Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.”

With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. Social or Community Issue Essay

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

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also to demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires, trans rights, or accessibility issues in your community. The scope and scale of your problem can vary.

With this prompt, it’s a good idea to touch on when or where your passion first began and how it developed over time. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head-on (in one to three innovative ways). This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions.

2. Why BU + Community Contribution Essay

What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

With this prompt, BU is combining two classic essay types: the “Why This School” essay and the “Community” essay. The purpose of this question is twofold: to learn what motivates you and to evaluate your genuine interest in the university. The more time you spend researching BU and its unique offerings, the better you will be able to demonstrate both.

Spend meaningful time exploring the university’s website. Take notes on everything that appeals to you across academic and campus life: courses, professors, research labs, student organizations, guest speakers, location—literally everything. The goal is to paint a clear picture for admissions of your passions and how BU will help you cultivate them.

Once your research is complete, narrow your focus to your top five or so elements. Remember, your essay should not only reveal your interests, but also your vision for how you will actively engage with and contribute to the BU community from your very first day on campus.