How to Write the Marquette University Essays 2024-2025
Marquette University requires essay responses for a few of their programs. All of them fall into the why this major type essay, so make sure to write them if you are applying for one of these programs.
Marquette University Essay Prompts
Accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy Applicants
Prompt: If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
Accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy Applicants
Prompt: If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
5-year Master of Athletic Training Applicants
Prompt: If you wish to be considered for the Master of Athletic Training program, please share why you are interested in athletic training as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
Accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy Applicants Prompt
If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
This prompt is a classic “Why This Major” essay. The admissions committee will look for a combination of personal reflection, relevant experiences, and a clear commitment to the field.
Understanding the Prompt
You need to:
- Explain your interest in physical therapy: Why do you want to become a physical therapist specifically? What excites you about the profession?
- Share the experiences that have led to your interest: This could include personal experiences with PT (either as a patient or through observing others), work experience, volunteering, or even research that shaped your understanding of the profession.
Your response should provide insight into both your personal connection to physical therapy and your professional aspirations.
Brainstorming Questions
- When did you first become interested in physical therapy? Was there a specific event, experience, or injury that sparked your interest?
- What personal experiences have you had with physical therapy? Have you or a family member gone through physical therapy? Did this give you a deeper understanding of its impact?
- Have you had any formal experiences in the field? Think about shadowing physical therapists, internships, volunteering, or working with patients in any capacity.
- Why are you drawn to PT over other healthcare professions? What about physical therapy specifically appeals to you? Do you enjoy the direct patient interaction, problem-solving, or the ability to help people regain independence?
- What do you hope to accomplish as a physical therapist? What kind of impact do you want to have on your future patients and the field?
What Makes a Good Response?
- A clear and personal reason for choosing physical therapy. Make sure you explain why you’re interested in this field specifically, beyond just wanting to help people.
- Relevant experiences that show your understanding of the profession. Whether you’ve been a patient, volunteered at a clinic, or shadowed a physical therapist, your experiences should demonstrate that you know what the job entails and that you’re committed to it.
- Personal reflection on those experiences. Don’t just describe what you did—explain what you learned and how it solidified your interest in PT.
- Concrete goals for your future career. Show that you’ve thought about how you’ll use your PT degree to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- A student who was inspired by volunteering at a rehab center. This student volunteered at a local rehabilitation center where they interacted with stroke survivors. Seeing the PTs work closely with patients over the long term, the student realized they wanted a career that combined medicine, movement, and empathy. They have since pursued internships and shadowing opportunities to learn more about the technical aspects of the field.
- A student interested in pediatric physical therapy. This student worked as a camp counselor for children with disabilities and was moved by how physical therapy helped the children improve their mobility and independence. They’ve shadowed pediatric PTs and are passionate about making a difference in young children’s lives through therapy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague about your interest. Simply saying, “I want to help people” isn’t enough. Be specific about what aspects of physical therapy appeal to you.
- Focusing only on the science without the personal connection. While PT is a healthcare profession rooted in science, the human connection is just as important. Balance your essay by discussing both the clinical side and the patient interaction side of PT.
- Writing a generic essay that could apply to any healthcare profession. Make sure your response focuses on physical therapy and why it’s the right field for you, rather than medicine or nursing.
- Listing experiences without reflection. Don’t just describe what you did; explain what those experiences taught you and how they shaped your interest in PT.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example:
“I still remember the first time I walked again without pain. Two months after tearing my ACL during a high school soccer game, I feared that I would never return to the field. But my physical therapist was determined to help me regain not only my strength but also my confidence. Over the course of six months, I learned more than just exercises—I learned how movement could heal. My experience in physical therapy sparked my interest in the field, and after shadowing my therapist and volunteering at a rehab center, I became fascinated by the way PTs blend science, empathy, and creativity. I want to help others regain their independence, just like my therapist helped me. My goal is to work in sports rehabilitation, giving athletes the tools they need to recover, rebuild, and return to the activities they love.”
Why it works:
- The student tells a personal story that directly led to their interest in PT.
- They reflect on what they learned from the experience and how it shaped their understanding of physical therapy.
- The student has clear goals for the future and a strong connection to the profession.
Bad Example:
“I have always been interested in healthcare because I enjoy helping people. Physical therapy seems like a rewarding career because it allows you to work with patients one-on-one. I want to be a physical therapist because I believe it is a field where I can make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been good at science, and physical therapy combines my interest in science and helping others.”
Why it doesn’t work:
- The student’s interest in PT is too generic and could apply to any healthcare profession.
- There is no personal story or specific experiences that illustrate why they want to pursue PT.
- The essay lacks depth and doesn’t show a real understanding of what the field involves.
Accelerated Doctor of Occupational Therapy Applicants Prompt
If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please share why you are interested in occupational therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
Understanding the Prompt
Marquette University wants to know:
- Why you’re interested in occupational therapy as a profession.
- What experiences have shaped and inspired your interest in OT.
This essay is one again a version of the “Why this Major?” essay. It should focus on both your passion for OT and your understanding of the profession, backed by personal experiences that have led you to this path.
Brainstorming Questions
- When did you first become interested in occupational therapy? Was there a specific event or experience that inspired you to pursue OT?
- Have you had personal experiences with occupational therapy? Perhaps a family member or friend benefited from OT, or maybe you’ve been involved in OT yourself.
- Have you shadowed or worked with an occupational therapist? Think about volunteer experiences, internships, or professional opportunities where you observed or participated in OT practices.
- Why are you drawn to occupational therapy rather than other healthcare professions? Is it the holistic nature of OT, the focus on patient-centered care, or the chance to help people with daily living tasks?
- What do you hope to accomplish as an occupational therapist? Consider how you want to impact the lives of future patients or what specific population you want to work with.
What Makes a Good Response?
- A clear passion for occupational therapy: Explain why OT specifically resonates with you. Highlight how OT’s focus on helping people improve their quality of life through meaningful activities aligns with your interests.
- Personal and relevant experiences: Whether you’ve volunteered with OT patients, had firsthand experience with OT, or shadowed an OT professional, be sure to include specific anecdotes. Discuss how those experiences confirmed your desire to pursue this profession.
- Reflection on those experiences: Don’t just list your experiences—explain how they shaped your understanding of OT and why they inspired you.
- Concrete goals for the future: Show that you have thought about how you’ll use your OT degree to help people, whether it’s working with children, veterans, the elderly, or another specific group.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- A student who volunteered at a nursing home. While volunteering at a nursing home, this student witnessed how occupational therapists helped elderly residents regain strength and coordination to perform daily activities like cooking or using a walker. The student was moved by how OT helped improve the residents’ quality of life and realized that they wanted a career that focused on practical, meaningful changes for people.
- A student interested in mental health and rehabilitation. This student volunteered at a community center that provided services for individuals recovering from mental illness. They observed occupational therapists helping clients build routines and reintegrate into society. Fascinated by the role of OT in mental health, this student hopes to specialize in psychiatric occupational therapy, helping clients improve their coping skills and regain independence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague about why you chose OT. Avoid generic statements like “I want to help people.” Instead, focus on specific reasons you are drawn to OT’s unique approach to healthcare.
- Listing experiences without reflection. Describing your experiences isn’t enough; you need to explain what those experiences taught you and how they confirmed your interest in OT.
- Focusing too much on other healthcare professions. Make sure your essay is about why OT is the right fit for you, not why healthcare in general is appealing.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example:
“I first learned about occupational therapy when my grandmother had a stroke. Watching her struggle with tasks as simple as brushing her teeth or using a spoon was heartbreaking, but her occupational therapist gave her back the ability to do those things independently. I began researching OT and was fascinated by how therapists use everyday activities to help people regain their independence. I started volunteering at a local rehab clinic, where I observed OTs working with patients recovering from injuries and surgeries. What struck me most was the creativity required to tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. I knew I wanted to be part of a field that empowers people to live more fulfilling lives by focusing on what matters most to them. My goal is to work in neurological rehabilitation, helping stroke survivors and others regain their ability to perform the activities that give them meaning.”
Why it works:
- The student shares a personal, emotional story that introduced them to OT.
- They reflect on how shadowing and volunteering solidified their interest.
- The student has clear goals for their future career, specifically in neurological rehabilitation.
Bad Example:
“I have always been interested in healthcare and knew I wanted a career that involved helping people. Occupational therapy seems like a great profession because it allows you to work directly with patients and improve their quality of life. I have shadowed physical therapists and learned a lot about how therapy works, and I think OT will be a rewarding career for me. I look forward to pursuing this path and helping others in my community.”
Why it doesn’t work:
- The essay is too vague and doesn’t explain why the student chose OT specifically.
- It lacks personal experiences that connect the student to the profession.
- The goals are unclear and generic, and the essay could apply to many other healthcare professions.
By focusing on personal experiences, demonstrating your understanding of OT, and highlighting your passion for the field, you can write a strong essay that showcases your genuine commitment to occupational therapy.
5-year Master of Athletic Training Applicants Prompt
If you wish to be considered for the Master of Athletic Training program, please share why you are interested in athletic training as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. (length not provided)
This prompt is asking for a “Why This Major” essay, specifically focused on athletic training. Marquette University wants to know your motivations for pursuing athletic training, and they expect you to share experiences that have shaped your interest in this field.
Understanding the Prompt
You need to:
- Explain why you are interested in athletic training: What draws you to this profession? What aspects of athletic training excite you?
- Share your relevant experiences: Detail any experiences that led you to this path. This could include personal injuries, shadowing athletic trainers, participating in sports, or working with athletes in some capacity.
Brainstorming Questions
- When did you first become interested in athletic training? Was there a specific event or injury that led you to this career?
- Have you had personal experiences with athletic training? Have you received athletic training yourself or worked with athletic trainers during a sport?
- Have you shadowed or worked with athletic trainers? Think about internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities where you observed athletic trainers in action.
- Why are you drawn to athletic training over other healthcare fields? What specifically excites you about helping athletes prevent or recover from injuries?
- What skills or attributes do you bring to the field? Consider qualities like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, or empathy that make you a good fit for athletic training.
What Makes a Good Response?
- A clear reason for pursuing athletic training: You should explain why athletic training is the right profession for you. What about this field excites or inspires you?
- Relevant, personal experiences that demonstrate your commitment: Whether you’ve been treated by an athletic trainer, worked alongside one, or been involved in sports, your essay should feature specific examples of how these experiences led to your decision.
- Reflection on those experiences: Don’t just describe what happened—explain how those experiences shaped your understanding of the field and deepened your passion for it.
- A clear vision of your future in athletic training: Show that you’ve thought about how you’ll use your athletic training degree to help athletes recover and perform better. You could mention working with a specific type of athlete or within a certain field, like collegiate or professional sports.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- A student who volunteered as a student athletic trainer for the football team. After suffering a minor injury in track, this student became interested in injury prevention and rehabilitation. They volunteered as a student trainer, learning how to tape ankles, stretch out players, and monitor injury recovery. They found joy in helping teammates return to the field and developed a passion for understanding the body’s biomechanics. Now, they hope to pursue a career in athletic training to help athletes stay healthy and perform at their best.
- A student passionate about sports medicine who interned at a sports clinic. This student always had an interest in medicine and sports but wasn’t sure how to combine the two. After interning at a local sports medicine clinic, they realized athletic training was the perfect blend of their passions. They worked alongside trainers and physical therapists to develop injury prevention programs for high school athletes. Now, they want to focus on athletic training to help athletes avoid injuries before they happen and assist in rehabilitation when they do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague about your interest. Saying “I want to help athletes” without specifying why or how you plan to do so isn’t enough. Be specific about what aspects of athletic training excite you and why.
- Focusing too much on personal injuries without connecting them to your goals. If you’ve experienced an injury, don’t make the essay all about your recovery. Instead, focus on how the experience shaped your understanding of athletic training and inspired you to pursue it.
- Listing experiences without reflection. Don’t just mention shadowing or volunteering—explain what you learned from these experiences and how they confirmed your interest in athletic training.
- Generalizing about athletic training. Avoid writing about the field in overly broad terms. Instead of simply stating that athletic training is important, describe why it matters to you personally.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example:
“As a high school soccer player, my season came to a sudden halt when I tore my ACL during a game. The pain was overwhelming, but what scared me most was the thought that I might never play again. My athletic trainer, however, not only guided me through the recovery process but also reassured me that I would return to the field stronger than before. Over the next year, I worked closely with my trainer, learning about muscle recovery, joint stability, and injury prevention. Inspired by the impact athletic training had on my life, I started shadowing our school’s trainer, where I helped with everything from taping ankles to designing rehab exercises for other injured athletes. I fell in love with the science behind rehabilitation and the close relationships trainers develop with athletes. Now, I hope to pursue a career in athletic training so I can help others recover and regain their confidence, just as my trainer did for me.”
Why it works:
- The student shares a personal story that introduced them to athletic training and highlights the emotional and physical impact of their injury.
- They reflect on their shadowing experience and explain how it confirmed their interest in the field.
- The student has a clear career goal of helping athletes recover and regain confidence.
Bad Example:
“I have always loved sports and want to pursue a career in athletic training because it seems like a rewarding field. I enjoy helping people, and athletic training will allow me to work with athletes to improve their performance and recover from injuries. I have shadowed a few athletic trainers and found their work interesting. I think I would enjoy this career because it combines my interests in sports and healthcare.”
Why it doesn’t work:
- The essay is too vague and doesn’t provide any personal experiences that shaped the student’s interest in athletic training.
- The language is generic (“I enjoy helping people,” “athletic training seems like a rewarding field”) and could apply to many different healthcare professions.
- There’s no reflection on the shadowing experience, and the student’s goals are not well-defined.
By focusing on personal stories, demonstrating a clear understanding of athletic training, and reflecting on your experiences, you can craft a strong essay that showcases your passion and commitment to this field.
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