CollegeVine College Essay Team December 6, 2024 19 Essay Breakdowns,Essay Guides 2024-25

How to Write the UNC Wilmington Essays 2024-2025

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Wilmington is a public university in Wilmington, North Carolina that emphasizes research. They have an Honors College as well that students can apply to. This year, UNC Wilmington has one supplemental essay prompt that is required for all students, and two prompts required only for Honors College applicants. Of the two Honors College essay prompts, one is required for all applicants and the second has three options, of which applicants need only choose one. Take a look at our breakdowns below to write your best essays!

UNC Wilmington Essay Prompts

This prompt falls under the “Diversity” essay archetype. It’s asking you to reflect on your unique identity, which could include aspects such as your background, culture, values, or personal experiences, and explain how they shape your worldview. You should then connect these elements of your identity to the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) community, showing how you’ll bring a unique perspective or make a positive impact.

Understanding the Prompt

UNCW is looking to understand the experiences, background, and qualities that shape who you are. Your response should highlight:

• Your personal identity, which could be shaped by race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic background, family dynamics, geography, etc.
• Specific experiences that have influenced your identity.
• How your identity will contribute to the UNCW community—both in and outside of the classroom.

Brainstorming Questions

• What aspects of your identity are most important to you? This could include your culture, heritage, family background, or any personal experiences.
• How have these aspects of your identity shaped your values, interests, or goals?
• Have you faced any challenges or gained unique insights because of your identity?
• How do you see your identity influencing your interactions with others in the UNCW community? Are there specific organizations, initiatives, or resources that align with your background or experiences?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response to this prompt will:

• Be specific about your identity: Don’t just list generic qualities. Dive into personal anecdotes or defining experiences that shaped who you are.
• Show personal growth: Reflect on how your background and experiences have shaped your perspectives, goals, and interactions with others.
• Connect your identity to UNCW: Highlight how your unique perspective will contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the UNCW community, and mention specific ways you hope to engage.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Maria, a first-generation Mexican-American student, could reflect on how her bilingual upbringing has made her a bridge between cultures in her community, and how she plans to bring this ability to the UNCW Centro Hispano and cultural awareness initiatives.
• Jamal, who grew up in a low-income neighborhood, could write about how his experiences volunteering with local afterschool programs for underprivileged youth have shaped his desire to advocate for food equity. He plans to continue this work by joining UNCW’s Hawk’s Harvest Food Pantry, which provides free food for all students.
• Priya, a student raised in a multi-faith household, could explain how navigating multiple religious traditions has fostered her openness to new perspectives and how she plans to start an Interfaith Council at UNCW to help bridge cultural and religious divides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being vague about your identity: Avoid generic statements like “I come from a diverse background.” Instead, offer specific details and stories that illustrate how your background has shaped you.
• Overemphasizing hardship: While challenges are important, avoid making your essay solely about overcoming adversity unless it directly ties into how you will contribute to UNCW.
• Forgetting to connect to UNCW: You need to clearly show how your identity will allow you to make an impact on the campus community. Be sure to mention specific organizations, resources, or opportunities at UNCW that relate to your identity.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example: 

As the child of immigrants from Haiti, I grew up immersed in two worlds: my parents’ vibrant Creole culture and the fast-paced, diverse community of Brooklyn. While it wasn’t always easy to navigate, these experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. In high school, I took pride in sharing Haitian traditions with my peers through dance performances and organizing events like “Heritage Day,” where students from different backgrounds could share their cultures. At UNCW, I hope to continue fostering this spirit of inclusion by joining the Black Student Union and creating spaces where students feel empowered to express their identities. I would also like to partner with other multicultural clubs to organize a “Heritage Day” at UNCW. With UNCW’s focus on diversity, I’m excited to engage with other students from all walks of life, working together to build an even more inclusive campus community.

Why it works: This response provides specific details about the student’s background and how it shaped their values. It connects their experiences to UNCW in a meaningful way by mentioning relevant campus organizations and expressing excitement about contributing to the UNCW community.

Bad Example: 

I come from a diverse background and have always been interested in different cultures. Growing up, I learned to respect different viewpoints based on my own experiences and experiences of those in my community, and I think this tendency to be open-minded will help me at UNCW. I plan to contribute by being a good friend to my classmates, supporting different diversity initiatives on campus, and fostering a tolerant environment for students from all backgrounds.

Why it doesn’t work: This response is vague and lacks specific details about the student’s background or how their identity shaped them. There’s no clear connection between the student’s experiences and how they will contribute to the UNCW community. It also lacks any mention of specific UNCW resources or organizations.

In summary, focus on how your unique identity has shaped your perspective and how you will bring that perspective to enrich the UNCW community. Make sure to connect your background with specific opportunities at UNCW, showcasing how both you and the campus will benefit from your contributions. 

This prompt falls under the “Why This College” archetype. It’s asking you to reflect on specific Honors College opportunities that will enhance your academic and personal development at UNCW. You need to show that you’ve researched the Honors College and explain how it aligns with your goals and interests.

Understanding the Prompt

UNCW wants to know how you’ll take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by its Honors College. Your response should:

• Highlight specific programs, resources, or experiences within the Honors College that appeal to you.
• Explain how these resources will enhance your academic journey or future career goals.
• Show a strong connection between your background, interests, and what the Honors College offers.

Brainstorming Questions

• What academic opportunities are you most excited about in the Honors College? Think about research programs, special seminars, faculty mentorship, or honors classes.
• Are there specific courses or professors you’re interested in working with?
• How do you plan to take advantage of co-curricular activities, like study abroad, internships, or leadership programs through the Honors College?
• What about the Honors College community excites you, such as living-learning communities or small class sizes?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response will:

• Be specific: Name exact opportunities, such as research programs, living-learning communities, or faculty mentors you’re excited about.
• Connect to your goals: Explain how the Honors College aligns with your future aspirations, whether that’s graduate school, a certain career path, or developing key skills.
• Show enthusiasm: Express genuine excitement about becoming part of the Honors College and how it will shape your experience at UNCW.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Lina, an aspiring marine biologist, could mention the Research Fellowship Competition, which would allow her to conduct early research in UNCW’s marine science labs. She’s excited to work closely with faculty mentors, building the skills necessary for a future Ph.D. program.
• Marcus, who plans to major in business, could highlight the honors capstone project, where he could create a comprehensive business plan for a local start-up in Wilmington. This project aligns with his goal of opening his own business one day.
• Erika, interested in creative writing, could emphasize the small honors seminars and how they’ll allow her to delve deeply into literary analysis. She’s also excited about joining the Honors Scholars Living-Learning Community, where she can collaborate with other motivated students and participate in extracurriculars like the UNCW Writers Week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being vague: Don’t just mention that the Honors College has “great opportunities.” Specify which ones excite you and why.
• Overemphasizing prestige: Avoid focusing too much on the Honors College being “elite” or “prestigious.” Admissions officers want to see why it’s a good fit for you.
• Not connecting to your goals: Make sure to explain how these opportunities align with your academic or career aspirations.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example: 

As someone passionate about environmental sustainability and marine biology, I’m excited about the research opportunities offered by UNCW’s Honors College. The Research Fellowship Competition will provide me the opportunity to begin my own research in marine ecology as early as my sophomore year, working alongside esteemed faculty in UNCW’s renowned Marine Science Center. I’ve already read about Dr. Dylan McNamara’s work in ecosystem restoration, and I would love to contribute to his research on phytoplankton blooms. Beyond research, I’m eager to join the Honors Scholars Living-Learning Community. Being surrounded by fellow driven students will create an intellectually stimulating environment, and I can already imagine our late-night discussions about climate change and policy. The flexibility of the Honors curriculum will also allow me to take part in a semester-long study abroad trip to the Galapagos Islands, which aligns perfectly with my goal of conducting field research in diverse ecosystems around the world. The Honors College will give me the academic rigor and personalized guidance I need to pursue a Ph.D. and a future as a marine biologist.

Why it works: This response is specific, connects to the student’s background and goals, and clearly outlines how the Honors College will benefit their academic and personal growth.

Bad Example: 

The Honors College at UNCW will provide me with incredible opportunities to grow as a student and person. The professors are experts in their fields, which ensures that I will be receiving a good education. I look forward to the small class sizes and challenging courses that will push me to do my best. I also want to participate in the many research opportunities that will be available to me as a student in the Honors College, as they will help me in the future as I pursue a graduate degree. Being part of the Honors College will make my time at UNCW more meaningful, and I know it will open up a lot of doors for me.

Why it doesn’t work: This response is vague and lacks specificity. It doesn’t mention any specific opportunities within the Honors College or show how they align with the student’s interests.

In summary, make sure your response to this prompt highlights specific aspects of UNCW’s Honors College that align with your academic and career goals, and show genuine excitement about how these opportunities will shape your experience at UNCW.

This prompt is asking you to reflect on how you’ve actively pursued your intellectual curiosity in the past and how you plan to continue doing so at UNCW, particularly through the opportunities available in the Honors College. It’s important to be specific about what you are fascinated by, how you’ve explored that interest, and how UNCW can help you deepen your exploration.

Understanding the Prompt

You’ll need to focus on:

• Specific subjects, fields, or topics that ignite your curiosity.
• Experiences where you followed that curiosity, such as independent projects, extracurricular activities, research, or self-study.
• How you will continue to nurture and expand this curiosity at UNCW, especially through the Honors College’s resources.

Brainstorming Questions

• What subjects or topics have you always found yourself returning to? What books, documentaries, or hobbies fascinate you?
• Have you pursued independent research, projects, or competitions related to this interest? What were the outcomes?
• How does your intellectual curiosity tie into your future goals or passions? Are there related programs or resources at UNCW that excite you?
• What Honors College opportunities (seminars, research programs, special projects) will help you follow your intellectual curiosity?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Be specific and personal: Describe your intellectual interests and how they have driven you to seek knowledge and new experiences. Include concrete examples of when you’ve explored your curiosity.
• Show passion: Let your enthusiasm for learning come through by describing why these topics fascinate you and how you’ve gone beyond standard schoolwork to learn more.
• Connect to UNCW: Research UNCW’s Honors College offerings and tie them to your interests. Mention particular programs, resources, or courses that will help you further explore your intellectual curiosity.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Jasmine has always been fascinated by linguistics and how languages shape our understanding of the world. She describes how she independently learned Japanese after being inspired by anime, leading her to explore deeper aspects of language structures and sociolinguistics. At UNCW, she’s excited to join the Department of World Languages and Cultures and possibly work on research that explores bilingualism in different cultural settings.
• Matt grew up fascinated by space and the idea of exploring new frontiers. He describes how he built his own telescope in high school, took an astrophysics course online, and even wrote a research paper on black holes. At UNCW, he looks forward to participating in the Honors Capstone Project to further his study of space exploration and contribute to research in the UNCW Physics Department.
• Amanda has always been interested in environmental science and has conducted her own experiments on soil health in her backyard garden. She’s eager to continue this passion at UNCW by participating in the Research Fellowship Competition, collaborating with faculty on research about coastal ecosystems and sea-level rise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too general: Avoid vague statements like “I love learning” or “I am curious about many things.” Focus on specific areas of intellectual interest.
• Listing without reflection: Don’t just list activities or classes you’ve taken. Reflect on how each experience deepened your understanding of a topic or led you to new questions.
• Not connecting to UNCW: Make sure you tie your intellectual curiosity to opportunities available at UNCW, particularly in the Honors College. Mention specific resources like faculty, research programs, or seminars that interest you.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example: 

Ever since I saw my first Jacques Cousteau documentary as a child, the ocean has been my obsession. While most of my friends were busy with sports or music, I was reading every book I could find on marine biology, from the migration patterns of humpback whales to the anatomy of jellyfish. My fascination led me to take advanced biology courses in high school, where I designed my own experiment on how different water temperatures affect coral bleaching. However, the more I learned, the more questions I had. How do rising sea temperatures impact marine biodiversity on a molecular level? What can be done to restore coral reefs that have already been devastated?

At UNCW, I’m particularly excited about the opportunities within the Honors College to pursue my marine science interests. The Honors Research Fellows Program will allow me to work alongside researchers in the UNCW Center for Marine Science, which is one of the leading marine science facilities in the country. I’m eager to explore the unique ecosystems of the North Carolina coastline, and the chance to collaborate with professors like Dr. Dylan McNamara, whose work in ecosystem restoration fascinates me, would allow me to connect environmental science with real-world policy impacts.

Additionally, I look forward to the small class sizes and discussion-based learning that the Honors seminars offer. These classes will challenge me to think critically about marine science issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, and I’m particularly interested in the Honors Away Program, which will provide me with the opportunity to observe some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems firsthand.

UNCW’s Honors College will allow me to channel my intellectual curiosity into research, collaboration, and hands-on experiences that will help me contribute to marine conservation efforts on a global scale.

Why it works: This response is specific, passionate, and demonstrates a deep intellectual curiosity. The student gives examples of past experiences, explains their fascination, and ties it directly to UNCW’s unique opportunities. It also shows clear goals for the future and how UNCW will help achieve them.

Bad Example: 

I have always been a curious person, and I love learning new things. Whether it’s reading books, watching documentaries, or taking classes, I’m always eager to expand my knowledge. During high school, I took many science and history courses, which sparked my interest in a variety of subjects. I think that UNCW’s Honors College will allow me to continue my learning in a challenging environment.

At UNCW, I want to participate in research projects and honors seminars that will push me to think critically. I’m especially excited about the chance to work with professors and be part of a motivated student community. I know the Honors College will help me become a more well-rounded and knowledgeable student, and I look forward to all the opportunities it offers.

Why it doesn’t work: This response is too vague and lacks specific details about the student’s intellectual curiosity. It doesn’t describe a clear passion or give examples of how the student has pursued their interests. There’s also no concrete connection to UNCW’s resources or opportunities.

For this essay, focus on one or two key areas of intellectual curiosity that you’ve actively explored and tie them to opportunities available at UNCW. Make sure to show your passion for learning and how the Honors College will help you grow academically and personally. Use specific examples to bring your intellectual journey to life.

This prompt asks you to reflect on the connections you’ve made between different academic subjects or interests in your life. The goal is to show how your intellectual curiosity extends across disciplines and how you’ve explored the synergy between them. You also need to explain how the Honors College’s focus on interdisciplinarity aligns with your academic goals.

Understanding the Prompt

UNCW’s Honors College emphasizes blending different subjects to offer a more well-rounded and innovative approach to learning. Your response should:

• Focus on specific examples where you’ve made connections between different fields.
• Explain why you’re drawn to these intersections and how they influence your thinking or future goals.
• Highlight how you plan to continue exploring interdisciplinarity at UNCW, specifically within the Honors College.

Brainstorming Questions

• Which academic subjects or personal interests are you most passionate about? How do they intersect in your life?
• Have you worked on projects or participated in activities that combined multiple fields of study?
• How does this interdisciplinarity relate to your long-term goals or career interests?
• Are there specific opportunities in the Honors College that will allow you to continue exploring these intersections?

What Makes a Good Response

A good response will:

• Showcase specific intersections: Discuss how you’ve combined multiple fields of study, either through projects, classes, extracurriculars, or independent research.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity: Explain why you find these intersections intriguing and how they help you think in new or innovative ways.
• Connect to UNCW: Research specific interdisciplinary programs, courses, or opportunities in the Honors College that align with your interests, and explain how you plan to take advantage of them.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Gabriel, an aspiring environmental engineer, could describe how his passion for both chemistry and public policy led him to create a project on the chemical impacts of industrial waste on local water sources. He’s excited about the opportunity to take an interdisciplinary Honors seminar at UNCW that focuses on the relationship between science, policy, and environmental justice.
• Sarah, a student interested in mental health and art therapy, could explain how she’s explored the intersection of psychology and visual arts by creating a high school project that used painting as a way to help teens manage anxiety. She plans to continue exploring this interdisciplinary connection by studying both psychology and studio art at UNCW, taking advantage of the Honors College’s art and science seminars.
• Max, a prospective history and computer science double major, could describe how he used data analytics in a history research project to analyze migration patterns during the Great Migration. He’s excited to join UNCW’s Honors College because of its focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration between technology and the humanities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Staying too general: Avoid vague statements like “I like how different subjects connect.” Focus on specific examples of how you’ve explored interdisciplinarity in your own life.
• Listing without depth: Don’t just list subjects that interest you. Instead, explain how you’ve combined them in meaningful ways and why this matters to you.
• Not connecting to UNCW: Make sure to tie your interest in interdisciplinarity to specific Honors College opportunities, courses, or seminars.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of technology and storytelling. What started as an interest in video games evolved into a deeper appreciation for how technology can shape narratives and cultural understanding. In high school, I took courses in both creative writing and computer science, where I began to explore how programming could enhance narrative structures. For my final project, I wrote an interactive digital story, blending elements of traditional storytelling with code to create an immersive experience. This project helped me realize that technology isn’t just a tool; it can be a medium for expressing complex, multidimensional stories in ways that books or films can’t always achieve.

At UNCW, I’m excited to continue blending these disciplines through the Honors College’s focus on interdisciplinarity. I’m particularly drawn to the Honors seminar that explores the intersection of literature and digital media, as I believe this course will push my understanding of how the two fields can inform each other. Additionally, I plan to take advantage of the collaborative research opportunities available through the Honors College, where I hope to work with professors across the English and computer science departments to develop new ways of telling stories through technology. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a career in interactive media, where I can continue to merge my love for creative writing with my technical skills in coding, pushing the boundaries of both fields.

Why it works: This response is specific and shows a clear connection between technology and storytelling. The student offers a concrete example of how they’ve already explored this intersection and links it to their future goals. They also connect their interests to specific opportunities at UNCW, making the response personal and tailored to the school.

Bad Example: 

I’ve always been interested in many different subjects, and I think interdisciplinary studies are important. In high school, I took classes in math, science, and literature, and I loved all of them. I think it’s important to see how different fields connect because that’s how you learn the most. At UNCW, I’m excited about the Honors College because it encourages students to look at problems from different angles. I want to take classes in both science and humanities to get a well-rounded education. I believe this will help me in whatever career I choose in the future.

Why it doesn’t work: This response is too vague and lacks specific examples of interdisciplinarity. The student doesn’t mention any concrete experiences where they combined different fields or show a deep intellectual curiosity about how subjects connect. There’s also no mention of specific programs or opportunities at UNCW that align with their interests.

To write a strong response, focus on how you’ve explored interdisciplinarity in your life by providing specific examples where you’ve blended different academic interests. Explain why these intersections excite you and how they’ve shaped your thinking. Then, tie your interests to specific opportunities within the Honors College at UNCW, showing how you’ll continue to pursue interdisciplinary learning during your time at the university.

This prompt gives you the freedom to design a curriculum based on your passions, interests, and the types of learning experiences you value. It’s a chance to showcase your intellectual curiosity, creativity, and goals, while also giving insight into what kind of academic environment you thrive in.

Understanding the Prompt

UNCW wants to see how you approach learning and what areas of study you’re most passionate about. Your response should:

• Focus on specific areas of study you would include in your custom curriculum.
• Highlight experiences both inside and outside the classroom that would complement your learning.
• Explain why these areas and activities are important to you and how they align with your goals.
• Reflect on your ideal learning environment and how you envision growing academically and personally.

Brainstorming Questions

• What subjects fascinate you the most, and how do they intersect with other disciplines?
• What learning experiences have had the greatest impact on you, and how would you integrate them into your curriculum?
• What beyond-the-classroom activities (research, internships, service, travel, etc.) would complement your studies and help you achieve your goals?
• How would this custom curriculum prepare you for your future academic or career path?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Be specific: Name the subjects and experiences you’d include in your curriculum and explain why they’re meaningful to you.
• Show interdisciplinary thinking: Combine different fields of study or unique learning methods to showcase your intellectual curiosity.
• Incorporate both academic and experiential learning: Highlight not only courses but also opportunities like research, internships, and travel that would enrich your education.
• Connect to personal goals: Explain how this curriculum aligns with your aspirations and prepares you for your future.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• Sophia, an aspiring public health professional, could design a curriculum combining epidemiology, sociology, and environmental science, with beyond-the-classroom experiences like an internship with a local health department and study abroad in developing nations to explore global health disparities.
• David, a student interested in robotics, might combine mechanical engineering, computer science, and ethics in his curriculum, adding hands-on experiences through research in the Intelligent Systems Engineering Program and internships with tech companies.
• Priya, who wants to pursue creative writing and anthropology, could design a curriculum blending literary studies, ethnography, and history, while also participating in fieldwork experiences, traveling to different countries to study indigenous storytelling traditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too general: Don’t just say you’d include “a well-rounded curriculum” or “a mix of subjects.” Be specific about what subjects and activities you’d incorporate.
• Not thinking beyond the classroom: This prompt encourages you to think about learning holistically, so make sure to include experiences outside of traditional academics.
• Not connecting to goals: Your custom curriculum should reflect your academic or career aspirations, so explain how it would help you achieve them.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

If I could design my own curriculum, it would revolve around my passion for environmental sustainability and public policy. The core of my studies would combine courses in environmental science, political science, and economics, giving me a comprehensive understanding of how these fields intersect to address global climate challenges. I’d want to include a seminar on environmental justice to explore the ethical and societal implications of climate change on marginalized communities, along with a class on sustainable urban development to learn how to design eco-friendly cities.

Beyond the classroom, I’d incorporate experiential learning through field research at local wetlands, working closely with scientists to monitor ecosystem health. I’d also intern with a policy advocacy group to gain practical experience in shaping environmental legislation. A study abroad program in a country facing significant climate challenges, like the Maldives, would be a crucial part of my education, allowing me to see firsthand the impact of rising sea levels and to work alongside local leaders to develop adaptive strategies.

Finally, I’d integrate a capstone project where I’d collaborate with students from different disciplines, such as engineering and economics, to design a sustainable solution for a local environmental issue, like managing Wilmington’s coastal erosion. This interdisciplinary approach would prepare me for a career in environmental policy, where I could contribute to both scientific and legislative solutions for the climate crisis.

Why it works: This response is specific, well-rounded, and creative. The student has designed a curriculum that combines academic subjects with real-world experiences like internships, research, and study abroad. It clearly connects to their long-term goal of working in environmental policy and shows how each component of the curriculum will help them achieve that goal.

Bad Example: 

If I could design my own curriculum, I would include a variety of subjects that interest me, like history, biology, and economics. Using these three subjects, I would aim to focus on a career in public health policy. I think it is important to have a well-rounded education, so I would also want to take classes in the arts and literature. Outside of the classroom, I would like to participate in research or internships to gain more experience. These opportunities would also give me the experience needed to enter graduate studies. I think this curriculum would prepare me well for any career path I choose.

Why it doesn’t work: This response is too vague and lacks specific details. There’s no clear explanation of how beyond-the-classroom experiences would complement their education. Additionally, it lacks depth and creativity compared to the good example.

To write a strong response, think deeply about your academic interests and goals. Design a curriculum that blends your passions, incorporates experiential learning, and prepares you for the future. Be specific about the subjects, activities, and experiences you’d include, and explain why each one is important to you. By showing how your custom curriculum aligns with your aspirations, you’ll demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a clear sense of direction.

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