Question

the essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. what do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. use the full range if you need it, but dont feel obligated to do so. (the application wont accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
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.
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?
reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking? what was the outcome?
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?

Explanation:

The question asks for an aspect of oneself to share in an application essay. Reflecting on something someone did that made one happy or thankful can show personal values, emotional depth and how one is influenced by others, which is a good way to distinguish oneself beyond academic achievements.

Answer:

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?