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A Great Pitt Honors College Essay Example

What’s covered:, essay example – changing the world , where to get your pitt essay edited.

The University of Pittsburgh is a large public university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is known for its great academics. The David C. Frederick Honors College at Pitt offers even more opportunities to a select group of talented students. Given the highly selective nature of the Pitt Honors College, you need to have strong essays to help your application stand out and gain admission. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Pitt essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Explain why and how you would change it. (No word count given)

While growing up, I was constantly reminded about my health. When I would rant about my trivial problems, my mother would respond with: “the most important thing is you are healthy.” As a young and naive child, this response irritated me. I never understood the blessing of good health until I was diagnosed with migraines. Every month I was met with throbbing headaches that made me lose all sensation and control of my body.

On one New Year’s Eve, I went to visit family friends with my father and sister. The flashing lights on the television and little sleep triggered a migraine attack. Without my mother present, everyone was unfamiliar with my frightening symptoms. Out of panic, they decided to call an ambulance. That one simple call and visit resulted in a one-year battle with our insurance company. For months on end, my mother argued against the unfair and hurtful statements the insurance listed as reasons for their refusal of payment. These endless calls brought about extreme stress and frustration, but we did not have the means to pay. There was no other option but to keep on fighting.

This was my first memorable experience with healthcare and its failures. From that day forward, I associated care with payment. I became worried about affording medical treatment at an early age. And so, if I had the power to change the world, I would make healthcare more affordable. Every individual deserves to be treated without the worry of a costly bill.

While I realize that affordable healthcare is a point of debate in our nation, I maintain my stance that it is a human right. I also understand that it will take years to put into place, but this does not discourage me. I can help start the change. With Pitt Honors, I will be exposed to interactive research, a matched mentor, and personalized co-curricular activities. I will be able to become a skilled nurse with critical thinking abilities. With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I know Pitt Honors College will help me achieve my dream. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I plan to make a difference.

What the Essay Did Well

Something that makes this essay strong is how it takes time to tell a story and build an understanding for the author before we even learn what they would change about the world. The essay begins by introducing the idea of health, but because we aren’t told what they want to change yet, we are compelled to keep reading. Then, the anecdote helps us appreciate the personal connection this student has to affordable healthcare. They take the time to fully flesh out the context needed to answer the why aspect of the prompt, while at the same time building suspense for the what .

Additionally, this student went above and beyond the prompt by connecting it back to Pitt. They weren’t explicitly asked to discuss how an education from the Pitt Honors Program would help them change the world, but by including this paragraph it demonstrates genuine interest in the school. If an essay can prove that you can only accomplish your goals — especially such impressive ones like changing the world — by taking advantage of unique opportunities at that specific school, then admissions officers might feel they are denying you the chance to reach your full potential by not accepting you.

What Could Be Improved

The area that could use the most improvement in this essay is the last paragraph dedicated to Pitt. Although it’s great that this student took the extra step to include how attending the Honors College will allow them to achieve their goals, the paragraph is a bit vague. To improve it, there should be more specific details, about classes, programs, professors, etc, to show that they have done their research and think taking advantage of these offerings are the only way to change the world. 

For example, the essay says, “With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference.” This sentence would be far stronger if the student mentioned a specific club or volunteer program they want to be a part of and how emerging as a leader in that experience would help them become a leader in the medical field. Or, they mention the Honors College will expose them to research and match them with a mentor, but they don’t elaborate on this. 

The entire paragraph could have just been dedicated to one specific professor whose research aligns with affordable healthcare and what this student hopes to learn from them. Having a more focused and detailed approach to why you want to attend a college will always make for a stronger essay than briefly touching on general opportunities offered at most schools. 

Do you want feedback on your Pitt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Information and updates about Fall 2025 applicant resources  and Pitt’s Self-Reported Academic Record .

David C. Frederick Honors College

For helpful info regarding the 2025 application process, please check out the Fall 2025 Applicant Resources Page .

Crossing Boundaries with Frederick Honors College

The University of Pittsburgh has a distinguished David C. Frederick Honors College. The mission of the Frederick Honors College is to meet the academic and extracurricular needs of the University’s most academically talented, intellectually curious, and socially conscious undergraduate students.

Our Frederick Honors College provides academic challenges, inspires individual effort, encourages self-discovery, and fosters a nurturing community.

To graduate with the official Frederick Honors College designation, each admitted student must complete a certain amount of programming with Frederick Honors College. This may include taking honors courses, completing a research project, and engaging in co-curricular programs.

It is also important to note that many Frederick Honors College programs are open to the entire University population. For example, all students can apply for honors research fellowships and enroll in honors courses, even if they are not official members of the Frederick Honors College.

Frederick Honors College Admissions Process and Requirements

While there are no minimum academic requirements for consideration, admission to Frederick Honors College is highly competitive. More than 7,000 students applied for a spot in the Frederick Honors College incoming class in the most recent year.

The Frederick Honors College admission process is much more than simply selecting students with the highest SAT or ACT scores, most challenging curriculums, and strongest GPAs. We’re looking for those students with the drive and passion to achieve new academic heights. That’s why the submission of a deeply considered, creatively written essay is a vital part of the Frederick Honors College admissions review process.

The Frederick Honors College essay can be submitted with your application. This can be the University of Pittsburgh Application or the Common Application –we accept both and do not prefer one over the other. If you have already completed the application, you may complete the Frederick Honors College essay online.

Test-optional students are eligible to be admitted to Frederick Honors College and will be eligible to be nominated for the Chancellor’s Scholarship .

First-year applicants who wish to be considered for admission to Frederick Honors College must submit a completed application and essay response no later than December 1. The deadline for transfer students is March 1.

Notification

Students meeting the December 1 deadline will be notified of their Frederick Honors College admissions decision on or before March 1.

Visit Frederick Honors College

Launch Pitt Honors

What's Next?

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Interested in an honors program at UT Austin? We offer a variety of honors programs across multiple colleges and schools, with many open to both freshman and transfer applicants. The application for h onors programs is available only to students who apply to certain majors. 

How to Apply

Freshman honors.

Freshman applicants have two options to apply to honors programs:

• You can start the process to apply for a freshman honors program by indicating interest on your admission application and responding to the short-answer questions of the program of your choice within the application.
• You can also apply by using the separate online honors application. This is available to you after you’ve submitted your application and once you gain access to MyStatus.

If you want to change your first- and/or second-choice major(s) so that you can apply to an honors program, email us at [email protected] . Include your full name, UT EID and updated first- and/or second-choice majors. If your request is approved, you will gain access to the honors application within 3-5 business days.

Additional Materials Submission

Submit any resumes or letters of recommendation required by your specific program in MyStatus using the Document Upload System. Letters of recommendation may also be submitted directly from your school via Naviance/Edocs. Self-report any AP or IB scores you may have taken or plan to take on your résumé.

Transfer Honors

Submit your application for admission, then complete the steps outlined by the program you’re applying to:

Canfield Business Honors

Natural sciences honors.

• Humanities Honors

Note: Additional honors programs exist within many academic departments. Contact your academic advisor to learn more about programs and their application processes.

Freshman applicants applying for summer and spring enrollment are not eligible to apply for freshman honors programs.

Fall 2025 Enrollment

• Honors Application Opens August 1
• Honors Application Deadline December 11

Program Requirements

Required majors.

• Unspecified Business (Business must be the first-choice selection).

Availability

• Freshman applicants
• Transfer applicants

Writing Prompt

Teamwork and community are pillars of the Canfield Business Honors Program. When reviewing your resume, is there a particular aspect that reflects these values? Tell us more about this experience and how you will bring these values to Canfield Business Honors. Limit your response to 300 words.

Additional Materials

• A letter of recommendation from a teacher (not a counselor or principal)

Electrical and Computer Engineering Honors (ECE)

Required major.

• Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Cockrell School of Engineering

Describe your significant activities, employment, and achievements, particularly those relevant to the study of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Also describe your educational and career goals. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.

• A letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher

Engineering Honors

• Any major in the Cockrell School of Engineering

The Cockrell School of Engineering awards merit scholarships to first-year participants in the Engineering Honors Program. Additionally, participants can be considered for honors housing. Selections are made by reviewing the standard materials required to apply for admission to the university. No additional essays or application materials are required, but submitting a resume is recommended. If you would like to be considered for the Engineering Honors Program, please acknowledge your interest on your application.

Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business (ECB)

• Both Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business, one as your first and the other as your second choice. Your first-choice major should be the one you are most interested in.

Texas Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business (Texas ECB) is a powerful dual degree program looking for students who are dedicated to both an electrical and computer engineering and business honors education. Why do you see this as a combination of skills for your career goals? What have you done in high school, in the classroom and outside, to prepare you for honors engineering and business course work? Please limit your response to no more than 500 words. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Texas ECB website for additional requirements to complete their application.

Liberal Arts Honors

• Any major in the College of Liberal Arts (First-choice selection of a Liberal Arts major is strongly encouraged).

Answer the following prompts:

Prospective students cite many reasons for pursuing education in the liberal arts, and we would like to know why you want to do so.  In 250 words or less, tell us why you want to study the liberal arts. Consider (but don’t feel obligated to answer all) questions like: Why should anyone study liberal arts at all? Why does the world need the liberal arts? What does your liberal arts degree get you? What will you do with your liberal arts education?

• Help us get to know you better. Please write five sentences (numbered 1–5) that give us some insight into you, your life, your interests and your experiences. There are no right answers — feel free to be creative and think outside the box.

Moody College Honors

• List any major within the Moody College of Communication as your first choice major.

“With great power comes great responsibility” is a popular adage. How do you think it applies to the realm of human communication? Explain your thoughts using an example from current events, history, film, literature, or your own life. Please limit your response to 350 words.

• Any major in the College of Natural Sciences
• Transfer applicants (with the exception of Human Ecology Honors)

Each of the three CNS Honors Programs has a distinct profile. Why are you a good fit for the Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Scholars, or Polymathic Scholars program? How will you contribute to that community?

For Human Ecology Honors :

Briefly describe why you have chosen to apply to the School of Human Ecology Honors Program, specifically Nutritional Sciences or Human Development and Family Sciences Honors. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

Plan II Honors

• Plan II or any major in the College of Liberal Arts
• If you could add one required course—on any topic—to your high school’s curriculum, what would it be and why? What would you have liked to learn that wasn’t available to you? Limit your response to no more than 250 words.

Texas Honors Computer Science and Business (Texas CSB)​

• Both Computer Science and Business, one as your first and the other as your second choice. Your first choice major should be the one you are most interested in.

Texas CSB is an innovative dual degree program looking for students who are dedicated to both computer science and business. Why do you see this as a powerful combination of skills for your career goals? What have you done in high school to prepare you for computer science and business course work? Please limit your response to no more than 500 words. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Texas CSB website for additional requirements to complete their application.

Turing Scholars

• Computer Science 

Describe your significant activities, employment, and achievements, particularly those relevant to the study of computer science. Also describe your educational and career goals. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.

Join Us First-Year Students

Thank you for your interest in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State!

The Honors College promotes achieving academic excellence with integrity, building a global perspective, and creating opportunities for leadership and civic engagement . Our student body is dynamic, diverse, and driven to change the world for the better.

We offer highly motivated high school students a rigorous undergraduate academic experience that combines all of the resources of one of the country's largest research institutions with all the benefits of a small liberal arts college.

• MyPennState Application
• Common Application

More Than A Test Score Application Components

Application.

• Short Answers

Recommendations

• Academic Record
• Alumni Interview

To apply to the Schreyer Honors College, you'll need to complete two separate applications: the Penn State undergraduate application and the Schreyer Honors College application. We suggest you work on both applications at the same time, submitting the Penn State application first, and the Schreyer Honors College application second.

You can find the short answer and essay question prompts for the Schreyer application in the corresponding tabs above.

Application Platforms

The link to the Schreyer Honors College application will be displayed in the application portal once you indicate your interest in the Honors College. If you have already submitted your Penn State application via the Common Application platform and then wish to apply to the Honors College, you must log into the MyPennState portal to see and fill out the Schreyer application.

Your Penn State and Schreyer applications are evaluated separately; decisions are made independently on the two applications.

Use whichever application platform you prefer, just remember to leave enough time to submit by the deadline!

Essay Questions

The Schreyer Honors College first-year application will have two essay questions, in addition to several shorter prompts. These questions change on a yearly basis and are meant to elicit well-written, comprehensive responses. Each essay response has a maximum word count of 800 words.

The essay questions are an opportunity to present your best self to the review committee, and there is no right answer to the prompts. Rather, reviewers will consider how or why you take a specific approach to each question looking for well-reasoned, consistent, and persuasive responses.

2025 Essay Questions

• Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
• One of our values is Empowered Growth. What values, beliefs or experiences have empowered you to grow intellectually and/or personally?

Get started on your essays early — they are released on our website in July.

There is no right or wrong essay answer — just answer the question to the best of your ability. Our questions are designed to push you to think, do some research, and apply your knowledge. Be honest, be genuine, and allow your character and personality shine through your writing.

Short Answer Questions

The Schreyer Honors College asks a handful of short answer questions to obtain information regarding honors and achievements, leadership positions, activities and service. These questions have a 200 word limit and may change without notice, so please be sure to check back before starting your application.

2025 Short Answer Questions

• What do you hope to get at Penn State as a Schreyer Scholar to help you accomplish your future goals and aspirations?
• If you were able to go anywhere in the world, outside of the country you currently reside, where would you go and why?
• Tell us about your leadership experiences and why leadership is important to you. This could include community roles, family contributions, research, clubs and organizations, etc. Describe challenges you've faced and successes you've had in these roles.
• List awards or other recognitions you have received in or outside of school over the last 4 years. Which award or recognition means the most to you and why.
• Tell us about a book or other media that has made you think about something in a new way.
• Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups, including shared geography, faith, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities or groups to which you belong and describe how it has influenced your life over the last four years.
• Please use this space to share information you would like us to consider that has not been discussed elsewhere in your application.

Want to share your creative talents and accomplishments? You're welcome to submit this information electronically via the last short answer question.

As with the essay questions, we want to get to know who you really are. Let the true you shine through.

As part of the Schreyer Honors College application process, potential Scholars are required to submit a minimum of two and a maximum of 4 letters of recommendation. Recommendations can be from a teacher, a guidance counselor, a coach, or club advisor.

If your school uses a system that connects to the Common App and you applied to Penn State through the Common App, your letters of recommendation that you submitted through your school's system or via the Common App will be sent to the Honors College. No further action is necessary.

If you are working with a recommender who is not affiliated with your school and they cannot submit a letter of recommendation through your school's system, please follow the directions below.

Alternate Instructions

If one of your recommenders is unable to submit their letter of recommendation via the Common App, Naviance or SCOIR, please follow the instructions below.

• Print the Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet
• Fill out the cover sheet completely
• Give the cover sheet to your recommender.
• The recommender should include both the completed cover sheet and their letter of recommendation in an e-mail to [email protected]

Please be considerate by giving your recommender ample time to complete and submit recommendations on your behalf. Also, please do not ask recommenders to upload recommendations via multiple methods as this will greatly slow down the processing of your application.

The methods outline above are the only methods through which letters of recommendation will be received. Please do not send recommendations to the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office as doing so will delay processing of the documents.

Note: It is solely the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received by the final deadline of December 2 at 11:59 PM EST.

Schools that participate with Naviance or use The Common Application may upload recommendations to Penn State through these portals.

Alternatively, letters may be sent via e-mail to [email protected] .

Self-Reported Academic Record

Your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) must be submitted as part of your Penn State application. This process replaces having school counselors send academic transcripts for each applicant.

The Schreyer Honors College will review and rate your academic record as it relates to the opportunities offered at your particular high school.

We do not use standardized test scores in our evaluation as we've found them to be an inaccurate predictor of student success. In our opinion, one of the best predictors of future performance is prior performance; therefore, your course load and academic rigor in high school are the most important pieces of information we review.

Make sure to enter your grades exactly as they appear on your high school transcript.

If you are offered admission to Penn State, your final high school transcript will be sent to the University.

Optional Alumni Interview

If we receive your application by November 1, you will be invited to participate in an optional interview as part of the selection process.

The goal of this interview is to have a comfortable conversation with one of our alumni volunteers. They are eager to meet you, learn more about your interest in the Schreyer Honors College and share with you some of their Penn State experiences.

Please note that as this is an optional interview, your application will not be negatively impacted if you are not able to participate.

Our admissions interview is not intended to make you nervous or afraid — our alumni just want to have a conversation with you and get to know you better.

Interviews usually last half an hour, keep that in mind and use this time wisely.

Stay on Track First-Year Admission Checklist

Use this at-a-glance checklist to keep your Schreyer application on track.

June & July

October & november, march & april, visit penn state & the schreyer honors college.

There is no better way to see if a college is right for you than by setting foot on campus and getting a feel for the place. Not able to visit in the summer? Don't worry — Penn State has visitations year-round!

Begin Working on Your Essays

The Schreyer Honors College essay questions are posted in mid-July to give you plenty of time to craft well-written, comprehensive responses by our application deadlines.

Create a MyPennState Account

Create a MyPennState account, and explore the Penn State University undergraduate application website. Learn about application requirements, academics, student life, and costs. Plus, you can chat with a current Penn State student.

Schreyer and Penn State Applications Open

The Penn State undergraduate admissions application and the Schreyer Honors College application open on August 1. There are two portals available through which you can apply to both Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College — MyPennState and the Common Application. Students are encouraged to indicate their interest in applying to the Schreyer Honors College on the Common Application. If a student indicates they are not interested in applying or would like to apply at a later date and have submitted their Penn State undergraduate admissions application they can still access the Schreyer Honors College application through MyPennState.

Attend Scholars Day

This annual fall open house gives you a comprehensive look at what Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College have to offer.

Penn State Early Action & Optional Interview Deadline

The early application deadline for Penn State is November 1. Students who apply by this date will receive a decision from the University by December 24.

If you submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on November 1, you will be eligible to schedule an optional alumni interview. Please note that only your application is due by this date; your letters of recommendation may come later.

Note: All the materials for the Schreyer Honors College application must be submitted online. If you wish to submit applications that are audio or visual representations of your work, publish them online and include links in the appropriate section of the Honors College application. No offline material will be accepted or reviewed.

Admissions Interview Signup Opens

The Admissions Interview portal will open for students who have submitted their Honors College application. Interview spaces are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All interviews must be scheduled between October 15 and January 21. Interviews must be completed between November 10 and January 24.

Final Application Submission Deadline

If you weren't able to finish the application by the priority deadline in November, our final submission deadline is 2. In order to meet this deadline, you must have submitted an application for both Penn State and the Schreyer Honors College and have submitted all of the required documentation for both applications by December 2 at 11:59 PM EST .

Recommendation Letters

All letters of recommendation must be submitted online by December 2 at 11:59 PM EST .

Admissions Decision

Look for your Schreyer Honors College admission decision online in mid February to early March . We'll notify you in advance by e-mail of the date and time our admissions decisions go live. Good luck!

If you have been accepted to Penn State, consider waiting until you have your Schreyer decision to schedule your accepted student visit.

Accepted Student Receptions

If you have been accepted to the Schreyer Honors College, consider attending one of our many Accepted Student Receptions held in March and April. Information regarding these events will be posted online.

Offer Acceptance and Housing Selection Deadlines

The deadline for accepting a Penn State and Schreyer Honors College offer is May 15 at 11:59 PM EST . Incoming Scholars also need to select their on-campus housing option by May 20.

New Student Orientation

Information about New Student Orientation (NSO) for incoming first-year Scholars will be posted soon.

What We Look For Application Review Process

While the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office will evaluate your credentials for admission to the University, the Schreyer Honors College will conduct its own evaluation. These evaluations are conducted completely independently of each other, however, your entrance into the Honors College depends on receiving an offer of admission from Penn State.

The Schreyer Honors College is ultimately looking for well-rounded students that excel both inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves on fostering a diverse community of difference makers here in the Honors College and keep that in mind as we review applications.

Selection Committee

As part of your evaluation, your application will be read by at least two members of our Selection Committee. Applications are assigned to these readers randomly and are anonymized as much as possible. Selection Committee members will read and rate (via a norming process) all of their assigned applications. These ratings, along with reader comments, are used to help determine your admissions decision.

Optional Admissions Interview

If you apply by the optional interview date (November 1), you will have the opportunity to request an optional admissions interview with a Scholar alumnus/alumna. Interview availability is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so please register as soon as possible if you are interested. Every attempt will be made to match alumni volunteers with applicants, but due to alumni availability, the College cannot guarantee that every request will be honored.

Alumni interviewers are asked to submit ratings and comments based on the conversation they have with you. Just be yourself and let your passion shine through. The interview is also an opportunity for applicants to learn more about life as a Scholar at Penn State.

Please note that alumni interviews are completely optional. The applications of students who do not select or were unable to participate in the optional alumni interview are not negatively impacted. Final admissions decisions are based on the material submitted as part of the student application.

The Schreyer Honors College allows its students to reach their full potential and challenges them to be even better. More importantly, when we achieve our dreams, we have a fantastic community behind us that wants to celebrate our accomplishments along with us. Alison Roby ' 18 Bioengineering

Boston University Essay 2023-24

Boston university essay 2023-2024.

As admission to Boston University becomes more competitive, the Boston University essay continues to be incredibly important. Although essays are often the most time-consuming part of the application process, strong essays can make a huge difference. The Boston University essays give you the opportunity to elaborate on and strengthen your application . And, although your grades might be comparable to other applicants, your essays help make your application one of a kind.

For students researching how to get into Boston University, the Boston University essay prompts also provide valuable insight into the admissions process. The 2023-2024 Boston University essay prompts are slightly different compared to the Why BU essay of years past. However, that’s a good thing! The Boston University supplemental essays let students communicate with admissions officers, showcasing their unique personalities and experiences. 

In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the Boston University essay prompts and tips for tackling them. We’ll also offer advice for writing Boston University supplemental essays for The Trustee Scholarship and Kilachand Honors College.

If you want to learn more about how to write a Boston University essay, keep reading! Before we look at the essay prompts, let’s start with some quick facts about Boston University Admissions. 

BU Essay: Quick Facts

Boston university admissions: quick facts.

• Boston University Acceptance Rate: 14% – U.S News ranks Boston University as a more selective school.
• Common App essay
• 1 (~ 300 word) supplemental essay
• Boston University Application: Students can apply via the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application . A full list of Boston University application requirements can be found on BU’s website . 
• Early Decision I: November 1 st  
• Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 4 th  
• Boston University Essay Tip: Aim to write about 250-300 words for your supplemental essay. It’s important to maximize your impact by using all the space available to you. If your Boston University essay is far below the word limit, you likely need to elaborate more on your ideas. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

How many essays are required for Boston University?

All first-year applicants must write two essays to satisfy the Boston University essay requirements. In total, you’ll need to complete the Common App essay (650 word maximum) and one school-specific supplemental essay (300 word maximum). You also may have other Boston University essays to complete if you apply for certain scholarships or to BU’s Honors College. We will discuss these additional Boston University supplemental essays later in this guide. 

Students can choose from two Boston University essay prompts for their supplemental essay. Remember, your Boston University essays are extremely important. Your response helps admissions officers gain a deeper understanding of who you are and why you’re interested in BU. So, be sure to think carefully about which prompt best aligns with the story you want to share with Admissions.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Boston University essay prompts!

What are the Boston University Essay Prompts?

The Boston University essays are designed to help admissions officers gain a deeper understanding of you and your passions. So, if you understand the main theme of the prompt and the questions it asks, you’ll be prpepared to write a strong essay. However, always remember to read the prompt carefully. You don’t want to find yourself writing an entire draft only to realize you actually missed the mark.

As previously stated, students can choose between two separate prompts. Here are this year’s Boston University essay prompts:

Boston University Essay Prompts

1. reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it, 2. what about being a student at bu most excites you how do you hope to contribute to our campus community.

Both prompts have a specific focus, each unique from the other. These prompts are a bit different than they have been in previous years. So, next, we’ll talk a little bit about this change. Then, we’ll discuss how to pick the best prompt for your BU essay.

Does Boston University have a Why BU Essay?

While the second Boston University essay prompt shares similarities with a Why BU Essay, the focus is a little different. You need to do more than tell admissions what BU is going to offer you. You also need to share why you would be a valuable addition to BU. In this way, BU does not have a clear-cut Why BU essay. 

In years past, the Boston University supplemental essays included only one prompt – a Why BU essay. This is why many of our Boston University essay examples read like a Why School essay. Even so, these Boston University essays can still serve as great examples and sources of inspiration. (Be on the lookout for links to our past essay guides later on when we highlight some great CollegeAdvisor resources!)

However, if you want to categorize the second prompt as a Why School prompt, you’re not wrong. Still, it’s important that your BU essay captures more than what a typical Why School essay might cover. We’ll detail how to write your BU essay later in this guide. 

Choosing a Boston University essay prompt

Choosing between these Boston University essay prompts is an important decision. The BU essay is a great chance to elaborate on experiences or perspectives not captured elsewhere in your application. Moreover, the prompt you choose to respond to will help determine the topic and details discussed in your essay.

So, take your time and think carefully about which Boston University essay to write. It can make a big difference to your application! 

Boston University Essay Prompt #1

Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it.

This is a great BU essay for students who have a deep passion for a specific social or community issue. So, think about what you care about and how you’ve worked to address it. Maybe you’re part of an organization dedicated to social justice, helping your community, or raising awareness around important issues. If this sounds like you, this may be a great Boston University essay for you to write. Students with volunteer experience may also consider responding to this essay. Any action you’ve taken in your community or on a larger scale could make for a great topic! 

If you haven’t had direct experience, such as volunteering or leading a club, don’t be discouraged by this prompt. Maybe you’ve talked with your friends and family about the issues that matter to you. Alternatively, maybe you’ve even debated with classmates about a social issue. Even though it’s on a more personal scale, you can still use these experiences for your BU essay. Overall, you should choose this prompt if you are passionate about an issue that impacts our society or your community. 

Boston University Essay Prompt #2

What about being a student at bu most excites you how do you hope to contribute to our campus community.

Students picking this essay likely have a specific reason for applying to BU. Are there classes, programs, or extracurricular activities at BU that excite you? Or perhaps you’re inspired by BU’s values and the way they’ve structured their curriculum. This prompt is a great fit for students with a dedicated interest in BU. Although this prompt is close to a Why School essay, it’s important to dedicate equal writing space to both of the prompt’s questions. 

This Boston University essay prompt also asks how you’ll contribute to the overall campus community. Consider what perspectives you might contribute both in and outside of the classroom. How is your presence on campus going to enrich the larger BU community? Be sure to look through BU’s Student Activities website to see what clubs and extracurricular activities you may want to join. If you have the opportunity to visit BU’s campus , it may be a good idea to do so before writing this essay. Overall, if you have a clear vision of how you’ll engage with BU’s campus, consider picking this Boston University essay!

How do I write the Boston University essay?

Once you’ve picked between the two Boston University essay prompts, the next step is: to start writing. If you’re feeling stuck drafting your Boston University supplemental essays, here are some tips for each prompt.

Writing the Boston University Essay: Prompt #1

Try using a specific anecdote or memory as an anchor for this Boston University essay. Think of specific events, like attending a protest or having an intense debate with a friend or family member. Or, try recalling the first time your passion for this issue was sparked. This can provide context as to why you care about a particular issue. Whatever it is, try to incorporate this memory into your essay, then show how you’ve translated your passion into action. 

Once you set the stage, focus on your specific involvement. Have you organized educational meetings? Passed out pamphlets or literature? Have you become part of any larger organizations or movements? Even if you haven’t had the chance to take any major actions, consider how you’ve discussed the issue. Have you changed anyone’s mind on a particular topic? Have you had any difficult conversations with friends or family that you want to share? 

Overall, Admissions wants to get a sense of your role as an engaged citizen. Although this prompt doesn’t specifically mention BU, your reader is still getting a sense of what you might contribute to campus. Avoid writing about an issue you think admissions will find impressive—instead, always be authentic and true to your beliefs.

Writing the Boston University Essay: Prompt #2

This Boston University essay prompt allows students to share exactly why they’re excited about applying to BU. This essay prompt requires you to do some research into BU’s specific programs and opportunities. Out of the two Boston University essay prompts, this one focuses more on BU specifically. So, it’s important to showcase the research you’ve done. Begin by exploring BU’s website—the Why BU page is a great place to start. You can also watch our webinar on Boston University and Boston College here . 

Try not to list out a million things in your Boston University essay. Detail what most excites you, and why. Are you looking to continue a field of study or extracurricular program you started in high school? Are you excited to explore something new that BU offers? The more detail, the better! 

Now it’s time to tell Boston University Admissions how you plan to contribute to BU’s community. Do you see yourself as a student leader? Conducting important research within your major? Moreover, what do you think you’ll bring to the BU campus? Try to connect this part of your essay to your first section. Describe what excites you about BU, and then explain how you’ll get involved. This will help your essay feel like a cohesive narrative. 

In short, this Boston University essay helps admissions officers understand why you’re interested in BU. It’s important your essay is a genuine representation of why you want to go to BU. (Instead of a list of generic facts).

General Tips for your Writing Process

No matter which essay prompt you select, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for a complete writing process. That means:

Brainstorm your ideas

Set a timer and write down as many ideas as you can. See what ignites your passion, or the topic you can’t stop writing about, and then go from there.

Write a first draft

Your first draft isn’t going to be perfect, nor should it! Your first draft is just a starting point, so go with your gut and don’t worry about getting it absolutely right.

Edit and revise

Work on clarity, organization, and tone. Are there details you’re missing or extraneous ones you need to cut out? This is where the magic happens—taking the time to edit through a second or third draft can transform a first draft into a final.

Get an outside reader

Once you are fairly happy with your essay, get a second pair of eyes on it. Another perspective might bring up questions you need to answer or spot errors you’ve missed.

Do a final proofread

No final draft is complete without a comprehensive proofread. Make sure your essay is free of any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. That way, your reader will be free to focus on your ideas and storytelling.

Follow through on your writing process and you’ll be sure to have a polished essay for your application. (You can also use these tips if you end up writing additional BU essays!)

Other Boston University essays to look out for

Students applying to merit based scholarships or the Kilachand Honors College might have additional Boston University essays to write. Note that these Boston University supplemental essays are not required for general admission, so they are not mandatory. Students planning to apply to either of these opportunities will want to set aside additional time to complete their application. 

While there are many Boston University scholarships, only one requires an additional essay – the Trustee Scholarship . The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition and undergraduate mandatory fees. So, it’s not surprising it’s considered one of the more competitive Boston University scholarships. We will detail the Boston University essay prompts for the Trustee Scholarship later in this guide. 

The Kilachand Honors College also requires an additional Boston University essay. The honors college offers an integrated, four-year curriculum that helps students engage in a number of different areas of study. Students work to complete a Keystone Project and also have multiple opportunities for collaboration within the program.

Next, let’s review the Boston University essay prompts for the Kilachand Honors College.

Boston University Kilachand Honors College Essay

The Boston University essay prompts for the Kilachand Honors College allow students to showcase their interest in the program, and demonstrate their ability to think critically and creatively. Students can pick one of the following prompts: 

Boston University Kilachand Honors College Essay Prompts

1. what about the kilachand honors college resonates with you, and how would kilachand’s curriculum fulfill your academic, creative, intellectual, and/or professional goals, 2. if you could create a new kilachand course, what would it be how would your imagined course align with the core values of kilachand.

The Kilachand Honors College essay has a 600-word limit. So, students should take advantage of the additional space, thinking carefully through the prompt they select. Both of these Boston University essay prompts aim to capture if a student would be a good fit for the Kilachand Honors College. So, it’s important that you research the program thoroughly.

Think through your academic goals and how Kilachand can help you realize them. Mapping out your goals and connecting them with Kilachand resources and classes can help in your essay planning. To help your Boston University essay stand out, use as many specific details as possible. Additionally, make sure your essay captures your passion.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship Essay

As one of the more prestigious Boston University scholarships, the application for the Trustee Scholarship is competitive. Students have the choice between two Boston University essay prompts for the Trustee Scholarship.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship Essay Prompts

1. nobel laureate and bu professor elie wiesel once said: “there is divine beauty in learning… to learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. others have been here before me, and i walk in their footsteps. the books i have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and disciples. i am the sum total of their experiences, their quests.” is there a book, film, podcast or life- experience that has made you feel more connected to your personal history/identity, and what is the most important thing you learned from it, 2. describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. how did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward.

The Trustee Scholarship essay prompts are designed to help the admissions committee learn more about you. Specifically, the type of art you connect with or your experiences stepping out of your comfort zone. These Boston University essays are illuminating and personal, so it’s important to take your time when crafting your response.

Just as with the Honors College essay, both these prompts have a 600-word limit. Be sure to take advantage of the extra space to clearly and effectively connect your ideas!

Does Boston University care about essays?

Yes, the Boston University Admissions committee cares about your essays. It’s hard to define exactly how the Boston University supplemental essays factor into the admissions process. However, the Boston University essay prompts showcase what the Boston University admissions office is looking for. They’re interested in students who are passionate about issues in their communities and who are excited to attend BU. In your essay, you can communicate directly with BU Admissions, telling them exactly who you are in your own words.

If you’re wondering how to get into Boston University, focus on your Boston University supplemental essays! With the competitive Boston University acceptance rate, it’s important to take every opportunity to connect with Admissions. No matter which Boston University supplemental essays you end up writing, spend ample time crafting your responses. The Boston University supplemental essays are a great way to showcase your personality and creativity and help your application shine! 

CollegeAdvisor resources on Boston University

The Boston University supplemental essays are only part of the larger BU application. With the competitive Boston University acceptance rate, it’s important to research BU thoroughly. CollegeAdvisor has several different resources to help you with all aspects of your application, not just the Boston University supplemental essays. You can read our articles on Boston University Majors and the Boston University Ranking . Also be sure to take a look at our comprehensive BU guide : How to Get into Boston University. We also have guides on the different scholarships at BU, other colleges in Boston , as well as the Questbridge Scholarship . 

If you’re still feeling stuck on the Boston University supplemental essays, read our past Boston University Essay guides. We have Boston University essay guides from the 2020-2021 , 2021-2022 , and 2022-2023 application cycles for you to review. No matter what you need, CollegeAdvisor has the resources to help you with your Boston University application. 

Boston University Essays – Final Thoughts

For students wondering how to get into Boston University, the Boston University essay is crucial . With the Boston University acceptance rate at 14% , BU essays are your best opportunity to stand out from the crowd. A great Boston University essay shows how you align with BU’s values and why you’re an ideal candidate.

Overall, the Boston University supplemental essays allow you to expand on your experiences and background. And, they can be a great place to highlight the things you’re most proud of. It’s important to think through your response and to submit the best version of your Boston University essay as possible. Dedicating enough time and effort to your Boston University essay will help you put your best foot forward. Consult with your family, friends, and mentors to help polish your Boston University essays.

The Boston University supplemental essays can help propel your application forward, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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• Ryan Murphy
• Aug 7, 2018

Don't Neglect Your UT Honors Essays

The honors programs at UT-Austin require students to submit essays in addition to the Apply Texas Topic A essay and the four short answers. These essays are just as important as everything else in your UT application, even though most of the prompts limit your response to 250 words. So while these essays may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, they are still quite important for getting ahead of the competition.

Let’s review how to write your best UT honors essays.

#1 . Business Honors, Engineering Honors, Liberal Arts Honors, Plan II Honors, and Human Ecology Honors

Help us get to know you better. Please write five sentences (numbered 1 – 5) that give us some insight into you, your life, your interests and your experiences. There are no right answers—feel free to be creative and think outside the box.

When writing your five sentences, you should think of aspects of your personality that the admissions officers would never know--until now! In other words, highlight parts of your life that really have no other place in your application. Definitely try to avoid school-related topics (but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t).

Here is a sample of topics:

Quirky personality trait or hobby (ex: elegant napkin folding)

Philosophical belief (ex: quality is better than quantity)

Influential family member (ex: my aunt has taught me the beauty of garage sales)

Personal view on how to approach life (ex: always laugh)

Here are some recommendations on how to write each sentence:

Write 2-4 clauses PER sentence.

Use a semicolon if you need to get in an extra idea.

Do NOT write a run-on sentence.

Example sentence:

“Whenever I am home alone, I like to turn on the surround-sound stereo and sing Elton John piano medleys; this is my comfort zone.”

#2 . Computer Science and Business Honors (Texas CSB)

Describe your significant activities, employment and achievements. Be sure to include information that is relevant to the study of computer science. For example you may describe classes and programming activities, other science and math activities, honors and awards, and other activities that demonstrate leadership potential. (250 words RECOMMENDED)

This response is pretty standard, so you may have already written an essay that you can recycle. At any rate, it’s important to recognize that UT doesn’t simply want you to resume dump all your extracurriculars that are related to computer science into this essay. Instead, you need to discuss the ones that “demonstrate leadership potential.” And, yes, you may be thinking: didn’t I just talk about my leadership skills in UT Short Answer #3 ? You did, and now you get to do it again (but in a more subtle way).

What do students typically write about?

Internships

Camps or clubs

Personal businesses or nonprofits

How should you structure your response?

Paragraph #1 (1-2 sentences): Introduction of your significant activities in computer science.

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Describe significant activity #1 & knowledge/skill gained.

Paragraph #3 (4-5 sentences): Describe significant activity #2 & knowledge/skill gained.

Paragraph #4 (1-2 sentences): Restate what you like about computer science and what you hope to accomplish at college.

#3 . Moody College Honors

It’s been said that knowledge is power, but it could also be said that communication is power. Discuss an example from history, current events, a book or film, or from your own life that supports this perspective. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

The prompt opens the door for you to write a history essay, but you should refrain from writing your response too much like a research paper. Keep the discussion centered on how you believe communication is power, and if you do use a historical example, frame it in how the example shaped your thinking.

Here are some sample topics:

Personal narrative about how communicating clearly yielded the best outcome since knowing something was based on clear communication (maybe from a club or some extracurricular experience?)

Historical narrative that relates to war, news industry, or some political crisis

Books like 1984 and Animal Farm

This is how you should structure your response:

Paragraph #1 (2-3 sentences): Introduce why you think communication is power and then identify your example.

Paragraph #2 (5-6 sentences): Explain your example - a personal one is recommended.

Paragraph #3 (1-2 sentences): Say how you hope to further advance the power of communication (or something like that).

#4 . Natural Sciences Honors, Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Scholars, and Polymathic Scholars

Natural Sciences Honors is interested in students who will both contribute to and benefit from the specific program to which they're applying. Provide at least two reasons why you wish to participate in this honors community. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

The UT Short Answer #4 is similar to this prompt, so you need to make sure that you don’t repeat yourself. The good news is that the prompt gives a pretty easy roadmap for how to structure the response. You are told to provide “TWO REASONS why you wish to participate in the community” and the Natural Science honors program wants students who will CONTRIBUTE TO (Reason #1 ) and BENEFIT FROM (Reason #2 ) the program.

In other words, this is how you should structure your response:

Paragraph #1 (1-2 sentences): State what you hope to contribute to Natural Science honors community (based on some experience you had) and what you hope to gain from the community (something like camaraderie or complex discussions, etc.)

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Go into more detail about what kind of background you have that you think fits in well with the Natural Science honors program.

Paragraph #3 (4-5 sentences): Then explain how you see yourself growing by participating in Natural Science honors.

Paragraph #4 (1-2 sentences): Summarize the points you’ve made and reiterate how UT Natural Science honors will advance you on a path you are already on.

#5 . Liberal Arts Honors and Plan II Honors

You are hosting a dinner party this weekend and you can invite ANY three people—living, dead, real or fictional. Tell us whom you would invite and why. What would be your first topic of conversation? Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

There is no wrong answer for this response, but there are definitely ones that are more interesting than others. Originality and creativity are really important here, because you can invite anyone to your dinner party.

A-n-y-o-n-e.

So take a step back and really think which three people that would be. Also, think how those three people would interact with each other. Maybe they disagree with each other. Maybe they are best friends. There are a lot of factors to consider.

Three people: three kings/queens of different eras

Topic: How do you rule the right way? (Thematic)

Three people: three heroes of literature

Topic: How do you overcome challenging obstacles? (Inspiring)

Three people: a personal friend, a historical figure, and a fictional figure

Topic: What is your favorite food? (Quirky, casual)

Paragraph #1 (4-5 sentences): State whom you would invite to your dinner party and why you would group those three people together.

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Say what the first topic of conversation would be and why you would want to discuss that subject.

Paragraph #3 (1-2 sentences): Conclude by saying how you hope to have conversation or experiences at UT similar to the dinner party you’ve imagined.

#6 . Turing Scholars

Describe your significant activities, employment and achievements. Be sure to include information that is relevant to the study of computer science. For example, you may describe classes and programming activities, other science and math activities, honors and awards, and other activities that demonstrate leadership potential. (250 words RECOMMENDED)

[This is a repeat of the Computer Science and Business Honors prompt.]

Describe your educational and career goals. Please limit your response to no more than 100 words.

There is no hidden agenda with this prompt. You just need to tell UT about your goals. You should write a single paragraph with ~6 sentences:

Sentence #1 : State your educational goal -- i.e., what do you want to learn?

Sentences #2 -4: Explain how you got this educational goal.

Sentences #5 : State your career goal (should be related to educational goal).

Sentence #6 : Say how you hope to accomplish this career goal at UT.

Final thoughts

UT honors doesn’t make writing essays easy with these small word limits, but if you follow my outlines, then you should have a much better chance at crafting interesting essays.

Remember: Don’t worry about being incredibly unique; just make sure you write strong essays that focus on YOU.

Need more help? Get advice and expert guidance on your UT honors essays with our college admissions essay services. Our seasoned professionals will help you transform ideas into compelling essays, no matter how small the word limit.

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First-Year Admissions

Admission to the Frederick Honors College is competitive; we enroll approximately 700 new first-year students into the Honors Degree program every fall. When you apply through the University of Pittsburgh’s application process, the Common App, or the Coalition App, you will be asked to select and respond to an essay prompt, which allows us to learn more about you and your intentions to be an active community member and global citizen.

Applying to the Honors College 

Select and respond to one of the following essay prompts:

If you choose to apply, you'll be asked to select and response to one of the following essay prompts:

• What is something you would like to see change in the world? Explain why.
• If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your TED Talk be about?
• What does it mean to be “educated”?

The deadline for first-year students to apply to the Frederick Honors College is December 1. 

SAT/ACT Scores

Although we don’t have minimum SAT/ACT requirements, our average student has a 1450-1500 SAT and/or 32-33 ACT as well as a 3.80 unweighted GPA.

Notification of Acceptance

Frederick Honors College applicants will be notified on or before March 1.

Students admitted to the Frederick Honors College receive:

• Admission into the Honors Degree program.
• A notation on your transcript as soon as you’re admitted and a jointly-conferred degree from the Frederick Honors College and your primary academic school upon completion of the Honors Degree requirements.
• Priority course registration beginning with your first spring term of enrollment.
• A personal Frederick Honors College advisor to help tailor the most advantageous path for your interests.
• Priority access to the first-year Honors housing community (Honors LLC). Honors housing placement is not guaranteed.

UPitt Honors Essays

I noticed that both the UPitt Honors essays had a 750 word limit. For the regular essays, I know it’s recommended that the essays be between 200-300 words. Does this apply to the UPitt Honors essays too or should I use the full 750 words?

Hi @mramesh

I just asked this question a couple of days ago on another thread, and I got a response from the Pitt AO who frequents the forum:

Hi @ShrimpBurrito they are essays which are different from short answers. There is no word count but he should write a well-structured essay. -Pitt Admissions Staffer

Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, choosing a progressive yet plain-spoken VP candidate from America’s heartland to help her win over rural, white voters.

“I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate,” Harris said via text to supporters. “Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president.”

We look at Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and his military career over the years.

More: Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

How long was Walz in the military?

Walz served in the military for 24 years, enlisting in the Nebraska National Guard at 17 in 1981 and then transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996. He retired in 2005 to begin his successful run for the U.S. House, representing Minnesota as command sergeant major, among the highest ranks for enlisted soldiers. His battalion went on to deploy to Iraq shortly after Walz's retirement.

Walz specialized in heavy artillery and had proficiency ribbons in sharpshooting and hand grenades.

But during the 21 years that Walz spent working with large artillery pieces, he suffered hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears, Minnesota Public Radio reported. He was allowed to continue his service after undergoing surgery, which partially resolved his hearing loss.

Where did Walz serve, and what did he do in the National Guard?

During his service, Walz responded to natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes in Minnesota and Nebraska, and was deployed overseas for months at a time, according to MPR.

In 2003, he was sent to Italy, where he served with the European Security Force to support the war in Afghanistan. He was also stationed in Norway for joint training with other NATO militaries.

Walz told MPR that he reenlisted in the National Guard after the September 11 attacks but never saw active combat in his years in the military.

Stars and Stripes reported in 2020 that Walz credited his Army experience with helping him steer Minnesota through the COVID-19 pandemic as governor.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz is commander in chief of the 13,000-soldier Minnesota National Guard. “I’m certainly proud of my military service, but it’s one piece of me,” he told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018. “It doesn’t define me.”

Reuters and USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook contributed to this story.

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Cohen 2024. The Limit of Transmission

2024, Wisdom Between East and West: Mesopotamia, Greece and Beyond

This essay discusses the limits of transmission of Babylonian literature to other non-cuneiform literatures. It will ask can a limit be set as to what is Babylonian, specifically Babylonian Wisdom Literature, in non-cuneiform sources. Three interconnected issues will be addressed: who speaks words of wisdom? Who is the conveyor of wisdom, that is, who is the chief carrier of knowledge which is considered as wisdom? What words of wisdom are spoken? What wisdom themes are expected to be met upon the transmission route and how are words of wisdom spoken? How can genre instruct us to identify a structure typical of Babylonian wisdom literature which can be traced elsewhere? Examples from major works of Babylonian Wisdom Literature will be cited throughout.

Related Papers

Nathan Wasserman , Yoram Cohen

This chapter provides an overview of Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature. The introduction discusses the origins and distribution of Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature. It moves on to demonstrate how Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature can be approached. The chapter treats four subcategories of Wisdom Literature: proverbs and instructions, Vanity Theme works, existential works, and satire and parody. The conclusion offers an assessment of the nature of Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature and refers to its transmission and diffusion to other kinds of literature of the East Mediterranean basin, the ancient Near East, the biblical Wisdom books, and beyond.

Yoram Cohen

This article will examine the occurrence of the " Vanity Theme " in Mesopotamian wisdom literature and elsewhere. However, the main interest of this investigation lies in the list of rulers or illustrious men of old which is manifest in a variety of wisdom " Vanity Theme " compositions. We will argue that it will not suffice to speak about the " Vanity Theme " in various literatures of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean. We should try to identify a particular literary expression that is associated with this type of composition. We contend that this expression is the list or naming of " Early Rulers " that comes to serve as an exemplum to the basic assertion of the " Vanity Theme. " Les neiges d'antan: " Gobernantes antiguos " y el tema de la vanidad en la literatura sapiencial de Mesopotamia y más allá Este artículo examinará la aparición del " tema de la vanidad " en la literatura sapien-cial de Mesopotamia y más allá. Sin embargo, el interés principal de esta investiga-ción radica en la lista de gobernantes u hombres ilustres de antaño que se manifiesta en una variedad de composiciones sapienciales con el " tema de la vanidad ". Argüiremos que no es suficiente con hablar sobre el " tema de la vanidad " en las diversas literaturas del antiguo Cercano Oriente y el Mediterráneo. Deberíamos tratar de identificar una expresión literaria particular que esté asociada con este tipo de composición. Sostenemos que esta expresión es la lista o denominación de los

The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Wisdom Literature

Noga Ayali-Darshan

Izak (Sakkie) Cornelius

Maurizio Viano , Francesco Sironi

Altorientalische Forschungen

Maurizio Viano

The heading "vanity theme" has been attributed to various Sumerian and Akkadian literary compositions that would represent a form of wisdom critical of traditional values. The present article revises those compositions arguing that they do not propound a critical view of traditional wisdom but simply reflect on the finitude of human nature. Critical wisdom only surfaces in a limited number of compositions mostly attested in Middle Babylonian sources. The vanity theme is not only tied to critical views of traditional values but is a flexible literary motif that was adapted to different contexts and compositions.

A popular critical theory suggests that the epilogue of Qohelet, which recommends discipline and piety, is a later addition aimed at reconciling the unorthodox ideas of the book with conservative views. While this hypothesis is well-established on the basis of the text’s style and content, no external evidence to support it has ever been suggested. This paper seeks to present an empirical model for this redactional theory from a comparative point of view. It examines the development of the vanity theme in Mesopotamian literature, and shows that the subversive ideas of vanity literature gave rise, from the very beginning, to redactional activity focused on re-interpreting it in light of traditional values. Several examples of this process of conservative redaction are discussed, including Sumerian, Akkadian, and Akkadian-Biblical cases. The theory that the final verses of Qohelet are a later interpolation thus gains credibility in light of similar phenomena in Mesopotamian literature.

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What are the gold Notes on Instagram? It's all related to the 2024 Paris Olympics

Instagram has added a shoutout to gold medals in an Easter egg to one of its newest features in honor of the 2024 Paris Olympics .

The Meta -owned social media platform says any mention of a variety of Olympic-related words will turn Notes gold in an announcement this week, just as the Games are starting to wrap up. Notes are a relatively new feature from Instagram, which gives the option for users to leave notes directly on Reels or feed posts.

The words (and some emojis) that will turn Notes gold on Instagram include the following:

• Closing ceremony
• World Record
• Summer Games

In the new update that rolled out in July, users can now share Notes on posts from friends or brands, reacting in real time and see reactions from others when scrolling. The feature previously appeared at the top of the inbox or profile picture.

Instagram is owned by Meta, who also owns Facebook and WhatsApp.

Paris Olympics: Simone Biles' Instagram caption put MyKayla Skinner on blast. And it was deserved

How to use Instagram Notes

Here's how to use the new Notes feature:

• Tap the airplane/share icon
• Tap on the "Note" icon on the bottom left
• Select either "close friends" or "followers you follow back"
• Post the note

Instagram updates limit for carousel posts

In addition to some Notes going gold, Instagram also announced that users can now add up to 20 pieces of content (as opposed to the previous 10) to feed carousel posts, doubling the amount of pictures and videos that can be shared at once.

Contributing: Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY.