Georgetown University’s three supplemental essay topics will give you the opportunity to talk about who you are outside of class. This guide will help you write Georgetown essays that tell a clear story about your values, interests, and goals.
Let’s take a look at the first Georgetown prompt!
Describe an Activity
Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page single spaced)
The key phrase in this prompt is “most involved.” This could mean a number of different things. It could be the activity where you spent the most time. Alternatively, it could be where you made the greatest contribution – for example, a volunteer role where you truly helped someone, or a club where you took on a leadership role. There’s no wrong answer as long as you’re choosing an activity that’s important to you.
Start by making a brainstorming list of 3-4 activities that you were very involved in. Which activities shaped the person you are today?
Below each activity, add a note about how you were involved. Also make a note about how the activity connects to one of your broader interests, values, or goals.
Let’s look at an example student’s brainstorming list!
Activity: Organizing a yearly bike-a-thon to fundraise for Parkinson’s disease research
How I was involved: I took on a leadership role and organized the bike-a-thon for two years in a row
Connection to Personal Trait: Leadership skills, responsibility
Activity: Volunteering at my local library
How I was involved: I volunteered weekly for all four years of high school
Connection to Value: Sharing my love of reading with others
Activity: Cultural and language immersion program in Spain
How I was involved: I only spoke Spanish, my second language, for the 2-month duration of the program.
Connection to goal: A career in international business
Once you have your list, pick the activity that you feel you were the most involved in – however you choose to define that!
Skill or Talent
Indicate any special talents or skills you possess (250 words).
Note: This prompt only appears after the application fee is paid.
This essay is short, so try to stick to one skill or talent. That will allow enough space for you to add specific details and examples.
Once again, try to pick a skill or talent that connects to one of your broader values, interests, goals, or positive traits. This will give your reader a stronger sense of who you are.
Let’s look at an example student’s brainstorming list:
Skill: Training my dog to run agility courses
Goal: Becoming a veterinarian
Skill: Rock climbing
Positive trait: I like to challenge myself
Talent: Vegan cooking
Interest: Animal rights
Once you have your brainstorming list, pick one skill or talent to write about. There’s no wrong answer – choose something that’s important to you.
Tip: If your other Georgetown essays are about similar interests or goals, this is a great opportunity to branch out!
About You
As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (approximately 1 page single spaced)
The key word in this prompt is “diverse.” What makes you unique?
Start by making a brainstorming list of 3-4 parts of your background that have played an important role in your life. What has made you the person you are today?
Let’s look at an example student’s brainstorming list:
- I am a theater kid
- I am Japanese-American
- I am a climate activist
Tip: aim for a mix of background elements that you were born with (for example, ethnic background) and elements that you chose (for example, how you spend your time).
Once you have your brainstorming list, pick 1-3 topics to write about. You can write about a few different features of your background, or you can focus on one. Either way, you should have a Core Message that unifies them all. A Core Message is a 1-2 sentence statement that summarizes your response to the prompt. It should introduce your topic and clearly explain why it’s important to you.
Let’s look a few example Core Messages this student could use.
Example 1: “Being a theater kid has taught me to be confident, take risks, and value my creativity.”
Why this works: The student chose just one topic from her list, but she identified several different ways that theater has shaped her traits and values. This will give her enough material to write a page-long essay.
Example 2: “I’m a Japanese-American climate activist. Having ties to two different cultures has taught me to think critically about the best ways to advocate for change in a society.”
Why this works: The student selected two topics from her list and clearly explained the link between them.
If you need more help writing Georgetown University’s Describe an Activity essay- or any of the other most common essay types- check out our free Activity Description prewriting module by signing up for an account below.
