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Tips for Writing a College Application Essay

July facebook live recap (essay q&a).

• Should I use a formal or informal writing style? - 23:00 
• How do you know your essay is complete without falling into a cycle of endless editing? - 25:40 
• Who should you have reviewing your essay before submission? - 27:56
• Are you able to see what the essay prompts are before choosing the application you want to use? - 31:24 
• How detrimental are the essays for transfer admission? - 32:05 
• How would you recommend approaching a personal topic to discuss in your essay if you are unsure about the topic? - 33:07 
• Is the essay prompt about inclusivity/diversity on the TCU Admissions page? - 35:50 
• Does it matter when you apply? Does applying as early as possible benefit you? - 36:26
• Are you all sick of hearing COVID stories or is it still relevant if you have a compelling angle? - 38:42 
• Can I submit a personal essay along with the provided essay prompts? - 45:38 
• Do the essay prompts for TCU's application change much from year to year? - 49:38
• Are essays submitted in the admission process confidential? - 50:24
• Does applying early decision increase your chances of being accepted? - 51:20
• What is the average amount of time that an admissions officer spends looking at an application and related materials? - 53:56  
• I'm a high school english teacher and would like to help prepare my students effectively in writing an application essay. Do you have any suggestions, tips or tricks that I can pass on to my students? - 57:49 
• TCU App Essay Prompts
• Coalition App Essay Prompts
• Common App Essay Prompts

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How to Write the Texas Christian University Essays 2023-2024

Texas Christian University (TCU) gives students the opportunity to choose whether they want to apply through the Common App or through the TCU website directly. The Common App has two required prompts and one optional prompt. The application through the TCU website consists of one required essay with four prompt options to choose from. 

If you choose to apply through the Common App we strongly encourage you to write the optional essay, as this will provide more admissions officers with more background and insight to your personality. Plus it also shows that you are dedicated to the application process and willing to go above and beyond to display your interest in the school.

TCU is a Top 100 University that receives thousands of applications from high performing students, therefore, your essays are your chance to stand out. If you’re planning to apply to TCU, keep reading for an in-depth look at how to write accurate, thorough responses to this year’s essay prompts.

Texas Christian University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Common app only.

Prompt 1: At TCU, it is our vision to be a world-class, values-centered university. We value academics, intellectual inquiry, creative expression, leadership, service, diversity, and the appreciation of the human experience. With which one of TCU’s core values do you most align and why? (200 words)

Prompt 2: TCU is committed to creating an inclusive campus culture for all people. We have a shared responsibility to enhance our community by encouraging inclusive environments through learning opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Describe how you have already contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your community or how you plan to contribute to an inclusive college environment in the future. (200 words)

Prompt 3 (optional): TCU values individuality and believes that students are more than just a GPA and test score. To help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. The only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. Please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a URL that showcases another side of you.

TCU Application Only

TCU is a selective university, and our Admission and Scholarship Committees review thousands of applications each year. The essay tells us a great deal about our candidates and allows for expression of writing skills, organizational skills, creativity and imagination. The essay should be 300-500 words in length. Feel free to be serious, humorous or somewhere in between. Compose your essay on one of the following topics.

Option 1: At TCU, our mission statement is very important to us. “The mission of Texas Christian University, a private comprehensive university, is to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community through research and creative activities, scholarship, service, and programs of teaching and learning offered through the doctoral level.” This is integrated into all aspects of the TCU experience. If you were to write a mission statement about your life, what would it be and how does this mission direct your life and goals?

Option 2: Tell us about the most significant person, experience, or circumstance which has shaped your life thus far. How has he, she, or it influenced your character? How might you use what you have learned to achieve your goals?

Option 3: Those we call great will usually point to some failure in their lives as a pivotal moment leading them to their successful path. Tell us about a time in your life in which failure propelled you toward success.

Option 4: In her best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees, TCU alumna Sue Monk Kidd wrote, “The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters.” What matters to you?

Common App, Prompt 1

At tcu, it is our vision to be a world-class, values-centered university. we value academics, intellectual inquiry, creative expression, leadership, service, diversity, and the appreciation of the human experience. with which one of tcu’s core values do you most align and why (200 words).

The “ Why This College? ” prompt is a way for admissions officers to learn more about why you are uniquely interested in attending their school. This prompt goes a step further, however, and specifically asks applicants to explain why one of the school’s core values most resonates with them. The first step in answering this question is to dive a bit deeper into each of the TCU core values to provide important context before you begin to formulate your response.

As an academically-rigorous university, it goes without saying that applicants with strong academic backgrounds would be drawn to the university. This value is a strong choice for students who have very specific academic goals that only TCU could support. Examples could include referencing specific majors and programs that are unique to TCU. 

Intellectual Inquiry

Intellectual inquiry is the desire to question everything in order to gain a better understanding of why the world is the way that it is. If you choose this value, make sure to explain how intellectual curiosity differs from your academic interests. Talk about why you are passionate about furthering your education and what about TCU will provide you with the distinctive ability to think critically. 

Creative Expression

Outside of the classroom, it’s important that applicants display other ways they express their passions. Creative expression can be represented in many forms (not only visual art). Some examples include music, poetry, dance, rap/freestyling, fashion, cooking, acting, and even social media. You may not even realize that you are expressing yourself in a unique and creative way until you reflect on the things in your life that bring you joy. 

TCU is not solely looking for students who will keep their heads down and get good grades. Being a leader among your peers and in your community is a distinctive feature that highlights how you are able to use the knowledge you have gained to make an impact on the world around you. A fact about leadership that’s important to remember is that a leader does not always have a specific title or rank; a strong leader is someone who is both a good listener to others and has the influence to make positive change. 

As a religious institution, service and community engagement are extremely important values to TCU. If you are someone who is extremely active in giving back to your community or if you are someone who is looking for ways to pay it forward to others, this core value would be an excellent option to illustrate your passions for helping others. If you choose to write about service as the core value that resonates with you the most, make sure that you provide specific examples of how you hope to continue to serve others while attending TCU. 

Diversity and inclusion is a topic that resonates with many applicants. Whether it’s a part of your identity/background or a goal to be a more informed ally, diversity can be an extremely powerful and personal value to write about in your essay. TCU describes diversity as follows, “ Diversity reflects a broad range of identities and perspectives: race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, religious beliefs, age, disability status and political perspective.” Due to the wide breadth in which diversity encompasses, it’s crucial that you address which aspects of diversity you most align with and why. Inherently there may be some overlap on the topics you choose such as race and gender or religious beliefs and political perspectives. Exploring the intersectionality of multiple issues is a great way to approach this response while still honing in on specific issues. 

Appreciation of the Human Experience

This core value of TCU is arguably the most abstract of the six provided in the prompt. The Appreciation of the Human Experience could be addressed in many different ways, from bonding over a common quality to undergoing a challenge as a community. This value may be a good option if you’ve had experiences that cross cultures, languages, and other differences, and you want to continue to have these experiences at TCU.

By laying out the potential options in the prompt itself, the admissions committee is challenging you to answer the prompt precisely (to avoid blanket responses such as “I align with all of the core values of TCU”). Choosing one core value to reflect on will allow the admissions committee to have a clearer glimpse into your personality, morales, and beliefs. 

There is no right or wrong choice when responding to any of these six core values, but you should ensure that your response has two main elements:

• How your past experiences demonstrate an alignment with your chosen value. 
• How TCU can support your goals related to that chosen value.

For example, maybe you’ve always been driven to create the best plant-based alternatives to popular dishes and have spent countless hours experimenting in your kitchen since there were no food science courses at your school. You could express alignment with TCU’s value of Academics and express interest in their Food Management major, where you would learn the skills necessary to make the food space more innovative. 

Or, maybe you’ve spent a lot of your high school career volunteering to mentor underserved students since you had your own mentor growing up, and they helped you find your voice and passions. You would align most with the value of Service, and you’re glad that TCU offers many service-based clubs, such as A Moment for Magic, that works to improve the quality of life for underserved children in the Dallas/Fort Worth area through facilitating social wellness activities.

This prompt lends itself well to storytelling, so consider beginning your essay with a relevant anecdote before reflecting on your own values and those of TCU.

Common App, Prompt 2

Tcu is committed to creating an inclusive campus culture for all people. we have a shared responsibility to enhance our community by encouraging inclusive environments through learning opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion., describe how you have already contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your community or how you plan to contribute to an inclusive college environment in the future. (200 words).

As we just learned in the previous prompt, diversity is one of TCU’s core values. The fact that this value has now appeared in two of the TCU prompts should further emphasize the importance of the topic to the university. 

The prompt is not asking you a “yes” or “no” question about whether or not you personally value diversity and inclusion. The admissions committee is asking you to describe a specific example of the steps you have already taken to cultivate a more inclusive environment in your community. However, if you have not yet had the opportunity to make this kind of impact in your community they also provide space in this prompt to idealize how you can use the education and resources at TCU to take back to your community and make an impact in the future. 

This prompt is an example of the Diversity Essay . Typically, colleges ask this question because they want to build a diverse class with unique perspectives. They also want to understand how your background has impacted your approach to life, and in this case, how your background will impact their college environment.

In this essay, you’ll need to identify how your experiences have equipped you to create an inclusive environment. This begins with identifying the communities you belong to that hold personal significance to you. These communities may include groups who share the same ethnicity, gender, country of origin, language, income class, disability, or hobby, just to name a few.

Since you only have 100 words, you’ll need to choose just one example from your background to highlight in your essay. Once you’ve selected a topic, ask yourself these questions:

• What is the strongest emotion you feel about your background?
• Is there a skill or talent you have developed because of your background?
• Is there a personality trait that has been strengthened because of your background?

When answering this prompt, you should use a few sentences of your essay to explain your background, then use the rest of the essay to explain how your background will contribute to an inclusive college community.

For example, a female student may choose to focus on her background with Women in STEM. She may share her experience of growing up in a single-mother household and watching her mother persevere as an engineer in a male-dominated field to provide for her and her sister. This student may share how her mom’s drive inspired her to pursue a career in STEM as a software developer. Then, this student might talk about her desire to join a network of like-minded women by participating in the “Women in Science and Engineering” group at TCU. As a part of this group, she will share her perspective on what it means to be a woman in STEM to hopefully inspire her peers to stay dedicated to the field. 

When writing your essay, avoid making these common mistakes:

• Writing about cliche topics (sports injury, tragedy, immigrant story)
• Making general statements about how you’ll contribute to the inclusivity of the college (like showing kindness, practicing anti-racism, staying open-minded, etc.). Instead, try to specifically tie your background to an actionable step you’ll take in college (joining a group, volunteering, educating yourself with certain classes, etc.)
• Talking about more than one community you belong to (remember, you only have 100 words).
• Writing only about negative experiences. If you do write about a negative experience, be sure to focus on how it inspired positive change.

Common App, Prompt 3 (Optional)

Tcu values individuality and believes that students are more than just a gpa and test score. to help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. the only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a url that showcases another side of you..

It’s always a good idea to complete all prompts even if they’re optional. Even if your responses to the first two prompts are really strong, completing the optional prompt will show the admissions committee that you are willing to go the extra mile to showcase your dedication to TCU. 

In addition to just being a good strategy for your overall application, this prompt provides you with the opportunity to upload something creative that will help illustrate your character to the admissions committee.

This prompt may be extremely straightforward for some applicants, but others may find it more difficult to choose a creative piece to submit. Some applicants may already have a saved file full of poems or lyrics that they can submit with little preparation required. However, it may be a good idea to create something new and special for your TCU application. 

Maybe instead of just uploading the file with your poem to your application, you instead film a video of you doing a dramatic reading of the poem. That way viewers will be able to listen to the poem with the correct inflections and passion that you intended. Or maybe if you choose to upload a piece of visual art you could also write a small blurb describing what the piece means to you. 

Some of you may be worried  when reading this prompt and think,“But what if I have no artistic talent to share with the admissions committee?” Firstly, everyone has some kind of talent or skill that they’re good at or passionate about — so great creative! Here are a few examples of unconventional ways to show your passions:

• An international student is extremely passionate about sharing their culture with the TCU community so they make a brief powerpoint presentation that highlights some of the key holidays, traditions, food, and language of their heritage. 
• A student writes a short screenplay about the lives of students pre and post pandemic. The screenplay is meant to be a comedy, but also addresses many of the serious issues that have arisen during the pandemic. 
• A student films a short video of themselves cooking one of their favorite meals with a parent. They even go as far as to make it a competition to see who could make the dish the best. 
• Another student makes a photo collage of their family, friends, and hobbies outside of school. A picture’s worth a thousand words after all!
• A student films themselves doing a short stand-up comedy bit where they poke fun at themselves while also revealing things about their background. 

Whatever you choose to upload, make sure that it’s an accurate reflection of your personality and values. It’s also helpful to use this prompt as an opportunity to showcase a unique side of you that your application didn’t fully capture. 

For example, if the majority of your application discussed your interest in becoming a doctor and TCU’s pre-health enhancement program, but you also love to compete in poetry slams, use this as an opportunity to showcase your creative interest in poetry. 

As the prompt states, “The only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination.” So really let your imagination run wild on this prompt and allow it to show a different side of yourself than just your academic strengths. 

TCU Application, Option 1

At tcu, our mission statement is very important to us. “the mission of texas christian university, a private comprehensive university, is to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community through research and creative activities, scholarship, service, and programs of teaching and learning offered through the doctoral level.” this is integrated into all aspects of the tcu experience. if you were to write a mission statement about your life, what would it be and how does this mission direct your life and goals (300-500 words).

By providing the TCU mission statement as the introduction to this prompt, the admissions committee is offering you a framework for what your own mission statement might look like. Even though it would be great if your personal mission statement aligned with the values of TCU, you want to avoid simply regurgitating the same mission statement in your response. 

The first step in responding to this prompt is reflecting on what motivates you. It could be helpful to look back at other parts of your application and see if you can find any recurring themes, religious values, dedication to bettering your community, a global mindset, leadership, creative outlets, etc. Once you have honed in on a few topics that you feel truly represent your personality and future goals, you can begin to formulate your mission statement: 

Example: As a first generation college student, I am empowered by the knowledge I cultivate. I seek to deepen my understanding of global issues through intellectually stimulating conversations that will challenge my current ways of thinking. I am motivated by my faith, strong morals, and an excitement for learning. 

Writing your mission statement alone, however, is not enough to fully answer the prompt. The second part of the prompt asks you to describe “how does this mission direct your life and goals?” Writing a compelling mission statement is not enough, you must also be able to explain the meaning behind the statement.

For instance, a student’s mission statement could concisely explain their many different academic/career interests or it could be a reminder for them to stay true to their morals along the way to a successful future. Explaining the purpose behind your mission statement should give the reader a closer look at what drives yourself to becoming the best version of yourself. It’s also okay to include creative anecdotes to explain your mission statement. Maybe there was a defining event in your life that directed you to the path you’re on now. 

Example: My mission statement is derived from years of watching my parents work hard, but never quite having the right resources to be truly comfortable financially. The barrier of access to education prohibits so many people from achieving their life goals. I will use my privilege for higher education to not only better my future, but also pay it forward to my community. 

TCU Application, Option 2

Tell us about the most significant person, experience, or circumstance which has shaped your life thus far. how has he, she, or it influenced your character how might you use what you have learned to achieve your goals (300-500 words).

It may be challenging to pinpoint just one person, experience, or circumstance that has been “the most significant” in shaping your life. For many applicants, a parent or guardian may be the most obvious choice to write about for this prompt. However, as writing about a parent/guardian will likely be a very common response topic, it may be helpful to think outside the box on this one to choose a more unique topic to write about. 

If you do choose to write about a parent/guardian, however, try and be as specific as possible when explaining your reasoning. Besides raising you and providing you with a foundation for education and ethics, can you think of a specific example of something that was said or done by your parents that particularly impacted you?

For example, a student could write about their mother who left a well paying job at a fancy law firm to instead pursue a career in the non-profit sector providing free legal advice and representation to those in need. Having a role model who would choose to forgo a larger paycheck in exchange for a more fulfilling career helping others, would likely have a lasting, positive impact on the student’s morals. 

Writing about an influential experience or circumstance may be very emotional to reflect on. Although it’s helpful to expose parts of your authentic identity to the admissions committee, it’s also important to tell your story in the way that’s most comfortable for you. If there is an event or circumstance that you know has a significant impact on your life, but you don’t feel comfortable writing about it in your response, focus on expressing the impact of the event rather than on the details of the event itself. 

For example, losing a loved one, recovering from a traumatic injury/illness, and being bullied in school are all examples of events that likely contribute greatly to a student’s character, however, these kinds of events may be sensitive to relive while writing your essay response. In these instances, talk about how you grew as a person as a result of these unfortunate events. 

Regardless of what you choose to write about, focus on illustrating how the person or occurrence motivates you to further your education and achieve your unique aspirations and goals. For example, a student who got a severe concussion during a car accident could explain how this motivated them to pursue engineering to create vehicles with better safety features to protect drivers and passengers at all times. 

TCU Application, Option 3

Those we call great will usually point to some failure in their lives as a pivotal moment leading them to their successful path. tell us about a time in your life in which failure propelled you toward success. (300-500 words).

This classic Overcoming Challenges Essay prompts applicants to speak transparently about a time where something didn’t go as planned and what they learned from that experience. For many students, a notable failure might be a bad test grade or losing a sporting event. Although these examples may resonate with you, try to avoid choosing cliche topics . 

“Failure” can look like many different things, but similarly to the previous prompt option, the focus on this response should be more centered on what you learned from the experience rather than the event itself. 

Here are a few examples of failures that would be appropriate for this prompt:

• A student who wanted to start a composting system at her school was upset when the funding request was denied by the district. She almost gave up on the initiative until she realized there were other paths to reducing food waste in the cafeteria. Rather than rely on commercial composting pickup, she approached the Gardening Club to propose a joint fundraiser and initiative to build a composting system in the school’s own community garden. The fundraiser was a big success, and all the discarded food is now turned into nutrient-rich compost that the Gardening Club uses for its projects. 
• A student who really wanted to play the lead in the school play spent countless hours practicing his audition lines. He didn’t end up getting cast and decided to write his own one-man show instead. The writing process itself was cathartic, but his friends encouraged him to actually hold the show. So, he built the set from scratch using thrifted materials and held the show for the local community to raise money for a theatre troupe supporting low-income students. He raised $300+ and got a standing ovation for his performance, leading him to write more plays to be put on for the community.

The key to this prompt is to provide just enough background on the failure so that the admissions officers can understand its impact on you, but not too much so that it becomes the focus of the essay. The goal is to show what you learned from the failure and how you picked yourself up from it, so you should spend most of the essay reflecting on these points.

TCU Application, Option 4

In her best-selling novel the secret life of bees, tcu alumna sue monk kidd wrote, “the hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters.” what matters to you (300-500 words).

This open-ended prompt gives you the creative freedom to address any topic that has not been previously discussed in another part of your application. Although it’s admirable to be passionate about solving world hunger or climate change, don’t feel pressured to choose a complex global conflict to address. 

Sometimes the most compelling essay responses to these kinds of open ended prompts are those that are lighthearted and include a bit of humor. Unlike some of the previous prompt options, this prompt does not ask what matters to you the most , but rather just something that matters to you in general. Understanding this distinction should help you approach this prompt differently than the other prompt options provided previously. 

Here are some examples:

• Maybe you really enjoy fudgesicles, and they’ve always been your go-to food when you’re working on a difficult task or have to make a tough decision. You could use your love for fudgesicles to explain your thought process or decision-making process in a few specific experiences.
• You’re always looking to challenge and improve yourself. You could share the story of how you spent nearly every day of your sophomore year winter in the skating rink, working on your double lutz. The feeling when you finally landed it was exhilarating. Now, you’re tackling the triple lutz.
• Sustainability and entrepreneurship matter to you, and it’s one of the reasons you started a podcast interviewing the founders of local, eco-friendly businesses. You could write about the process of setting up the podcast, the people you’ve interviewed, and the lessons you’ve learned.

It’s important to keep this essay very specific to your own experience. By formulating a more niche response, rather than a very general one, the admissions committee will gain deeper clarity on what motivates you as an individual.  

Where to Get Your TCU Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your TCU 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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6 Helpful Tips When Choosing a Christian College

Applying to college is a big step toward the next chapter of your life. You want to find a school that challenges you academically, offers a path toward a career, and provides a vibrant student culture that fulfills you. If you’ve decided to attend a Christian college, you’ve added another layer, but you’ve also narrowed your focus. To make sure you get in, follow some useful tips on how to select and apply to a Christian college.

1. Make Sure Your Values Align with the Christian College

Not all Christian colleges are alike. And while you probably don’t want to attend a university where everyone thinks just like you, you do want a school that has similar values to yours. Review the university’s mission statement and core values . Explore both the requirements and opportunities to take Bible study courses and practice your faith in and out of the classroom. Is there a chapel and campus ministry ? Will you be able to volunteer and serve others? As you look at schools’ websites and visit their campuses, what you’re really asking is: Will I fit in? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path.

2. Explore the Extracurriculars at the Christian College

One of the best parts of college life is all of the extracurricular activities that you can take advantage of. Look through the college’s website, social media, and YouTube channels to find out if they offer activities that interest you. Because you’re looking at Christian schools, you probably want to see if the school offers Bible study groups, spiritual seminars, or faith-based student groups. Find out whether they have organized opportunities to serve others and help your community.

And don’t forget all the other student sports, clubs, and activities. What do you like to do? Will you be able to do it at your new home away from home?

3. Check the College Application Requirements

Every school has slightly different application requirements, so be sure to look at those before you apply. Many colleges accept the Common App or the Coalition App, but make sure yours does. Both allow you to apply to multiple universities with one application, but the Coalition App can give underrepresented and lower-income students more assistance. Find out the required application components for each school you apply to and when they’re due. If you miss an important deadline, you could be deferred or not admitted at all. Every school will require  an official copy of your high school transcripts , and many expect you to submit your SAT or ACT scores. Some colleges have waived this requirement due to the pandemic, so check to see if the requirements have changed before you apply.

4. Tailor Your College Essay to a Christian College

While many students are intimidated by the college essay, it’s actually a great opportunity for you to tell the school who you are and why you deserve to be accepted. Make sure to tailor your essay to the institution. Even if you use the Common App, be sure to have the school you really want to attend in mind. Where do your beliefs and theirs align? What kind of story about your life can you share that will stand out?  When you apply to a Christian school, you’ll want to speak to your spiritual self, how that school will help you grow and flourish, and how you can contribute. Just like you want to picture yourself as part of the college community, your new schools wants to picture you there. Will you come, participate, succeed, graduate, and make them proud? Your essay is a way to show how.

5. Apply For the FAFSA for Financial Aid

Who would turn down free money? If you don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will give up the chance to receive federal financial aid. But FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for a range of other scholarships, grants, and loans.

As you explore different Christian colleges, be sure to compare financial aid packages. While many Christian schools are quite generous with financial aid as a part of their missions, it’s still worthwhile to measure one against another. You want the best school for you that is also within your budget.

6. Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s Before Choosing a Christian College

It doesn’t matter what school you apply to. You want to put your best foot forward. That means creating an academic and personal portfolio you can be proud of. Use your application to show the university the best version of yourself

Limestone University  is a Christian school that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. We offer a diverse set of academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, and the health professions that can prepare you for a rewarding career in any of these fields. We also offer academic, athletic-based, and performance-based scholarships to students.

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Tips for the College Essay

How should you present yourself in an essay?

Jeff Brenzel, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Yale University An admission officer shares tips on writing an essay that reflects who you really are.

Video Transcript When you apply to college, you’ll need to complete an essay as part of your application. This is your opportunity to show admission officers who you are and to provide information about yourself that didn’t fit in other areas of your application. The essay also reveals what you can do when you have time to think and work on a writing project.

The number one piece of advice from admission officers about your essay is “Be yourself.” The number two suggestion is “Start early.” Check out these other tips before you begin.

Choose a Topic That Will Highlight You

Don’t focus on the great aspects of a particular college, the amount of dedication it takes to be a doctor or the number of extracurricular activities you took part in during high school.

Do share your personal story and thoughts, take a creative approach and highlight areas that aren’t covered in other parts of the application, like your high school records.

Top two tips: Be yourself and start early Keep Your Focus Narrow and Personal

Don’t try to cover too many topics. This will make the essay sound like a résumé that doesn’t provide any details about you.

Do focus on one aspect of yourself so the readers can learn more about who you are. Remember that the readers must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Ask a parent or teacher to read just your introduction and tell you what he or she thinks your essay is about.

Show, Don’t Tell

Don’t simply state a fact to get an idea across, such as “I like to surround myself with people with a variety of backgrounds and interests.”

Do include specific details, examples, reasons and so on to develop your ideas. For the example above, describe a situation when you were surrounded by various types of people. What were you doing? Whom did you talk with? What did you take away from the experience?

Use Your Own Voice

Don’t rely on phrases or ideas that people have used many times before. These could include statements like, “There is so much suffering in the world that I feel I have to help people.” Avoid overly formal or business-like language, and don’t use unnecessary words.

Do write in your own voice. For the above example, you could write about a real experience that you had and how it made you feel you had to take action. And note that admission officers will be able to tell if your essay was edited by an adult.

Ask a Teacher or Parent to Proofread

Don’t turn your essay in without proofreading it, and don’t rely only on your computer’s spell check to catch mistakes. A spell-check program will miss typos like these:

“After I graduate form high school, I plan to get a summer job.” “From that day on, Daniel was my best fried.” Do ask a teacher or parent to proofread your essay to catch mistakes. You should also ask the person who proofreads your essay if the writing sounds like you.

Adapted from The College Application Essay by Sarah Myers McGinty.

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Make an Impression With Your Personal Statement

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Your personal statement is your opportunity to share your story, values, and passion for your faith positively and conversationally. It's also your chance to show the admissions committee why you're a good fit for their school.

In this guide, we provide helpful tips on how to write a personal statement for graduate school that'll help you stand out from the competition.

Do Some Research

Before you start writing your personal statement, it's essential to do your research. This means learning about the schools you're applying to and their programs.

Each school will have its own requirements for personal statements, so it's essential to follow them carefully. Some schools may have a specific word count or length requirement, while others may have more general guidelines. For example, DBU lists its requirements for its Statement of Purpose on the admission requirements page .

Many sample personal statements for Christian graduate school are available online, but it's important to use them as a starting point and not a template. Your personal statement should be unique and reflect your personal story and beliefs. Even a general example personal statement for graduate school can provide valuable insights into the structure, tone, and content that admissions committees generally look for.

Start by Brainstorming

Take some time to reflect on your experiences, beliefs, and goals. What are your reasons for wanting to attend a Christian graduate school? What are your spiritual and academic goals? What experiences have shaped your faith and your desire to learn more about it?

Here are some additional questions you can ask yourself to help you brainstorm:

• What are my core values?
• What are my spiritual beliefs?
• How has my faith shaped my academic and personal life?
• What are my academic interests?
• Why do I want to attend a Christian graduate school?
• What are my goals for the future?
• What experiences have shaped my desire to learn more about my faith?

Once you understand your motivations, you can write a rough draft.

Be Specific and Embrace Your Faith Story

Admissions committees receive thousands of personal statements yearly, so making yours stand out is critical. One way to do this is to be specific about how your faith has influenced your life and studies.

Don't just tell the admissions committee that you're a Christian who wants to learn more about their faith. Show them! Provide real-life examples of how your faith has shaped your thoughts, actions, and beliefs. What books have you read that have challenged or inspired you? What experiences have helped you grow in your faith?

For example, you could talk about a mission trip where you worked with others to spread the message of Christ. Or, you could discuss a specific Bible study that deepened your understanding of scripture.

Be Authentic and Reflective

The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you , so be honest about your beliefs, doubts, and hopes. Share your journey and how it has led you to pursue graduate studies in a Christian context.

Remember, the personal statement is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are and what makes you unique. Reflect on your motivations, aspirations, and the impact you hope to make through your education. Avoid clichés and focus on conveying your thoughts in your authentic voice.

Aim to Inspire

As you write your personal statement, let your faith guide your words. Remember that you're writing to convince the admissions committee of your qualifications and to inspire them with your passion and dedication to your faith.

Show them how your faith drives you to seek knowledge, make a difference, and contribute to the Christian community. Let them know you're a student passionate about learning and committed to using their education to impact the world.

Remember the words of Philippians 4:13 (ESV) : "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This verse reminds us that we can accomplish anything with God's help. So, as you write your statement, let your faith be your strength and inspiration.

Be Concise and Stay Focused

Your personal statement should be concise and focused — every word counts. Get to the point and let your passion for your faith shine through.

Here are some quick tips to help you stay on track:

• Get to the point quickly. Don't waste time with unnecessary introductions or background information.
• Be specific. Don't just say that you're passionate about your faith; be specific about how your faith has influenced your life.
• Stay focused on your goals. What do you hope to achieve through your graduate studies?
• Avoid clichés. Don't use overused phrases or expressions. Instead, write in your voice.

Proofread Carefully

Your personal statement is your chance to share your story and your passion for your faith with the admissions committee. So, take the time to proofread it carefully.

If you need additional guidance, ask one of your previous professors or a mentor to review your statement. They can help ensure your message is clear, concise, and error-free.

The Bottom Line

Writing a personal statement for a Christian graduate school can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that the admissions committee is looking for students who are passionate about their faith and committed to using their education to make a difference.

Be yourself and let your faith speak for itself. Remember, God has a plan for you.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" This verse reminds us that God has good plans for us, even when we don't know the future.

Explore More

Test prep for the best SAT and ACT scores is easy when you make a plan and learn how to avoid the most common mistakes.

A well-written college admissions essay reveals your personality and character to the admissions team. Follow these tips to learn how to write a top-notch essay that allows your strengths to shine.

Applying for college is exciting but can be overwhelming. This college application guide offers helpful tips for navigating the college admissions process.

Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

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Thank you for considering CBU! Our admissions staff strives to make the admissions process enjoyable, informative and easy to complete. Feel free to explore our website for additional information or contact us to ask questions. We look forward to getting to know you along the way!

Our 2025 applications are now open!

Applying for admission only takes a few simple steps. Click below for a step-by-step guide. You can also follow the tutorial video on how to fill out the undergraduate admissions application.

Create Account and Start Application

If you have already created an account, click here to sign in.

First-Time Freshman: Students that are currently enrolled in high school or have completed less than 24 units of transferable college credit.

Transfer: Students who have completed 24 or more units of college/university credit.

• Write a brief a 3–5 paragraph essay response on the following question, "What do you hope to gain from your experience as a student at California Baptist University?" Provide examples from an academic, social and spiritual standpoint.
• Pay the $45 application fee (non-refundable) in order to submit your application. 

First-Time Freshman: Official, sealed transcripts from your high school and college or university (if applicable) and have them sent directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. We accept electronic transcripts as well as emailed transcripts from a school administrator.

• Home educated/school students: Please contact your admissions counselor regarding proper formatting standards for your official transcript.

Transfer: Official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended and have them sent directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

• If you have completed less than 60 units of transferable college credit, then you must send proof of high school graduation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

*Test scores are not required or used for admissions purposes. However, if you have already taken the SAT/ACT/CLT, you can still submit your scores for English/Math placement.

Application Timeline

The Undergraduate Admissions Office upholds a rolling admission policy, which means that we do not have a set deadline for applying . However, students who complete their fall 2025 CBU application by the December 1st Priority Application Deadline will receive an early admission decision and the opportunity to become a Lancer Select member!

You will not receive your financial aid offer until you have been accepted to CBU and completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). We no longer require letters of recommendation for admission.

All admissions documents must be sent to the attention of the Undergraduate Admissions Office:

Undergraduate Admissions 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside CA, 92504 FAX: (951) 343-4525

Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Email: [email protected] Phone: (951) 343-4212

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Want to see your chances of admission at Providence Christian College?

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

Providence Christian College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Religion short response.

Please articulate your personal faith in Christ Jesus, using scriptural references where appropriate. Your statement should be 3-5 sentences and will be evaluated on content, grammar, and spelling.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Should I Mention My Religion in My College Essay?

Here’s another key tip to keep in mind for your college applications, from College Essay Guy Ethan Sawyer!

The short answer is this: it’s okay to discuss religion in your essay as long as the take-away (or values) promoted in the essay are universal. Here’s what I mean:

In the past, I’ve had students write essay drafts that end with something like, “Since accepting Christ (or) learning to meditate (or) converting to Judaism, I’ve made it my goal to tell others about the difference that Christ/meditation/Judaism can make in their lives.” I call this the “missionary” essay. And it can be off-putting to readers, particularly to those who don’t share your religious beliefs (which, statistically speaking, is likely).

Instead, discuss the values you gained through your religion. How?  

Step 1: Take a look at this Values List and ask yourself: what values have I gained through my religion?

Examples: “Getting used to wearing a turban in ninth grade helped increase my self-confidence and, interestingly, my grades went up that year!” (or) “Feeling judged by my youth group leader helped me better understand how my friend must have been feeling about me; I realized I was essentially doing the same thing to her.”

Check out the values displayed in those sentences: self-confidence and empathy. Nice! And anyone, no matter the religion or belief system, can get on board with those.  

Step 2: Make sure the values you’re discussing are non-obvious and specific. Obvious connections lead to boring essays.

Examples: “Playing in the band at church helped me learn the value of working with others” (seen it!) (or) “Volunteering at our mosque helped me develop myself personally” (super vague–say how!).  

Step 3: Get feedback from someone who does not share your religious belief. Once s/he has read the essay, ask the person: do you feel closer to me after having read that? If the answer isn’t “Yes,” or even if the person hesitates before responding, ask, “What would help you feel closer to me?”  

Step 4: Listen with your entire being. Stay curious about his/her feedback to you.  

Step 5: Thank the person and go back to the drawing board.  

Because you are creative and original and you have something important to communicate.

For more personal statement help, check out www.collegeessayguy.com .

This post was written by a friend of Magoosh.

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3 responses to “Should I Mention My Religion in My College Essay?”

I was wondering if writing about struggles with religion would be appropriate. My topic is trying balance christianity and my sexuality, and I was wondering how exactly I should frame that, if even write about it at all.

Hi Isaac, our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, so I first have to say that I’m not an expert in this topic. This is also an very personal topic that you should make sure you feel comfortable writing about, and keep in mind that you will probably want to have others proofread and critique your essay. That being said, you can definitely write a strong essay about balancing your sexuality and religion using the guidelines in this blog post. It sounds like this is a big part of your identity, and your personal statement is all about letting your personality, strengths, and introspective abilities shine.

Interesting!

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Home > Christian Resources > Writing a Perfect Religion Essay for College Students

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Writing a Perfect Religion Essay for College Students

Modified: January 9, 2024

Written by: Daniel Gallik

Peter Smith, Editorial Director at Christian.net, combines deep insights into faith, politics, and culture to lead content creation that resonates widely. Awarded for his contributions to religious discourse, he previously headed a major organization for religious communicators, enhancing dialogue on faith's societal impacts.

Wonder how to write an amazing religion essay for collage? Here's a guideline that covers the basis of what to write and how to write.

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Are you a college student wondering how to write the perfect essay on religion? If yes, read on and find all that you need to know about writing a religion essay. This article will cover the basics and all you need to know about writing an excellent essay piece on religion.

What is a Religion Essay

Image by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Well, religion essays are a kind of paper that relates to religion, belief, and faith. 

In college, many students will be required to write a few essays on religion. Students typically struggle with writing assignments of this nature since they haven’t learned how to write professionally. After all, religion is a highly personal subject, and objective discussions about religion can be particularly difficult and generally mind-boggling. 

As a result of this, many students prefer outsourcing their writing assignments on religion to a custom essay writing service like Edubirdie. On this “write an essay for me” platform, there are plenty of professional writers for you to choose from with guaranteed transparency on their profiles and reviews. After reviewing, you can simply choose a writer and you will have your essay delivered in no time. 

On the other hand, some students prefer completing such religious essays themselves to improve their writing. If you fall under this category we’ve put together some tips for you. for you to ace your religion essay.

Read more : Cultural Sensitivity in Student Essays about Religion

Tip 1: Choosing a Topic for a Religion Essay

Image by Keenan Beasley on Unsplash

Consider a topic that interests you, one that piques your curiosity . Though it’s said that curiosity kills the cat, it’s a much-needed drive in essays, especially ones that deal with theology and mind-boggling ideas. H aving an interest as your personal pedestal throughout is effective for your research and writing.

A contentious issue would make a fantastic topic for a religion essay because it means it’s a topic of interest to people and it gives room and framework to your arguments. An example can be whether hell is a truth or a myth . You can decide to look into where a particular religious idea came from and employ background information and opposing points of view to present your argument. Whatever the topic, always use the most reliable sources you can to back up your claims.

Next, contemplate what your stance is towards the issue and start to build your case around it. Are you for it or against it? Should this topic even be contentious in the first place? Are there other points that should be contended besides what has already been debated? Usually, a great religious essay identifies the issue and has tight arguments to support the thesis. But, an amazing essay is one that brings in a fresh perspective that’s been rarely discussed in class. So, work around that.

This step is usually the toughest, but once you’ve passed through it, the rest of the work is a breeze.

Tip 2: How to Write an Introduction for a Religion Essay

Image by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

Prepare your notes and an overview of your case before beginning to write the introduction. In contrast to creative writing , the reader expects your thesis statement and facts up front in an essay. Because of this, seasoned writers advise pupils to read more books and develop their own points of view. But occasionally it can be advantageous to grab an idea from someone who wrote it before you. It’s catchy and demonstrates your familiarity with the subject. The reader should have a clear understanding of what to anticipate from the article from the beginning.

How can you create a strong essay introduction? The components of a strong introduction are numerous such as some background information, a thesis statement, a purpose statement, and a summary of what’s to be covered. Essentially, your introduction is your first impression and a blueprint of what the entire essay will be. 

The topic and focus of the essay, as well as a few other important concepts, should be covered in the first paragraph. Along with the thesis, it should also give background details and the context of the argument. It should also describe the essay’s structure, which is outlined in the last paragraph. The importance of the introduction increases as the essay gets longer. Even though it may appear tedious, just like any first impression, the introduction is an important component of any paper. 

Tip 3: How to Write the Body of a Religion Essay

Image by green chameleon on Unsplash

Introduce the basic tenets and principles of the religion you’re addressing in the major body of your essay. Then, you should investigate the crucial components of the tradition. What are its core ideals and beliefs? What role does it play in society? How is it relevant in our current world? Textual support must be provided because this is an excellent approach to capturing your readers’ interest.

The promise you made in your introduction should be fulfilled in the body of your essay. Make sure to add new proof to the main argument of each paragraph in the body of your essay. Each paragraph should be concluded with a sentence that emphasizes the importance of the argument and connects it to the following one.

Tip 4: How to Write the Conclusion Section for a Religion Essay

Image by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Your conclusion is a paragraph (or two) of concluding remarks that demonstrate the points you’ve made are still true and worth considering . Think of it as a final impression you make on the readers, you’d want to make yourself memorable Additionally, it should demonstrate that the arguments you made in the essay’s main body are supported by relevant evidence.

A great conclusion is also one that highlights the significance of your points and directs readers toward the best course of action for the future. This shows that you aren’t just someone who debates but someone who is also willing to try and better the situation.  Keep in mind that your final chance to convince or impress your audience is the conclusion.

Read more : 15 Prayers For College Students

Tip 5: Find Proofreaders

Image by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

If I’d learned anything through my years of college essays, it’s to get people to proofread your essay. They are your safety nets. I’d usually find a coursemate or someone from my class to proofread. They are valuable second pairs of eyes to help you spot grammar mistakes but also in concepts that you may have applied. Next, find a friend that’s not from your course or class because they are an accurate assessment of how clear and cohesive your essay is. If they can understand what you’re writing, you can be sure that half the battle is already won.

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Opinion: Stop telling Black kids to write about trauma in college admissions essays

Larry was raised by his mother and grandmother on Chicago's west side. Although his family faced financial challenges, he enjoyed playing video games, and spending quality time with the most important women in his life. Video games allowed Larry to role play, embracing new possibilities and different experiences. His passion for gaming was so contagious that his grandmother joined him on Saturday mornings. That’s what Larry wanted to write about in his college admissions essay: the power of games, imagination and family.

But when he shared a draft with his high school college counselor, Larry got a response he wasn’t expecting: Write a “more traditional” essay, about the trauma and challenges of growing up as a Black teenager in Chicago.

I study Black students’ trauma narratives in college admissions essays. Larry is one of the many students I’ve interviewed over the course of my research.

When I tell people about my work, I’m often met with one of two responses — praise for exploring such an important and salient topic, or a barrage of questions that suggest people fear calling out the practice will limit opportunities for the students they serve, especially in the wake of last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions.

I’ve worked in college admissions for a decade, and I’ve spoken to thousands of high school students about navigating the process. For the past six years, in addition to my professional experience, I have researched the college admissions essay for my dissertation, studying how Black students learn about and respond to expectations to talk about their identities and backgrounds. 

Students lean on educators, parents and mentors for support in the constantly changing college admissions process. 

Yet it is the advice of some of their most trusted advisors that writing about trauma can make them stand out. 

Or even worse, that their trauma is all they have to offer.

Opinion: Black culture is the engine that drives Detroit. Black people ought to be treasured

Black kids know more than trauma

Another attendee at a networking event with Detroit-based nonprofits and educators told me exactly that — he believed that trauma was the only thing Black students knew. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard that from someone who worked with Black youth on their college applications.

But it was the first time I suggested reframing the exercise: “Do you ever ask them to start their essay writing process by discussing what they love about themselves?” He had not. 

In my research, I’ve learned from my students that despite enjoying diverse experiences such as playing in their high school bands, running for class office, working at a local shoe store, or designing computer games, there was perceived pressure to frame their narratives through a lens of hardship. Those students who chose to disclose intimately painful experiences believed it was what admissions officers wanted to hear, and the stories they felt were most important to tell about their lives at the time. 

Opinion: Trump's mass deportation plan for undocumented immigrants would change Michigan

'Beating the odds'

I don't fault them.

I, too, have felt that stories about overcoming adversity so easily framed how I “beat the odds.” 

But what does it mean to reduce or contort the colorful lives that Black students live into the anti-Black fantasies of others? Why do we teach Black students to be resilient, and not free? 

The Black experience isn’t singularly one of pain, trauma and suffering. And educators, college access programs and all those who operate within the sphere of influence for young people should not explicitly or implicitly tell students that to be seen, they must write about their most traumatic experiences. 

If anything, we should encourage Black students to write about their gifts, what they bring and their visions for their futures. These counternarratives are equally valuable, and can highlight the contributions students will make on campus and post-graduation, and, more importantly, promote self-actualization.

The pushback I receive from those working in college access is that stories about overcoming struggle and hardship represent critical moments of transformation and growth in students’ lives. 

In some cases, college essays that discuss inequality serve as critiques of social systems and policies that have created the social conditions that have contributed to their suffering. Also, the reality for Black students and Black people growing up in Detroit and the U.S. more broadly is that racism permeates every social institution. 

This reality, coupled with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions that placed limitations on admissions practices, also meant that the college essay could be one of the few opportunities where Black and other racially minoritized and historically underrepresented students could make their race and the struggles endured known.  

Pain on display

Let’s be clear — there’s a lot of blame to go around. An essay question on the Common App, the free online application platform that allows students to submit one application to thousands of schools, invites students to recall a time they “faced a challenge, setback, or failure” and reflect on lessons learned. Local scholarship competitions solicit essays with similar topics and name overcoming obstacles as a criterion or an important factor of consideration. 

These prompts signal to parents, educators and college counselors that universities and funding bodies expect students to write about their pain. 

College essays about trauma are not a requirement. All of the students I interviewed for my dissertation were currently enrolled undergraduate students — while some chose to write experiences they deemed traumatic, most did not. And they were still accepted.

As a first-generation college student raised in the Dexter-Linwood area in Detroit, I understand this all too well. I know what it means to write a college essay representing “the perfect presentation of the traumatic parts of my life,” to quote one of the Black undergraduate students I interviewed for my dissertation. 

I also know what it means to feel like I have to serve my trauma on a platter to be competitive for admissions, scholarships and fellowships, and so do many of the young people I encounter in college storytelling workshops and interviews for my research.

Educators trying to discern how best to support their students in college essays often ask me whether discouraging students from writing about trauma would place them at a disadvantage in the admissions process, especially students who identify as first-generation college or low-income students. 

They’re asking the wrong question. 

The choice should be theirs

The more important question is whether or not students truly desire to share the time they faced food or housing insecurity, or assumed adult roles after the sudden death of a parent — or if they feel forced to perform their trauma to be deemed worthy of admission. 

The choice should be theirs, and educators should be mindful of encouraging students to put their trauma on display for college admissions or funding opportunities. 

The college essay is not a diary. Students should not be encouraged to divulge painful moments about their lives for a room of strangers to evaluate and consume. 

Black students are more than their pain, and telling them they are more worthy of opportunity when writing about trauma signals that we believe trauma is the most important part of their identities. 

We tell students trauma should be their introduction to admissions officers when, in many cases, it’s a footnote. I hope college advisors and counselors encourage students to write about what they love about themselves, their identities and their communities. And stop telling Black students they must write about trauma in their college admissions essays.

Aya M. Waller-Bey studies race and identity in college admissions essays and higher education. She is a Ph.D. candidate in the University of Michigan's Department of Sociology.