Essay Prompt 1 (George Washington)

At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers
and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of
global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or
the world, what would you do and why?

If I had the opportunity to change the course of world history, I would elect to have all
religions learn to coexist with one another. Throughout history, religion has been at the
epicenter of numerous catastrophic conflicts and continues to divide our world today.
From the Crusades between Christians and Muslims, to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,
to the power struggle between Sunnis and Shiites, to the Thirty Years War between
Catholics and Protestants; each of these conflicts displays the madness that occurs
when religions decide that the only true religion is their own and that all other belief
systems are heresies that must be destroyed. At the heart of religious conflict is the
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, which has been raging ever since the foundation of Islam in
the seventh century. With each religion’s holiest sites located in Jerusalem, both
Muslims and Jews believe that the land is rightfully theirs. This conflict has escalated
over the past century and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including
countless innocent civilians. With both religions purged on the brink of destruction, it is
essential that their leaders find a way to make peace and convince their followers to
coexist with one another. If this happens, it will play a significant role in stabilizing
tensions in the middle east and become the paradigm for religious tolerance. If the
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict is settled, other religions will follow suit and the world will
become a wonderful and peaceful place where all people can live together in harmony.

U of M
If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your
Common Application, which one would you keep doing? Why? (Required for all
applicants.)

U of M #1
If I could only do one the the activities I listed, I would elect to continue playing hockey. I
first stepped on the ice when I was five years old and the game has been a major part
of my life ever since. It has taught me discipline and hard work in addition to forging
friendships that will last for the rest of my life. Without hockey, I would not be where I
am today; as the team’s goalie it has taught me to keep calm under very stressful
situations. It has also helped me to learn how to balance schoolwork with sports which
are skills that I can employ in years to come. On top of teaching me life skills, hockey
provides me with an escape from the stresses of daily life; it lets me go out and have a
good time with my friends whom I would not see without hockey.

Min: 50 / Max: 150

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Essay #1 (Required for all applicants.)

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among

other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race,
ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong,
and describe that community and your place within it

One group that I identify with is based on my Catholic faith and is a group that struggles
to find relevance of Catholic teachings in today’s world. I was born into a Catholic family
and went to a Catholic school until my freshman year in high school, so the early years
of my life revolved heavily around my involvement in the Catholic Church. Over the
years, my family became more distant with the Church and stopped going to Mass as
often. We simply found the Church’s teachings on a number of important issues out of
touch with society and the needs of its members. As American culture continued to
change, my family’s view on the world and the Catholic Church also changed and we
began to become more critical of the Church’s traditional teachings, philosophy, and
scandals. Some of the issues in the Church that my family and I are most critical of are
the status of women, its stance on gay rights, and the scandal involving thousands of
Catholic priests sexually assaulting young children. The Church’s restrictions on the
rights of women in the Church are something one would expect in the middle ages, but
not in the twenty-first century; women should be treated as equals and not as
second-class citizens. On the issue of gay rights, the Vatican should heed to its own
teachings and realize that all people are created in God’s image and that no mortal has
the right to judge God’s creation. My loyalty was most recently challenged with the
revelation of the scandal of thousands of priests sexually assaulting young children.
Priests are supposed to be men of faith who connect us with God, not men who commit
heinous crimes and use their position to cover it up. As long as the Vatican refuses to
catch up with the world and be true to its own principles, my family will continue to lose
confidence in the institution.
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U of M #2
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or
School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are
applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your
interests?
- Reputation of michigan
- Family attending
- Interest in history
- Career in the military

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan
peaks my interest because of its prestige and tradition of excellence. I believe this
school best serves my interests because I am looking at a degree in history for a career
in the military or foreign service. With this degree, I hope to pursue a career as a military
officer where I will be able to apply my knowledge of history in shaping military strategy
around the world and impacting relations with foreign nations. I believe that the College
of LSA will best prepare me for a career in this field and enable me to effectively lead
those under my command, protect the sacred land of the United States, and broker
peace around the world. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always had an intense
interest and appreciation for history. Growing up, my favorite television channel was the
Military History Channel which I would watch for hours on end, yearning to gain more
knowledge. If I were to be selected to enroll in the College of LSA, I know I would be
placed into a school with people who have that same appreciation for history as I do
and will push me to deepen my understanding and knowledge. The University of
Michigan is the alma mater of numerous family members of mine including my dad,
aunt, and multiple cousins; all of whom have gone on to be successful in their
respective fields. My father is a graduate of the College of LSA who has proceeded to
become the managing partner in his law firm. He credits much of his success to his
undergraduate years at the University of Michigan and the College of LSA where he
received a world-class education in addition to gaining valuable life experience in terms
of studying, thinking, and working together with others. He holds the college in high
regard and is resolute in his belief that the College of LSA is one of the best schools in
the entire university and is a place where I will fit in perfectly.

Question 1
 Consider carefully, and then state below in the space provided why you wish to enroll in the Army
ROTC Program. Indicate in your statement how you believe your own objectives in life are related to
the education and training offered by Army ROTC and what a career obligation means to you.
NOTE: Recommend you create your statement on a Word document, review for content accuracy
and spelling, then copy & paste into the section below.
- Family History in the Army/Military
- Want to become a career military officer
- It means that I will work my way

Question 2
State below in the space provided how you spend your time in a typical week during the school year.
For Example, how many extra hours do you spend: at school, doing homework, engaged in athletic
activities, engaged in extracurricular activities (i.e. clubs), engaged in volunteer work, or other
(explain).

Additional Remarks
Please expand on any additional information outlining scholastic, athletic and leadership achievements
not otherwise annotated in the previous sections. Although you are not required to do so, you are highly
encouraged to do so if applicable.

ARMY

Consider carefully, and then state below in the space provided why you wish to enroll in the Army ROTC
Program. Indicate in your statement how you believe your own objectives in life are related to the
education and training offered by Army ROTC and what a career obligation means to you.

A. Wanting to Join the military from a young age

a. Favorite channel was military channel
B. Family has been heavily involved in the military
a. Aunt who worked at the Pentagon, Uncle who received silver star in
Vietnam, cousin who was an airborne ranger, other cousin who was a
marine.
C. Want to become an Army Officer
 a. Best use of my skills and talents
b. Knowledge of history could be very helpful on deployment and
management of military forces around the world.
c. It would shape me into a good leader

I am seeking entrance into the Army ROTC Program because I know that it will mold me
into an officer worthy of leading the United States’ finest soldiers. My desire to join the
Army ROTC Program stems from my love of this country as well as my burning desire
to protect it and be a part of something greater than myself. Ever since I was a little kid
and my favorite channel was the Military History Channel, I knew that one day I would
be called on to step up and fill the shoes of those brave men and women who came
before me and were willing to answer their country’s call. Many of my family members
have answered that call and served in the Army: they include a grandfather, who was a
Staff Sergeant in WWII; an aunt, a retired Colonel who worked at The Pentagon; an
uncle who received the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts in Vietnam; and a cousin who
was an Airborne Ranger and who currently works for the Department of Justice.
Spending time with them affirmed my belief that joining the military would be the best
route for me and would help me to be successful in life after the military. I believe that
the Army ROTC Program’s emphasis on training, fitness, and education will be
beneficial as I am considering a career in the Army. It will give me training in tactics and
strategy as well as life experience which will work together to make me a better Army
officer and increase my usefulness to the Army. I believe that the training offered will
assist me in becoming an effective combat leader as well as a valuable asset whose
knowledge of military history will help shape future military strategy around the world. As
I am going into the history field, I believe that my undergraduate studies in college will
be of great use during my time in the Army because I will be able to counsel other
officers on what political, social, religious, ideological, and historical factors may come
into play and affect future U.S. strategies in different parts of the world.

Question 2
State below in the space provided how you spend your time in a typical week during the school year.
For Example, how many extra hours do you spend: at school, doing homework, engaged in athletic
activities, engaged in extracurricular activities (i.e. clubs), engaged in volunteer work, or other
(explain).
In a typical week during the school year, I have a pretty regular schedule that I follow. I
wake up over an hour before the start of school every day to ensure I have enough time
to shower, eat breakfast, and make the 10-15 minute drive to school in any conditions.
From 7:40 a.m. until 2:50 p.m., I am at school. After that, I have hockey practice. On
Mondays, our practice starts later, so I bring my sister to my grandparents’ house. All of
the other days, practice runs from 3:30-5:00 and I usually work out after practice either
with the entire team or anyone who chooses to participate in our workouts (usually
running, pushups, ab workouts, and stretching at the end). We have practice every day
of the week and have games on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so hockey takes
up a large part of my day during the season which typically begins in August and
continues through March. After I take some of my younger teammates home, I get a
snack at my house and begin some of my homework before I eat dinner with my family.
After dinner, at about 8:00-8:30, I continue my homework and work until it is complete.
Most nights I am in bed around 11:00. In addition to my typical schedule during hockey
season, the team also is involved in community projects. For me, this has included
spending time reading to elementary students, volunteering at the Kids' Food Basket of
Muskegon, serving breakfast to the homeless in our community, and collecting food for
local food pantries. I am also involved in the Mona Shores National Honor Society.
Once a month, the National Honor Society conducts a meeting to keep all of its
members informed and up to date concerning what is going on and the organization's
future plans. The National Honor Society engages in similar types of community service
projects as the hockey team, but also is involved in student leadership at school.
Therefore, I spend time with these activities in addition to my typical daily routine.

Athletic and Leadership Achievements: I have been a four year member of the varsity
hockey team, and a two year starter. In 2018, I was named playoff most valuable player
and team most valuable player. I currently serve as a captain for the team. The
relationships I have developed with the coaching staff during the last four years have
placed me in a position to be able to communicate regularly with them, which enhances
my ability to be an effective leader on the team. In addition to leadership on the hockey
team, I am also involved with the student leadership program at Mona Shores High
School. In this program, students are called upon to organize activities, assist struggling
students, and volunteer for a variety of projects both within our school and within our
community. Unlike many organizations, there is no designated president or other
leadership team. We work together to achieve our objectives. I have been a very active
part of this program.

Scholastic: I have worked very hard during my high school career to challenge myself
academically. Beginning in my freshman year, I took the only Advanced Placement
class available, which was AP Human Geography. I received a 4 on the AP test. Since
then, I have taken Advanced Placement classes in each of the last three years. These
include AP Government, AP World History, AP Language and Composition, AP
Literature and Composition, AP Statistics, and AP Environmental Science. I received a
5 on both the AP Government test and AP World History test. I am scheduled to take
the remaining tests in Spring of 2019. In addition to my Advanced Placement classes, I
have selected other classes that would challenge me, including honors classes. I have
worked hard to do my very best in all of these classes and have been recognized by my
school as a Gold Card recipient which signifies a 4.0 grade point or above. In January,
2019, I was recognized as the student of the month. This award is given to recognize
academics and citizenship.

Essay A - "The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less
stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years
that you have not already shared in your application."