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How to Write the Ohio State University Essay 2021-2022

ohio state university personal essay

If you’re interested in The Ohio State University, there are luckily no supplemental essays that apply to all applicants. There is an additional essay for the Morrill Scholarship Program, however. This is a competitive program for students who excel academically, have strong leadership skills, and are interested in fostering diversity and inclusion within their communities. 

Each year, only 300 students are named Morrill Scholars, which provides both in-state and out-of-state students free tuition scholarships. In this post, we’ll discuss this year’s essay prompt for the program, and how you can maximize your chances of acceptance by writing a great essay.

Want to know your chances at OSU? Calculate your chances for free right now.

The Ohio State University Morrill Scholarship Essay Prompt

Below is information about the Morrill Scholarship, as well as the essay prompt. Each applicant must respond to the prompt in 350-500 words. 

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.

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.

Morrill Scholarship Program Prompt

How have your life experiences and/or endeavors prepared you to be a morrill scholar please answer fully, and when possible, provide specific examples. (350–500 words), understanding the prompt .

In a way, this prompt is asking you two distinct questions. First, the prompt is asking you to pick a life experience that you want to discuss. Next, you’ll have to discuss why this experience would make you a good candidate for a Morrill Scholarship. To help you brainstorm some ideas, below are some questions you’ll want to think about before you start writing.

  • What is one of your life experiences that has fundamentally questioned the way that you view life? 
  • Are there any social justice issues that you are particularly passionate about? Why?
  • Leadership takes many forms. How have you showed leadership in the past?
  • What type of traits do you think a Morrill Scholar has?

Once you have answers to these questions, be sure to do some research on the Morrill Scholarship and what it entails, as well as what types of students typically receive the scholarship. Try and determine why these students were good applicants, and look for any similarities or things you have in common with them.

Cliché Topics to Avoid

While you have the freedom to discuss an important life experience, there are still some topics that you’ll want to avoid. These include: 

  • Picking a topic such as sports injury, tragedy, or bad grade
  • Picking a topic that isn’t significant enough and not explaining how the experience impacted you
  • Using a privileged tone when discussing your perspective
  • Having a cliché ending, such as  “ I learned that people can be happy with so little, ” or “ I learned the importance of giving back. ”

Writing the Essay 

Once you have an understanding of what the prompt and the program is looking for, you can start writing. Although there is no one perfect way to structure this essay, it might be helpful to follow this general format:

  • Describe a memorable life experience that relates to a topic of diversity, inclusion, or social justice
  • Demonstrate how this experience made you grow or highlighted an aspect of your personality
  • Explain what you will bring to the program after going through this experience

Let’s look at each section in more detail now.

1.  Describe a memorable life experience

The admissions officers want to know what you have been through. They know about issues like racial injustice or mass incarceration—what they don’t know about is you. Starting your essay off with an anecdote that clearly expresses what you have been through is a great way to show the admissions officers reading your essay that topics like diversity and social justice are important and relevant to you.

Maybe you grew up as a minority in a community and you talk about the time you were racially profiled at the mall with your friends. Or maybe you started a program at your school for kids who normally sat at lunch to sign up and get a buddy so they always had someone to eat with. Perhaps after researching a refugee crisis for your history class, you went to the local shelter in your town and spoke to the refugees about their experiences to understand them more.

Your experience with diversity and inclusion doesn’t necessarily have to be a traditional topic of diversity like racial, religious, or socioeconomic. You could also discuss your diversity of interests: you love collecting stamps even though most of your friends think it’s old fashioned. Or maybe you want to discuss your diversity of perspective: you are really liberal among your conservative family.

The most important thing is that you choose a single experience to focus your anecdote on. So, a student who wants to write about her ethnicity shouldn’t give a general overview of how she feels discriminated against because of where her family is from. Instead, she should focus on a specific instance of discrimination that strongly affected her or gave her a chance to stand up and defend herself.

2. Demonstrate how this experience made you grow

This next part of your essay is super important to show why this experience is so impactful and has prepared you to be a Morrill Scholar.

After you have set up the anecdote, now you should give insight as to what your state of mind or emotions were in this situation. Answering questions like these could be helpful:

  • What did you feel in the moment?
  • What was your perspective before this experience? After?
  • Did a certain personality trait shine through? Were you brave, resilient, creative, determined?

However, be careful while you are writing. You want to convey the growth or traits that you expressed during or after this experience, but you don’t want to tell the admissions officers that planning a school walkout to protest the lack of diversity in the administration made you a more confident leader—they should learn that without ever being explicitly told so. By interjecting emotions or including your inner thoughts in the moment, you will be able to show your readers the impact this experience had on you.

3. Explain what you will bring to the program

The best way to conclude your essay is to bring it back to OSU and the Morrill Program. At the end of the day, there are hundreds of other students who likely have had similar experiences or takeaways as you. You need to show how what you have been through and learned will prepare you to contribute to the diverse and inclusive community on campus.

When talking about what you will bring—or what you hope to get out of—the Morrill Scholarship Program, you should mention both implicit and explicit aspects. 

Some implicit things you might contribute to the community are teaching your new friends your culture’s traditions, discussing difficult topics with peers who have different perspectives, or approaching new and intimidating situations with confidence and clarity. 

So an example of an implicit aspect of the community might be a student who talked about his experience volunteering with an immigration lawyer, where he learned how important it is for lawyers to be billingual to communicate with their clients, might write about how he wants to practice speaking Spanish with his friends. Whether they are having a debate in his Spanish class or just hanging out and eating dinner in the dining hall, he’s looking forward to surrounding himself with others who are dedicated to becoming billingual, and hopefully encouraging others to learn Spanish. 

For explicit things you hope to contribute or gain from the Morrill Scholars community you should research the opportunities afforded to you through the program. You might mention a club that aligns with your interests that you want to join, an event you started at your high school that you hope to bring to the OSU community, or a certain professor you are looking forward to working with.

An example of a student writing about an explicit aspect could be someone who had a tutor in high school that helped her feel better about herself since she struggled in her history class. Her tutor made her feel welcomed and included, and now she wants to give back to other students by becoming a Supplemental Instruction leader through the Morrill Scholarship Program. She feels she has learned a lot about what it takes to be an effective and encouraging tutor, and now she wants to give back to her future OSU students.

The best essays will combine implicit and explicit things you want to contribute or get out of the program, but as long as you can make the admissions officers feel like you belong in this program and on OSU’s campus, you will have done your job.

Where to Get Your OSU Morrill Scholarship Essay Edited for Free

Do you want feedback on your OSU Morrill Scholarship essay?If so, consider using our Peer Essay Review Tool , where you can input your essay and other students can provide constructive feedback on your writing. It can be hard to evaluate your own writing, which is why we created this helpful tool. You can even evaluate other student’s essays as well. Best of all, this tool is completely free! 

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How to Get Into Ohio State University: Acceptance Rate & Strategies

July 22, 2024

In the autumn of 1995, Ohio State University welcomed a typical freshman class of 5,794 individuals to campus. Ninety percent of this Buckeye cohort were Ohio residents and they carried an average SAT score of 1074 and a mean ACT just shy of 23. Over 25 years later, nearly 8,000 freshmen strutted onto campus with roughly 35% having traveled from another state or foreign country, boasting an average SAT score of 1400+ and a mean ACT of 30. This brief statistical comparison succinctly captures the story of Ohio State since the turn of the millennium—tremendous growth in size, selectivity, and non-resident population. Although the Ohio State acceptance rate still hovers around 50%, it has dropped over 20 points in the last four years.

Given this increased desirability and selectivity at OSU, the intent of this article is to give those considering applying to the university an understanding of the following:

  • Ohio State’s Class of 2027 acceptance rate
  • SAT, ACT, and class rank of accepted OSU applicants
  • Admissions trends
  • Ohio State-Columbus’ system for rating applicants

Where is Ohio State?

  • A look at the demographics of current Ohio State undergraduates
  • The percent of accepted students that attend Ohio State (yield rate)
  • Tips for applying to Ohio State University
  • How to assess whether applying to Ohio State is even worth the $60 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Ohio State Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027

The Class of 2027 was selected from 76,764 applications; 35,551 were admitted. This makes the Ohio State acceptance rate 46%.

However, this figure does not fully capture just how selective OSU-Columbus has become.  Unlike many other flagship state schools, the admission standards for residents and out-of-staters are actually quite comparable.  In-state applicants are typically admitted to the university at nearly identical rates.

Historical Ohio State acceptance rates are as follows:

  Applicants Admits Acceptance Rate
Class of 2026 65,189 34,370 53%
Class of 2025 58,180 33,269 57%
Class of 2024 49,087 33,619 68%

What class rank do you need to get accepted to Ohio State?

Among enrolled Class of 2027 first-year students, 96% hailed from the top quarter, and an impressive 68% of that group earned a place in the top 10%.

What is the minimum SAT or ACT score for Ohio State?

For the Class of 2027, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1340-1450; the ACT range was 29-32. Although Ohio State is test-optional, approximately 80% of enrolled students typically submit test scores alongside their applications.

Admissions Trends & Notes

  • Applications increased by 15% for the Class of 2027.
  • The mid-50% SAT range has increased about 80 points over the past two years.
  • The percentage of in-state students has dropped about 10%; percentages of out-of-state and international students have risen accordingly.
  • 30% of the incoming first-year class were minority students.
  • 21% were the first in their families to attend college.
  • 85% exceeded the required two foreign language courses.
  • 99% of enrolled students took a fourth year of math.
  • 88% took a fourth year of science.

How Ohio State Rates Applicants

OSU considers four factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, class rank, academic GPA, and standardized test scores. Items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: essays, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, first-generation status, and work/volunteer experience. “Considered” factors are: recommendations, character/personal qualities, geographic residence, state residency, and racial/ethnic status.

The admissions staff reads every application carefully and, in their own words, “We seek students whose application demonstrates that they are prepared for the academic rigor of the Ohio State classroom; who are willing to lead; who see strength in diversity of people and ideas; who seek collaboration when solving problems; and who make use of all opportunities to figure out what kind of impact they want to have in the world.”

It is also worth highlighting that recruited athletes enjoy a huge edge. This is because Ohio State takes great pride in its 37 NCAA Division I sports teams. Overall, 1,000+ student-athletes are presently attending the university.

For advice about how to stand out on the extracurricular front, check out our previous blog entitled  How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

Ohio State University’s main campus is located in Columbus, Ohio. The state capital city is the most populous in Ohio. Columbus has been home to OSU for almost 150 years.

Who Gets Into Ohio State?

Let’s look at the demographics of the Class of 2027:

  • In-State: 66%
  • Out-of-State: 25%
  • International: 9%

The greatest number of Class of 2027 members hailed from the following states:

  • Pennsylvania
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts

Among non-residents, competition is stiffest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants. If you are from a state in the Deep South like Alabama or Mississippi or a less-populated state like Wyoming or South Dakota, your location is more likely to provide a boost to your admissions chances at Ohio State.

Academically, undergraduates are distributed as follows across the top six most popular schools:

  • Arts and Sciences: 36%
  • Engineering and Architecture: 19%
  • Business: 18%
  • Education and Human Ecology: 7%
  • Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: 5%
  • Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences: 5%

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the undergraduate student body is as follows:

  • Caucasian/White: 66%
  • Asian American: 8%
  • Hispanic: 5%
  • African American: 7%
  • International: 7%

Current international students are citizens of the following countries:

  • South Korea
  • Saudi Arabia

Looking at the gender breakdown, the Class of 2027 enrolled slightly more women than men:

Ohio State Yield Rate

Ohio State’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted—is 22%. This figure is lower than other powerhouse state universities like the University of Michigan, UVA, and UCLA (all with 40%+ yield rates), but higher than Penn State University (19%).

Tips for Applying to Ohio State

If you plan on joining the 75,000+ Buckeye hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

  • OSU will continue to be test-optional for students applying to the Class of 2029. However, test scores are considered “very important” in the admissions process.
  • You can apply by submitting the Common Application by Nov 1 for Early Action or Feb 1 for Regular Decision.
  • This university does not use interviews as part of its evaluation process.
  • Ohio State does not consider “ demonstrated interest ” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
  • We recommend submitting 1-2 recommendations from your counselor/teachers although none are technically required.
  • In the 2023-24 cycle, Ohio State did not offer any supplemental essay prompts. Therefore, the primary Common App essay takes on an even greater level of importance when applying to the university.

CT Advice: With only one essay to complete for Ohio State University, applicants need to channel their efforts into the Common App essay of their choice. For more on the prompts themselves, which might be best to select, and how to begin brainstorming, visit our blog covering the 2024-25 Common App Essay Prompts .

Should I Apply to Ohio State?

Those with SAT/ACT scores within the mid-50% range for Ohio State who are also in the top 10% of their respective high school class are absolutely viable candidates for Ohio State. Those in the top 25% of their class who have other strong credentials will also present as competitive applicants. Finally, residents and non-residents encounter similar admissions standards and odds of acceptance.

Ohio State Acceptance Rate — Final Thoughts

It goes without saying that most teens applying to OSU also need to have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. Ohio State would only be an appropriate “safety” for students at the very top of their high school class with standardized test scores in the 95th percentile.  More on creating a balanced college list can be found here .

Ready to start crafting your college applications? Check out the following resources:

  • Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
  • What is Demonstrated Interest?
  • Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
  • College Fair Advice for High School Students
  • How to Complete the Common App Activities List
  • Common App Essay Prompts
  • 25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas
  • Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
  • Application Strategies

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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MA-SLP Application Process

Ma-slp application dates and deadlines, (to begin program in autumn 2025).

July 15, 2024: Application opens in CSDCAS

December 15, 2024: Application deadline for domestic and international applicants

January 15, 2025: OSU Supplemental Application Deadline

Step 1: Review this essential information carefully

Application Preparation Timeline: Familiarize yourself as soon as possible with CSDCAS' suggested application timeline . Most application steps should be completed at least 2-3 months before the application deadline.

Common issues that may prevent your application from being reviewed by our program:

All application materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received through CSDCAS by 11:59pm EST on the application deadline. Please note: Failure to report and submit transcripts to CSDCAS for ALL college-level coursework, such as college credit earned while in high school, will result in significant delays and may result in your application not being reviewed. If CSDCAS sees an indication of transfer credit from another institution listed on one transcript, but you have not provided the original transcript from that institution, your application will be returned to you and therefore will not move into our queue to be reviewed. 

Please confirm that your recommenders (CSDCAS refers to these as "evaluators") have submitted their letters of recommendation by the application deadline. Your application status can still be marked as COMPLETE or VERIFIED even if the minimum 3 letters have not been received. Applications with less than 3 letters on the application deadline will not be reviewed. 

Applicants are responsible for monitoring the status of the application before and after submission. Notifications are not sent for any missing items. To help you keep track of your application and all materials, click  Check Status  at the top of the application dashboard. Applications that have not reached either a COMPLETE or VERIFIED status by the application deadline, will not be considered. (Refer to  CSDCAS Application Status Guide. ) It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor their application status and notifications and consult CSDCAS if there is  any  question about the application status. Applications in the following statuses after the application deadline will NOT be reviewed: IN PROGRESS, RECEIVED, ON HOLD, or UNDELIVERED.

When entering coursework, if an in-progress or planned course is listed on the transcript, do NOT leave the grade blank, but do enter the "In-progress/Planned" option. CSDCAS will be comparing your transcripts to your entries. Any discrepancies will likely result in your application being UNDELIVERED. 

If you use the Professional Transcript Entry (PTE) service, you must approve the work completed by the service! Failure to do so will result in your application being incomplete and therefore not reviewed by our program. This issue negatively impacts several students each application cycle, so please beware if you use this service. This service will also add up to 10 additional days to the application process. 

Academic Update Process: You are strongly encouraged to complete an  academic update  after your autumn semester grades are posted. Academic update allows you to update planned or in-progress coursework that you completed since your application was submitted. This will provide faculty reviewers a complete and updated picture of your academic progress. 

Step 2: Complete the CSDCAS application

CSDCAS : Carefully review CSDCAS instructions before applying. Keep the  CSDCAS Applicant Help Center page  handy throughout the application process. Learn more about CSDCAS Application Fees and Fee Waivers .

Letters of Recommendation:  A minimum of three letters of recommendation is required to complete your application. It is strongly recommended that letters be written by faculty members and/or instructors that can speak to your academic abilities and potential success as a graduate student. Letters are submitted electronically through CSDCAS. You will list your references in the “Evaluations” section. Letters of recommendation must be received through CSDCAS by 11:59 PM ET on the application deadline. Be sure to give your recommenders adequate time to meet this deadline. 

Transcripts:  Official transcripts for ALL college-level coursework completed in the United States for which college credit was awarded must be received by CSDCAS by the application deadline. Please note: Failure to submit transcripts for ALL college-level work completed while in high school or at other post-secondary institutions will cause application processing delays. Applications that have been "undelivered" due to the applicant not providing transcripts for ALL college-level course work will not be accepted after the application deadline. Transcripts must be sent to CSDCAS. Do not send to OSU!

Short Essays:  We consider our short essays to be in lieu of a personal statement. A strong applicant’s responses will fully address the essay question, demonstrate originality, and reflect strong writing skills. Less attention will be given to responses that simply list items from a resume.

English Language Proficiency:  TOEFL scores are required for most international students. Visit OSU Graduate and Professional Admissions for additional information. 

Decision Communications:   All communications regarding admissions decisions will be sent to the email address associated with the CSDCAS application. Please monitor your email frequently so you do not miss any important communications from us!

 Step 3: Complete the OSU supplemental application

Accessing the OSU supplemental application:  The OSU Supplemental application is much briefer than the CSDCAS application and focuses primarily on biographical and demographic data. Once your CSDCAS application reaches a VERIFIED status, you will receive access to OSU’s Supplemental Application via the email address associated with your CSDCAS account. VERIFIED status does not occur until:

  • The CSDCAS application has reached a COMPLETE   status
  • CSDCAS has determined that no issues have been identified with your CSDCAS application. If you have not received an email to access the OSU supplemental application by Jan. 1, it is likely that CSDCAS identified a problem with your application, such as failure to submit transcripts for ALL college-level coursework. 

OSU supplemental application deadline:  January 15, 2025

OSU supplemental application fees:  $60 for domestic applicants; $70 for international applicants. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. Waivers must be requested well in advance of the supplemental application deadline.

Please also review each item below before applying:

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Conquering Ohio State University Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024

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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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2024-2025 Ohio State

  • Thread starter wysdoc
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ohio state university personal essay

Plain-spoken Texan

  • Apr 12, 2024

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Ohio State University College of Medicine Interview Feedback

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Full Member

  • Jul 3, 2024

OOS Secondary received. @wysdoc : Each essay has a 250 word limit The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to "improve people's lives" through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. Provide examples of factors contributing to health inequities that exist in the United States. [Primary Care Track] Please see our website for more information about applying to our program at medicine.osu.edu/pct. How do you feel ready to choose a career in family medicine? Please provide any examples of exposure and/or experiences not already mentioned in your application. [Primary Care Track] Describe your rationale for wanting to pursue an accelerated curriculum in preparation for a career in family medicine. [Community Medicine Track] Describe your rationale for wanting to pursue an accelerated curriculum in preparation for a career in family medicine. [Community Medicine Track] Why are you interested in training in a smaller community, and what is the impact you hope to have by training in this setting?  

ClashRoyaleKing

Medical school applicant.

+1 OOS secondary  

LOL the security question choice "Where does your favorite cheese come from?" IDK man.  

+1 OOS  

  • Jul 4, 2024

Does anyone know if Ohio screens applicants when they send secondaries?  

wannabecomedian

are there no covid prompts this year?  

wannabecomedian said: are there no covid prompts this year? Click to expand...

happy_carrot

  • Jul 5, 2024

anyone not received a secondary yet? I am OOS if that makes a difference!  

stinkygirl203

happy_carrot said: anyone not received a secondary yet? I am OOS if that makes a difference! Click to expand...

ucanthaveeverything

robot_soup

  • Jul 6, 2024

Bruh has anyone else had trouble creating their account... Maybe I'm dumb but there was never a 'Find application' page for me  

medandcats23

robot_soup said: Bruh has anyone else had trouble creating their account... Maybe I'm dumb but there was never a 'Find application' page for me Click to expand...
medandcats23 said: I was able to get to the Find Application page by closing the page it took me to immediately after creating my account and logging back in! Click to expand...

applesarecool

applesarecool

  • Jul 7, 2024

Does anyone with the secondary know if there is still the question from last year about if you are waitlisted you want to be considered for the community medicine track?  

ecobio

applesarecool said: Does anyone with the secondary know if there is still the question from last year about if you are waitlisted you want to be considered for the community medicine track? Click to expand...

Iron Man23

Med School Applicant

miffeddoc said: me oop Click to expand...

EBApps

Still waiting too and IS. Most likely a long weekend with July 4th ladies and gents. It’ll come.  

  • Jul 8, 2024

+1 IS  

+OS, just got this morning  

Anyone else who submitted first day and still hasn't gotten it yet?  

TheDeadrok

medcarrot said: Anyone else who submitted first day and still hasn't gotten it yet? Click to expand...

bbybruuu1234

Does anyone know what to do about the apostrophe question mark issue, I've tried re-writing my whole essay in TextEdit like it said and it still doesn't work, so I'm at a loss.  

bbybruuu1234 said: Does anyone know what to do about the apostrophe question mark issue, I've tried re-writing my whole essay in TextEdit like it said and it still doesn't work, so I'm at a loss. Click to expand...

Is there a word limit for ties to Ohio? Does anyone know how they evaluate multiple MCAT scores?  

  • Jul 9, 2024

Does going to undergrad in Ohio but not being a resident of Ohio count as ties?  

nmaarouf said: Is there a word limit for ties to Ohio? Does anyone know how they evaluate multiple MCAT scores? Click to expand...

ribonucleoprotein

ribonucleoprotein

medcarrot said: Does going to undergrad in Ohio but not being a resident of Ohio count as ties? Click to expand...

soldier boy

soldier boy

Passionfruit57.

PassionFruit57 said: *I certify that all written passages, such as the personal statement, essays and descriptions of work/activities, are my own and have not been written, in part or in whole, by another author and are not the product of artificial intelligence. (Quotations are permitted if the source is cited.) Please also attest that portions of the written passages, essay or written descriptions were written in part or in whole with the assistance of artificial intelligence. This is an interesting addition to the application. Click to expand...

I usually cheer for Ohio State in their rivalry football game against Michigan, do you think that counts as ties????? 😇  

thomas112

Still have not received secondary yet, OOS.  

robxice1234

Bigtimefoodie.

Anyone else having trouble seeing their secondary application under "current applications"? I've already used my one-time code so now I'm a little lost...  

Basalganglia4life

  • Jul 10, 2024

OOS secondary received just now. Finally.  

Basalganglia4life said: OOS secondary received just now. Finally. Click to expand...

stroukumpo

Is there still anyone who has not received a secondary?  

stroukumpo said: Is there still anyone who has not received a secondary? Click to expand...

Me! OOS but Ohio ties  

secondary portal crashed and deleted one of my essays which I wrote in the portal. This is prob why you should write it on another site before putting it in. smh  

dazed&confused24

+1 OOS Secondary Received  

Baller27

  • Jul 11, 2024

by medical education do they mean education given to future medical students and doctors? or do they mean the education and information that we disseminate to the public? (something my narrative is kind of around)  

goge69

Baller27 said: by medical education do they mean education given to future medical students and doctors? or do they mean the education and information that we disseminate to the public? (something my narrative is kind of around) Click to expand...
goge69 said: hog ridaaaah lol same q Click to expand...

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  • Apr 10, 2024
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Home — Application Essay — University — Ohio State University

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Ohio State University Admission Essays

Why i chose early childhood education.

Early Childhood Education is a field that has always fascinated me. From a young age, I have been captivated by the wonder and curiosity that children possess. Their minds are like sponges, absorbing everything around them and developing at an incredible pace. I believe that…

Igniting Change: My Journey to the Eminence Scholarship

In the vast expanse of knowledge, it is the pursuit of wisdom and innovation that captivate my curiosity. As a college student who aspires to make a meaningful impact on society, I am drawn to Ohio State University’s Eminence Scholarship, which epitomizes the spirit of…

Fostering Change Through Education

Introduction As an aspiring global citizen committed to fostering positive change, I am honored to have the opportunity to apply for the Morrill Scholarship at (University Name). The foundation’s unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusive excellence resonates deeply with my personal and academic aspirations….

My Dedication to Study Anthropology at Ohio State University

I am applying to your Ph.D. program in Anthropology (Cultural) at Ohio State University (OU) in order to further my research interests related to migration and health. After graduating in 2009 from Iran Islamic Azad University, Tehran Central Branch with a Master’s Degree in Archaeology,…

When World Collide: College Admission Essay Sample

2007: “Are y’all comin’?” I yell to the kids on the playground as I run over to the swings. They look at each other and laugh, clearly making fun of the way I speak. I put my head down, embarrassed, and walk to the swings…

Potential: College Admission Essay Sample

I was born in the middle of two different social classes. My father’s family consisted of wealthy business owners and stock brokers, while my mother’s side consisted of minimum wage workers. Growing up I was able to get a taste of both sides whether it…

The Journey to Becoming a Surgeon

Growing up, I was always fascinated by science and medicine. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to shadow a surgeon at a local hospital and this experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Witnessing the intricate and delicate work that a…

My Dream College: OSU (Ohio State University)

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Studying biology has always been a dream of mine. As a child, I was fascinated by the natural world and the intricate systems that sustain life on this planet. Growing up, I was surrounded by nature and spent countless hours exploring my backyard, identifying different…

Finding My Purpose in Human Ecology

With a diverse range of departments and majors available, I believe that Ohio State University will provide me with the necessary knowledge and tools to achieve my career goals. Among the various departments available, I am particularly interested in the Human Ecology program, which focuses…

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The Ohio State University Secondary Application

The ohio state university secondary essay prompts, (if you have updated prompts, please submit them at updatesecondaries.com).

Prompts have been updated June 2023 . (Older essays, if available are below)

  • The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to “improve people’s lives” through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. (250 words)
  • The OSU COM Admissions vision statement states that the admissions committee will assemble a class that displays “diversity in background and thought.” Why is “diversity in background and thought” a desirable characteristic for a medical school’s student body? (250 words)
  • Please use the space below to communicate anything you would like to share with the admissions committee related to the pandemic. Possible topics might include, for example: your biggest lessons and insights from the pandemic; creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis; or hardships you may have faced as a result of the virus or quarantine. (250 words)

Required only for Primary Care Track Applicants

  • How do you feel ready to choose a career in family medicine? Please provide any examples of exposure and/or experiences not already mentioned in your application. (250 words)
  • “Health is Primary” is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career? (250 words)

Primary Deadline: Usually around Nov 1st Secondary Deadline : Usually around Dec 15th Secondary Fee : $80 FAP Waiver : Full Fee Waived Casper Required : No PREview Required: Screens Applications : Yes Accepts Application Updates : Yes/Email

The Ohio State University College of Medicine Mission:

The Ohio State University College of Medicine mission is to improve people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine Vision:

We share a common vision: to work as a team shaping the future of medicine by creating, disseminating and applying new knowledge and by personalizing health care to meet the needs of each individual.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine Values:

Excellence Collaborating as one university Integrity and personal accountability Openness and trust Diversity in people and ideas Change and innovation Simplicity in our work Empathy and compassion Leadership

The Ohio State University Secondary Application

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ohio state university personal essay

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Ohio State University (OSU) Secondary Essay Prompts

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Ohio State University College of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page .

about Ohio State University College of Medicine

Secondary Deadline : December 16, 2024 Secondary Fee : $80 FAP Waiver : Yes CASPer Required : No Screens Applications : Yes Accepts Application Updates :

The Ohio State University College of Medicine mission is to improve people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care.
We share a common vision: to work as a team shaping the future of medicine by creating, disseminating and applying new knowledge and by personalizing health care to meet the needs of each individual.
Excellence Collaborating as one university Integrity and personal accountability Openness and trust Diversity in people and ideas Change and innovation Simplicity in our work Empathy and compassion Leadership

REQUIRED ESSAYS for those applying to the Regular M.D., M.D./PhD, and the Primary Care Track:

1. The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to “improve peoples lives” through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas (250 words or less).

2.The OSU COM Admissions vision statement states that the admissions committee will assemble a class that displays “diversity in background and thought”. Why is “diversity in background and thought” a desirable characteristic for a medical school’s student body? (250 words or less)

REQUIRED ESSAYS only for those applying to the Primary Care Track:

1. Describe past experiences that have shaped your decision to choose a Family Medicine specific accelerated training track. (250 words or less).

2.. “Health is Primary” is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career? (250 words or less)

OPTIONAL ESSAY for those applying to the Regular M.D., M.D./PhD, and the Primary Care Track:

1. The OSUCOM Admissions Committee understands that everyone may have been impacted by the COVID 19 public health crisis. Please use the space below to communicate anything you would like to share with the admissions committee related to the pandemic. Possible topics might include, for example: your biggest lessons and insights from the pandemic; creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis; or hardships you may have faced as a result of the virus or quarantine.

1. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to “improve people’s lives” through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. (250 words or less)

2. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: The OSU COM Admissions vision statement states that the admissions committee will assemble a class that displays “diversity in background and thought.” Why is “diversity in background and thought” a desirable characteristic for a medical school’s student body? (250 words or less)

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ESSAY ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: Describe the experiences you have had in Primary Care and the influences they have had on your decision to apply to the Primary Care Track three year program. (500 words or less)

4. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ESSAY ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: Why are you interested in a family medicine specific accelerated track? (250 words or less)

1. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to “improve people’s lives” through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. (250 words or less)

The key to answering this question skillfully is to choose experiences that exemplify your abilities to achieve these missions without repeating what was already stated in the personal statement and primary application. This can be difficult to achieve because likely the most important experiences you had prior to applying were listed there. Two strategies can be useful:

A. Describe a prior experience from a different angle, perhaps with an anecdote that exemplifies a particular strength or skill you gained that will help you achieve the above goals. A story is a unique way to approach the same experience from a new angle.

B. Be creative in thinking of less conventional experiences that may have helped you gain these skills. Instead of research or clinical work, consider perhaps a time when you bridged a gap or resolved a dispute between disparate parties from different backgrounds. This can help show your ability to unite and lead diverse people which will help you empower your patients and provide effective patient care. This is an example of a creative approach to this question.

2. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: The OSU COM Admissions vision statement states that the admissions committee will assemble a class that displays “diversity in background and thought.” Why is “diversity in background and thought” a desirable characteristic for a medical school’s student body? (250 words or less)

For this answer, think about the ideals which you hold in high esteem that help a team function and allow differing groups to work together. Different viewpoints in collaboration often create a unique outcome which is stronger than it otherwise would have been in isolation. You can consider using an anecdote from an occasion on which you collaborated with someone with a differing opinion. In the end, craft an answer that fits your ideals and beliefs about this topic. A genuine answer is always strongest.

This question necessitates a prior background with primary care and an interest in the field. This should be relatively straightforward for students interested in such a track. What may make your answer unique is discussing alternative primary care experiences besides the conventional medical school clinic experience. Did you institution have a free clinic? Did you work with underserved populations providing health screening or educational services in the community? This may make your answer unique. Describe how your experiences inform your overall goals in medical school and beyond.

4. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ESSAY ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: “Health Is Primary” is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career? (250 words or less)

The key here is to discuss your future career in order to specifically answer the question. It is reasonable to draw on past experiences (just be sure not to repeat your answer above) but use them to convey how you will craft your career as a primary care physician. Consider the following large roles of a primary care physician that you may strive towards: excellence in patient care, patient education, preventative health, medical student and resident education, holistic approach to medical care, collaboration with mental health providers.

1. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK:

The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to “improve people’s lives” through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. (250 words)

2. REQUIRED ESSAY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO REGULAR M.D., M.D./PhD AND THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK:

The OSU COM Admissions vision statement states that the admissions committee will assemble a class that displays “diversity in background and thought.” Why is “diversity in background and thought” a desirable characteristic for a medical school’s student body? (250 words)

1. The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s mission is to “improve people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care.” Briefly describe how you aspire to further this mission, in whole or in part, as a medical student or as an alumnus of this College. (250 words or less)

2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr made the following statement: “Of all the injustices in the world, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” Describe how you would like to contribute to ensuring quality healthcare for all people. (250 words or less)

REQUIRED ESSAYS ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRACK: 1. Describe the experiences you have had in Primary Care and the influences they have had on your decision to apply to the Primary Care Track three year program. (500 words or less)

2. “Health Is Primary” is a communications campaign to advocate for the values of family medicine, demonstrate the benefits of primary care, and engage patients in our healthcare system. The aim is to build a primary care system that reflects the values of family medicine, puts patients at the center of their care, and improves the health of all Americans. How do you plan to reflect the values of Family Medicine in your future career? (250 words or less)

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on the medical school’s website. Med School Insiders does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

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Writing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School

Structure and organization.

Why do you need structure? Many students write personal statements for graduate school applications that are fascinating but incomprehensible to the reader and as a result, they may be rejected. Thus, the structure and organization of your essay is a crucial component to your personal statement. With a well-structured essay, the reader will not only be interested in the content of your essay but also will know that you have the capacity to create a legible essay.

Introduction

  • The introduction is the most important part of the essay, especially the first sentence. The first sentence can say a lot about the content and format of your essay.
  • Keep the reader interested by making them continue to read your essay after reading the first paragraph.
  • The first sentence should be unique and compelling, possibly thought provoking or attention-grabbing.
  • First sentences may explain your desire to study the subject of interest or discuss the motivation that influenced your desire to study the subject of interest. State it in a creative manner.
  • The sentences following the first sentence should provide a brief explanation that supports the claim stated in the first sentence.
  • The body should include several paragraphs (usually about three) that provides detailed evidence to support the statement made in the introductory paragraph. The paragraphs should flow by using transitions and resolutions.
  • Each paragraph should have a transition, which starts each paragraph with a topic statement that will be the theme of that paragraph (See more on transitions and resolutions below).
  • Each paragraph should have a resolution, which ends each paragraph with a meaningful sentence that provides a transition to the next paragraph (See more on transitions and resolutions below).
  • Experiences, accomplishments, or any other evidence that can support your claims should be included in the body. Future Goals should also be mentioned in the body.
  • A short summary of your educational background can be discussed in the first paragraph.
  • Personal experiences and the reasons for wanting to attend the school can be discussed in the second paragraph.
  • Do not repeat what was stated in the application.
  • The last paragraph should explain why you should be accepted.
  • The conclusion is the last paragraph of the personal statement.
  • State why you are interested in studying the subject of interest.
  • State the key points mentioned in the body, such as your experiences or accomplishments that explain your interest in the subject. State it in a conclusive and brief manner.
  • End on a positive note with one or two attention-grabbing sentences.

It is crucial that your paragraphs have transitions and resolutions. Transitions start a paragraph by providing a statement that suggests the theme for that paragraph. This allows the reader to be aware of the direction the essay is heading in. Transitions connect paragraphs to other paragraphs (usually preceding paragraphs), which causes the essay to flow smoothly. Resolutions, on the other hand, are statements that end paragraphs and allow for transition to the next paragraph. The resolution should not be a general statement but rather a meaningful one that connects facts included in the current paragraph. Both transitions and resolutions are beneficial in terms of making your essay clear and understandable.

Your essay should include enough detail, be personal, and specific. The purpose of a personal statement is to show the admission committee what makes you unique and different from other applicants. Your job is to display your distinct personality and provide evidence that confirms your passion and desire for the subject and the school. However, even if you can write an interesting and compelling essay, the structure and organization may not be appropriate. Therefore, it is necessary that you follow the proper structure of an essay and allow all your paragraphs to flow smoothly. The structure and organization of your personal statement will not only make your essay more comprehensible and fascinating but it will also increase your chances of being accepted

Source: Tara Kuther, Ph.D.

Adapted from: " Your guide the graduate school "

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Potential tyler jordon hunt, highlight those personal accomplishments, achievements, and experiences that have given you considerable satisfaction and have helped to form your character. be sure to comment on your aspirations in terms of your educational and career goals. finally, explain the difference receiving a scholarship would mean in your life. personal statements are used by the scholarship committee or donor family members to select scholarship recipients..

I was born in the middle of two different social classes. My father’s family consisted of wealthy business owners and stock brokers, while my mother’s side consisted of minimum wage workers. Growing up I was able to get a taste of both sides whether it be the food at Thanksgiving dinner or the gifts on Christmas. There were major differences between the two and I was able to appreciate and respect both sides. It has helped me to be much more empathetic to people of all types.

My grandmother used to babysit me while my parents were at work. We played “school” every day. This consisted of teaching me to read and write before I had even entered school. Since then I have always been very academically inclined. I have always been in the most advanced programs at my school and held a high grade point average. I have held myself to high standards and have succeeded in my goal of carrying at least a 3.9 GPA.

Throughout school I have also been very sociable by joining multiple clubs, sports teams, and organizations. This has helped shape me in that I am looking for a career in which I can interact with the public and build personal relations. I believe that pharmacy is the perfect career for me. I have always favored math and science...

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ohio state university personal essay

ohio state university personal essay

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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Personal statements.

Graduate school and special programs often require a personal statement.  The stakes are high, so here are some strategies for writing a strong one.

Know Your Audience Study the school and the program or department to which you wish to apply.  That means scour the pages that normally you might never even think of looking at, such as the following:

  • Mission Statement,
  • the President’s page,
  • the Provost’s page,
  • the department page,
  • faculty members’ pages.

These pages will tell you the direction the school is going, where the big next projects will be, what kinds of talents this school values, and what goals it holds for its students.   You might mention a faculty member whom you would like to work with in your essay—look at research projects and articles he or she posts.

It’s important that your own values and goals are in alignment with those of the institutions to which you apply.  For instance, suppose you want to be a social worker who is active in your community, and you are considering applying to a school that wants to produce researchers in social work, not community leaders in social work.  You would be better off finding a school that has similar values to yours.  When you write your personal statement, use the values and goals that you and the school share. 

What Committees Look For Keep in mind that the admissions committee of most schools will want to know the following things about you:

  • whether you look like you will complete your degree
  • whether you have specific goals for your future
  • whether you will realize those goals and join the alumni club.

The school wants to produce graduates who complete their vision, so what you write has to be in line with the above three things. 

How You Approach the Question While some schools will have specific questions, others will simply ask you to write a 1-2 page personal statement.   If there is a list of questions, one dangerous thing is to follow the order of the questions:  you can almost count on your answer not being coherent.  These documents need a focus or thesis just like other writing tasks you’ve faced in many classes.  Let the focus or thesis guide the paper.  Here are some ways to approach the task:

  • think of one word that describes how you have been successful in school thus far; then think of one story that illustrates that word—in this way, you will have both a focus and a specific example (which are much easier to write than simply a generic essay on why you want to go to school that might sound like everyone else’s essay).  Be sure that your values are consistent with those of the school.
  • if you want to be creative, remember the Blue Angels (those planes that fly side by side in the Air Show):  you can tell a great compelling or intriguing story (that’s the one plane), but be sure your audience knows your real focus (that’s the second plane).  A friend of mine wrote about fixing toilets for his medical school application:  the first plane (intriguing story) was understood quickly by his audience because they understood his real thesis (the second plane) —that doctors are good with their hands.  He got in!  Another person wrote about his cab driving job (intriguing story), and his passengers were all in legal trouble (second plane, real thesis); by the second paragraph, the reader knows the writer wants to go to law school to help others.

Watch Your Tone Be sure to bring your personal statement to at least three people you trust before you submit it.  Remember you have to have a great deal of energy to complete special programs.  Others can help you see where you might make yourself look bad.  Here are some issues to consider:

  • negative language makes you look like a critical and angry person
  • if you want to write negatively, use facts instead of bad names
  • if you are writing about abuse or neglect, it’s your overcoming that situation that the committee is looking for
  • don’t neglect your experiences with learning in the past

Have someone check the grammar of your paper:  when the competition is fierce, your grammar is one way that a committee can put your application behind someone else’s. 

Some Resources The Purdue Online Writing Lab has some sample essays, advice, and some comments from admissions committee members: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

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Your Student Life: Support for Graduate and Professional Students

August 20, 2024

The Office of Student Life is excited to welcome you to Ohio State! Our goal is to provide support and guidance for all Buckeyes to empower them to learn, engage and thrive during their time at Ohio State and beyond, and this includes graduate and professional students.

The Office of Student Life is organized around six core areas of focus, all of which offer services and programs specifically for you:

·         Student Engagement and Support

·         Health and Well-being

·         Residential Experience

·         Belonging and Inclusion

·         Academic Partnership and Career Success

·         Administrative Excellence

Here are some of the programs, services, initiatives and support designed just for you as a graduate and professional student.

Student Engagement and Support

As you will hear often during your time at Ohio State and throughout orientation, “Engage. Learn. Thrive.” is the core mission of the Office of Student Life. Departments within the Student Engagement and Support focus area are focused on all aspects of campus engagement and programming, with an emphasis on leadership, service and resiliency.

Leadership and Community Engagement  

Leadership and Community Engagement creates transformational involvement and leadership opportunities with student organizations, immersive service trips and initiatives to serve the community.  

The Ohio Union and Student Activities

The Ohio Union and Student Activities has events specifically for graduate students, including quiz nights, kitchen demonstrations, workshops, panel discussions and more. Many of these events are family friendly for those who have partners, children and/or are in multigenerational households.

Other offerings include:

·         Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) Graduate and Professional Student Programming

·         Discount Tickets program (D-Tix)

·         Graduate and Professional Student Involvement Fair

·         Graduate and Professional Student Guide to Getting Involved

In addition to programming, graduate and professional students can get involved with student organizations . There are more than 1,400 student organizations, including many groups specifically tailored for grad-prof students . Many student organizations are related to academic discipline, community service and special interests.

Student Conduct

Student Conduct is focused on protecting student rights and helping to foster a safe and secure educational environment by upholding the standards of the university community. The Code of Student Conduct applies to all Buckeyes, including graduate and professional students.

Student Conduct partners with the Moritz College of Law to offer a free, confidential mediation service . Mediation is an incredibly helpful tool to address many forms of interpersonal conflict.

Student Advocacy

The Student Advocacy Center is committed to helping students navigate Ohio State's structure and to resolving issues that they encounter at the university. Student Advocacy is available to help graduate and professional students with a range of issues, including academics and enrollment, financial support, health and personal crises and more.

Health and Well-being

We want our Buckeyes, especially our graduate and professional students, to be well and thrive. The Health and Well-being area of focus leads on all aspects of student health and well-being, including counseling, fitness, recreation, health care and holistic well-being.

Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS)

Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) provides individual and group mental health services, educational workshops, and consultation to enrolled graduate and professional students. CCS also works with the spouses or partners of students who are covered by the Student Health Insurance Benefits Plan. 

There are several psychotherapy groups designed and offered specifically for graduate students. Graduate and professional students are encouraged to take full advantage of these on demand services . There is a wide variety of resources available on campus an in Central Ohio.  

Recreational Sports

Recreational Sports helps provide members of the Ohio State community the ability to live active and meaningful lives while on-campus. Rec Sports offers award winning facilities including five indoor locations along with spacious parks and outdoor spaces.

Graduate and professional students can participate in fitness classes , join intramural leagues and have access to use the general recreational spaces, indoor and out. Rec Sports facilities can be reserved for student organizations and other programming and events. Rec Sports also offers ?family hours and the option for family memberships .

Student Health Insurance (SHI)

Student Health Insurance (SHI) manages the university's health insurance requirement and provides options to meet it. SHI helps students make informed health insurance choices so they can protect their academic progress from disruptive health care costs. The SHI Benefits Plan (SHIBP) is medical, mental health, prescription, vision and dental benefits with local, national and international coverage.

A full breakdown of deadlines, rates and dates can be found on the SHI website . To opt-out of the SHIBP, students must complete the Select/Waive process before the deadline. If this is not completed, their choice defaults to the SHI Benefits Plan and the fee will post to their university Statement of Account for each coverage period they remain eligible within the policy year. Default coverage is single (“student only”) or, if you are a returning member, the level you selected for the previous term.

For students who are reaching the age limit of their coverage, in many cases turning 26 years old, this is considered a qualifying event that allows you to add or remove insurance coverage for you or your dependents outside of regular enrollment periods. In these cases, students can reach out to SHI for guidance on their next steps in receiving coverage.

SHI also offers Early Arrival Coverage for students who are arriving early to campus. Students can purchase up to four weeks of insurance coverage before the regular SHIBP policy starts. Graduate and professional students are strongly encouraged to read their statement of accounts, especially students with subsidies.

Student Health Services (SHS)

Student Health Services (SHS) is available to meet the healthcare needs of all graduate and professional students. SHS is a student’s on-campus one-stop shop healthcare facility that provides preventative medicine, primary care, a pharmacy, dental clinic and physical therapy services onsite. Patients not covered under SHI are encouraged to contact their insurance company prior to appointments to review benefits available for services provided. Currently, SHS is contracted with:

·         Ohio State Comprehensive Student Health Insurance Benefits Plan

·         Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

·         Aetna

·         CareSource Medicaid of Ohio

·         Cigna

·         Medical Mutual of Ohio

·         OSU Health Plan

·         United Healthcare (UHC)

Student Wellness Center (SWC)

The Student Wellness Center empowers all students to strive for balance and wellness. The Student Wellness Center offers a wide range of services and programs including the Buckeye Food Alliance food pantry , financial coaching and wellness coaching .

All services offered by the SWC can be tailored to the specific student, which means all students will get the exact support they need through one-on-one coaching appointments and workshops specifically designed for them . S [ID2]  ervices are private and facilitated by peer coaches rather than certified mental health practitioners.

Belonging and Inclusion

Student Life is dedicated to building structures, providing support and offering resources that foster, and lead to, a sense of belonging. It’s more than just being here; we want you to know you belong here. The Belonging and Inclusion area of focus is designed to create innovative and customized initiatives, as well as lasting and comprehensive programs that uphold and grow Student Life's commitment to facilitating an environment that is supportive and welcoming.

Disability Services

Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) supports students with disabilities to have an empowering and engaging Ohio State experience. SLDS coordinates support services and programs that enable equal access to an education and university life. Graduate and professional students can work with SLDS to request accommodations for participation in academic and campus life. SLDS consults with the students’ program directors and faculty on individualized needs within their programs.

SLDS has an embedded career vocational counselor who can specifically assist students with disabilities obtain internships, part-time and post-graduation employment. They can also advise students on the choices around workplace disability disclosure.

Center for Belonging and Social Change (CBSC)

The Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change (CBSC) builds community by cultivating an inclusive and positive campus environment. They offer a safe space to engage in dialogues, workshops, intercultural programming, outreach and community engagement that touch on a wide range of societal and educational issues. Graduate and professional students can get involved with the CBSC by engaging with their many events and programs. The CBSC is also a great place to study, hang out and connect with fellow students and staff members.

Residential Experience

The residential experience is essential to student success. No matter where you live, whether in university housing or nearby in the University District or as a commuter student across the state, the Student Life team is here to support you. The Residential Experience area of focus provides programming and services that influence the daily lives of Buckeyes, including dining, housing on- and off-campus and the residence life experience.

Dining Services

Dining Services  operates more than 30 locations on campus, including cafes and grab and go options in the places where graduate and professional students spend the most time. Have a meal, a quick snack or something to drink. No dining plan needed. Dining offers an  online search tool  to find a location to satisfy your craving.

Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE)

The Willie J. Young Sr Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) department is the university's resource center for off-campus living and commuting, providing services for students to find housing and roommates in the University District and across Columbus. OCCSE offers resources to encourage safe practices, as well as OCCSE resources including :

·         Graduate and Professional Student Living Guide

·         Off-Campus Housing Network

·         Safety and security devices

·         Roommate fairs

·         Commuter resources like a kitchen, lockers and lounge in the Ohio Union

Graduate, professional and non-traditional students may choose to live on campus or off campus. We are proud to offer [ID5]  convenient, safe, graduate and professional student housing in our Neil Avenue Building and at the Gateway Apartments.

Living on campus also offers many advantages and has been proven to enhance students' success at Ohio State. Housing and Residence Education works to accommodate the needs of all students, including graduate and professional students. 

Academic Partnership and Career Success

While your main focus will be on your academics, your co-curricular, outside of the classroom, experiences make an impact on your life as a student as well. The partnership between the academic and co-curricular units are crucial to helping you make the most of your experience, and the Academic Partnership and Career Success area of focus ensures this alignment and advancing your career success.

Buckeye Careers

Graduate and professional students can receive support as they look for their next career step by accessing the resources offered by Student Life’s Buckeye Careers . Career resources are available to specifically serve the career development needs of graduate and professional students. Resources include career coaching, resume/CV review, workshops on preparing for jobs in academic, career change and more. Other offerings include:

·         Handshake, Ohio State’s intuitive, easy-to-use job search system to help connect graduate and professional students with employers for full-time career opportunities.

·         Career Resources that all graduate and professional students have access to.

·         The Ohio State University Career and Internship Fair is a university-wide event that takes place over two days each fall, both in-person and virtual. The career fair will include new exciting opportunities to engage with diverse students across all graduate programs and career levels.  

You can learn more about what Student Life has to offer on our website ( studentlife.osu.edu ) or in our module in the Graduate School Online Orientation CarmenCourse.

Office of Student Life

Cost of Attendance

The Ohio State University defines "cost of attendance" as the total cost of attending school for one academic year, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses. This is most frequently referred to as a "COA." The Student Financial Aid Office calculates standard COAs annually.

The Student Financial Aid Office strongly recommends that students estimate their anticipated educational expenses each year by creating a personal budget . 

Students who are not considered Ohio residents do not benefit from the tuition subsidy funded by Ohio tax payers; however, they may apply for in-state residency if they meet any of the Ohio Board of Regents  guidelines . Typically, out-of-state students must reside in Ohio for twelve consecutive months before being eligible for in-state residency. For more information on applying for residency, please refer to the  Ohio Tuition for Residency webpage  for guidance and Registrar contact information.

For detailed information on the College of Dentistry's cost of attendance, please select the appropriate student status below

2024-2025 Ohio Resident Estimated Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees

Expense

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Base (Ohio Resident) Tuition

$45,493

$57,057

$57,057

$57,057

University Fees

$980

$1,201

$1,201

$1,201

Education Support Fee

$5,444

$5,983

$5,983

$5,983

Total ESTIMATED Ohio Resident Tuition and Fees

$51,917

$64,241

$64,241

$64,241

Academic Expenses

Expense

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Books, Supplies, Equipment

$5,820

$4,464

$1,134

$1,134

Certification Fees

N/A

N/A

N/A

$3,972

Total Academic Expenses

$5,820

$4,464

$1,134

$5,106

Living Expenses

Expense

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Living Expenses

$15,372

$20,240

$20,240

$20,240

Federal Student Loan Fees

$196

$294

$294

$294

Federal PLUS Loan Fees

$760

$760

$760

$760

Transportation

$696

$870

$870

$870

Miscellaneous Personal

$3,210

$4,494

$4,494

$4,494

Total Living Expenses

$20,234

$26,658

$26,658

$26,658

Total ESTIMATED Cost of Attendance

Resident Status

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Ohio Resident Total

$77,971

$95,363

$92,033

$96,005

2024-2025 Non-Ohio Resident Estimated Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees

Expense

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Base (Ohio Resident) Tuition

$45,493

$57,057

$57,057

$57,057

University Fees

$980

$1,201

$1,201

$1,201

Education Support Fee

$5,444

$5,983

$5,983

$5,983

Non-Ohio Resident Surcharge

$51,621

$67,546

$67,546

$67,546

Total Non-Resident Tuition and Fees

$103,538

$131,787

$131,787

$131,787

Total ESTIMATED Cost of Attendance

Resident Status

D1 (9 months)

D2 (12 months)

D3 (12 months)

D4 (12 months)

Non-Ohio Resident Total

$129,592

$162,909

$159,579

$163,551

Living Expenses  - The budgeted amounts for living expenses are standard for all graduate and professional students at The Ohio State University.  

Health Insurance  - All students at The Ohio State University are required to have health insurance; however, this is not included in the standard cost of attendance, as the plan and responsible party varies for each student. More information about the University's health insurance plans is available on the  Student Health Insurance Office's website .

Loupes Eyewear  - First year dental students are not required to purchase specialized eyewear, but may find it helpful during the course of their education. Since it is not a requirement, it is not included in the standard cost of attendance. 

If you have questions about budgeted amounts or about how to obtain financial aid to fund an expense, please  contact Financial Aid . 

Creating a Personal Budget

When creating a personal budget, it is important to understand how the Ohio State cost of attendance (COA) is built and how your spending choices influence the amount of financial aid you need. The Ohio State COA is comprised of two different types of expenses: direct expenses and indirect expenses.

  • Direct Expenses are those which are paid to the college, such as  tuition and fees . The student does not control or influence these.
  • Indirect Expenses are those which the student incurs due to attending a specific program, such as books, supplies, and living expenses, but are not charged directly by the University.  Students have a lot of control over these expenses based on their personal lifestyles.

Living expenses are highly influenced by the lifestyle with which you feel comfortable funding.  Ask yourself some questions:  Do you want to have a roommate or live alone?  Would you rather commute or live close to campus?  Will you need to purchase the University's health insurance, or will you be covered on an outside plan? You must compare your needs and wishes with how much you are willing to finance.

If you have questions about completing a personal spending plan or determine that your expenses are greater than what Ohio State has determined in the standard Cost of Attendance, please contact  Financial Aid .

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Columbus data breach: important information for ohio state employees.

On July 18, the city of Columbus experienced a significant data breach that compromised a wide range of sensitive information, including names, addresses, driver’s license information, Social Security numbers and/or financial data of city employees, visitors and other affiliates. In response, municipal systems and services were immediately taken offline to contain the exposure and limit further damage. However, as of August 20, investigators have not fully recovered all compromised data, leaving some uncertainty regarding the overall impact of the breach.

As the situation unfolds, it is important to recognize that while the breach itself may be beyond control, the response to it is not. Read on to learn about proactive measures to protect Ohio State data from ransomware or other cyberattacks and how to safeguard your information from identity theft.

Protect Yourself and Ohio State from Cyberattacks

The Columbus data breach underscores the critical importance of data security, retention policies and proper data purging practices. Just as preventive measures like regular physicals and exercise maintain physical health, cyber hygiene best practices are essential for digital well-being. Below are some steps you can take today to help protect your information and the university’s institutional data from cyberattacks.

Learn to Spot Phishing Attempts

Learning how to identify and avoid falling for a phishing attempt is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting personal and institutional data. Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers use email, phone calls or text messages to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. Scammers will often send malicious links or attachments that can infect your computer with malware or will bring you to a legitimate-looking webpage in an attempt to steal your log-in credentials.

If you ever suspect an email to be a phishing attempt, please report it immediately by clicking the "Report Phishing" button in Outlook or forward the message to [email protected] .

Phishing attempts targeting your university credentials that come through text message or phone calls should be reported to the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation’s Digital Security and Trust (DST) team at [email protected] .

Data Security and the Importance of Backups

It is critical to adhere to university protocols for data security to shield information from potential cyber threats. Employees are encouraged to review the university's Institutional Data Policy to understand the best practices for securing university data.

In addition to properly securing data, backing up data acts as an insurance policy for your essential files and serves as a defense against cyber threats. In the event that your files are compromised, having backups enables you to restore your data without acquiescing to ransom demands or forfeiting the data.

If you have questions on securing institutional data, reach out to your unit’s Security Coordinator or the DST team at [email protected] .

Records Retention

Proper records retention is a crucial component of data security and plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of data breaches. The City of Columbus had 20 years’ worth of visitor log data stolen and leaked. Based on recommended retention from the State Archives of Ohio, they only needed to retain this data for one year. This means an additional 19 years’ worth of personal information, that the City should no longer have had, was leaked.

By following university data retention and destruction policies, you can minimize the amount of data that can be compromised or exposed in the event of a cyberattack.

Learn more about the university’s data retention schedule and how to destroy records that are no longer needed on the University Libraries’ Records Management website .

Employees can also gain knowledge on records retention by enrolling in the “Bits and Bytes: Best Practices and Practical Tips for Managing Electronic Records and Email at OSU” course on BuckeyeLearn. The upcoming live session of this course is scheduled for September 25, and registration can be completed by looking up the course title in BuckeyeLearn.

Learn to be Cyber-Secure on C4U

For further education on cybersecurity best practices, the Cybersecurity For You awareness platform offers valuable resources on topics such as social engineering , phishing , phishing consequences , password breaches and password management .

Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

To protect yourself from identity theft, the following best practices are recommended:

  • Limit Data Sharing : Be selective about sharing personal data with businesses and organizations.
  • Caution with Phone Numbers : Exercise care when sharing mobile phone numbers and safeguard personal documents.
  • Inquire Before Sharing SSNs : Always verify the need before sharing Social Security Numbers.
  • Beware of Scammers : Protect information from online and phone scammers.
  • Review Bills and Bank Statements : Regularly check bills and bank statements for any discrepancies or suspicious activity.
  • Monitor Credit Reports : Obtain and review credit reports periodically.
  • Use Strong Passwords : Create unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to track and help you generate strong passwords.
  • Delete Unused Accounts : Remove unused user accounts whenever possible.

Employees are encouraged to monitor any suspicious activity related to their personal information. The FTC Identity Theft Checklist is recommended as a step-by-step guide for responding to potential identity theft.

For those who may be affected by the breach, either personally or through a family member, the university offers resources through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

  • EAP Overview
  • Phone: 800-678-6265
  • Online Access

The EAP portal also provides valuable articles and resources on recovering from identity theft, which may be particularly useful following this breach.

Thank you to University Libraries, who contributed content and information to this article.

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  1. Early Years of The Ohio State University Studies

    ohio state university personal essay

  2. The Ohio State University

    ohio state university personal essay

  3. Ohio State University Essay Prompt

    ohio state university personal essay

  4. The Ohio State University Assignment Writing Services

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  5. Writing a Strong Personal Statement for College: Tips and Ideas

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  6. Sample College Application Essay #5

    ohio state university personal essay

COMMENTS

  1. The Common Application

    The Common Application. First-year applicants to Ohio State's Columbus campus apply through the Common Application. Ohio State also requires completion of Ohio State-specific questions, which you'll find on the Common Application. Ohio State requires a personal statement essay in response to one of the prompts provided.

  2. Ohio State University

    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.

  3. PDF Undergraduate College Application Essays handout

    1. The general, comprehensive personal statement: The prompt for this type of essay often says something like "Describe yourself and explain why you want to be admitted to our school.". By asking very broad, general questions, these personal statements enable you to take a wide range of approaches in your essay. 2.

  4. Application information: Step-by-step

    Ohio State doesn't accept first-year applications for the summer term.) your complete application (the Common Application and ) by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 1 if you wish to be considered for most. meeting the November 1 deadline if you wish to be considered for. By meeting the early action deadline, you'll get an admission decision on either.

  5. How to Write the Ohio State University Essay 2021-2022

    Once you have an understanding of what the prompt and the program is looking for, you can start writing. Although there is no one perfect way to structure this essay, it might be helpful to follow this general format: Let's look at each section in more detail now. 1. Describe a memorable life experience.

  6. How to Get Into Ohio State University: Acceptance Rate & Strategies

    In the 2023-24 cycle, Ohio State did not offer any supplemental essay prompts. Therefore, the primary Common App essay takes on an even greater level of importance when applying to the university. CT Advice: With only one essay to complete for Ohio State University, applicants need to channel their efforts into the Common App essay of their choice.

  7. PDF Personal Statements

    1. The general, comprehensive personal statement: The prompt for this type of personal statement often says something like, "Write an essay that explains why you want to be a doctor." By asking very broad, general questions, these personal statements enable you to take a wide range of approaches in your essay. Many

  8. PDF Personal Statement Worksheet

    personal statement should not exceed 3 pages. Difference in Fields: The personal statement of a person applying to medical school will be completely different than the personal statement of a person applying to a doctoral English program. Before you submit your personal statement, you should consider having an advisor proofread it for content.

  9. MA-SLP Application Process

    Short Essays: We consider our short essays to be in lieu of a personal statement. A strong applicant's responses will fully address the essay question, demonstrate originality, and reflect strong writing skills. Less attention will be given to responses that simply list items from a resume. ... The Ohio State University.

  10. OSU Supplemental Essays

    Hi there! Writing standout supplemental essays for Ohio State University can be achieved by focusing on a few key aspects. Here are some tips to help you create essays that will make an impact: 1. Be yourself: Admissions officers are looking for genuine, personal insights into who you are. Don't be afraid to let your unique qualities and perspectives shine through in your essays!

  11. Conquering Ohio State University Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024

    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 ...

  12. 2024-2025 Ohio State

    OOS Secondary received. @wysdoc: Each essay has a 250 word limit The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to "improve people's lives" through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. Provide examples of factors contributing to health ...

  13. Ohio State University Admission Essays

    My Dream College: OSU (Ohio State University) 411 Words | 1 Page. This essay is about my dream college - OSU. I am indescribably awestruck with The Ohio State University (OSU). The first aspect of the university that caught my eye was its remarkable diversity. All of my life, I have attended public schools where the majority….

  14. The Common Application

    The Common Application. First-year applicants to Ohio State's Columbus campus must apply through the Common Application. Ohio State also requires completion of Ohio State-specific questions, which you'll find on the Common Application. Ohio State requires a personal statement essay in response to one of the prompts provided.

  15. Ohio State University Undergraduate College Application Essays

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  16. The Ohio State University Secondary Application

    The Ohio State University College of Medicine mission is to improve people's lives through innovation in research, education and patient care. The Ohio State University College of Medicine Vision: We share a common vision: to work as a team shaping the future of medicine by creating, disseminating and applying new knowledge and by ...

  17. Ohio State University (OSU) Secondary Essay Prompts

    All prompts have a 250 word limit. 1. The mission statement of The Ohio State University College of Medicine is to "improve people's lives" through innovation in research, medical education, and patient care. Please describe how your past experiences predict your potential to contribute in two of these three areas. 2.

  18. Ohio State Admission Requirements 2023

    The recommended SAT requirements for Ohio State are a 1260 to 1420 composite score, combining the reading and writing, and math sections together. You will need a very high SAT score in order to get into Ohio State. If your SAT is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your other standardized tests ...

  19. Apply

    Apply. From applicant to admitted Buckeye, here's the admission information to know. All applicants follow the same basic steps to apply to Ohio State (although there are variations for transfer and international students). To get started, select your applicant type.

  20. Writing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School

    The conclusion is the last paragraph of the personal statement. State why you are interested in studying the subject of interest. State the key points mentioned in the body, such as your experiences or accomplishments that explain your interest in the subject. State it in a conclusive and brief manner. End on a positive note with one or two ...

  21. Potential

    GradeSaver provides access to 2365 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11012 literature essays, 2781 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, "Members Only" section of the site!

  22. Ohio University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    500 Words. 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 ...

  23. Personal Statements

    Graduate school and special programs often require a personal statement. The stakes are high, so here are some strategies for writing a strong one. ... The Purdue Online Writing Lab has some sample essays, advice, and some comments from admissions committee members: ... ©2024 Cleveland State University | 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 ...

  24. Your Student Life: Support for Graduate and Professional Students

    The Student Advocacy Center is committed to helping students navigate Ohio State's structure and to resolving issues that they encounter at the university. Student Advocacy is available to help graduate and professional students with a range of issues, including academics and enrollment, financial support, health and personal crises and more.

  25. Cost of Attendance

    The Ohio State University defines "cost of attendance" as the total cost of attending school for one academic year, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and living expenses. ... When creating a personal budget, it is important to understand how the Ohio State cost of attendance (COA) is built and how your spending choices influence ...

  26. Daniel Henwood Rodriguez

    Personal. Son of Timothy Henwood and Beatriz Rodriguez; Has two siblings, Michelle and Isabel; Played three sports, volleyball, basketball and baseball, at Colegio San Ignacio High School in San Juan, Puerto Rico

  27. Columbus Data Breach: Important Information for Ohio State Employees

    The City of Columbus had 20 years' worth of visitor log data stolen and leaked. Based on recommended retention from the State Archives of Ohio, they only needed to retain this data for one year. This means an additional 19 years' worth of personal information, that the City should no longer have had, was leaked.