Crafting Your Harvard University Roommate Essay: Examples & Tips

How to Write the Harvard Supplemental Essays

The Harvard University supplemental essays are an important part of the application process, providing applicants the opportunity to share more about their background, interests, and goals. These essays give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are beyond just your test scores and grades. Discover tips and essay examples for crafting the perfect Harvard roommate essay examples. Learn from past applicants to stand out!

When approaching the Harvard supplemental essays, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind:

1. Authenticity: Harvard is looking for genuine, authentic responses that provide insight into your unique perspective and experiences. Avoid simply telling them what you think they want to hear.
2. Intellectual Curiosity: Harvard values intellectual engagement and curiosity. Your essays should demonstrate a love of learning and a desire to dive deep into academic subjects.
3. Contributions: Highlight how you will contribute to the Harvard community, both in and out of the classroom. Showcase your passions, unique talents, and plans for getting involved on campus.
4. Cohesion: While each essay should stand alone, try to create a cohesive narrative across your entire application that paints a holistic picture of who you are.

Harvard’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, Harvard has the following supplemental essay prompts:

1. Harvard Intellectual Experience (Required, 150 words): Briefly describe an intellectual experience (research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has deepened your curiosity.
2. Harvard Extracurricular Essay (Required, 150 words): Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities and employment experience.
3. Harvard Education Essay (Required, 150 words): How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
4. Harvard Books Essay (Optional): What books have you read during the last twelve months that you would recommend, and why?
5. Harvard Roommate Essay (Optional): What would you want your future college roommate to know about you?
6. Harvard Disagreement Essay (Optional): Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue.

Harvard Essay Example – Intellectual Experience

Here is a sample response to the “Harvard Intellectual Experience” prompt:

“My passion for biomedical engineering was ignited during a high school research project on regenerative medicine. I spent months investigating the latest advancements in stem cell therapies, 3D organ printing, and tissue engineering. Through this deep dive, I was amazed by the potential of these technologies to revolutionize human healthcare.

Witnessing the real-world impact of biomedical innovations solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field. I’m particularly fascinated by the ability of biomedical engineers to leverage interdisciplinary knowledge – pulling from biology, materials science, and computer science – to push the boundaries of what’s possible. At Harvard, I hope to build on my research experience and collaborate with peers and professors who share my drive to develop cutting-edge medical technologies that can improve and save lives.”

This essay effectively highlights the applicant’s intellectual curiosity, passion for biomedical engineering, and desire to continue exploring these interests at Harvard. It provides a specific example of a research project that sparked their enthusiasm, while also connecting their academic aspirations to real-world impact.

Harvard Extracurricular Essay Example

Here is a sample response to the “Harvard Extracurricular Essay” prompt:

“Throughout high school, I have been deeply involved with my school’s robotics team. As the captain for the past two years, I have led a team of 20 students in the design, build, and competition of our robot. This experience has allowed me to develop strong technical, leadership, and teamwork skills.

In addition to my work on the robot itself, I have also organized fundraising efforts to support our team’s participation in regional and national competitions. I’ve secured corporate sponsorships, written grant proposals, and coordinated logistics for bake sales and car washes. These entrepreneurial activities have given me valuable business and project management experience.

Beyond robotics, I have also volunteered weekly at a local soup kitchen, where I prepare and serve meals to community members in need. This has fostered my empathy and commitment to public service – qualities that I’m eager to further develop through Harvard’s robust network of student organizations and community engagement opportunities.”

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s key extracurricular involvement, highlighting their leadership experience, technical skills, entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to community service. It paints a well-rounded picture of the applicant’s interests and values.

Does Harvard require a personal statement?

No, Harvard does not require a traditional personal statement as part of their application. Instead, they use the supplemental essay prompts to learn more about applicants’ backgrounds, interests, and goals.

Using Your Harvard Education Essay

For the “How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?” prompt, the key is to strike a balance between your specific academic and professional aspirations, and how a Harvard education will uniquely position you to achieve those goals.

Here is a sample response:

“As a lifelong lover of literature, my dream is to one day become a professor of English and share my passion for the written word with new generations of students. Harvard’s unparalleled resources in the humanities, including its world-class faculty and extensive library collections, would provide the ideal environment for me to pursue advanced literary research and hone my teaching skills.

Ultimately, I hope to inspire others the way my own high school English teacher did for me – opening my eyes to the transformative power of books to broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and illuminate the human experience. With a Harvard education as my foundation, I know I would be equipped to make meaningful contributions to scholarship and pedagogy in my field, while also mentoring young people to think critically, communicate effectively, and find their own literary passions.”

This essay response clearly articulates the applicant’s specific goal of becoming an English professor, while also highlighting how Harvard’s unique academic offerings and community would prepare them for this aspiration. The personal anecdote about their inspiring high school teacher helps to convey their genuine passion and commitment.

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: Books Read During the Last Twelve Months

For the optional “Books Read” prompt, you have the opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and diverse reading habits. Select 2-3 books that you have read in the past year that were particularly meaningful or impactful for you. Discuss what you enjoyed about the books and how they have influenced your thinking or interests.

Remember to focus on quality over quantity – admissions officers are looking for depth of engagement, not just a long list of titles. Provide specific details about key themes, ideas, or lessons you took away from the books.

How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (150 words)

When responding to this prompt, it’s important to strike a balance between your specific academic and professional aspirations, and how a Harvard education will uniquely position you to achieve those goals.

Start by clearly articulating your long-term vision and career objectives. Then, explain how Harvard’s unparalleled resources, world-class faculty, and vibrant intellectual community would provide the ideal environment for you to pursue advanced study, research, and hands-on experiences in your field of interest.

You may also want to include a personal anecdote or example that illustrates your passion for your chosen area of study and your determination to make meaningful contributions. This can help to convey the authenticity of your ambitions.

Remember to keep your response concise and focused. The 150-word limit means you’ll need to be strategic in selecting the most compelling and relevant details to include.

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities and employment experience

For this prompt, you have the opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of your involvement outside the classroom. Rather than simply listing your activities, focus on highlighting 2-3 that have been most meaningful and formative for you.

Describe the specific roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments associated with each activity. What skills did you develop? How did these experiences shape your interests, values, or future goals?

Be sure to strike a balance between academic/intellectual pursuits and personal/community-oriented activities. This will help to paint a well-rounded picture of your passions and the unique perspective you would bring to the Harvard community.

As with the other supplemental essays, be concise and selective in the details you choose to include. The 150-word limit means you’ll need to be strategic about what you share.

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: What would you want your future college roommate to know about you?

This optional essay prompt gives you the chance to provide a more personal glimpse into who you are as an individual. Rather than focusing solely on your academic or extracurricular achievements, use this space to share something meaningful about your personality, interests, or life experiences.

Consider highlighting a unique hobby or passion, a formative moment that shaped your values, or an quirky habit or personality trait. The goal is to give your potential roommate (and the admissions committee) a sense of what it would be like to live with you and get to know you on a more personal level.

Be authentic and avoid overthinking this prompt. The admissions team is looking for a window into your character, not a polished, hyper-curated representation. Share something that genuinely reflects who you are.

Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue.

This prompt provides an opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to engage in respectful discourse, and capacity for self-reflection.

When responding, focus on describing a specific situation where you encountered a substantive disagreement. What were the key points of contention? How did you go about understanding the other person’s perspective and articulating your own position?

Ultimately, the admissions committee is less interested in who “won” the debate and more interested in seeing how you navigated the disagreement. Did you listen actively? Did you adjust your stance based on new information or arguments? How did you maintain composure and civility, even in the face of strong opposing views?

The most compelling responses will showcase your critical thinking abilities, emotional intelligence, and commitment to constructive dialogue – all valuable qualities for thriving in Harvard’s vibrant intellectual community.

An intellectual experience (research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry)

This prompt is designed to give you the opportunity to share a formative intellectual experience that has deepened your curiosity and shaped your academic interests.

When responding, focus on describing a specific research project, independent study, or other substantive intellectual pursuit that you have undertaken. What sparked your initial interest in the topic? What were the key questions you explored, and what did you discover through your investigation?

Be sure to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and the intellectual journey you embarked on. Discuss how this experience has influenced your academic and/or career goals, and how you hope to continue exploring these interests at Harvard.

The most compelling responses will not only showcase your intellectual abilities, but also your capacity for independent inquiry, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. Admissions officers want to see that you are the kind of student who will thrive in Harvard’s rigorous academic environment.

How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (150 words)

This prompt is asking you to reflect on the unique combination of personal experiences, identities, and perspectives that have contributed to your development as an individual. The goal is to highlight how these formative factors will enable you to enrich the Harvard community in distinctive ways.

When crafting your response, consider the following questions:

• What life experiences (personal, cultural, socioeconomic, etc.) have been most influential in shaping who you are?
• How have these experiences informed your worldview, values, and goals?
• What unique strengths, talents, or perspectives can you contribute to your future classmates and the broader Harvard community?

Be sure to strike a balance between discussing your personal background and identity, and conveying how these aspects of yourself will allow you to engage meaningfully with others and make valuable contributions. Admissions officers are looking for applicants who will not only benefit from a Harvard education, but also enhance the learning and growth of their peers.

Remember to stay concise and focused within the 150-word limit. Select the most salient and compelling details to paint a vivid picture of who you are and how you will thrive at Harvard.

What are some examples of topics I can write about?

When exploring college essay topics, consider your personal journey and experiences. For instance, if you’re applying to Harvard, you might reflect on how Harvard admissions officers value authenticity. While researching Harvard University essay examples, remember that writing your Harvard essay should showcase your unique perspective, not simply mirror someone else’s life.

In the college application process, students write about their passions, challenges, and aspirations. The Common App essay prompt asks you to delve into experiences that shaped your identity. Don’t worry if you’ve already written on similar topics; it’s all about finding the right angle. That’s not to say you should limit yourself; explore diverse themes.

As you brainstorm ideas, consider your educational journey and what you’ve learned. A compelling sample essay might discuss a significant project or your role as a “roommate” in a community. Remember, the word count matters, but it’s the depth of your insights that truly resonates with Harvard admissions and makes your application essays stand out.

Additionally, utilize an essay guide to navigate your writing process effectively. Whether you’re curating a college list or drafting your college applications, focus on authenticity and clarity. Ultimately, you’ll want to convey your story in a way that highlights your individuality and reflects your aspirations for an education at Harvard.

Harvard’s creative ‘letter to your roommate’ essay versus their less creative/more serious essays

Harvard’s creative “letter to your roommate” essay stands out among other application prompts, allowing students to write an essay that reflects their personality and values. While there’s no one right way to approach it, this format encourages students to also write about their core values in a relatable way, creating a better sense of who they are beyond the classroom.

In contrast, the less creative/more serious essays focus more on activities list and achievements, which can feel restrictive. Students would like to write about their experiences and how they’ve shaped their intended major. However, a successful Harvard application as a whole should balance both creative and serious elements to show their capacity for meaningful impact.

While the common app personal statement addresses academic goals, the roommate essay allows applicants to reflect on a time when they communicate or engage with others, such as sharing their favorite ice cream flavor or memories from model UN. This unique prompt is unique to Harvard, making it a strategic choice for those aiming for one of the most prestigious schools in the world.

Ultimately, both types of essays have their place in a competitive admissions process. Students won’t find a more captivating way to showcase their personality than in the roommate essay, making it far more important than it may initially seem. It’s a chance to bring their whole self to Harvard and highlight their role in shaping the vibrant student life they envision at their dream school.

Reflecting on My First-Year Dorm

Reflecting on my first-year dorm, I remember how my roommate and I navigated the challenges of being a student’s life at Harvard. If you’re looking to enhance your experience, bring to Harvard your passion for learning and exploration. An admissions consultant once told me that answering any questions about skills and knowledge can be crucial.

With a similar prompt, I recalled the top three things that shaped my year: building lasting friendships, engaging in research opportunities, and developing resilience in one of the most competitive environments. It was these experiences that truly enriched my journey.

The Introvert’s Guide to Harvard: Housing Day

For introverts, Housing Day at Harvard can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. As you prepare to meet your new roommate, remember that this is an opportunity for growth. You’re written a guide for making connections, even if small talk isn’t your strength. Embrace the excitement while staying true to your introverted nature, finding comfort in shared spaces.

While navigating the bustling atmosphere, consider how you can bond with your roommate through meaningful conversations. You’re writing your own story here, one that balances social interactions with personal reflection. Take it one step at a time, and find joy in the process of discovering new friendships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Crafting Your Harvard University Roommate Essay: Examples & Tips