CollegeVine College Essay Team December 9, 2024 12 Essay Breakdowns,Essay Guides 2024-25

How to Write the UNC Greensboro Essays 2024-2025

UNC Greensboro has an optional supplemental essay this year. We strongly encourage you to respond, to give the admissions committee a chance to know a little bit more about you, and a mark of how serious you are about UNC Greensboro. Read on for the best way to respond to this supplemental essay. 

UNC Greensboro Essay Prompts

All Applicants, Optional

Understanding the Prompt

Option A is a Diversity prompt that asks you to reflect on a meaningful event, experience, or accomplishment in your life and explain how it will impact your college experience and contributions to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Specifically, it encourages you to think about how this event ties into themes like student responsibility, academic integrity, campus citizenship, or service.

The admissions committee wants to know:

• How have your past experiences shaped your character?
• How will you bring these qualities and lessons into the UNCG community?
• How will you contribute to the culture of responsibility, integrity, and service on campus?

Brainstorming Questions

To help you brainstorm, consider the following questions:

• What experience in your life has changed how you view responsibility or citizenship?
• Is there an accomplishment that required you to show leadership, integrity, or service?
• Have you ever been part of a community that emphasized giving back or supporting others? How did that shape your values?
• Was there a moment when you realized the importance of academic honesty or student responsibility?
• How have these experiences inspired you to contribute meaningfully to a college campus?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Focus on one significant event, experience, or accomplishment that had a meaningful impact on your life.
• Reflect deeply on your personal growth—what did you learn from this experience, and how has it shaped your values?
• Connect your experience to college life—show how the lessons you learned will influence your academic and personal contributions to UNCG.
• Emphasize themes like student responsibility, integrity, service, or citizenship—UNCG values these qualities, so make sure your story relates to these ideas.
• Be specific—use concrete details to bring your story to life, rather than speaking in generalities.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• A student who led a peer tutoring program in high school: After noticing a gap in academic support for struggling students, they started a peer tutoring club. The experience taught them about responsibility, teamwork, and academic integrity. They can discuss how they plan to start a similar program at UNCG, contributing to campus citizenship by helping others succeed academically.

• A student who organized a community service project for hurricane relief: After their hometown was impacted by a hurricane, they led an effort to provide resources to affected families. This experience gave them a sense of responsibility and a drive to serve others. They could connect this to UNCG by discussing their desire to join or lead service initiatives on campus.

• A student who experienced an academic integrity challenge: They faced a tough decision when they discovered a peer cheating in a class. Their choice to report the incident despite the social pressure reinforced their commitment to honesty. This student could explain how this moment will shape their dedication to academic integrity at UNCG.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too broad: Don’t try to cover multiple experiences; focus on one meaningful event or accomplishment.
• Ignoring the connection to UNCG: Make sure you clearly explain how your experience will impact your contributions to the university.
• Being overly self-centered: While the prompt asks about your experiences, show how they will lead to positive contributions to the larger community at UNCG.
• Writing a résumé-style essay: Avoid listing achievements without reflecting deeply on their meaning and impact on your values.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

In 10th grade, I noticed that several of my classmates were falling behind in math, particularly those who couldn’t afford private tutoring. I felt responsible to do something, so I started a peer tutoring club. I gathered a group of students who were strong in different subjects, and we offered free after-school sessions. As the leader, I learned the importance of academic integrity—not just in my own work, but in encouraging others to take their education seriously.

This experience also deepened my sense of campus citizenship. By helping my peers, I saw how a small initiative could make a big impact. At UNCG, I’m excited to bring this spirit of academic responsibility and community support to campus. I plan to join or start a peer mentoring program that fosters collaboration and upholds academic honesty. I want to contribute to a campus culture where students feel responsible for both their own success and the success of those around them.

Through my experience, I’ve learned that being part of a community means showing up for others and holding yourself to high ethical standards. These are values I will carry with me to UNCG.

Why this is a good example:

• The student focuses on one clear experience (starting a peer tutoring club).
• They reflect on how this event shaped their understanding of academic integrity and responsibility.
• They connect this experience directly to their future contributions to UNCG, showing how they will apply these lessons on campus.

Bad Example

An accomplishment that shaped me is being on the honor roll all four years of high school. It taught me to work hard and maintain good grades, which is important in college. I was also involved in several clubs and always tried to be a responsible student.

At UNCG, I plan to keep up this hard work and be a good student. I will join clubs and help out around campus, doing whatever I can to make a difference. I will also make sure to stay responsible and act with integrity, just like I have throughout high school.

Why this is a bad example:

• The focus is too broad and vague, with no specific story or event.
• The student doesn’t deeply reflect on how their experience impacted their values.
• There is little connection between the experience and their future contributions to UNCG.
• The writing is generic, lacking vivid detail and storytelling.

Understanding the Prompt

Option B is a Why This Major prompt that asks you why you’ve chosen your academic major and how you plan to use your degree. The admissions committee is looking for insight into your academic and professional ambitions. They want to see that you’ve thought deeply about your major and that you have a clear plan for using it in your future career.

Brainstorming Questions

To help you brainstorm, consider the following questions:

• What sparked your interest in this major? Was it a class, a personal experience, or a particular project?
• How does this major align with your strengths and passions?
• What career path do you envision after graduation? How will your degree help you get there?
• Have you had any internships, projects, or experiences related to your major that confirmed your interest?
• Are there specific aspects of your major that excite you? (For example, certain research areas, classes, or hands-on opportunities)
• How will this major help you contribute to society or make an impact in your chosen field?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Tell a clear story about why you chose this major, with specific details about your inspiration and interest.
• Link your academic interests to your career goals by showing how your major will provide the knowledge and skills you need.
• Demonstrate passion for your chosen field through enthusiasm and a deep understanding of what excites you about the subject.
• Include concrete examples of experiences (internships, classes, projects, etc.) that confirm your interest and direction.
• Show how your degree will prepare you for a specific career or impact, whether in a particular industry, field of study, or community.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• A Biology major aiming for a career in medical research: This student could describe their fascination with genetics after a high school biology class. They could discuss a summer research internship that solidified their desire to study Biology and explain how they plan to use their degree to pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to cancer research.
• A Business major who wants to start their own tech company: This student might talk about their love for entrepreneurship, inspired by a family business. They could explain how studying Business with a focus on entrepreneurship will equip them with the skills to develop a sustainable and innovative tech company that addresses environmental issues.
• A Psychology major interested in mental health advocacy: This student might have been inspired by personal experiences with mental health challenges or volunteer work with a mental health organization. They could explain how they plan to use their degree to become a licensed counselor, focusing on underserved communities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague reasoning: Don’t simply say, “I’m interested in this major because it’s a good fit for my skills.” Be specific about what excites you about the field.
• Ignoring career goals: Make sure you explain how your degree will help you meet your long-term goals.
• Listing interests without reflection: Don’t just mention classes or experiences—reflect on how they confirmed your interest and influenced your decision.
• Being too general: Avoid broad statements like “I want to help people” without explaining how your major will allow you to do that.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

My fascination with the natural world began during a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park. I was mesmerized by the intricate ecosystems, and as I learned more, I became particularly captivated by conservation efforts. In high school, my passion for environmental science deepened after I took AP Environmental Science and volunteered with a local organization that worked to restore wetlands. These experiences solidified my decision to pursue a major in Environmental Studies.

At UNCG, I am eager to dive deeper into the complexities of ecosystem management and climate science. I’m particularly excited about courses like Conservation Biology and Environmental Policy, which will equip me with the tools to understand both the scientific and political sides of conservation. I also plan to participate in research opportunities that focus on sustainable land management and intern with local environmental agencies to gain hands-on experience.

My long-term goal is to work for a nonprofit or government organization dedicated to environmental conservation. I hope to use my degree to create sustainable solutions that address climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems. UNCG’s emphasis on community engagement and sustainability will provide me with the skills and network I need to become an advocate for the environment.

Why this is a good example:

• The student tells a clear and personal story about what inspired their interest in environmental studies.
• They mention specific classes and opportunities at UNCG that will help them meet their goals.
• They have a defined career path and explain how their degree will help them achieve it.

Bad Example

I’ve always been interested in science, so I decided to major in Biology. Science is a subject I’ve always done well in, and it opens up a lot of career options. I also think a Biology major will help me get into medical school, which is my long-term goal. I am excited to take classes at UNCG and learn more about biology.

After I graduate, I hope to become a doctor. This degree will give me the foundation I need to succeed in medical school and eventually help people through my work as a physician. Biology is a very versatile major, so I know it will prepare me for a variety of career paths.

Why this is a bad example:

• The student gives a vague explanation of their interest in Biology without any personal connection or story.
• There’s no mention of specific experiences that confirmed their interest or solidified their decision.
• The student’s career goals are generic (“I hope to become a doctor”) with no details about how they plan to use their degree or what excites them about the field.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt asks you to reflect on what global citizenship means to you and how you plan to become a global citizen through your studies and future career. How will your education and career help you contribute to the broader global community and what does it mean to be aware of and engaged with the world beyond your immediate community?

The admissions committee wants to see that you’re thinking about your role in the world and how you plan to make a positive impact beyond your local environment. They also want to understand how you’ll use your education to engage with global issues.

Brainstorming Questions

To help you brainstorm, consider the following questions:

• How do you define global citizenship? Does it mean cultural awareness, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, or something else?
• Have you had any experiences that exposed you to other cultures or global issues?
• What global challenges are you passionate about addressing, such as climate change, human rights, or economic inequality?
• How will your chosen field of study prepare you to engage with these global issues?
• How do you envision your future career making a difference on a global scale?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Clearly define global citizenship from your perspective, providing specific examples or values that are important to you.
• Connect your studies to global engagement by explaining how your major and academic interests will prepare you to become a global citizen.
• Explain how your career will have a global impact by identifying the specific ways you want to contribute to global challenges or communities.
• Show passion for making a difference in the world, whether through cultural understanding, addressing global issues, or fostering collaboration between nations.
• Be specific—use concrete examples of how you’ve already started thinking globally or engaging with other cultures, and how you’ll build on this at college and in your career.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• An International Relations major aiming to work in global diplomacy: This student could describe their belief that global citizenship means working toward peace and understanding across cultures. They might discuss how their studies in international relations will equip them to mediate conflicts and foster cooperation between nations.
• A Business major interested in sustainable development: This student believes that global citizenship involves addressing global economic inequality and promoting sustainability. They could discuss how studying business will allow them to develop sustainable economic models that benefit both local and global communities, focusing on ethical business practices.
• A Biology major passionate about global health: This student sees global citizenship as the responsibility to improve public health on a global scale. They might explain how their studies will prepare them to work for organizations like the World Health Organization, where they can address health disparities in developing nations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving a vague definition of global citizenship: Avoid broad statements like “Global citizenship means caring about the world.” Be specific about what it means to you.
• Not connecting your studies and career to global issues: Make sure you explain how your education and future career will prepare you to engage with global challenges.
• Ignoring your personal experiences: If you have any relevant experiences that shaped your view of global citizenship, mention them.
• Focusing only on travel: Global citizenship is more than just traveling or learning languages. Focus on the deeper values and responsibilities involved.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“To me, global citizenship means recognizing that we are all interconnected, and that our choices—whether social, environmental, or economic—affect people around the world. I first became aware of this through my family’s international background; my mother grew up in South Africa, and my father is from Brazil. Hearing their stories about life in different countries sparked my interest in how global systems work and how they can be improved.

I believe that being a global citizen means taking responsibility for the impact I have on the world, and actively working to make that impact positive. That’s why I’ve chosen to study Environmental Science with a focus on sustainable development. The more I’ve learned about climate change and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, the more committed I’ve become to finding solutions that address both environmental and social challenges.

At UNCG, I’m excited to take courses like Global Sustainability and Environmental Policy, which will provide me with a deeper understanding of how environmental issues intersect with global inequalities. Through internships with international environmental organizations, I hope to gain practical experience addressing these challenges on a global scale.

In my future career, I envision working for a nonprofit or international organization that promotes environmental sustainability in developing countries. I want to contribute to a world where all communities have access to clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By working toward environmental justice, I believe I can fulfill my role as a global citizen—someone who is aware of the world’s interconnectedness and committed to creating positive change for all.”

Why this is a good example:

• The student gives a clear and personal definition of global citizenship, rooted in their international background and interest in environmental issues.
• They connect their academic studies to global challenges, specifically climate change and inequality.
• The student has a clear career goal related to global sustainability and explains how they plan to make a difference on a global scale.

Bad Example

“To me, global citizenship means being aware of the world around you and respecting different cultures. I first realized this during a family trip to Europe, where I experienced different ways of life and learned about other cultures. It made me realize how diverse the world is and how important it is to be open-minded.

In college, I plan to take classes that will help me learn more about different cultures and global issues. I also want to study abroad so I can experience new places and meet people from all over the world.

In the future, I hope to have a career where I can travel a lot and work with people from different countries. I think it’s important to have a global perspective, no matter what you do.”

Why this is a bad example:

• The student gives a vague definition of global citizenship, focusing only on travel and cultural awareness without any deeper reflection.
• They don’t connect their studies or career to global challenges or explain how they plan to make a meaningful impact.
• The career goal is unclear and focuses more on personal travel than on making a difference in the world.

Where to Get Your UNC Greensboro Essay Edited for Free

Are you looking for feedback on your UNC Greensboro essays? Rereading multiple essays many times can make it difficult to be an objective editor of your own writing. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool, where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills and help others out by reviewing other students’ essays!

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