depend on whether you're applying to a major or to

our undeclared program, and if you've selected a second-choice major. Each
answer should be around 150 words.

If You're Applying to a Major:

1. Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years

related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an
extracurricular activity, in a class you've taken, or through something
else.
2. Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from Illinois
and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If You've Selected a Second-Choice

Major (Including Undeclared):

1. Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall

academic or career goals.

7. Carnegie Mellon
ESSAYS

We also consider your Common Application essay and your responses to the
Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement. The Writing Supplement
includes three short-answer questions:

1. Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or
inspiration that’s developed over time —

what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

2. Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal
goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal.
 As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you
define a successful college experience?

3. Consider your application as a whole.

What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission
committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something
you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

Your short answer responses shouldn't exceed 300 words each.

8.Texas A&M - Engineering