CollegeVine College Essay Team December 4, 2024 20 Essay Breakdowns,Essay Guides 2024-25

How to Write the University of San Diego Essays 2024-2025

University of San Diego (USD) is a private, Catholic university located in San Diego, California. They require two supplemental essay prompts this year. The first is mandatory for all applicants. The second prompt has three options, and applicants only need to respond to one. Take a look at our prompt breakdowns below for tips on how to write your best essays!

University of San Diego Essay Prompts

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt is an example of the “Why this College” archetype, and asks you to explain why you’re excited about the academic opportunities at the University of San Diego (USD). In particular, it emphasizes USD’s commitment to the liberal arts and how its Core Curriculum and Learning Communities help students build meaningful lives and navigate an ever-changing world. You’ll need to show why you’re interested in USD’s approach to learning, making sure to include specific academic programs, resources, or unique elements of USD’s educational philosophy that align with your goals.

Brainstorming Questions

• What academic areas or fields of study are you interested in, and how do they connect to USD’s liberal arts focus?
• Have you read about any unique courses, programs, or experiences in USD’s Core Curriculum that excite you?
• How do USD’s Learning Communities stand out to you? Have you been part of similar communities before, and what did you gain from that experience?
• How do you want your time at USD to prepare you for your future career or personal goals?
• How will the faculty and community at USD guide and inspire you?

What Makes a Good Response

• Specific Academic Interests: Reference particular aspects of USD’s Core Curriculum or Learning Communities that genuinely interest you. This could include interdisciplinary courses, research opportunities, or experiential learning.
• Personal Connection: Tie your academic goals to what USD offers. Whether you’re interested in global citizenship, leadership, or ethical problem-solving, show how USD will help you grow in these areas.
• Faculty and Learning Communities: Discuss how you’ll engage with USD’s Learning Communities and faculty members. Maybe you value small class sizes, opportunities for mentorship, or community-based learning.
• Long-Term Impact: Explain how USD’s academic approach will prepare you for a dynamic world. Highlight how the liberal arts will help you develop transferable skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Sophia, a future Political Science major: Sophia has a passion for international relations and hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy. She is excited by USD’s Core Curriculum because it emphasizes global citizenship and ethical decision-making. She looks forward to USD’s “Advocate” LLC that integrate social justice into coursework, where she can connect with peers interested in human rights.
2. Marcus, an aspiring Neuroscience major: Marcus has been fascinated by the human brain since taking an AP Psychology course. At USD, he’s excited by the interdisciplinary opportunities within the Core Curriculum, especially in areas like ethics and philosophy, which will allow him to explore the moral implications of neuroscience research. He hopes to take advantage of small class sizes to engage deeply with professors and explore how research in the liberal arts and sciences intersect.
3. Jessica, a prospective Environmental Studies student: Jessica is drawn to USD’s focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, which she discovered while researching their “Cultivate” LLC. She envisions herself engaging with the Core Curriculum through courses on environmental ethics and interdisciplinary approaches to solving global environmental problems. She’s excited to learn from professors who focus on sustainable development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague: Avoid talking about general aspects of USD’s curriculum without providing concrete examples of what excites you. Don’t just say “I’m interested in the liberal arts” without explaining why or how it aligns with your goals.
• Rehashing your résumé: This essay isn’t a place to list all your accomplishments. Instead, focus on what you hope to achieve and learn at USD.
• Overusing buzzwords: While USD highlights “global citizenship” and “meaningful lives,” simply repeating these phrases without personal context will make your essay feel generic. Show how these ideas actually resonate with you.
• Name-dropping without substance: If you mention specific professors or courses, make sure you have a genuine interest in them. Don’t just list names to impress the admissions committee.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

“As someone deeply passionate about understanding human relationships and the global forces that shape them, I’m excited about USD’s Core Curriculum, especially its emphasis on social justice and global citizenship. The ‘Living Learning Communities’ immediately caught my eye because they blend academic inquiry with real-world issues. I envision myself joining the Advocate community, where I can explore topics like inequality and human rights through interdisciplinary lenses, such as sociology and philosophy. My goal is to pursue a career in international law, and I know the curriculum’s focus on ethical reasoning and cultural diversity will be instrumental in shaping my understanding of global issues. I also look forward to working closely with faculty who are not just educators but mentors in helping me develop into a critical thinker and global leader. Courses like ‘Ethics and the Law’ excite me because they align perfectly with my ambition to become a diplomat and advocate for economic justice. Through the Core Curriculum and USD’s personalized learning approach, I’m eager to grow as both a student and a global citizen, prepared to navigate and contribute to our complex world.”

Why it works: This essay is specific to USD and demonstrates a clear interest in how the school’s academic offerings will help the student achieve her personal and career goals. The student mentions specific programs like the Advocate LLC and courses like “Ethics and the Law,” showing that she’s done her research. Moreover, her passion for social justice and international law is authentic and deeply connected to USD’s curriculum.

Bad Example:

“I’ve always been interested in a variety of subjects, so I’m really excited about USD’s Core Curriculum. I love that USD offers a well-rounded education that will allow me to explore different fields like history, science, and philosophy, which will help me become more knowledgeable overall. I think it’s great that USD emphasizes the importance of the liberal arts because I believe it’s essential to study many different subjects to become well-rounded. The Learning Communities seem like a good opportunity to meet new people and work with professors, and I’m looking forward to that. I also like how USD prepares students to be global citizens who can solve the challenges of the modern world. After graduation, I want to use what I’ve learned at USD to make a difference in the world, whether that’s in business, politics, or another field. I’m confident that USD’s academic opportunities will give me the skills I need to be successful.”

Why it doesn’t work: This essay is vague and generic. The student doesn’t reference any specific programs or courses, and the mention of the liberal arts is too broad. Phrases like “global citizen” and “growing academically” are not connected to the student’s personal goals or interests. It reads like the student could have written the same essay for any liberal arts college.

By focusing on the specifics of USD’s academic experience, you’ll write a much more compelling and memorable essay.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt is an example of the “Impact on Community” and “Diversity” archetypes. It asks you to reflect on a contribution you’ve made to your school or local community that demonstrates your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). USD emphasizes these values through initiatives like the Horizon Project, so your response should show how you have personally contributed to making your community more inclusive, diverse, or equitable. Whether through formal leadership or smaller-scale personal actions, you should highlight a moment where you took intentional steps to address inequity or bring people together across differences.

Brainstorming Questions

• What leadership roles have you taken on that allowed you to create a more inclusive environment for others? 
• Have you worked to include underrepresented voices in a school club, sports team, or organization? 
• Have you been involved in local community efforts to address inequality? 
• How have you challenged bias or advocated for others in a way that promotes inclusivity? 
• How have your personal experiences shaped your understanding of diversity and inclusion? 

What Makes a Good Response

• A specific contribution: Describe a concrete action you’ve taken to foster diversity, inclusion, or equity. Whether it’s a project, club, or individual act of kindness, focus on what you have done.
• Personal motivation: Explain why this cause is important to you. What inspired your commitment to DEI? Did personal experiences shape your understanding or motivation?
• Positive impact: Highlight the difference your actions made. Did you help bring awareness to an important issue? Create a more welcoming environment? Foster deeper understanding?
• Reflection and awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of DEI issues and how your actions fit into a larger context. Acknowledge any challenges you faced and what you learned in the process.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Eva, president of her school’s Black Student Union (BSU): Eva noticed that her school’s curriculum lacked diverse voices in its literature and history classes. She spearheaded a campaign to introduce books by authors of color to the required reading list, organizing petitions and meeting with administrators. She also planned a Black History Month assembly to educate the student body about important historical figures whose stories were often overlooked.
2. Carlos, a volunteer at a local food bank: Coming from a family that faced financial hardships, Carlos became passionate about food insecurity in his community. He helped start a bilingual initiative at the food bank, translating flyers and organizing food drives to ensure that non-English-speaking families had access to information and resources. His work made the food bank more inclusive and accessible to underrepresented groups in his area.
3. Jasmine, a student athlete and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion: As a member of her school’s volleyball team, Jasmine noticed that some teammates were uncomfortable discussing their gender identities. She worked with the athletic department to create a more inclusive environment, organizing discussions on gender identity and advocating for the adoption of gender-neutral locker rooms. Her efforts helped foster a more supportive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague or broad: Avoid discussing general beliefs about diversity and inclusion without describing specific actions you’ve taken. The essay should focus on a tangible contribution, not just your philosophy.
• Focusing solely on personal struggles: While sharing your own challenges with underrepresentation can be powerful, this essay should focus on what you’ve done to make your community more inclusive—not just what you’ve experienced.
• Talking about intentions instead of actions: It’s not enough to say that you care about DEI. You must show how you’ve actively worked to promote these values in your community.
• Minimizing your contribution: Some students may feel like their contributions are “too small,” but even small actions can make a big impact. Don’t be afraid to discuss smaller-scale efforts, as long as you show how they had a meaningful effect.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

“When I realized that many of my fellow students from immigrant families weren’t participating in school events, I knew something had to change. As the president of the Student Leadership Council, I worked with the administration to organize a ‘Culture Night’ that celebrated the diverse backgrounds within our school. My goal was to create a space where students felt proud to share their heritage and where everyone could learn from one another. I also ensured that flyers for the event were translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, and Tagalog to increase accessibility. During the event, I saw students whose parents had never attended school functions before taking part in the evening’s performances and conversations. What started as a simple event blossomed into an annual tradition that has since become a major part of our school’s culture. This experience taught me that when you make a conscious effort to include everyone, you not only build a stronger community, but also inspire pride and belonging among those who are often underrepresented.”

Why it works: This essay clearly identifies a specific problem (lack of participation by immigrant families in school events) and a thoughtful solution (organizing a Culture Night). The student not only took action, but also considered accessibility (translating flyers), and the impact was long-lasting (the event became an annual tradition). The essay also demonstrates the student’s deeper understanding of inclusion and how meaningful change can come from small, intentional efforts.

Bad Example:

“I’ve always believed in the importance of diversity and inclusion. At my school, I’ve seen how students from different backgrounds don’t always feel comfortable participating in certain activities. I try to make everyone feel welcome, whether it’s by sitting with someone new at lunch or inviting people to join a club. I think diversity is important because it teaches us to be open-minded and accepting of others, and I’ve always tried to lead by example in this way. For instance, I once invited a new student from a different country to join my friend group, and she told me later that she felt really accepted because of it. I hope to continue promoting diversity and inclusion at USD.”

Why it doesn’t work: This essay is vague and lacks a specific, impactful contribution. The student mentions general beliefs about inclusion and a couple of small acts (sitting with someone new at lunch, inviting a student to join their friend group), but these actions are not tied to any larger initiative or lasting impact. The example about the new student is nice, but it’s not developed enough to show how the student made a substantial contribution to their school or community. Additionally, the essay doesn’t demonstrate an understanding of broader DEI issues or challenges. It reads more like a personal reflection than a response to the prompt’s call for a meaningful contribution.

By focusing on concrete actions and demonstrating awareness of the impact of those actions, your essay will better illustrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt is an example of the “Political/Global Issues” archetype. It asks you to write about a significant global issue and why it matters to you personally. USD emphasizes changemaking, social justice, and a global perspective, so your essay should reflect how you are passionate about addressing a challenge facing humanity. You need to:

1. Identify a specific challenge: This could be environmental degradation, poverty, systemic racism, access to education, healthcare inequality, etc.
2. Explain why it’s personally important: You’ll need to connect your own experiences or insights to the issue. This could come from volunteer work, academic interests, or personal experiences that make you aware of the urgency of the problem.
3. Show awareness and urgency: Discuss why this issue is urgent and how it impacts people or communities around the world.

Brainstorming Questions

• What global issues are you most passionate about? Climate change? Educational inequality? Immigration reform? Why?
• Have you personally experienced or witnessed the effects of this issue in your community, at school, or abroad?
• Have you participated in any volunteer work, activism, or academic projects related to the issue?
• How has this issue affected you personally? What stories, experiences, or observations have shaped your views?
• How do you plan to engage with this issue in the future, either at USD or beyond?

What Makes a Good Response

• Personal connection: You should clearly explain why the issue you choose matters to you. It’s not enough to simply state facts about the problem—you need to connect the issue to your own life or experiences.
• Show, don’t tell: Use storytelling to explain your experiences or insights. For example, rather than saying, “Climate change is urgent,” describe a moment when you saw its effects firsthand or participated in an initiative addressing the problem.
• Urgency and awareness: Demonstrate a clear understanding of why the issue is pressing and how it affects people globally. You could discuss statistics or personal anecdotes that highlight the scale of the problem, but make sure to avoid turning the essay into a research paper.
• Passion for changemaking: USD values students who are passionate about creating change. Make sure your essay reflects a desire to contribute to solutions, whether through civic engagement, social innovation, or leadership.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Isabella, an aspiring environmental science major: Isabella chooses to write about ocean pollution and its devastating effects on marine life. She explains how her passion for this issue began after a family trip to Bali, where she saw beaches covered in plastic waste. She discusses her experience organizing a beach cleanup back home and her desire to address plastic waste through sustainable innovations in the future. She explains why she feels it’s urgent to reduce plastic pollution, given its impact on ecosystems and communities dependent on fishing.
2. Ahmed, a student passionate about education reform: Ahmed writes about educational inequality and how his experience volunteering with underserved students opened his eyes to the disparities in school funding and resources. He shares a story about tutoring a student who struggled to learn because of outdated textbooks and limited access to technology. This experience made him realize how a lack of educational resources perpetuates cycles of poverty, and he’s eager to explore innovative approaches to equitable education at USD.
3. Priya, an advocate for immigrant rights: Priya’s essay focuses on immigration and refugee crises. Growing up in a border town, she often saw the harsh realities immigrants faced. She shares a personal story about her time volunteering at a refugee center, where she met a family who had fled their home country due to violence. This experience deepened her understanding of the global immigration crisis, and she discusses her interest in pursuing law to advocate for human rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing an issue that doesn’t resonate personally: Avoid writing about a global issue just because it’s popular. If you don’t have a strong personal connection to it, your essay will lack authenticity. Choose something that truly matters to you and ties to your experiences.
• Being too broad: Don’t try to cover multiple issues or offer a vague overview of the problem. Focus on one specific challenge, and explore it in depth.
• Relying on general statements or statistics: Instead of focusing on facts and figures, ground your essay in a personal experience. Your insights should come from your own observations or actions, not just general knowledge.
• Lacking urgency or passion: Make sure your essay communicates why the issue is important now and how you hope to contribute to addressing it. Avoid writing an essay that feels passive or distant.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

“When I walked along the beaches of Bali two summers ago, I was stunned by the amount of plastic waste washed ashore. In the mornings, the waves brought in piles of water bottles, straws, and plastic bags that buried the once pristine sands. The pollution didn’t just sit on the surface—it seeped into the local ecosystem, choking marine life and polluting water sources for nearby fishing villages. This moment made me realize the true scale of the global plastic crisis, but it wasn’t until I returned home and organized a local beach cleanup that I felt empowered to take action. Seeing how much debris we collected, from broken fishing nets to Styrofoam containers, highlighted the urgency of tackling this issue on a larger scale. Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental disaster—it’s a human crisis. It poisons water supplies, endangers food security, and disproportionately affects low-income coastal communities. At USD, I hope to continue this work by advocating for policies that reduce single-use plastics and investing in innovative, sustainable materials that can replace plastic entirely. We cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer.”

Why it works: This essay combines a personal experience (the trip to Bali) with the larger global issue of plastic pollution. The student clearly shows why the problem matters to them, discusses actions they’ve taken (organizing a local beach cleanup), and emphasizes the urgency of addressing this crisis. The essay also ties into their future goals at USD, making it clear that they plan to continue working on this issue in a changemaking capacity.

Bad Example:

“One of the biggest challenges humanity faces today is climate change. It affects every part of the world and will only get worse if we do not take action soon. Rising sea levels, deforestation, and natural disasters are some of the major effects of climate change. These issues affect plants, animals, and humans alike. I have always been passionate about protecting the environment, and I think it’s critical that we find solutions to stop climate change. By taking steps to help the environment, we will be helping ourselves. At USD, I would love to get involved in sustainability efforts and help make the world a better place for future generations.”

Why it doesn’t work: This essay is too broad and vague. It discusses climate change in general terms without explaining why it’s personally meaningful to the student or providing any specific examples of action they’ve taken. The student says they’re “passionate” about the environment but doesn’t demonstrate why or how they’ve engaged with the issue. Furthermore, the mention of wanting to “help make the world a better place” is overly general and doesn’t provide any concrete steps or goals.

By choosing a specific issue, connecting it to personal experiences, and demonstrating urgency, your essay will better reflect the values of USD and your potential as a changemaker.‌

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt invites you to reflect on the role of faith or spirituality, either in your life or the life of someone you know. As a Catholic university, USD places value on spiritual growth and encourages students from all backgrounds to engage with these questions, regardless of their religious affiliation.

This is an opportunity to explore what faith or spirituality means to you, how it has shaped your identity, or how you have observed it influence others. You don’t need to be religious to answer this question; you can approach it from the perspective of philosophical or moral beliefs as well.

Brainstorming Questions

• How does faith or spirituality influence your daily life, decision-making, or outlook on the world?
• Have you ever had a moment that deepened your understanding of your own faith or spirituality?
• If you don’t identify with a specific faith, what personal beliefs or values guide your actions?
• How has someone close to you (a family member, friend, mentor) demonstrated the role of faith or spirituality in their life, and how did that affect you?
• How do you envision exploring or engaging with faith or spirituality while at USD, even if it’s through community service or personal reflection?

What Makes a Good Response

• Personal Reflection: Whether faith is a major part of your life or not, reflect on what it means to you personally. Avoid making general statements about religion or faith traditions and instead focus on your own experiences or observations.
• Authenticity: You don’t have to be religious to answer this prompt well. If you don’t identify with a specific faith, you can discuss how you engage with broader questions of meaning, purpose, and connection in your life.
• Growth and Exploration: USD is interested in how you approach personal growth, so it’s helpful to touch on how faith or spirituality, or even the lack of it, has contributed to your development. Mentioning how you’d like to continue exploring these aspects at USD can show a readiness for personal growth.
• Connection to Others: If you don’t have a strong personal connection to faith, consider writing about the influence of someone else’s faith or spirituality in your life. How has that shaped your understanding of the world?

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Daniela, a student raised in the Catholic faith: Daniela grew up in a Catholic household where faith was central to her family’s values. She reflects on how attending weekly Mass shaped her understanding of community and compassion, and how her faith has guided her during challenging times. She also discusses her interest in exploring different ways of engaging with her faith while at USD, such as participating in service trips or joining faith-based student organizations.
2. Chris, a student with no religious affiliation but strong ethical beliefs: Chris doesn’t identify with a particular religion but discusses how he was raised to value compassion, honesty, and empathy. He shares how his family’s belief in “doing good for others” has always guided his choices, such as volunteering at a local homeless shelter. Chris sees USD as a place where he can continue to explore his own sense of purpose, particularly through service opportunities and discussions on ethics and morality.
3. Fatima, a Muslim student: Fatima writes about the role of Islam in her life and how her faith has provided her with a sense of discipline, peace, and responsibility toward her community. She reflects on how fasting during Ramadan deepened her empathy for those less fortunate and how her daily prayers give her moments of reflection. Fatima is excited to join a diverse, faith-inclusive community at USD and hopes to learn from other students’ perspectives while continuing to deepen her own faith.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too broad or generic: Avoid writing a generic essay that could apply to any student. Be specific about your personal experiences with faith or spirituality.
• Ignoring the prompt’s focus on personal reflection: Don’t simply discuss religion or spirituality in general terms. The prompt is asking about your relationship with these topics, or the influence they’ve had on someone close to you.
• Focusing solely on religious doctrine: Instead of reciting religious teachings, focus on how your faith (or lack thereof) has shaped your experiences, identity, or worldview.
• Not connecting to USD’s values: While you don’t have to be religious, make sure your response aligns with USD’s emphasis on personal growth and reflection. If relevant, mention how you’d like to engage with the spiritual opportunities at USD.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

“I grew up with the sound of my grandmother’s prayers whispered in the early morning before sunrise. For her, faith was a constant presence, a source of strength in the face of hardship. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the role that faith played in her life, but as I grew older, I began to see how it guided her actions. When she opened her home to our neighbors after a house fire destroyed theirs, or when she stood by a grieving family at our church, her faith wasn’t something she spoke about—it was something she lived. My grandmother’s quiet example taught me that faith, at its core, is about service to others. Although I don’t identify with a specific religion, the values she instilled in me by sharing her religion with me—compassion, resilience, and kindness—have shaped how I approach the world. At USD, I’m eager to continue exploring how these values can deepen my understanding of community and my own sense of purpose, whether through service projects or interfaith discussions. I look forward to being part of a community that values diverse perspectives and welcomes students from all walks of life.”

Why it works: This essay reflects on faith through the lens of someone else’s influence, showing how the student’s grandmother’s actions shaped their understanding of service, compassion, and resilience. The student connects personal values to the concept of faith without needing to identify with a specific religion. They also show a desire to explore these ideas further at USD, making the response both personal and forward-looking.

Bad Example:

“Faith has always been important to me because I was raised in a religious household. Going to church every Sunday with my family helped me understand the importance of being a good person. My religion teaches me to treat others kindly and to work hard, which are values I have always followed. I also believe that faith is important because it helps guide you through difficult times. Additionally, I have made many friends through church-related events. Finally, my church offers many volunteer opportunities, through which I realized my passion for helping others. At USD, I hope to continue growing in my faith and to join a religious group where I can meet other students who share my beliefs.”

Why it doesn’t work: This essay is generic and doesn’t provide any personal insight or reflection. The student mentions faith but doesn’t show how it has shaped their identity or actions in any meaningful way. The values discussed (kindness, working hard, helping others) are too broad, and the mention of faith guiding them through difficult times lacks specific examples. Additionally, the student’s goals for USD are vague and don’t convey a genuine desire for exploration or growth.

By focusing on personal stories, specific experiences, and thoughtful reflection, your essay will be much more compelling and aligned with USD’s values of spiritual and personal growth.

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