Application Essay Questions

Please choose one of the essay topics below, limiting your response to about 300 words. (Include your name and date of birth on your essay.) You might want to read our essay writing and application tips first.

If there is anything else you feel we should know about you that has not been covered in this application, please add a personal statement following your essay.

Freshman essay questions

(Choose one. You may also elect to submit a previously written work.)

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

 

Special note for freshman physical therapy and athletic training applicants

All physical therapy and athletic training applicants must answer the following question. (Answering one of the above questions is optional.)

Why are you interested in physical therapy and/or athletic training as a profession, and what experiences have led you to this interest?

Transfer essay question

All transfer applicants must answer the following question.

Please reflect on your decision to transfer to Marquette University. How is Marquette a better fit for you to finish your college career?

What we look for in your college essay

There are no magic phrases or key words to include in your essay. You do not, for example, have to say you've wanted to attend Marquette since kindergarten. We use the essay to get to know a little more about you. This is the one chance you have to be creative in the application process; let your true self come through.

A few words about the essay:

  • Relax and write.
  • Proofread your essay; read it backward.
  • Be thoughtful in your response and careful in your prose.
  • Be genuine. The essay should reflect what you want to write, not what you think we want to hear. Remember, we're not looking for anything in particular when we read your application.
  • We want to make sure you can compose an essay with a coherent thought and that you have the ability to string together a few sentences and express an idea.
  • There is no right answer.
  • Dig deep and have fun!
  • Revise! When you think you're done, revise once more!