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Oklahoma State University | OSU

Stillwater, Oklahoma4-yearPublic

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Oklahoma State University | OSU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors College Short Response

Not Required
50 Words

What is an unusual fact you know, and why are you glad you know it?

Honors College Short Response

Required
300 Words

Discuss how your previous or current extracurricular involvements (such as jobs, community service, leadership roles, or other after-school responsibilities) and the challenges you have faced in your life have equipped you to be a successful college student.

Honors College Short Response

Required
300 Words

Think of a topic you find interesting but is unrelated to your studies. Recount a specific occasion when you wholeheartedly pursued knowledge for its own sake, without being motivated solely by grades or diplomas. Reflect on the importance and impact of this specific learning experience on your personal growth.

Common App Personal Essay

Required
650 words

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.


Option 1

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.


Option 2

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?


Option 3

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?


Option 4

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?


Option 5

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


Option 6

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?


Option 7

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.

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