ohio state university supplemental essays

Morrill Scholarship (Ohio State University (OSU)) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Morrill Scholarship essay? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the OSU Morrill Scholarship essay will show you exactly how to write an engaging OSU special scholarship essay to help boost your OSU Morrill Scholarship application. With a strong essay, you will maximize your chances in the OSU Morrill Scholarship Program admissions process.

For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on the college process,  click here . Want help crafting your OSU essay? Create your  free account  or  schedule your free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Morrill Scholarship (OSU) Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The  OSU  acceptance rate is 68%— U.S. News  ranks OSU as a competitive school.
• We recommend answering the OSU Morrill Scholarship essay prompt comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does Ohio State require essays?

No. Ohio State University does not require an additional OSU application essay unless you are applying to the Morrill Scholarship Program. If you choose to  apply  to the Morrill Scholarship Program, you must write a single OSU essay. This OSU application essay is 350-500 words—close to the length of the Common Application’s personal statement.

Remember, this OSU special scholarship essay is only required for Morrill Scholarship applicants. The general OSU application only requires a  Common Application  Personal Statement.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

What is the Morrill Scholarship Program?

According to OSU, “The Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) is one of Ohio State’s premier scholarship opportunities offered through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). MSP seeks academically talented student leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, service, and social justice.” If you are interested, be sure to visit the  MSP website  to learn more about the history of the scholarship, how MSP students get involved on OSU’s campus, as well as other scholarship  opportunities  only available to MSP students and  Young Scholars Program  participants.

Who is eligible?

According to the OSU Common Application, “MSP scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students admitted to the Columbus campus for the autumn semester following high school graduation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States.”

Unlike many scholarships which simply grant funds without additional requirements, the Morrill Scholarship Program seeks academically exceptional high school seniors who will “serve as student ambassadors and champions of scholarship and diversity” and “actively engage in diversity-based leadership, service and social justice activities” at OSU. If you have done activities like this in the past, this may be the perfect program for you!

Additionally, The Morrill Scholarship Program has three award levels. These levels are as follows:

• Distinction, which equals the value of the cost of attendance for both Ohio residents and nonresidents.
• Prominence, which equals the value of in-state tuition plus the nonresident surcharge for nonresidents.
• Excellence, which equals the value of in-state tuition for Ohio residents.

All three of these Scholarships are renewable for eight semesters. Additionally, the OSU website notes that “over 80 percent of Morrill Scholarship recipients are also University Honors and Scholars students.”

Interested in learning more about these other programs? The  University Honors Program  offers honors courses to eligible students. It also gives these students the opportunity to live in Honors residential learning communities. The  Ohio State Scholars Program , on the other hand, is a residential program that organizes students into 16 specialized  communities . The students in each of the communities participate in community-specific learning experiences under the guidance of program mentors.

The most important takeaway is that participation in the University Honors Program or Ohio State Scholars Program does not disqualify you from the Morrill Scholars Program (MSP).

How competitive is the Morrill Scholarship?

While the Morrill Scholarship Program doesn’t publicly release information on the number of applicants, with a total undergraduate class size of 46,984 students at Ohio State University, Morrill Scholars comprise around three percent of the student body. That gives the MSP a lower acceptance rate than every Ivy League school!

In other words, The Morrill Scholarship Program is very competitive. Consequently, you should write a compelling response to the OSU special scholarship essay prompt to boost your admissions chances.

There are over 1,400 Morrill Scholars who “represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, and academic interests with a shared goal of infusing the campus with a celebration of an appreciation for diversity and inclusion.” The top tier of the program is the most competitive—OSU only selects  40 Distinction Scholars  each year.

Note: if you are considered for the Distinction Scholarship, you’ll need to interview in addition to the essay you submit in your OSU application.

While the Morrill Scholarship Program doesn’t release average standardized test scores and GPAs for their Scholars, therefore you should assume that selected students are on the higher end of each. If you think these qualifications describe you, you should definitely consider applying to the Morrill Scholarship Program as part of your OSU  application .

What do Morrill Scholars do?

Being a Morrill Scholar at Ohio State University is a prestigious honor. The Morrill Scholarship Program provides many exciting opportunities on the OSU campus. The OSU  website  details that Morrill Scholarship Program students are eligible to participate in activities such as:

• Diversity and inclusion-themed workshops, lectures, and service projects.
• Graduate and professional school preparation courses and guidance.
• Mentoring and tutoring to support your academic success.
• Morrill Scholars Early Arrival Program.
• ODI outreach and engagement projects on campus and in the community.
• ODI leadership and service courses for credit toward the Leadership Minor.
• Optional housing in the MSP Learning Community in Blackburn House.
• Service trips and travel abroad opportunities.

Additionally, according to the OSU website, “As social justice advocates, Morrill Scholars actively engage in civic engagement and advocacy through the MSP Learning Community, lead meaningful dialogue and discussions through the MSP Documentary Film Series, and share their innovative thoughts and ideas related to diversity and social justice activism and academic excellence through their topic-based MSP Teams.” This program is a great opportunity to be involved with social justice and advocacy during your time on OSU’s campus and to meet like-minded students.

Morrill Scholarship Essay Question

If you apply to the Morrill Scholarship Program this OSU essay prompt will appear in your Common Application:

You indicated interest in the Morrill Scholarship Program. To be considered for the Morrill Scholarship program, create a persuasive response to the following questions in 350-500 words. How have your life experiences and/or endeavors prepared you to be a Morrill Scholar? Please answer fully, and when possible, provide specific examples. (500 words maximum).

How do you write a Morrill Scholarship Essay?

To answer the OSU Morrill Scholarship essay, you must first pay specific attention to what qualities OSU looks for in their Morrill Scholars. Your response to this prompt should demonstrate that you would be an asset to the Morrill Scholarship Program. In other words, use this OSU application essay to prove that you fit the criteria used to evaluate OSU application essays for the Morrill Scholarship Program.

Pay attention to the language that OSU uses to describe the Morrill Scholarship Program. They specifically seek “advocates and champions” of four pillars: diversity, inclusion, social justice, and academic excellence. In your OSU special scholarship essay, you will should demonstrate how you have advocated for these values during your high school career.

Choosing a Topic

Unsure how to start? Begin with a structured  freewriting  session. Take approximately ten minutes and write on how you’ve interacted with each of the four pillars mentioned above. This OSU special scholarship essay asks you to describe specific “experiences and endeavors” that make you a strong candidate for the MSP. Therefore, you should choose an anecdote (or several) that directly reflects your experiences around diversity, inclusion, social justice, and academic excellence.

Notice that this OSU application essay prompt mentions both “life experiences” and “endeavors.” These are important terms to define. Endeavors specifically speak to actions that you’ve undertaken to accomplish a goal. In other words, if you’ve done anything to promote and work towards the goals of diversity, inclusion, social justice, and academic excellence, then these are things to write about. For example, you could write about starting an Indigenous American film club at your school or volunteering in a literacy program at your local elementary school.

Life experiences, on the other hand, are less about actions that you’ve undertaken and more about how your experiences interact with the four pillars. For instance, you can describe your experiences as a member of a marginalized community or your journey towards allyship. However, if you write about your life experiences in your OSU application essay, remember to focus on  your  experiences. In other words, you shouldn’t tell someone else’s story. Keep the focus on yourself—the things that you’ve learned, observed, and dealt with firsthand.

Drafting a Response

When drafting your OSU essay, remember that you do not have to address all four of the pillars. However, your OSU application essay should address at least two. You don’t want to write selectively about one and ignore the others; the Morrill Scholarship Program looks for students who embody all of their values.

Given the scope of this OSU application essay, you might discuss several different experiences. For example, you could discuss how you spearheaded a free breakfast program at your high school alongside your experience volunteering at your town’s food bank. You could then connect these experiences to your interest in resolving inequities in global food access. You should first describe your anecdote; then, discuss how you grew from the experience. Don’t mention a situation without detailing how it shifted your perspective. Those awarding the OSU special scholarships want to see how your experiences have changed your outlook!

This question asks for a “persuasive essay.” You should approach writing with the goal of convincing the readers that you belong in the Morrill Scholarship Program. Strong topic choices and anecdotes are important for this OSU essay, but you should also be sure to focus on the why and not just the what. How did your experiences/endeavors shape you into a strong candidate for the exclusive Morrill Scholarship? What did you learn about the importance of the four pillars of the program, and how will you implement this on OSU’s campus? Be sure to include your future plans in your OSU application essay. After all, OSU wants to know how you will contribute to the MSP!

Morrill Scholarship Program Essay Key Questions:

• Do you engage with the four components (diversity, inclusion, social justice, and academic excellence) that are paramount to being a Morrill Scholar?
• Does your essay draw on anecdotes and specific examples from your lived experience?
• Do you use strong and descriptive language for active storytelling?

Additional tips for the Morrill Scholarship Essay

When responding to the OSU special scholarship essay prompt, you want to ensure that you have properly demonstrated why you would be a good fit for the Morrill Scholarship Program. Your essay should show that your interests align with the interests and goals of the program. You want to write a clear, detailed, descriptive essay with no spelling or grammar errors. Finally, you want to demonstrate your personality and passions to admissions officers, expanding on the rest of your Common Application to prove that you belong in the Morrill Scholarship Program.

You also want to make sure that your response to this OSU application essay falls within the desired parameters: between 350 and 500 words. You don’t want your OSU special scholarship essay to be either too short or too long. Since this length is just a bit shorter than the Common Application Personal essay, you should be prepared to spend a similar amount of time on this essay as on your Common App essay.

OSU Essay Guide — Final Thoughts

Completing the OSU Morrill Scholarship essay question can seem daunting. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying to the prestigious Morrill Scholarship Program. The OSU Morrill Scholarship essay is a great scholarship opportunity for well-rounded students looking to focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Your answer to the OSU Morrill Scholarship essay stands apart from your overall OSU application. This means that a weak Morrill Scholarship Program application essay isn’t likely to affect your overall chances of admission to OSU. However, if you are interested in the Morrill Scholarship Program, don’t take the chance that your stellar GPA and test scores will bolster a weak essay. In other words, this competitive scholarship program attracts students with higher-than-average GPAs and test scores. Start earlier than you think you should, and use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the OSU special scholarship essay. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions from someone; it’s helpful to have another set of eyes checking your OSU special scholarship essay for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on OSU was written by  Laura Frustaci , Harvard ‘21. This guide to the Morrill Scholarship OSU application essay shows you exactly how to write an engaging essay for your OSU Morrill Scholarship application and maximize your chances of admission into the Morrill Scholarship Program. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources,  click here .

Want help crafting your OSU Morrill Scholarship essay? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Conquering Ohio State University Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024

Hello, aspiring Buckeyes! If you’re preparing your application for the Ohio State University (OSU), the supplemental essays can seem like a daunting task. However, these prompts provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and commitment to your academic journey. Let's break down the prompts and discuss how you can create impactful responses.

1. The "Why Ohio State" Essay (350 words)

This essay is your chance to demonstrate why OSU is the ideal fit for your academic goals and personal growth. To nail this essay, research specific programs, clubs, or initiatives that align with your interests and aspirations. Show OSU how you will contribute to the community, and also how it will nurture your growth.

As a young child visiting Ohio State University’s Mirror Lake with my family, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant student community and the spirit of innovation that pervaded the campus. As I grew older, my interest in bioengineering emerged and I realized that OSU, with its top-ranked bioengineering program, was my ideal choice.

OSU’s unique Bioengineering Honors program, which combines hands-on research with industrial exposure, aligns with my aspirations to design medical devices that enhance patient care. Moreover, the opportunity to work in the Biomedical Optics Lab would allow me to combine my fascination with physics and medicine. I am particularly excited about Professor Smith's research on non-invasive glucose monitoring, an innovation that can revolutionize diabetes care.

Beyond academics, I am drawn to the Buckeye spirit that embodies unity, resilience, and ambition. I aim to actively participate in the Engineers for Community Service club, merging my love for engineering and community service.

2. Leadership and Involvement Essay (350 words)

Here, OSU wants to understand your capability to take on responsibilities and make a positive impact. This prompt does not limit you to school-related activities. You can discuss leadership in various contexts, such as part-time jobs, volunteering, family responsibilities, or personal projects.

Last year, as the President of our school’s Science Club, I spearheaded a school-wide recycling initiative. I noticed that our school was generating significant amounts of paper waste, and I believed we could make a difference.

Organizing a team, we initiated paper collection drives and collaborated with a local recycling plant. However, the project wasn't immediately successful; many students were indifferent to our efforts. To overcome this, I introduced an inter-class competition and arranged awareness talks about the environmental impact of waste.

The campaign became a hit, and our school reduced paper waste by 40% in six months. This experience taught me the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the impact one can make with the right efforts.

3. Community Service Essay (Optional, 350 words)

Although this essay is optional, consider it an opportunity to show your dedication to service, a value OSU deeply cares about. Share specific experiences where you've made a tangible impact and reflect on how these experiences shaped your perspectives.

For the past two years, I have been tutoring underprivileged children in my community. Meeting twice a week, we cover various subjects, but my main focus has been improving their English literacy.

One of my students, Lily, struggled with basic reading. Using phonics games and interactive storytelling, I managed to spark her interest in reading. Slowly, Lily started making progress. The day she read a full sentence without my help was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Through this experience, I've learned the value of patience and the joy of empowering others. It's a service I hope to continue at OSU, contributing to literacy initiatives on and off-campus.

4. Major Specific Essays

Some colleges or programs at OSU may require additional essays. Make sure to answer these thoughtfully and demonstrate your passion and understanding of the chosen field.

Short Answer Questions (100 words)

These short responses are a chance for the admissions committee to get to know you on a more personal level. Be genuine and sincere in your responses, showcasing your character and personal experiences.

Q: What's your favorite book and why?

A: My favorite book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The narrative, seen from Scout’s innocent perspective, contrasted with the harsh realities of racism and prejudice, deeply moved me. The character of Atticus Finch, with his unwavering moral compass, inspires me to stand up for what is right, despite the challenges.

When writing your OSU supplemental essays, remember to:

• Be specific: Vague statements can make your essay feel generic. Tailor your essay with details unique to your experiences and aspirations.
• Show your personality: Let your character shine through your writing. OSU is not just interested in your academic achievements but also who you are as a person.
• Reflect: Don't just recount experiences. Reflect on what you learned from them and how they have shaped you.

Best of luck, future Buckeyes, as you embark on this exciting journey!

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Tips for filling out the regular and supplemental applications

The tips below are for applicants completing Ohio State's regular or supplemental application. If you're not sure which application your program uses, you can check the list of application types .

Why do I get an error when I try to access the application?

• You may need to create an account. All applicants who aren't currently or recently (within three terms) enrolled at Ohio State must create an account. This includes former Ohio State students enrolled more than three terms ago, as well as current employees who have not been enrolled as students. If you're a current Ohio State student, you don't need to create an account; just use your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and password to log in.
• The application works best with the most up-to-date versions of Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome. For best results, clear your browser's cache, close out all other browsers and log out of any PeopleSoft applications you might be logged into. Close and relaunch your browser and try again.

What if I encounter the message, “You are not authorized to access this component”?

The application works best with the most up-to-date versions of Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome. For the best results, clear your browser's cache, close out all other browsers and log out of any PeopleSoft applications you might be logged into. Close and relaunch your browser and try again.

What if I can't access the supplemental application?

Students applying via a third-party application will be asked to complete Ohio State's supplemental application. If you can't access the supplemental application, one of these solutions may help:

• If you've used your one-time-use code to create an account at go.osu.edu/supplementalapp , you must subsequently access the application via this link: go.osu.edu/gpapply .
• The application could be closed; check the deadline for submission.
• You may not have been invited to fill out the supplemental application yet because your program application isn't complete or it hasn't been reviewed by the application service. Check with your program if you're not sure.
• If you can't find the invitation to the application, and you've checked your email accounts and spam folders, contact us to have it resent.
• If you forgot your username or password, go to the account creation page and select Forgot My Password or Forgot My Username.

Still having trouble? We're here to help. Contact Graduate and Professional Admissions .

How do I select my major or program of study?

After selecting a "Degree Objective" and "Level," click the magnifying glass icon to select an "Academic program/plan."

How do I enter my university information?

• In the Academic Data section, select the red box that reads "Find My School." In the "Search Criteria" field, search for your university by entering a US state or a country.
• If the university's location is international, do not add state or province.
• If you can't find your institution in a specific state or country, try different abbreviations.
• Summarize your dates of attendance starting with the first day of your first degree until your last date of attendance. If you did not complete a degree, do not type any data in the "Degrees" section, otherwise you will be unable to submit the application. Last date of attendance should include any breaks in your studies.
• Use the magnifying glass icon to find the name that most closely describes the degree you earned. There are not exact names for every degree, so select the closest equivalent name. Enter the date the degree was awarded or conferred, and area of study.
• Do not add the same institution name twice. Instead, if you obtained more than one degree from the same university, click the red “Add Another Degree” button under the university name. Leave the degree section blank if no degree was received or expected.

How do I calculate a cumulative GPA?

You may be required to calculate your cumulative GPA if you studied at more than one institution to earn your bachelor's or advanced degrees. Here's how to do it.

What if the screen turns gray?

A gray screen indicates you have an error message, usually because information is missing. Look for a red asterisk (*) next to the field(s) missing required data.

How do I attach transcripts or other documents?

• To prepare: For each institution attended, you will need ONE file that includes all official transcripts (front and back) for all degrees obtained at that institution. International applicants should also include diplomas or degree certificates in this file. Scans of unofficial web versions of transcripts are not accepted. Learn more about transcript requirements .
• After entering school information, click the yellow “Add Transcript” button next to the name of the university.
• Choose from "your device" to locate the file prepared in step one for that university, then click "Upload" then "Done" to attach it.
• You can click the view icon to review what you have attached, or click the trash icon to delete a file.

If you need to submit a document after you've applied, use our Admissions Uploader .

How do I pay the application fee?

Payment steps.

Do not send a paper check or credit card information by mail when applying online. Instead:

• Once you've completed the application, click "Submit" at the bottom of the last page. This saves your data and takes you to the payment page.
• Enter complete information, making sure the billing address of the credit card exactly matches your credit card billing statement.
• When you're finished, be sure to click "Submit" just once.

Still having trouble? Check for the following:

• Does the billing address on file with the credit card company match the address you provided? Check a recent bill or call the credit card company to verify the exact address.
• Is the card active (not canceled)?
• Did you enter the correct card expiration date?
• Did you enter the correct CVV number (3-digit number on the back of the card)?

See two charges on your bank account for the application fee?

If you hit "Submit" more than once, you will see two or more charges, or pending transactions, reflected in your bank account. A pending authorization may appear on your credit card account and funds may be deducted from your available credit — this does not mean the payment was successful. Multiple pending authorizations will typically disappear within 24 hours. You should not be charged more than once for the fee. If you are, please contact Graduate and Professional Admissions .

If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, please contact [email protected] .

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Stamps eminence scholarship program application, for students entering as first year students in autumn semester, 2024.

Welcome to the application for the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program.

To be considered for the scholarship award and a place in the program, you must complete and submit the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Application by Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. To access the application, you need your OSU username (lastname.#), which you receive after submitting your application to the Ohio State University. You should allow approximately 5 days for receipt of your OSU username via email after submitting your admissions application.

Consideration for this scholarship is contingent upon admission to Columbus campus of The Ohio State University. Only new, first-year students entering in Autumn 2024 semester are eligible for this scholarship. Before completing the Stamps Eminence Scholarship application, please review the checklist below, scholarship description, and program requirements.

Following the application review process, a select number of applicants will be named as finalists. All finalists will be interviewed via a virtual platform during the months of January and February. Finalists are required to participate in the Stamps Eminence Finalist Friday event, which is scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024 . This day will provide a glimpse of the Stamps Eminence experience and will include special department visits and various group activities that precede a special finalist reception that evening.

Students awarded the Stamps Eminence Scholarship are required to be members of the University Honors Program and active participants in the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program. Please review information about both programs to learn more about the opportunities and expectations of students who remain in good standing in each.

Online Application Checklist: You will need to complete the following steps before submitting your application.

  1. Apply to The Ohio State University for first year admission by the early action deadline of November 1, 2023. You will not be able to complete the Stamps Eminence Scholarship application without your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and password, which are issued via email after you apply to the university. To apply, visit undergrad.osu.edu/apply to complete The Common Application.

  2. On the university application, indicate your interest in being considered for the University Honors Program . Students who are awarded the Stamps Eminence Scholarship are required to be members of the Honors Program.

  3. Complete the Stamps Eminence essay and video introduction. Use a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word) to respond to the essay prompt. You will need to copy and paste your essay response into the appropriate text box in the Stamps Eminence application. The essay is in Section 2 of the application. Remember to carefully proofread your work and limit your response to 500 words . The video link box immediately follows the essay text box.

Essay prompt: You have just made the front page of the New York Times for doing something important that no one has ever thought of or been able to do before. What did you do and why did you do it? Video Introduction: Applicants will have the opportunity to introduce themselves via a 2-minute YouTube introduction. The following parameters will help you create your introduction:

First minute : Introduce yourself and remember, we already know what is in your application. What don't we know about you? If you are recording a video of yourself speaking, please use a simple and uncluttered background. You may also choose to narrate the video of shared pictures, slides, and objects that demonstrate your interests, personality, and what is important to you. Do not include another video in this introduction.

Second minute : Talk about your Stamps Eminence Essay. Is this a true goal of yours? Why is it significant to you and why should others care about it?

Your video does not need to be extensively rehearsed, polished, or edited. Be yourself! The video is just one component of your application materials. For our selection committee’s access and your privacy, please be sure to create and provide an unlisted (not private) YouTube link.

  4. Verify your availability for Stamps Eminence Finalist Friday, March 1, 2024. If selected as a finalist, you will be required to attend.

Proceed to the final part of the application process. If you have read through all the above directions, you are now ready to complete the Stamps Eminence application. Please have your Ohio State Username and password information ready. If you need help in retrieving your username or password, visit http://my.osu.edu or contact the IT Service Desk at (614) 688-4357.

Questions regarding the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program may be directed to Rebecca Ward, Program Manager, University Honors & Scholars Center, [email protected] or (614)292-3135.

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Morrill Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

Future MSP Students FAQs

What is the MSP Mission Statement? One of Ohio State's premier scholarship programs, The Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) enhances the diversity of Ohio State by providing scholarships and education enrichment opportunities to academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, service, and social justice activities.

When was MSP established? MSP was established in 1982 as the Minority Scholars Program and was renamed Morrill Scholarship Program in 2003.

How do I apply for MSP? When completing the common application, there is a question that asks if you would like to be considered for the Morrill Scholarship Program. If you check the box, an additional essay question will appear. Be sure to complete the essay and include any diversity-based leadership, social justice, and service activities on the Student Activity list.

When is the deadline to apply for MSP? We highly recommend that all students apply for MSP by November 1; however, we will accept applications through February 1.

What if I have already submitted my admissions application and I still want to apply for MSP? No worries. Contact the Morrill Scholarship Program and request a supplemental application. The supplemental application will be attached to your common application.

When will I be notified as to whether I have received the Morrill Scholarship? MSP notifications are sent out on a rolling basis via email. All students will be notified by the end of March at the latest, at which time, we will let you know either way.

What is required to apply for the scholarship? The Morrill Scholarship Program seeks academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, social justice, and service activities in their communities. To apply, students must complete the MSP essay, and be sure to include leadership and diversity involvement on the Activity List section of the Common Application.

What are the three scholarships that MSP awards? MSP awards the Distinction, Prominence, and the Excellence scholarships. The Distinction Scholarship equals the value of the cost of attendance. The Prominence Scholarship equals the value of in-state tuition plus the nonresident surcharge for nonresidents. The Excellence Scholarship equals the value of in-state tuition for Ohio residents.

In terms of the Distinction Scholarship, what does “equals the value of the cost of attendance” mean? The value of the scholarship is equal to Ohio State's total estimated expenses for two semesters. The expenses will include tuition, room & board, books & supplies, and miscellaneous/personal expenses. This is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

In terms of the Prominence Scholarship, what does “equals the value of in-state tuition plus the nonresident surcharge for nonresidents” mean? The value of the scholarship will only pay toward Ohio State's estimated tuition cost (Instructional and general fees) and the non-resident fee (for out of state students). The value of the estimated tuition and non-resident fee is pulled from Ohio State's cost of attendance.

How many semesters does my MSP scholarship cover? The MSP scholarships cover 8 total semesters and are NOT extended.

Will my external scholarship(s) be included along with my MSP scholarship on my financial aid account? It may or may not. This will depend on the amount of the external scholarship(s) students receive and whether students have room in their cost of attendance. Due to federal regulations, students cannot exceed a school's cost of attendance.

Current MSP Students FAQs

If I don't receive MSP, can I apply again as a current student at Ohio State? Unfortunately, no. The Morrill Scholarship is only for high school graduating seniors who are entering The Ohio State University Columbus Campus autumn semester following their high school graduation.

What are the requirements for maintaining the MSP scholarship? Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the end of their fourth semester when the first grade review occurs. They must also be enrolled full-time and participate in MSP programs/events/activities.

Will my scholarship automatically post to my student financial aid account each semester? Yes, it will post automatically if the student maintains the minimum cumulative GPA requirement by the time of evaluation and is enrolled full-time.

If I am a Distinction Scholar and I choose to live off campus after my second year, does my MSP scholarship still cover room and board? It depends. After all tuition/fees are paid, any remaining amount of the Distinction Award would refund to the student. The student will use that refund towards off-campus living expenses. The amount of the refund can differ depending on the student's situation. Please reach out to ODI Scholarship Services for counseling on your specific account.

How is money for books disbursed for Distinction Scholars? If a refund is generated for a Distinction Scholar, they will use their refund to pay toward their books/supplies cost. All student charges are not the same, and refund amounts can vary depending on what other fees a student incurs.

What happens if I fall below the required 3.0 cumulative GPA for the program? If the student falls below a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the first grade review conducted by the Office Of Student Financial Aid, they have two options: 1) self-correct (i.e. reach a 3.0 CGPA to have the scholarship reinstated), or 2) submit a grade appeal based on extenuating circumstances and accompanied by documentation.

If I choose to study abroad, can I use my MSP scholarship? The MSP scholarship can potentially go towards a study abroad program. If it is an approved program that is recognized by Ohio State, and the program requires the student to enroll in a “full-time placeholder course” that shows full-time enrollment on the student's statement of account, the scholarship will disburse.

Am I required to live in the MSP Learning Community? No, participation in the learning community is optional but highly encouraged.

Are the MSP courses required? No, the MSP courses are not required but highly encouraged. These courses, which are interactive and popular, are a deep dive into the many topics that MSP explores by way of its programs/events/activities.

Still have questions?

Contact [email protected] .

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Full-Time MBA Standardized Test Waiver (GMAT/GRE)

As part of our continuing efforts to identify and meet the needs of all future leaders interested in improving their lives through graduate education, the Full-Time MBA program offers GMAT/GRE test waivers for applicants. MBA applicants seeking a test waiver will have additional weight placed on the remaining application components and will be asked to submit a supplemental essay. 

Two requirements to be considered for a waiver:

1. Earned at least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA on a U.S. four-point scale OR the equivalent of a “B” for those on a non-U.S. four-point scale. 

2. Display quantitative acumen through one of the following:

• College-level quantitative coursework with a “B” grade or better (accounting, finance, algebra, geometry, statistics, calculus, etc.)
• An advanced degree, STEM degree, or certifications/licensures
• Relevant quantitative-based work
• Previous standardized test completion (i.e. LSAT/MCAT scores)

While a test waiver may benefit some MBA candidates, individuals should consider personal circumstances when applying. The GMAT and GRE exams are standard benchmarks for applicants wishing to signal their suitability for a rigorous MBA program and provide an additional point of consideration for the admissions team.

How to request a waiver:

Choose the waiver option

The waiver request is part of our online application. Simply answer "YES" to the question "Do you wish to request a GMAT/GRE waiver?"

Optional supplemental essay

 Students requesting a GRE/GMAT/EA test waiver may consider using this essay to clarify why they should receive a waiver. The admissions committee will utilize this in consideration of a waiver permission. It can also be used to address any circumstances you’d like the Admissions Committee to be aware of.

Complete the remainder of your application and submit it for consideration. 

Waivers are issued at the sole discretion of the Admissions Committee, and requests will not be considered until after an application has been submitted and all required documents are listed as complete in your application portal (i.e. transcripts, resume and essays) . You may not request a waiver if you have already taken the exam and requested your scores be sent to The Ohio State University.

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Whether you are in the beginning stages of your program search or you have already decided that one of Fisher's graduate programs is the right fit for you, we encourage you to connect with us.  

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In keeping with the mission of the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program, the selection committee looks for students who have demonstrated potential as academic scholars and leaders both inside and outside the classroom. Applicants should be driven to excel and be interested in the support of a small community of peers.  

The Stamps Eminence Scholarship Application for 2023-2024 is now closed.

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
• All applicants must apply to the Ohio State University Honors Program.
• Students are selected based on outstanding potential and all majors are encouraged to apply. There is no "typical" Stamps Scholar.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Robust curriculum and strong GPA
• Top 10% (and above) class rank
• Curiosity as demonstrated by research or equivalent experiences
• Official ACT or SAT scores (optional)
• Demonstrated commitment to a cause, program, issue, or idea
• Demonstrated commitment to improving life for others

Communication

• Written expression through essays (Common Application and Eminence)
• Video introduction through a 2-minute YouTube link

Additional consideration will be given to:

• Service that extends beyond high school organizations and clubs
• Leadership that threads through academics and service
• Depth and breadth in involvement, experiences, and leadership
• Collaborative spirit and teamwork-inspired experience

How to Apply

• Applicants must apply to the university by the November 1  early action deadline. When completing the Ohio State admissions application, applicants must indicate their interest in the University Honors Program.
• Applicants must then complete and submit the Stamps Eminence application by the Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST  deadline. The applicant's Ohio State username and password are required to apply. The applicant does not need to wait for an Ohio State's admission decision to submit the Stamps Eminence application.  

Components of the Stamps Eminence Application

There are two components of the Stamps Eminence Application:

• Stamps Eminence Essay
• Video Introduction (via an  unlisted  YouTube link)

The Scholarship Selection Committee will have access to the student's Common Application and consider it in the selection process.  

Finalist Interview and Event

Following the application review process, a select number of applicants will be named as finalists. All finalists will be interviewed via a virtual platform during the months of January and February. Finalists are required to participate in the Stamps Eminence Finalist Friday event, which is scheduled for Friday,  March 1, 2024 . This day will provide a glimpse of the Stamps Eminence experience and will include special department visits and various group activities that precede a special finalist reception that evening.  

Requirements of the Program

To remain in good standing as a Stamps Scholar, students are required to:

• Gain admission to the University Honors Program and maintain Honors status every semester.
• Contribute to their class service project and embrace the collaborative spirit of “giving back.”
• Complete either an Honors thesis which could lead to a  Graduation with Distinction in Research  designation, or other capstone, culminating project.
• Contribute to and be involved with Stamps Eminence program initiatives through regular program involvement and leadership.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Ohio University Supplemental Essay Prompt

Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

Learn about our editorial policies

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

At Ohio University, there is a deep culture rooted in tradition and passion for their school. Athens, Ohio is home to one of the most amazing schools in the state– if not the country! (Proud OU Bobcat author here!). The Ohio University supplemental essays are a perfect way to show the admissions counselors that you are ready to be a part of that tradition, and that your passion will align with that of your fellow peers. Today, we are going to break down the Ohio University supplemental essay prompts to make them easier to understand and write. Let’s get started!

Honors T utorial College application essays

The Honors Tutorial College is Ohio University’s honors program that allows students to choose from 35 programs to receive an honors degree from. Although not required, the university encourages all students to apply to the program. For this application, there are two essays that are both required, and both are a 500 word limit. 

“Please explain why you have chosen your particular program of study.”

Another simple, yet important question. Think about what your turning point was when you realized that you are interested in something so much that you decided you wanted to do that for the rest of your life. Maybe you haven’t had that turning point yet, and that is totally fine. You can talk about that, as well, if you have yet to choose your major. 

Questions to consider:

• Why did you choose your major?
• Did someone or some event influence your choice of major?
• What makes your major important to the world around you?

“ We expect that one reason you seek a tutorial education is for the one-on-one interaction with faculty, but other than that, what interests you about pursuing a tutorial-based undergraduate education? What aspects of your education and life experience have prepared you for a tutorial education with its emphasis on research and creative activity?”

For this question, if you don’t already have our answer ready, you may want to prepare a bit by researching Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College . One thing that many students find most intriguing about a tutorial education is that they are able to write a thesis and do master’s degree level research at the undergraduate level. These accomplishments will look great on your resume and make you a shoo-in for graduate school applications. 

Now for the second part of the question: how have your experiences prepared you for a tutorial education? Think back through your high school years and the classes, teachers, and extracurricular activities that helped you to grow as a student. Channel these things while you are writing this essay.

• What sparked your interest in the Honors Tutorial College?
• Why are you ready for a tutorial level education?
• How have you prepared for this level of education?

Related: How to write a great supplemental essay

Optional additional information essay

There is a third essay selection that is completely optional, but is a great option to write in case there is anything that you need to explain further about yourself that is not already in your application. 

“This essay is optional. You may use this space to describe any academic challenges you have faced, your preparation for success in your academic and career objectives, or any additional information that you would like to have associated with your application.”

This is another one of those prompts that are there to help you explain certain aspects of your transcript that you may not be able to defend for yourself, such as a bad grade in a certain class, your GPA, or a lot of missed days of school. This question is pretty open ended, and you can really do whatever you’d like with it. Just tell them your story and make sure you are open and honest. 

• Have you had any academic challenges throughout high school?
• How have you prepared for your major or for your future career?
• How have you made your challenges into life lessons?

Don’t miss: 10 tips for successful college applications

Final thoughts for students

The number of optional essays on top of the required ones may seem a bit overwhelming. It is  important to look through each of them and decide which one will help the admissions professionals see you in the most honest way. 

Additional resources

Now that you’ve completed your Ohio University supplemental essay, give yourself a pat on the back! But once you have a break, remember it’s time to get back to business.

As you complete your college applications, you probably have a lot on your mind. Luckily, Scholarships360 can to take some of the stress off of your shoulders. Check out our guides on when to apply to college , how many colleges to apply to , and how to plan a college tour . Good luck with the rest of your college search, and don’t forget to apply for all the scholarships you quality for! 

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The Common Application

First-year applicants to Ohio State's Columbus campus must apply through the Common Application.

Ohio State is a member of the Common Application, an application platform offered by nearly 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide.

Applicants may submit the same Common Application to multiple institutions.

Ohio State also requires completion of Ohio State-specific supplemental questions (read about them below).

Create your account

If you haven't done so, create an account for the Common Application. Your email address will become your username and the Common App’s primary method of sending updates and reminders, so make sure you provide an email address you check on a regular basis.

Need help? Read this guide for first-time applicants .

CLICK FOR QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR

Common application questions, writing: personal essay.

Ohio State requires a personal statement essay in response to one of the prompts provided. If you'd like to work on your response before beginning your application, here's a list of this year's essay prompts .

The Common App also provides students with an opportunity to share their experience and the impact of COVID-19 through a dedicated COVID-19 question on the application.

Ohio State-specific questions

General: preferred admission plan.

Select "Early Action" if you are applying for autumn semester and plan to meet our November 1 early action deadline. Otherwise, select "Regular Decision."

General: School-specific fee waivers

International applicants are not eligible for application fee waivers.

Academics: Your planned major

To learn more about Ohio State's majors, search Ohio State majors or read Undecided? if you're not sure what to major in. For visa application purposes, international applicants are required to select a major that will lead to a degree and are not eligible to select an undecided major or a major that is offered by University Exploration.

Academics: Opportunities beyond the undergraduate level

Ohio State offers pre-professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Identifying your pre-professional interest on the application will enable your advisors to provide you with a wide range of support to realize your goals.

Academics: Honors and Scholars Programs

To be considered, we strongly recommend that you meet our November 1 early action deadline. On the application, indicate interest in the University Honors Program or Ohio State Scholars Program .

Application fee

Before submitting your application, you will be asked for a NONREFUNDABLE $70 application fee.

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Go to the Common Application  (opens August 1)

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How to Write the Penn State Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Penn State has one, optional supplemental essay prompt for all applicants, which is essentially a personal statement. Applicants to Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, or Accelerated Pre-Med program, will also have to respond to a fairly extensive list of supplemental prompts—2 essays and 8 short answers for the Honors College, and 4 essays for the BS/MD program.

Regardless of whether you are just applying to Penn State as a whole, or to one of these more specialized programs, you want your essays to shine. In this post, we’ll break down each prompt, so you’re prepared to write a strong, engaging response to each prompt.

Read these Penn State essay examples to inspire your writing.

Penn State Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt: Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. (500 words, optional)

Schreyer Honors College Applicants

Prompt 1: 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 take to identify a solution. (800 words)

Prompt 2: Isaac Asimov wrote: “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” Do you agree? Is such censorship ever justified? If not, explain why. If so, who or what should determine which books are read and which books are forbidden. (800 words)

Short Answers

Prompt 1: What do you hope to get at Penn State as a Schreyer Scholar to help you accomplish your future goals and aspirations? (200 words)

Prompt 2: If you were able to go anywhere in the world, outside of the country you currently reside, where would you go and why? (200 words)

Prompt 3: Tell us about your leadership experiences (community roles, family contributions, research, clubs, organizations, etc.) and why leadership is important to you. Describe the challenges and/or successes you’ve faced in these roles. (200 words)

Prompt 4: 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? (200 words)

Prompt 5: Tell us about a book or other media that has made you think about something in a new way. (200 words)

Prompt 6: Consider a time when you had to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds or with different perspectives. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth and understanding of others? (200 words)

Prompt 7: 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. (200 words)

Prompt 8: Please use this space to share information you would like us to consider that has not been discussed elsewhere in your Schreyer Honors College application. This could include obstacles you’ve overcome, something you’re proud of that is not discussed elsewhere, or anything else you choose. (200 words)

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Applicants

Prompt 1: Describe one non-academic activity during your high school years that has been the most meaningful to you. (250 words)

Prompt 2: Write a personal statement indicating why you want to be a physician, why you want an accelerated program and why you’ve selected this Penn State/Kimmel program. (500 words)

Prompt 3: Describe what you think your strongest qualities are as well as weaknesses that you would like to improve upon. (250 words)

Prompt 4: Tell us about a time you were unsuccessful and how you grew from this experience. (500 words)

Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records. (500 words, optional)

While this essay is technically optional, we still strongly encourage all applicants to complete it. Writing an optional essay provides admissions officers with more information about you, helps your application stand out, and further expresses your interest in the college you are applying to. 

One of your main objectives in all college essays should be to depict yourself as a strong addition to a specific college’s community. A good response will contain a reflection on your experiences to demonstrate a specific personal quality that you think will set you up for success at Penn State. To brainstorm, ask yourself: What do I need to succeed at Penn State? What are my strengths? 

You’ll need to think of examples that demonstrate the traits that will set you up for college success. Though the prompt says that you can pick “something about yourself, your experiences, or activities,” your choice should be something that you can show through a story or anecdote.

Almost any poor topic can be strengthened if you make it more specific:

Don’t pick something too broad, like “I have formed many friendships in different settings.” However, you could write a detailed account of a specific friendship or friend group you formed after switching high schools, explaining how you developed the skills to not only survive, but thrive in a new social community. Then, you can discuss how, at any college, but especially a big school like Penn State, forming a social network is crucial for academics (study groups, peers to help with homework, collaborators for group projects, etc.) and for making the most of your college experience.

Avoid focusing on an experience that virtually all applicants will share. “I made it through high school” is not a strong response. However, you could write about an illness you faced that almost jeopardized your ability to succeed in school. Through detailed storytelling, you could show the reader that you developed time-management skills and perseverance, which, as you can guess, are absolutely crucial for college success.

Great responses to this prompt can be quite personal since more formal academic and extracurricular activities might already be covered in your application. For example, you could relate difficult family or friendship situations you’ve negotiated to your ability to navigate a diverse and complex college community.

Regardless of which aspect of your identity, experience, or activity you pick, be absolutely sure to avoid generalizing. Many students write a 500 word essay that never uses specific examples. While these essays might sound smooth, they are almost entirely composed of clichés and generalizations. Here’s an example so you can get a better idea of what we’re talking about.

A student could write something like: 

“I have volunteered for over five years at my local food pantry. This experience has made me more appreciative of what I have, and more determined to give back. I know I’ll take these values with me to Penn State.”

Note that these sentences do not refer to a specific instance or give concrete examples. They give a general description of one activity and then make generic, high-level assertions about the results of that activity.

A strong essay will push beyond this level of resolution:

• Describe what you did at the food pantry.
• Show the perspective this has given you by giving an example of how you changed your daily activities or interactions with others as a result of this experience.
• Link these changes to success in college by discussing how you’ll dive into volunteer opportunities and community organizations. Use specific examples of clubs or organizations at Penn State, such as the Lion’s Pantry, which is dedicated to addressing student hunger.

A few words of caution: Some students will have too many things they want to squeeze into this essay. While you may feel like you’ve just left so many crucial details out of your application, you should resist the temptation to use this essay as a “catch-all” for everything “not already reflected in your application.” Note that the prompt asks you to share “something” not already included—not everything! This essay should be focused and cohesive, telling a story that proves you can succeed in college.

If you truly feel that important information has been left out of your application, try to incorporate it into your Activities Section, other essays, or, if all else fails, the Additional Information section of the Common App.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Essay Prompt 1

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 take to identify a solution. (800 words).

Brainstorming Your Topic:

Given the length and nature of this prompt, taking the time to select a strong topic is especially important. You need to pick a topic that is nuanced enough to sustain 800 words, but also personal enough that you can answer each part of the prompt while also highlighting aspects of your personality that make you a strong fit for the Honors College.

Fortunately, the prompt’s criteria are pretty open-ended, and admissions officers go out of their way to say the scale of the issue doesn’t matter. So, to brainstorm, we recommend asking yourself open-ended questions, like:

• Which societal issues are particularly important to you?
• Are there any more local issues (at your high school or in your city, for example) that have a big impact on your life?
• Is there a problem you’ve already taken steps to solve?

Once you’ve identified a topic, you want to take a moment to think about your personal connection to it, to make sure it’s a good match for this prompt. 

For example, if you want to write about your weekly beach cleanups, but you only do them because your dad makes you, you should probably keep brainstorming. However, if you started doing them after completing a research project in your junior year chemistry class on how microplastics have impacted the local fish population, this topic would be perfect!

Tips for Writing Your Essay:

Seeing as you have plenty of words at your disposal, you want to make sure you’re thorough in describing the problem, its significance to you, and your ideas about how to solve it. To do so, you want to make sure that, like any college essay, your points are grounded in specific, personal anecdotes, as otherwise the essay may read as preachy or generic.

For example, compare the following excerpts from a hypothetical essay:

Excerpt 1: “To clean up the oceans, everyone needs to get involved. It might not feel like picking up one plastic bottle will make a difference, when there are beaches all over the world covered in trash. But if we all picked up every bottle we see, all those small actions would eventually start to add up.”

Excerpt 2: “Every summer, my family spends a week on the Oregon coast. My mom used to drive me crazy when she would interrupt my tanning session to nag me about picking up plastic bottles, empty chip bags, and forgotten toy shovels. ‘Why should I have to pick up someone else’s trash? Besides, what’s the point—there’s always more coming,’ I used to think. But then, one Saturday she dragged me along to a community beach cleanup. 200 people spent the entire day combing through the sand for even the smallest pieces of plastic, and by the time the sun set, I wasn’t even thinking about how sweaty or dirty I was. All I cared about was how pristine the white sand looked, stretching away into the distance, clean and unmarked by bright plastic.”

At their cores, these two examples are making the same point. But the first one lacks the personal details that show how the writer arrived at these realizations, and thus the takeaways read as generic, and won’t do anything to distinguish them from other qualified applicants.

The second one, on the other hand, tells us exactly what happened in the writer’s past that changed their mindset about the importance of individual action. Remember that, like with any college essay, the point of this essay is to teach your readers about who you are. So, your discussion of the problem you choose should be grounded not in scientific studies or big-picture ideas, but in the experiences you have had that have shaped not only your thoughts on this issue, but your personality as a whole.

Obviously, the second example is much longer, but, as noted above, this is one of the rare supplemental essays where space likely won’t be an issue. You have the room to provide the personal details admissions officers are looking for, so take advantage of it!

Mistakes to Avoid:

The most important pitfall to avoid has already been outlined above: make sure your essay doesn’t become too much about the problem, at the expense of teaching your readers about important aspects of your personality. You probably have much more experience with academic writing than reflective writing, so as you write and revise your first draft, make sure there aren’t any points where you instinctively slip into research-based, argumentative mode.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Essay Prompt 2

Isaac asimov wrote: “any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” do you agree is such censorship ever justified if not, explain why. if so, who or what should determine which books are read and which books are forbidden. (800 words).

When you sit down to start writing your response, the first thing you want to do is honestly ask yourself whether or not you agree with Asimov. Censorship is a hot topic in the news right now, so you may already have at least a partially-formed opinion. But in order to write a strong response, you need to be fully authentic. So, before you start writing, you want to spend some time really thinking about how you feel about this issue, and why.

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t just say what you think your readers will want to hear. If your response is thoughtful and reflects a high level of critical thinking, you can argue in favor of either side of the debate.

Once you’ve decided what position you’re taking, you’ll need to work on fleshing out your justification for it. This justification needs to be more sophisticated than just “I believe in free speech, so no books should be banned,” or “I believe some books provoke dangerous ideas, like those of Nazi Germany, and so banning can sometimes be justified.” In college, particularly at an honors college, you’re going to be wrestling with difficult questions like this one every day, so you want to show admissions officers that you appreciate the nuance of this debate.

For example, a rough outline of a strong response might look something like this:

• Introduction: Provide a personal anecdote that shows the importance of books in your own life, and use that to introduce your perspective that banning books is never justified
• Point 1: Describe a situation, either from your own life or history, where the free exchange of information was essential to progress
• Point 2: Highlight the role books play in allowing not only the exchange of existing ideas, but also the introduction of new ones, by focusing on a text that moved a particular discussion forward in a substantial way
• Point 3: Acknowledge that some books do contain ideas you feel are dangerous, but argue that those dangerous ideas need to be acknowledged, lest they manifest in tangible ways, and that even labeling certain ideas as “dangerous” is dicey, because some people would call ideas that are fundamental to your worldview “dangerous”

Pay special attention to Point 3: acknowledging that the other position has merit, and then explaining why your position is still the better choice, is something you’re going to be asked to do frequently in college. Showing admissions officers that you’re already able to think at that level can take your essay from good to great.

Finally, this prompt is more academic than most other supplements out there, but you still want to draw on your own experiences in your response. Otherwise, the tone of your essay may end up rather dry, and while that isn’t a death sentence, you do ideally want your reader to be genuinely invested in your essay, and incorporating anecdotes from your own life will help build that investment.

The #1 thing you want to avoid in your response is offending your reader, even unintentionally. As noted above, the admissions officers are intentionally asking you a question with no clear answer—they want to see that you can address such a question in a tactful, respectful way. Coming across as defensive, argumentative, or ignorant won’t say anything good about your ability to contribute to high-level college discussions.

For example, you wouldn’t want to say “The only people who I’ve heard argue in favor of banning books are my aunt and uncle, who also believe a lot of other absurd things, like that Elvis is still alive, so I’ve never seen much merit in that position.” Obviously, we’ve given an extreme example to illustrate our point. But on a more realistic level, you want to keep your essay focused on yourself and your opinion, rather than speaking down on anyone else.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 1

What do you hope to get at penn state as a schreyer scholar to help you accomplish your future goals and aspirations (200 words).

This is essentially a “Why This College?” prompt, but focused on Penn State’s Honors College specifically, rather than a college as a whole. The keys to writing a strong response are essentially the same, however: identify specific resources that can only be found at Schreyer Honors College (not things that you could also take advantage of as any other Penn State student!), and explain how those resources align with your goals for college and beyond.

For example, you might choose to highlight Schreyer’s goal that all Schreyer Scholars have at least one experience abroad by the time they graduate as something that is particularly attractive to you, as you are interested in international relations and thus hope to familiarize yourself with other cultures as much as possible during college.

Alternatively, you might talk about how you’re excited by the thought of living in Atherton or Simmons, one of Penn State’s two honors housing residence halls, because you hope to attend law school after college, and so the more practice you can get with lively, intellectual debates, the better.

The only thing you really want to avoid in your response is general or superficial reasons for wanting to attend Schreyer, that don’t do much to help your readers envision you as a Schreyer Scholar. For example, you don’t want to talk about the prestige of the program, or the fact that Atherton and Simmons have prime locations on campus. Admissions officers want to accept applicants who are ready to hit the ground running, and the more specific you can be in spelling out how Schreyer will help you achieve your goals, the more confident they will be in your readiness.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 2

If you were able to go anywhere in the world, outside of the country you currently reside, where would you go and why (200 words).

This prompt is a more-lighthearted question that just wants a sense of your personality – are you more adventurous or more restrained? Are you more interested in culture and history or relaxation and some peace and quiet? Your answer says more than you may think about what kind of person – but there’s no right or wrong answer here. Like many of the questions before it, you’ll want to answer both honestly and in a manner that showcases your true personality. Your answer should be as unique as you can think of, but as usual, the more personal a connection to your answer the better.

For example, maybe you’re the first-generation child of immigrants from India but have never been back there yourself. You could write about how a trip to India would reconnect you with your family roots, your culture, and the pasts of your parents. 

If you don’t feel like you have a special story or experience to share, however, don’t worry. Your answer will be strong so long as it is unique to you, so brainstorm a place or country that would be at the top of your bucket list. Maybe you’re an avid hiker and want to take a crack at Mount Kilimanjaro. You can write about how visiting and climbing the mountain has always been a dream of yours that you hope to have the resources to achieve later on in life. Write about what hiking means to you and why, as well as why Mount Kilimanjaro is the end goal.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 3

Tell us about your leadership experiences (community roles, family contributions, research, clubs, organizations, etc.) and why leadership is important to you. describe the challenges and/or successes you’ve faced in these roles. (200 words).

Although this prompt asks you to discuss your “leadership experiences,” plural, in reality you want to keep your focus pretty narrow, since you only have 200 words to provide the elaboration they’re asking for. You can start off with a general overview of the leadership positions you’ve held, but you pretty quickly want to zoom in on an anecdote or two that show what you’ve learned about leadership from these experiences.

For example, the start of your essay might look something like this:

“I’ve been fortunate to hold a variety of leadership positions throughout high school, from two-time captain of my volleyball team, to assistant manager of the Chipotle down the street from my house, to, as the oldest of seven children, first mate on our family’s sailing ship. But the moment that taught me the most about leadership was one in which I failed: my team had a tournament starting at 8 am, and I never woke up, as I’d accidentally set my alarm for 6:30 p.m., not a.m.”

From here, the writer can dive into a discussion of how, while many people see confidence and inspiration as the most important traits a leader can have, their experience showed them that accountability is just as crucial. And because that point is grounded in an anecdote from their own life, we know exactly why they feel this way–without that specificity, your essay will likely come across as generic or even preachy.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 4

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 (200 words).

This prompt is a great opportunity for you to paint a better picture of yourself and your accomplishments, both academic and otherwise. After listing all of your awards and recognitions, there are two main ways you can approach this question—you can highlight an honor or distinction you have received for an academic or extracurricular achievement, or you can flex your creative muscles and expand on a smaller award or appreciation you have received. 

For example, if you have been recognized for your success in an extracurricular activity with a competitive element like debate, Model UN, or robotics, you can explain the activity’s importance to you, and what the process of winning meant to you. You could also take this approach if you have won your school’s talent show, or received a ribbon in a local photography contest. Alternatively, you could talk about being voted captain of your cross country team, or awarded the lead role in your school’s musical theater production, and describe how you handled that responsibility. 

However, if you lack any formal awards, try to think of any informal recognitions you have received over the years – a superlative in the yearbook, a counselor of the summer award at a sleepaway camp, even a “Best Cousin Ever!” sticker your 5-year-old cousin gave you last Thanksgiving. While you may feel awkward writing about something not conventionally “impressive,” this approach can actually show a high level of maturity. College applications are by definition pretty braggy, so showing admissions officers that you have an appreciation for “the little things” in life can, perhaps counterintuitively, help set you apart from other applicants who may have written about more traditional, resume-y achievements.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 5

Tell us about a book or other media that has made you think about something in a new way. (200 words).

Think about something that you’ve read, watched, or listened to that has stuck with you or impacted you personally. This isn’t meant to be an opportunity for you to recant your love for Shakespeare or your appreciation for Charles Dickens, although you certainly can if it’s deeply resonated with you. And that’s the key – you want to be genuine with your answer. You can go on and on about how much you admire an author or filmmaker’s style or craft – but what the admissions reader really wants to know is how a piece of media has changed your perspective and impacted you personally.

Is there a movie that you can endlessly rewatch? A book you always find yourself going back to? A podcast or an album you can’t stop listening to? The trick is to do some reflection into the “why” – media above anything else has a strictly personal connection to your mind, so see if you can figure out what about the connection to your selected media is so special. If you’re stumped, do a bit of journaling, either while participating with your chosen media or afterward, and write down how it makes you feel and what it makes you think about. Chances are you’ll be able to uncover what it means to you and how it affects you.

Perhaps your mother’s favorite movie is the musical West Side Story, and you and her went to see the Steven Spielberg remake together. Maybe she has a special connection with the musical because she’s originally from Puerto Rican – you could write about how sharing that experience with your mom got you in touch with your heritage and your roots, and got you to reevaluate what it means to be a Puerto Rican in the America of today.

Everyone has a different story, and it is tapping into that story and how it relates to your media choice that should be the basis of your response here.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 6

Consider a time when you had to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds or with different perspectives. how did this experience contribute to your personal growth and understanding of others (200 words).

This prompt very considerately spells out pretty much exactly what you need to do: describe a time when you collaborated with a diverse group of people, and explain why that experience was significant to your personal growth/understanding of others. One important thing to keep in mind is that, as you think about which experience you want to focus on, the phrases “diverse backgrounds” and “different perspectives” can be read in a variety of ways. 

For example, you could write about your last Thanksgiving dinner, and focus on the wide range of ages present at the table, from your 97-year-old grandmother to your infant cousin. You could then talk about how this experience showed you that, if people really want to, we can always get along: we go out of our way to be polite and respectful towards family, even when we don’t particularly want to, but there’s no reason we couldn’t do the same for others.

Alternatively, you could write about your part-time job at a ski lodge, where your coworkers came from all over the state, and some were much stronger skiers than others. You could use this experience as an avenue into talking about how if everyone has a shared goal, and is willing to contribute whatever they’re able in pursuit of that goal, having different skill sets actually becomes an asset, as each person’s strengths balance out someone else’s weaknesses.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 7

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. (200 words).

This is an example of the classic “Diversity” prompt, so you have two main goals in your response: highlight some aspect of your identity, and explain how that part of you has shaped your personality as a whole. If you just say “I lived in Italy from age 8 to age 14” or “I come from a family where we don’t bleed red, but green, for the Philadelphia Eagles,” but don’t explain what you’ve learned from these experiences, your reader won’t actually understand you any better.

Instead, like always, you want to include a specific anecdote or two that highlight some personality trait, or part of your worldview, that you wouldn’t have if you weren’t a part of this community. Take the Eagles example above. Later in the essay, you might say something like:

“This fandom has helped me connect with family members who I otherwise might not know. Like my grandpa, who has been suffering with dementia since before I was born. He’s unable to ask me about my classes or my lacrosse team, but when we watch the Birds together, I feel like we’re having a conversation all our own. Some things are better said without words.”

In this excerpt, the student doesn’t just list a community they’re a part of, but also shows us why that community is so important to them.

Finally, note that the prompt gives a broad definition of “community.” Hopefully, our two examples also help emphasize that you don’t need to write about any one particular thing. If your race has been a huge part of shaping your identity, then you should of course write about it! But you can also write a strong essay about any community you’ve been a part of, even ones that may seem a little unconventional.

Schreyer Honors College Applicants, Short Answer Prompt 8

Please use this space to share information you would like us to consider that has not been discussed elsewhere in your schreyer honors college application. this could include obstacles you’ve overcome, something you’re proud of that is not discussed elsewhere, or anything else you choose. (200 words).

This prompt is the last opportunity for you to fill in any gaps left over in your application to the Schreyer Honors College. Look over your application and all your previous responses and reflect on if there’s anything still left unsaid. Remember, the admissions reader wants the clearest picture of you as they can possibly get, and the more information you can provide them about yourself the better.

Here are some examples of details you may wish to write about here:

• Unusual circumstances or hardships (financial hardships, first-generation status, illness, tragedy, etc.)
• Family responsibilities that may have prevented students from taking traditional extracurriculars
• Unique extracurricular that wasn’t written about in another part of the application outside of the Activities Section
• Describing your identity in the context of race, gender, or LGBTQ+

This prompt is going to be on an extremely case-by-case basis, so do what feels right for you and remember that you don’t have to embellish anything about yourself or your life in an attempt to make it sound more interesting to an admissions reader. They really just want to get to know you as your authentic self, so make sure that you’re answering this prompt in a manner that is genuine and honest.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Applicants, Prompt 1

Describe one non-academic activity during your high school years that has been the most meaningful to you. (250 words).

This prompt is the classic Extracurricular Activity essay . Remember that the admissions committee already has a list of your extracurricular activities, so make sure you’re delving beyond a simple list of your responsibilities. You’ll want to share your emotions and thoughts as you participate in this activity, as well as how it’s impacted you.

As you choose your activity, consider which qualities you’ve already demonstrated in your application, and which ones you’d like to highlight more. If you’ve already written about one activity in your Common App essay, there’s no need to repeat it here. Or, maybe your Common App essay demonstrates resilience when you also consider yourself a very ambitious person. Then, you might want to pick an activity that highlights your ambition.

If you’ve had any jobs or internships in the medical field, this is your opportunity to expand on your experience and what it may have taught you. However, the key to this prompt is to choose something that was the most meaningful to you. Don’t feel like you have to choose an extracurricular in medicine just because you’re applying to a BS/MD program. 

Once you’ve chosen an activity to write about, reflect on how it has shaped who you are. This is extremely important, as a common mistake with this prompt is to focus too much on the activity itself without explaining the “why” behind its importance. What lessons has the activity taught you? What skills did you learn? Why has this activity kept you engaged or kept you motivated? These are just a few of the questions that can guide your answer.

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Applicants, Prompt 2

Write a personal statement indicating why you want to be a physician, why you want an accelerated program and why you’ve selected this penn state/kimmel program. (500 words).

As you are probably aware already, the Penn State-Kimmel program is a highly rigorous seven-year program that will require you to commit to a career in medicine. It is not a fast track to becoming a doctor, but rather a set path to reaching that goal. Keeping that in mind, this prompt should be somewhat easy to answer. It is simply a space asking you to explain why you are interested in medicine and the program specifically, which means your answer will be best the more it sounds like you.

Brainstorming a list of reasons why you want to become a physician will be a great starting point – there will likely be several things that draw you to this career path, so list as many you can think of and use that as a jumping-off point. Some questions that can get you thinking may include:

• What was the first experience that made you think about medicine as a career?
• Are there any subjects in school that gave you an interest in medicine? What about extracurriculars?
• What do you hope to do as a physician? Any specific field you would like to work in?
• Are there any personal experiences that you have that make you want to be a physician?

Of course, there are dozens of other questions that you can ask yourself to get a solid foundation for this prompt, but the point is to Jeopardy-style your way into an answer. Ask yourself a series of questions and see what answers you come up with!

Once you describe your reasons for pursuing medicine, you can move forward to the next two parts of the prompts, which are more or less the same question – why this accelerated program? 

When it comes to explaining your interest in an accelerated program, the admissions committee has likely heard it all: guaranteed admission to medical school, getting your MD sooner, etc. But what will these benefits do for you specifically? What will you do with the extra time you’ll have from not needing to apply for medical school, or being able to graduate early? Maybe you have a specific clinic you want to spend a lot of time in, or perhaps you want to serve patients in countries impacted by climate change, which will only get more urgent over the next several years. Dig deeper beyond the obvious benefits of an accelerated program.

Finally, you want to explain why the Penn State-Kimmel Program is right for you. How will it help you achieve your specific goals? This will require you to do a fair amount of research on the program and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Look into the specific courses, research opportunities, statements from alumni, and more. 

For example, maybe you want to help develop immunotherapies for cancer after your aunt received an experimental treatment that worked wonders. You could express interest in contributing to the Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting Research Program at Jefferson Health (the home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College). Or, maybe you want to conduct research on the social determinants of health as a Black woman, particularly when it comes to race. Since Philly (where the Kimmel Medical College is located) is 40% Black, the city would be a good setting for your research.

A large thing to keep in mind is that this program is a 7-year commitment to getting an MD, so you’ll want to frame your answer around how you’ve wanted to be a doctor for a large part of your life. The questions you ask yourself and the information you find on the website will not only help you with this prompt, but also help you figure out if this program is right for you!

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Applicants, Prompt 3

Describe what you think your strongest qualities are as well as weaknesses that you would like to improve upon. (250 words).

This is a common question not only in college applications, but also career interviews, so your answer to this question may even prove helpful down the road!

This prompt is more straightforward, so you can simply discuss a few strengths and weaknesses. Given the word count, we recommend sticking to 1-2 each. Try to follow them up with examples of times you demonstrated those qualities. 

If your strengths relate to medicine, that’s all the better! But no need to explain how these qualities will benefit you in medicine. The connection can be implicit, as doctors need many soft skills.

For example, maybe one of your key skills is that you’re very organized – you could explain how you managed seven different committees as Student Body President, and how you kept track of their progress by having them use a color-coded Google Sheet. The implicit connection to medicine is that being a physician requires you to keep tabs on a plethora of patients and follow-up on their changing needs.

When you get to the weakness part of the question, remember that this prompt is meant to get you thinking about what you believe you can improve upon. For instance, you don’t want to write that you’re not a people person. Not only is this an aspect of your personality that may be difficult to change, but it is also an essential component of becoming a physician. 

Think about weaknesses that you can work on – for example, maybe you have trouble with criticism and take it personally because you’re very proud of the work you do. But, you also recognize how important it is in improving your work. So, you’ve already started actively seeking out criticism, such as submitting your artwork to art feedback Discord servers.

Your answer to these questions will give the admissions reader a sense of your work style and will help evaluate if you are a good fit for the requirements of the program, so remember to frame your answer with that in mind. 

Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (BS/MD) Applicants, Prompt 4

Tell us about a time you were unsuccessful and how you grew from this experience. (500 words).

Speaking of questions that you’ll likely get in job interviews, this is another classic. This prompt will get you reflecting on any experience, both in and out of the classroom, where you had some sort of shortcoming, and how you applied that knowledge to future endeavors. 

Admissions readers know that in a program like this one, you’re bound to fail at one point or another – they just want to see that you know how to grow from your mistakes. There are a plethora of examples you could probably choose from, but the best one will be the most personal to you.

Keep in mind that your topic doesn’t need to be medicine-related. The point of this prompt is simply to see how you pick yourself up after a failure. You don’t even need to have succeeded in the end; what’s important is that you show what you learned.

This prompt falls under the Overcoming Challenges essay archetype, so we encourage you to read our full guide on that. 

Roughly 50% of the essay should describe the process of overcoming the challenge. In this portion of the essay, you should lay out the basics of the challenge, discuss the steps you took to overcome it, and any final accomplishment that illustrates what you’ve overcome. 

The remaining 50% of the content (spread throughout the overall narrative) should cover your state of mind, your emotional state, and how your perception of the challenge has changed over time. This should span the initial challenge, the steps you took to overcome it, and the final accomplishment (if there is one). 

Where to Get Your Penn State Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Penn State 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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Ohio University

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Want to see your chances of admission at Ohio University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Ohio University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Overcoming challenges short response.

This essay is optional. You may use this space to describe any academic challenges you have faced, your preparation for success in your academic and career objectives or any additional information that you would like to have associated with your application. You may also use this space to explain any discrepancies in your academic history that you believe are not representative of your potential for academic success.

Role Models/Personal History Short Response

We expect that one reason you seek a tutorial education is for the one-on-one interaction with faculty, but other than that, what interests you about pursuing a tutorial-based undergraduate education? What aspects of your education and life experience have prepared you for a tutorial education with its emphasis on research and creative activity?

Special Program Essay

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit an essay detailing how they want to help shape the future of journalism

Submit a writing sample of at least 10 pages in length (up to 30 pages in total maximum). Though dramatic writing samples are typically preferred, writing samples can be any creative writing or academic/scholarly writing that you believe best represents your voice as an artist.

Select-A-Prompt Essay

College of Fine Arts Film and Honors Tutorial College Film applicants are required to submit at least one of the following items

Short essay

Original screenplay

Personal statement - should include the following: Personal story - Describe an event in your life and how it changed you or someone close to you. This event can be dramatic and/or comedic and can be major or minor. Ultimately, we are looking for evidence of your potential as a storyteller. Please do not write about why or what led you to pursue a degree in film and television production. Creative influences - How has a film, play, book, television series, painting, music, or other significant work of art inspired or influenced your own work or the way you look at the world? Artistic statement - Describe your artistic goals and aspirations.

Link to your relevant work(s) - should include one or more of the following items: Short film(s) or clips of your work shot on film or video Still photos Written work (fiction, screenplay, essay) Hand-drawn sketches, paintings, or computer-aided drawings Photos of models, sculpture, or other 3-D work Elements of theatrical production

Creative resume Should highlight your creative work, activities, and/or relevant employment. This resume is distinct from your academic resume and should focus on your artistic and creative endeavors. We also welcome information about any community service you‘ve done or part-time jobs you‘ve held. These do not have to be strictly creative if they illustrate and engagement with your community and/or a significant time commitment from you.

Honors College Essay

Please explain why you have chosen your particular program of study.

Common App Personal Essay

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 don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

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?

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 will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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BGSU senior earns national award for innovative essay on AI in healthcare

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Paige Rothlisberger uses research to examine how healthcare leaders can prepare for AI-related innovation

#1 University in Ohio for Student Experience

Innovative engineering degrees, #1 public university in the midwest students would choose again for the fourth consecutive year.

By Nick Piotrowicz

As Bowling Green State University senior Paige Rothlisberger began researching AI in physical therapy for an essay, she thought there was too much to be said to focus on only one area of healthcare. 

AI has the propensity to usher in big changes, so the topic is something healthcare administrators should be discussing thoroughly across multiple healthcare-related fields, she said. 

During Rothlisberger’s research, she came to the conclusion that, even with the possibility of processes changing, one thing should remain the same: Patients have to be at the center. 

As with any new introduction of technology, Rothlisberger said patients’ needs are the most important consideration.

“The patient truly has to be your first priority, so that was a light bulb moment for me to realize that AI and patient-centered care have to go together,” Rothlisberger said. “Everything I read about AI was all about processes and streamlining processes, how we can make something more efficient. Really, it all boils down to whether the patient comes first.”

The conclusions Rothlisberger, a native of Arlington, Ohio, who is graduating at Spring 2024 Commencement, made in her essay, “AI Powered Patient-Centered Care: A Call to Action for Innovation,” resonated with healthcare administrators. 

Her essay won first place in the undergraduate division of the nationwide Richard J. Stull Student Essay Competition, after which she was invited to Chicago to speak at the American College of Healthcare Executives’ 2024 Congress on Healthcare Leadership. 

Rothlisberger worked closely with Dr. Phillip Welch, an associate professor in the Department of Public and Allied Health , to apply classroom learning to healthcare administration as she crafted her essay.

Welch said Rothlisberger’s curiosity helped her work through several drafts of what became an essay that was honored on a national level. 

“Paige, like most people drawn to a university, is intelligent and inquisitive,” Welch said. “But she stepped outside her comfort zone, took extra initiative to enter the essay contest and was rewarded for doing so. This experience taught Paige the value of taking a chance. 

“The essay competition made Paige a stronger scientific writer, reinforced the importance of consulting academic literature when faced with problems and honed critical thinking skills.”

Due to the broad nature of AI, Rothlisberger said one of her goals for the essay was to spur discussion about how AI can work in healthcare, as its implementation will not happen overnight. 

“It’s just so complicated because you can’t just implement AI and have it all figured out — there are a lot of things that go into it, so these are conversations you have to have,” Rothlisberger said. “I went into the essay knowing that AI in healthcare is going to be implemented in stages and it is going to be very important to understand the details in each stage.”

Rothlisberger said AI has many possibilities within healthcare, but one way in which it could truly help patients is to streamline options after a diagnosis to help cater treatment to a patient’s unique needs and wants. 

“When you’re diagnosed with something, you have so many different options,” she said. “Maybe you have the option of something less invasive, the medication route or maintenance. One of the things I examined was using AI to filter what a diagnosis might look like along with the patient’s preferences and previous data to get a more tailored outcome for the patient rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Through completing the paper and attending the Congress on Healthcare Leadership, Rothlisberger said the experience affirmed that she has found her career path.

“I just felt really proud to be a future healthcare administrator,” she said. “It’s definitely a rewarding field where people band together and it’s not competitive. Everybody wants to help each other out because that means you all go back to help your communities get better outcomes. This really established for me where I was going.”

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | [email protected] | 419-372-6349

Updated: 04/29/2024 11:29AM