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32 Best Topics For An Engineering Essay

If a regular college student was told to come up with a list of the most difficult academic disciplines to deal with, we bet that engineering would be deservedly mentioned. Yes, this discipline is quite challenging to get around, which is especially true of home assignments in engineering so some students are forced to ask someone to  write my essay . This delicate problem often prompts some students to apply for help to online services, asking, “ do my engineering homework .” But it’s not only homework assignments in engineering that give college kids a hard time – another big burden connected with this discipline is academic writing.

In engineering paper writing, the first and most exasperating obstacle is settling on the topic. At first sight, choosing a paper topic seems to be quite easy. In reality, given the complexity of the discipline, developing a topic for an engineering discipline is a rigorous process. For this reason, we decided to put pen to paper and provide you with the greatest engineering essay topics!

Software Engineering Essay Topics

• The rapid evolution of neural networks
• Computer-assisted education as an innovative solution to the traditional academic system
• The implementation of machine learning in today’s digital industry
• The risks of using virus-infected computer software
• Virtual reality and human perception
• AI in modern digital marketing
• The challenges of database management
• The interactions between humans and machines
• The problem of ethical hacking today
• The development of biometric systems for computers

Biomedical Engineering Essay Topics

• The critical importance of modeling diseases through engineering
• The ways of improving medical imaging methods
• The outlook for structural health monitoring
• Genetic engineering as one of the most popular fields of biomedical engineering
• The use of biomedical engineering in handling the COVID-19 situation
• Biorobotics in disease detection
• The authentication systems based on biorobotics
• The treatment of cardiac diseases with the help of biomedical engineering

Structural Engineering Essay Topics

• The use of software in modeling experiments
• How to study the vulnerability of a particular area
• Self-healing: core principles
• The utilization of probabilistic methods in structural engineering

Mechanical Engineering Essay Topics

• Marine shipping and air pollution
• The history of mechanical engineering
• Parallel kinematic machines
• Manufacturing systems: performance analysis
• Electricity production mechanisms used at nuclear power plants
• The technology of solid-liquid separation
• The mechanical engineering of the smart auto-reeling mechanism
• Perpetual motion machines: the outlook
• The implementation of oil depletion
• The use of mechanical engineering in metallurgy

Engineering Writing Is Easy!

Developed by our top engineering specialists, these longed-for paper topics are for all students who fail to develop a good idea for their engineering papers. As you can now see, creating a solid engineering paper topic is not as big a deal as some college students believe it to be. Equipped with these 32 brilliant paper topics, you no longer have to torment yourself with the tedious procedure of seeking inspiration for your academic paper. Make sure to select the best topic from our top list developed by the leading experts in engineering!

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Essays About Engineering: Top 5 Essay Examples Plus Prompts

Engineering is one of the most sought after professions for the 21st century. If you are writing essays about engineering, use these examples below.

A common stereotype of engineers is that they build houses, but that is simply not the case. Nearly all of the things we enjoy today are because of engineers. The food you buy at the grocers is deemed as safe thanks to the chemical engineers who analyzed its contents. The smartphone or laptop you’re using to read this right now was made possible by computer engineers.

The house you’re living in, the offices you go to work at, these marvels made our life easier because of engineers who dedicated their time to innovate and solve our problems through science and mathematics. After all, accuracy is what sets engineers apart.

If you are writing an essay about engineering, here are 5 essay examples to help you write an insightful piece.

1. Why Engineers Are Becoming Increasingly Important by Christopher McFadden

2. women in engineering: why i chose an engineering degree by purity muhia, 3. taking lessons from what went wrong by william j. broad, 4. the way i work: brendan walker by gary ryan, 5. engineering ethics and its impact on society by dr. william m. marcy and jane b. rathbun, 1. different types of engineering, 2. future of engineering, 3. how to become an engineer, 4. pros and cons of engineering innovation, 5. is engineering hard.

“ Now consider a society that is completely free of engineers. What would it look like? It’s a hard thing to picture because for as long as humans have existed, engineers (in some fashion) have also existed. 

The closest we can probably think about would be a hunter-gatherer one. This society would literally be one of pure survival. There would be no innovation, no technology of any kind. As soon as one or other members of that society created a trap, a spear or improved on a technique for smashing things an engineer will have been “born” .”

McFadden eloquently discussed how engineers transformed our way of living and the big role they’ll be playing as society becomes increasingly reliant on technology. He also discussed the impact engineers have in different sectors such agriculture, health, and education.

“ There are some girls who still grow up thinking that engineering and science isn’t meant for women. It is important to remember women can thrive in the world of engineering. I chose engineering because I loved math and science, and engineering promised real opportunities to change the world. ”

Muhia is now one step closer to achieving her dreams of making a change in the world as she now holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. 

In this essay, which she wrote back in 2016 as a student intern, she discussed the origins of her interest in engineering and aimed to inspire other young women to pursue this profession as a way to bring a different perspective to a vocation dominated by men.

“ It is not that failure is desirable, or that anyone hopes for or aims for a disaster. But failures, sometimes appalling, are inevitable, and given this fact, engineers say it pays to make good use of them to prevent future mistakes.

The result is that the technological feats that define the modern world are sometimes the result of events that some might wish to forget. ”

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner William Broad took a dive into the subject of how some of the innovations we enjoy today were conceptualized based on the tragedies of the past. Written in the midst of the Deepwater Horizon Drilling Rig Disaster, the article gathered the takes of distinguished engineers and used infamous engineering mishaps to discuss the adjustments made to improve work conditions and quality of life.

“ Novelty is a big part of creating a thrilling experience, so fairgrounds have historically been early adopters of new technology… Now the challenge for people like me is to produce content that controls and choreographs people’s emotional experience using this technology. ”

Coined as the world’s only thrill engineer, Brendan Walker reminisced his transition from an aeronautical engineer to conceptualizing and designing roller coasters and other theme park rides, and how understanding the physiological responses is key to providing patrons an unforgettable, thrilling experience.

“One aspect of many of the recent and prominently technological changes is a vast array of unintended consequences that the designers never anticipated. Unintended consequences frequently overshadow the anticipated benefits designers of a new technology had in mind. While many unintended consequences may have tremendous positive impacts on society, others may not. Ethical considerations must be included in every step of the design, documentation and deployment process to help anticipate and mitigate negative consequences.”

Dr. Marcy and Rathbun’s insightful essay examines how to assist engineers facing ethical dilemmas. It proposes addressing the three fundamental issues regarding engineering ethics – namely engineering ethics education, ethical decision making in professional practice, and protecting the rights of engineers to make such decisions.

Essay Prompts About Engineering

It can be a challenge to think of ideas and questions when writing an essay, especially if the subject revolves on something as technical as engineering. Here are five essay topics about engineering that might be able to help you out.

At present, there are up to 21 types of engineers that’s making a difference in the world we live in. From biochemical engineers to software engineers, this essay topic can discuss each branch and tackle their area of expertise as well as the groundbreaking innovations they’ve provided over the last few years. If you can’t investigate all, you can prompt to choose one type and focus your research on there.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out our essays about technology for your next project.

As mentioned, all types of engineers are working day in and day out to improve our way of living. With 21 types of engineers to choose from, you can choose which branch will impact your or your family’s future. For instance, if you’re an environmentally-conscious individual, you can home in on the research done by environmental engineers. Alternatively, you can focus on picturing what the next high-rise buildings will look like or what are the medical advancements 10 or 20 years from now.

This can be a range of different things. It can be an essay topic on how easy or difficult acquiring an engineering degree can be based on personal experience. It can be about how to inspire your kids to become future engineers by piquing their interest in infrastructures, space exploration, and even video games in a way that they will understand.

Technological advancements have their ups and downs. We won’t be able to see it at first, but a crack in its foundation will show after years of usage. An investigative essay showing an innovation’s advantages and disadvantages might reveal the next scientific discovery of the century that will change the world’s future.

Consider writing a short essay about the merits of the engineering profession. These types of essays are good because they help aspiring engineers and students figure out if they want to work in this career path. It also encourages to writer to either reflect on their experiences or consult more knowledgeable experts. 

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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50 Creative Topic Ideas for an Engineering Essay

By: admin | July 9th, 2020

Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay

College students have to write a lot. From making notes at lectures to writing papers and creating persuasive presentations, you have to deal with writing.

Often students are so tired of writing they are puzzled with the question, « Can I hire someone who will write essay for me cheap ? ». In fact, academic writing takes almost 80% of all college tasks, and even if you are majoring in tech, you cannot avoid these kinds of assignments. If you need help writing college papers , you may always order an essay, but this is a temporary solution.

You have to understand the basics of writing and learn how to choose the right topics to receive a good grade. One of the crucial things here is to choose the right topic, as complicated topics that are usually assigned for an engineering college essay should be as engaging as possible (if you can imagine that). You also need to pick the one that you have knowlage on, to provide relevant and updated information.

Among the best essay topics for engineering students you can choose from the following examples:

• The ways of improving medical imaging methods
• Biorobotics in disease detection
• The history of engineering
• Manufacturing systems: performance analysis
• Virtual reality and human perception
• The risks of using virus-infected computer software
• The technology of solid-liquid separation
• The implementation of oil depletion
• How does engineering contribute to modern world innovations?
• How does engineering technology help people?
• Key aspects of anharmonic lattice statics theory;
• What is the future of an engineering education?
• The limits in genetic engineering usage;
• How does engineering impact national infrastructure development?
• The main alternatives for the diamond;
• How relevant is studying engineering in terms of today`s economy?
• The role of machine learning in software automation testing;
• AR vs. VR: what is the difference?
• How far has genetic engineering gone?
• The principles of face and voice recognition in smartphones;
• The evolution of building skyscrapers;
• How can AI be used in building power stations?
• How can wireless power theft be monitored and prevented?
• How can the strength of constructions be increased?
• Compare and contrast essay of self-healing materials;
• How thermoelectric generators work;
• ML and neuron networks;
• The use of software in experiment modeling
• How can engineers solve the problem of genetic diseases?
• What is engineering education, and where can it be applied?
• The latest tendencies used in AR and VR development;
• What are the engineering contributions to the development of the college curriculum?
• Top career choices expecting you when getting engineering education;
• How do algorithms improve test automation?
• How can people control near-wall turbulent flow?
• How has the value of a person`s life changed in terms of cloning?
• Options for using rapid prototyping in 3D modeling;
• The average time for building: the roadmap;
• Top best materials for building … ; 
• The principle of how traffic lights work;
• The role of technologies in studying engineering;
• How exactly is compressed air used in cars?
• Marine shipping and air pollution;
• What is the difference between UI and UX?
• Motion US as the latest web design technology;
• The role of 3D modeling in researching the human brain;
• Key principles of computer viruses work;
• How can bioengineering control slopes erosion?
• Modern ways of structural health monitoring;
• How can you do repair works using fiberglass fabric?
• Modern tendencies in tissue engineering;
• Computer-assisted education and its success;
• The limits of software communication;
• The perception of VR by humans;

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There are three essay portions to the application: “Statement of Purpose,” “Outstanding Achievements” and “Additional Information.” Although “Outstanding Achievements" and “Additional Information” are optional, it is highly recommended that you complete these essays.

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Technology & Engineering — Engineering

Essays on Engineering

Crafting an engineering essay isn't just about equations and diagrams; it's a blend of science, creativity, and effective communication. We're here to sprinkle some wisdom your way with tips, prompts, and a bunch of inspiring ideas to get those engineering gears turning.

1. Prompts to Get Your Brain Buzzing

Let's explore some sample prompts. These will help you understand the types of questions you might encounter:

• Discuss the impact of emerging technologies on the field of civil engineering.
• Analyze the environmental sustainability challenges in modern electrical engineering projects.
• Examine the role of robotics in revolutionizing manufacturing processes.
• Explore the ethical considerations in engineering decision-making, using a real-life case study.

These prompts serve as springboards for your essay, guiding your thoughts and helping you structure your content effectively.

2. Brainstorming Epic Essay Topics

Choosing the right topic is the first step towards crafting an outstanding engineering essay. Here are some points to consider while brainstorming:

• Passion: Pick a topic that genuinely excites you. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.
• Relevance: Ensure your chosen topic is relevant to current engineering trends or issues.
• Originality: Avoid well-trodden paths and aim for a unique angle or fresh perspective.
• Research Potential: Confirm that there's enough research material available to support your chosen topic.
• Practicality: Consider the practical aspects of your topic and whether it can be explored effectively in an essay format.

Once you've considered these points, you'll be better equipped to select a topic that'll make your essay stand out.

3. 20 Engineering Essay Topics to Ignite Your Imagination

Now, let's get those creative engineering juices flowing with a list of unique and thought-provoking essay topics:

• 3D Printing Revolution: Explore the impact of 3D printing technology on various engineering disciplines.
• Engineering Marvels: Analyze a renowned engineering project like the Panama Canal or the Burj Khalifa, highlighting its challenges and innovations.
• AI in Healthcare: Discuss the role of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare technology and patient outcomes.
• Sustainable Energy Solutions: Examine the advancements in renewable energy sources and their potential to combat climate change.
• Space Exploration and Engineering: Explore the engineering feats behind space missions, such as the Mars rovers or the International Space Station.
• Green Building Technologies: Analyze the latest trends in eco-friendly construction methods and materials.
• The Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles: Discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding self-driving cars and their impact on society.
• Water Resource Management: Examine innovative engineering solutions for sustainable water supply and management.
• The Future of Transportation: Explore the possibilities of hyperloop technology and its potential to revolutionize transportation.
• Engineering in Disaster Relief: Analyze the role of engineering in disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Nanotechnology Breakthroughs: Discuss the recent breakthroughs and applications of nanotechnology in various engineering fields.
• Biomechanics and Sports Engineering: Examine the engineering behind sports equipment and how it enhances athlete performance.
• Space Elevators: Explore the theoretical concept of space elevators and their feasibility for future space travel.
• Renewable Energy Storage: Analyze innovative methods for storing renewable energy efficiently.
• Engineering in Art Conservation: Discuss how engineering techniques are used to preserve and restore valuable works of art and cultural heritage.
• Humanoid Robotics: Examine the development of humanoid robots and their potential applications in various industries.
• The Role of Engineers in Climate Change Mitigation: Discuss how engineers are actively working to combat climate change through sustainable solutions.
• Environmental Impact of E-Waste: Analyze the environmental consequences of electronic waste and potential engineering solutions.
• Engineering Challenges in Underwater Exploration: Explore the unique challenges engineers face in designing equipment for underwater exploration.
• Smart Cities: Discuss the concept of smart cities and how engineering plays a pivotal role in their development.

These topics offer a wide range of exciting possibilities to explore in your engineering essay. Pick one that resonates with your interests and dive right in!

4. Inspiration for Crafting Stellar Paragraphs

Now, let's sprinkle some inspiration on your essay with sample paragraphs and phrases that can elevate your writing:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Engineering is the backbone of modern civilization, driving innovation, and shaping our world. In this essay, we embark on a thrilling journey through the fascinating realm of engineering, exploring its diverse facets, challenges, and contributions to society. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable solutions, we'll delve deep into the heart of engineering excellence.

Paragraph 2: The Impact of 3D Printing Technology

3D printing technology has revolutionized the way we design and manufacture products across various industries. Its applications span from aerospace to healthcare, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions. For instance, in the aerospace sector, 3D printing has enabled the creation of intricate and lightweight components, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This breakthrough technology not only enhances engineering efficiency but also paves the way for a more sustainable future.

Paragraph 3: Ethics in Engineering Decision-Making

Engineering isn't just about technical know-how; it also involves ethical considerations that can have far-reaching consequences. Take the example of the decision-making process in designing autonomous vehicles. Engineers face complex moral dilemmas, such as how an autonomous car should prioritize passenger safety over pedestrians or vice versa. These ethical questions require careful examination and transparent discussions to ensure that engineering advancements align with societal values and priorities.

Paragraph 4: The Future of Sustainable Energy

As the world grapples with the impending climate crisis, engineers play a pivotal role in developing sustainable energy solutions. Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient buildings are just a few examples of engineering innovations aimed at reducing carbon footprints. For instance, the incorporation of energy-efficient materials in construction not only lowers energy consumption but also contributes to the longevity of buildings, reducing maintenance costs. This intersection of engineering and sustainability holds the promise of a greener and cleaner future.

Paragraph 5: The Challenges of Space Exploration

Engineering marvels are prominently displayed in the field of space exploration. The challenges engineers face are immense, from designing spacecraft capable of surviving the harsh conditions of space to ensuring the safety of astronauts during extended missions. The Mars rovers, with their remarkable ability to explore the Red Planet remotely, showcase the engineering ingenuity required for interplanetary exploration. These endeavors expand our understanding of the universe and inspire the next generation of engineers to reach for the stars.

And there you have it, dear engineering essay enthusiast! Armed with prompts, brainstorming tips, unique topics, and inspirational sample paragraphs, you're well-equipped to embark on your journey of crafting an exceptional engineering essay. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your keyboard, and let your engineering brilliance shine through your words. Happy writing!

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Values Professionalism, Dedication and Responsibility in Engineering Culture

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Engineering is a discipline and profession that applies scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge to design, create, improve, and innovate various systems, structures, machines, and processes to address practical problems and meet human needs. It involves the application of scientific principles, empirical evidence, and practical expertise to develop practical solutions that improve the quality of life, enhance efficiency, and contribute to societal advancements.

Engineering has its origins in the earliest human civilizations, where primitive engineering techniques were employed to build structures and develop technologies to meet various needs. The history of engineering is a testament to humanity's ingenuity and problem-solving abilities. The roots of engineering can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley, where advancements in agriculture, irrigation systems, and construction techniques took place. These early developments laid the foundation for engineering principles that are still relevant today. Over time, engineering evolved and diversified into various disciplines such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and many more. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant milestone in engineering history, with the emergence of innovative technologies and machinery that revolutionized manufacturing processes and transportation systems. Throughout the 20th century, engineering continued to advance rapidly, driven by scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. The fields of aerospace engineering, computer engineering, and biomedical engineering, among others, emerged, shaping the modern world and expanding the boundaries of human capabilities. Today, engineering plays a vital role in addressing global challenges and improving quality of life. Engineers are at the forefront of designing sustainable infrastructure, developing renewable energy solutions, creating advanced technologies, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems.

Civil Engineering: This branch deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and water supply systems. Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers work on the design, development, and manufacturing of machinery, engines, vehicles, and other mechanical systems. Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineers specialize in the study and application of electrical systems, including power generation, transmission, and utilization, as well as electronics and telecommunications. Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineers are involved in the design and operation of processes that transform raw materials into useful products, such as pharmaceuticals, fuels, and chemicals. Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace engineers focus on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies. Computer Engineering: Computer engineers work on the design and development of computer systems, hardware, and software, including areas like computer networks, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Environmental Engineering: Environmental engineers work to protect and improve the environment by designing sustainable solutions for waste management, pollution control, and resource conservation. Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to develop solutions for healthcare, including medical devices, prosthetics, and imaging systems.

Nikola Tesla: A Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer, Tesla's work revolutionized the field of electrical power and laid the foundation for the development of alternating current (AC) systems. Leonardo da Vinci: Although best known as an artist, da Vinci was also an engineer and inventor. His designs and sketches showcased his visionary ideas for inventions such as flying machines, bridges, and military weapons. Thomas Edison: An American inventor and businessman, Edison is credited with numerous inventions, including the practical electric light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera, which revolutionized the modern world. Grace Hopper: An American computer scientist and naval officer, Hopper played a pivotal role in the development of computer programming languages. Her work on the development of COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) paved the way for modern software engineering. Elon Musk: A contemporary entrepreneur and engineer, Musk has made significant contributions to various fields, including electric vehicles (Tesla), space exploration (SpaceX), and renewable energy (SolarCity).

Innovation and Advancement: Engineering drives innovation by developing new technologies, products, and solutions to address societal needs. It fosters advancements in various fields, including transportation, communication, healthcare, energy, and more. Infrastructure Development: Engineers design and construct critical infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and transportation systems. These structures are the backbone of societies, facilitating economic growth, connectivity, and improved quality of life. Problem Solving: Engineers are problem solvers, using scientific and mathematical principles to analyze complex challenges and develop practical solutions. Their expertise is essential in finding sustainable and efficient ways to tackle global issues like climate change, pollution, and resource scarcity. Economic Growth: Engineering contributes to economic growth by fostering innovation, creating job opportunities, and driving productivity. It supports industries and entrepreneurship, leading to the development of new businesses and the generation of wealth. Safety and Sustainability: Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our built environment. They develop and implement measures to mitigate risks, protect the environment, and promote sustainable practices in areas such as waste management, renewable energy, and urban planning. Global Challenges: Engineering is instrumental in addressing global challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and healthcare accessibility. Through sustainable engineering practices, efficient resource management, and the development of resilient infrastructure, engineers contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

1. The word "engineer" is derived from the Latin word "ingeniator," which means "clever contriver" or "deviser of engines." 2. The Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic engineering marvels, spans over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers) and took centuries to build. 3. The world's tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, stands at a height of 2,717 feet (828 meters) and required the expertise of thousands of engineers. 4. The Panama Canal, an engineering feat completed in 1914, shortened the sea journey between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by approximately 8,000 nautical miles. 5. The Hoover Dam, located on the border of Nevada and Arizona in the United States, generates enough electricity to serve over 1.3 million people and provides water to millions of acres of farmland. 6. According to the American Society for Engineering Education, the number of engineering bachelor's degrees awarded in the United States has been steadily increasing, with over 114,000 degrees awarded in the 2019-2020 academic year.

Engineering is a topic of utmost importance to explore and discuss in an essay due to its profound impact on society and the world we live in. This field plays a crucial role in shaping our infrastructure, technology, and quality of life. By studying engineering, we gain insights into the innovative solutions that engineers develop to address complex challenges and improve various aspects of our lives. An essay on engineering allows us to delve into the diverse branches of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical, highlighting their unique contributions to society. It enables us to explore the fascinating history of engineering, from ancient marvels to modern advancements, showcasing humanity's quest for progress and innovation. Moreover, engineering is intricately linked to key global issues, including sustainability, renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, and urban development. By examining these topics in an essay, we can explore the ways engineers contribute to finding sustainable solutions, mitigating environmental impact, and creating a better future for all.

1. Bucciarelli, L. L. (1994). Engineering philosophy. Springer. 2. Budynas, R. G., & Nisbett, J. K. (2016). Shigley's mechanical engineering design (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. 3. Dowling, N. E., & Carew, A. L. (2015). Engineering your future: A comprehensive introduction to engineering (9th ed.). Oxford University Press. 4. Gere, J. M., & Goodno, B. J. (2017). Mechanics of materials (9th ed.). Cengage Learning. 5. Helsel, S. C., & Helsel, J. L. (2012). Engineering ethics: Concepts and cases. Cengage Learning. 6. Hillier, F. S., Lieberman, G. J., & Lieberman, M. A. (2013). Introduction to operations research (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. 7. Kutz, M. (Ed.). (2016). Mechanical engineers' handbook: Materials and engineering mechanics (4th ed.). Wiley. 8. Moran, M. J., Shapiro, H. N., Boettner, D. D., & Bailey, M. B. (2010). Fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics (7th ed.). Wiley. 9. O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2010). Management information systems (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. 10. Shigley, J. E., & Budynas, R. G. (2014). Mechanical engineering design (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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In an essay, you will write about a topic in depth, presenting a clear argument which leads logically to your conclusions. You will need to provide evidence from academic sources to support your argument.

Most essays are written in response to a specific question set by a lecturer but you will sometimes have a choice of questions or an element of choice within the question.

Assessment criteria

It is always a good idea to look at the criteria that will be used to assess your essay. There is no one standard set of criteria but lecturers will usually be looking for evidence of the following:

• Wide, relevant reading
• Addressing the question / task set
• Analytical ability
• Well-constructed argument
• Use of relevant examples / evidence
• Clarity of expression
• Appropriate and accurate referencing

The more detailed structure of an essay will depend on the question that is being answered. However, for all essays you should:

Analysing the question

In this video, Professor John Preston explains how to approach an engineering essay.  He discusses an essay entitled , 'For local bus services, what are the appropriate levels of regulation and the appropriate forms of competition and ownership? Justify your answer with reference to theoretical and practical evidence both from Great Britain and elsewhere', and points out that there are 9 things you need to include in your analysis in order to fully answer the question .

Read a wide range of academic sources including books, journals and reports. Identify evidence you can use to support your ideas, but don’t ignore evidence that contradicts them; you may need to rethink your argument.

Once you have analysed the question and read widely, you should have a clear idea what your main argument will be. Now write an outline of your essay consisting of the topic sentence (main idea) of each paragraph and the evidence you will use to support this assertion.

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Don't start writing until you have:

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read widely about all aspects of it

planned your response.

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What are the Best Engineering Essay Topics for Students?

It can be fun, having the chance to pick your own essay topic. Especially when it's an argumentative essay

It can be fun, having the chance to pick your own essay topic. Especially when it’s an argumentative essay. It can also be a headache.

You have to be careful when selecting argumentative engineering essay topics for college classes, even when given free rein. This is true even for the best argumentative engineering essay topics. This can turn writing into a conundrum. “Should I write my essay on one of the controversial essay topics or not?” you might ask yourself. By the time you’ve reached a conclusion, you might be willing to turn to a free essay writer! But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. These topics, while certainly controversial, are great ones to choose to work on.

Our Society

The most basic, yet probably the most heatedly debated topic that you can choose to write about is society. As humans, we are defined by the society in which we live. Discussing the morals of that, and how we should function, is a great way to write an essay. More defined engineering essay topics that fall into this category include racism, sexism, religion, abortion, and much more. There are almost never-ending things to choose from.

Family Dynamics

Family units are the backbone of the society mentioned above. These engineering essay topics usually relate to raising children as well as marriage or other romantic relationships. This is particularly exciting since it is an area where we’re seeing a lot of changes happening. Same-sex marriage, physical discipline, and child-rearing are some of the more common things being discussed.

Speaking about less controversial engineering essay topics, you can discuss the effects of reading on children versus that of television. It’s interesting, and the majority of people will have a strong opinion on most of the issues above.

Law and Order

The law is another part of our society because it applies to everyone (or at least it should; that, too, could be an essay topic), it’s a hard-hitting topic. How do you feel about legalizing marijuana, for example? Many oppose it, many endorse it. There are more examples, but they’re usually precise and related to the country that you happen to live in. While it’s usually a good idea to pick a topic that relates to you, you could also choose something regarding another country. What laws do you support? What laws do you think should be done away with or re-examined?

Engineering Education and the Education System

If you’re being asked to write an essay, the chances are you’re a part of the education system. And that makes it the perfect topic to dwell on. What are some of the inequalities that it has? Ask yourself, “Should I be allowed to pay someone to write my essay ? Is it fair for them to do my essay because I have money?” or “What do I think about standardized testing?” This is especially relevant because you know that it is a part of your life as well as those around you. Digging deeper into these controversies online through research will help.

Biomedical Engineering, Biotech, Health and Medicine

Especially in the US, health is a very heated topic. Do you believe in the private health care industry or in health as a human right? Even outside the US, you’ll find that there are debates about health constantly going. Addiction falls into this topic, opening up a wide range of options for an essay. Lesser known but still interesting engineering essay topics are those related to prisoners and the ethics of animal experimentation. Those can be interesting to research, simply because most people don’t think about them in their day-to-day lives. Do some reading to learn what you think on the subject.

Construction Economics and Money

Economic systems for construction and civil engineering have been argued about since they were invented. People worry about what is (or what isn’t) in their pocketbooks, and what might happen to the contents. Wars have been fought over different construction ideas. Socialism, communism, and capitalism are great essay topics but nothing compared to civil engineering. You could also choose the construction economic downturns faced in history. The Great Depression, the Great Recession in 2008, and the economy of post-WWI Germany are the examples of economies going bad, especially for construction of properties, contractors’ contracts, civil engineering and real estate gone bust. What happened to cause these, and can we prevent them from happening again in the future? Do they all have a similar source, or is it different?

Ol’ Faithful – Politics

Politics is all over the news nowadays: Whether it’s Donald Trump saying something, Theresa May stepping down, Vladimir Putin being tied to illegal activities, or Kim Jong Un making veiled (or not veiled) threats, you can’t escape it. But you can narrow it down more. Look at the foreign policy and military. What are your views on the wars that took place after the 9/11 attacks? What are your opinions on the draft in the United States? These engineering essay topics are plentiful, but be warned – They can become very heated very quickly.

Finding the right essay topic isn’t always easy. You might want to choose something that is both involving and controversial enough to elicit more than one opinion, and friendly not to start a brawl in the middle of the class. With these engineering essay topics, you’ll definitely be able to find something that is perfect for you.

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55 Civil Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best civil engineering topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting civil engineering topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy civil engineering essay titles.

• Choosing the Right Career Path: Biomedical and Civil Engineering Biomedical engineers join sound skills of engineering and biological science, and so tend to have a bachelor of science and superior degrees from major universities, who are now recovering their biomedical engineering program as interest […]
• Sustainability and Civil Engineering With development of economic issues, there is impact of civil engineering in better advocating sustainable development in the true sense of the word.
• Ethics and the Civil Engineer of 2025 In that regard, it can said that ethics and ethical responsibility is bordering with qualification in terms of its importance for the profession.
• Peter Rice: Famous Civil and Structural Engineer What makes the work of Peter Rice unique is that he has the ability to step out of the limits and constraints which formed a part of his professional training; as a result he was […]
• Civil Engineering as a Professional Career The reason why civil engineering is dominant over other engineering disciplines is that it is broad and deals with many things such as design, building, and refurbishment of corporeal and ordinary built environment.
• Civil Engineering Practice and Fundamentals The book presents the results of the summit devoted to the future of civil engineering. The main subjects of the summit were the role of teachers, students, and engineer interns in the development of new […]
• Civil Engineering Assessment: Fire Safety in Buildings According to the ‘Review of the Building Regulations 2004: Section 2 Fire,’ fire safety main aims are to ensure the protection of life, achievement of sustainable development, and assist the fire and rescue services.
• Celestino R. C. Pennoni History: Civil Engineering, Education, and Environmental Programs Pennoni was the first one in his family to gain the higher education, owing to his commitment and his parents’ understanding of “the value of education”.
• Electrical and Civil Engineering Analysis Sakae M Light rail is a modern concept that is versatile in nature and it fits perfectly in the engineering visions of a bus and the heavy metro.
• Architect, General Building Contractor and Civil Engineer My configuration is ISTP, and I think that the selected occupations are a good fit for my personality as they demand specific features and qualities that I possess.
• Infrastructure: American Society of Civil Engineers The ASEC believes that the energy infrastructure is especially critical for the economy. American society makes the following suggestions to enhance the country’s infrastructure: The federal leadership in infrastructure is required.
• Developing More Sustainable Civil Engineering Practices It is possible to observe that of the better policies, which are proposed in the research and which could be applied to the sphere of civil engineering, is the development and use of new tools […]
• Civil Engineering Development: Safety & Diversity Nowadays, the development of civil engineering continues, including the involvement of women and minorities and the improvement of education, and the improvement of the safety of the constructions.
• Strategies of the American Society of Civil Engineers During the budget process, “the SPC, the Program Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Board consider the overall strategies and their viability and affordability and then allocate funds”.
• Civil Engineering During the Industrial Revolution in Britain’s History
• Quality Failure Costs in Civil Engineering Projects
• Civil Engineering: Definition, History, Functions, Branches
• Saudi Arabian Civil Engineering Construction Analysis
• The Language of Civil Engineering Research Articles
• Applications and Issues of GIS as Tool for Civil Engineering Modeling
• Civil Engineering Construction Market in Central Europe
• Civil Engineering and Reinforced Concrete Design Concerns
• Factors Affecting the Decrease of Civil Engineering Students Number
• Bayesian Methods for Structural Dynamics and Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Decision-Making in Civil Engineering, Construction, and Building Technology
• Advancements in Civil Engineering & Technology
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Impact on Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Vibrational Based Inspection of Civil Engineering Structures
• The History and Importance of Civil Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence Application in Civil Engineering
• Advances in Materials Applied in Civil Engineering
• The Basic Concepts Essential for Structural and Civil Engineering
• Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Wood Use in Civil Engineering
• The Design of Cementitious Composites for Civil Engineering Applications
• Imbalance Between Software and Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering: Design Construction and Maintenance
• Computer Technology and Its Application in Civil Engineering
• The Technology Advances Modern Civil Engineering
• Internet Marketing for Growing Civil Engineering Firm
• Neural Networks Usage in Civil Engineering
• Greatest Civil Engineering Achievements Review
• Use of Vegetation in Civil Engineering: Is This Still a Case?
• Uncertainty Modeling and Analysis in Civil Engineering
• Trends in Civil Engineering and Its Architecture
• The Civil Engineering Measuring Estimating and Tendering Construction
• The Factors Affecting the Career Choice of Male and Female Civil Engineering Students in the UK
• Marketing for Small and Medium-Sized Civil Engineering Companies
• Building a Future: Architecture vs. Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering and the Different Types of Civil Engineers
• Machine Learning Techniques for Civil Engineering Problems
• Risk Assessment and Risk Communication in Civil Engineering
• Application of Optimal Control Theory to Civil Engineering Structures
• What Do Psychology and Civil Engineering Have in Common?
• Wind-Tunnel Development and Trends in Applications to Civil Engineering
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IvyPanda. (2023, October 26). 55 Civil Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/civil-engineering-essay-topics/

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Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal: a Bold Move in American History

This essay is about Theodore Roosevelt’s pivotal role in the construction of the Panama Canal. It discusses how Roosevelt’s bold political maneuvers and visionary leadership were crucial in overcoming initial failures and significant challenges. His support for Panama’s independence from Colombia and securing control over the Canal Zone exemplified his assertive “big stick” diplomacy. The essay highlights the comprehensive measures taken to combat disease, the innovative engineering solutions, and Roosevelt’s hands-on involvement in the project. The completion of the canal revolutionized global trade and cemented the United States’ strategic and economic influence, marking a significant achievement in American history and Roosevelt’s legacy.

How it works

The fabrication of the Panama Canal emerges as a preeminent feat of engineering during the early 20th century, with Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, as its focal point. His resolute actions and unwavering dedication to the canal’s realization underscored his belief in American exceptionalism and strategic imperatives. Roosevelt’s involvement in the Panama Canal transcended mere engineering; it represented a bold political and diplomatic gambit that reshaped global trade routes and solidified the United States as a dominant force on the global stage.

The concept of a canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans had been contemplated for centuries, but it was during Roosevelt’s presidency that the project gained significant traction. Recognizing the strategic military and commercial advantages of such a canal, Roosevelt was steadfast in his determination to see it to fruition. The initial endeavors by the French to construct a canal in the late 19th century had ended in failure, marred by financial woes and high mortality rates due to disease. However, Roosevelt perceived an opportunity to succeed where others had faltered, propelled by his faith in American ingenuity and resolve.

Roosevelt’s approach to the Panama Canal was characterized by his characteristic audacity and readiness to take calculated risks. In 1903, the United States negotiated the Hay-Herrán Treaty with Colombia, which held sway over Panama at the time. However, when the Colombian Senate rebuffed the treaty, Roosevelt wasted no time in throwing his weight behind a local independence movement in Panama. He dispatched American naval forces to the region, effectively ensuring Panama’s separation from Colombia. Shortly thereafter, the newly independent Panama inked the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the United States, ceding control over the Canal Zone.

The construction of the Panama Canal was an arduous undertaking that necessitated overcoming formidable engineering and health obstacles. Under Roosevelt’s stewardship, the U.S. government instituted comprehensive measures to combat diseases like yellow fever and malaria, which had wreaked havoc on previous endeavors. The appointment of Dr. William Gorgas to oversee sanitation and health initiatives proved pivotal in mitigating the disease burden and safeguarding the welfare of laborers. These endeavors were complemented by the innovative engineering solutions devised by John Stevens and later George Washington Goethals, who oversaw the canal’s construction.

Roosevelt’s hands-on involvement was evident in his frequent visits to the construction site, famously commandeering a steam shovel during one of his inspections. This symbolic gesture underscored his personal investment in the project and his desire to instill confidence and perseverance among the workforce. Roosevelt’s leadership style melded pragmatic problem-solving with a penchant for dramatic gestures, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the canal’s realization.

The successful completion of the Panama Canal in 1914 bore testament to Roosevelt’s foresight and resolve. The canal revolutionized global trade, markedly diminishing travel distances for ships traversing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It also entrenched the United States’ strategic and economic sway in the region, facilitating swifter naval deployments and more efficient commercial shipping routes. The canal’s culmination epitomized the triumph of American engineering and determination, heralding a new epoch in global maritime navigation.

Roosevelt’s involvement in the Panama Canal also wielded significant ramifications for U.S. foreign policy. His endeavors in championing Panama’s independence and securing control over the canal zone epitomized his “big stick” diplomacy, which underscored the utilization of American power to achieve strategic goals. This approach mirrored Roosevelt’s broader vision of a proactive American presence on the world stage, advocating for stability and order through strength. The Panama Canal emerged as a testament to American innovation and stood as a cornerstone of Roosevelt’s legacy.

In conclusion, Theodore Roosevelt’s pivotal role in the construction of the Panama Canal epitomized a watershed moment in American history. His bold political maneuvers, commitment to surmounting engineering challenges, and visionary leadership were instrumental in bringing the canal to fruition. The Panama Canal not only reshaped global trade dynamics but also solidified the United States’ stature as a preeminent global power. Roosevelt’s legacy as a proponent of American progress and international influence is indelibly linked to the successful completion of this extraordinary engineering marvel.

Remember, this essay serves as a springboard for inspiration and further research. For personalized guidance and to ensure academic compliance, consider consulting experts at EduBirdie.

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Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Search cornell admissions, cornell first-year writing supplement prompts.

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.  

Cornell University Essay Question

In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “... any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit)

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of agriculture and life sciences.

Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit)  

Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you've applied).

Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)

Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). 

Select all that apply:

• A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
• My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
• I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
• I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.                                           

Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)

College of Arts & Sciences

At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 word limit)

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 word limit)

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

College of Engineering

Instructions: All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1: Required response. (250-word limit)

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Essay 2: Choose either Question A and Question B. (250-word limit)

Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.

Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

College of Human Ecology

How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)

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CollegeVine's essay prompt database

Find your college’s application essay prompts for 2023-24

Latest essay prompts for the top 100 schools.

At CollegeVine, our goal is to make the college application process a little less stressful, so we’ve compiled the latest essay prompts for the top 100 schools in one easy, searchable database.

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Future engineers.

New freshmen and transfer students should visit Engineering for Everyone for information regarding admission to major for future engineering students.

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Students that have started classes at Ohio State and are enrolled in an engineering/computer science major or pre-major can seek admission to an engineering major. Students not enrolled in an engineering/computer science major or pre-major should review Enroll in an Engineering Program .

Due to available capacity, many programs can accept students into the major without applying while others require students to apply through the admission application process. Below shows the current method to seek admission into each major. Please note these statuses may change as enrollment in majors change.

Regional Campus Engineers

Students wanting to major in a "space available" major will be switched into the major when they campus change to Columbus. Students wanting to major in a program indicated as "limited space" should submit an application to major as soon as they are eligible to apply.

Space Available Programs

These majors are accepting engineering students on the Columbus campus in good standing (2.0 GPA or above) into the major without the need to submit an admission application. To switch into a space available major, please visit the advisor in that major.

• Aviation* - Aviation Advisor
• Civil Engineering - Civil Eng Advisor
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - ECE Advisor
• Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering - FABE Advisor
• Industrial and Systems Engineering - ISE Advisor
• Materials Science and Engineering - MSE Advisor
• Welding Engineering - Welding Advisor

Students submitting an application to a limited space major are encouraged to select one of these programs as their choice 2 or 3 option on the application to major.

*Direct enrollment into the Aviation major is available, but is separate from enrollment in the Professional Pilot Certification (PPC) due to limited space. See Professional Pilot Specialization for additional information.

Limited Space Programs

These majors accept students into the major through the admission to major application process. Students will need to submit an application to major to seek admission to the following programs. 

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Engineering Physics

Only Available to Students in the Pre-Major

In order to implement a transparent and equitable admission process and recognizing the challenges in meeting the demand and space availability in popular majors, only students in these pre-majors may apply to their respective major. For example, only biomedical pre-major are permitted to apply to the biomedical engineering major.

Aerospace Engineering - AERO and MECH pre-majors may apply

• Biomedical Engineering
• Learn about the different computer science options at Ohio State .
• Mechanical Engineering - MECH and AERO pre-majors may apply

Prospective Ohio State students (freshmen, transfers, and regional campus) interested in one of these majors will need to apply to the major during the undergraduate admissions process.

The Application Process

Students can select and apply to as many as three majors of interest  (ranked in order of preference), during the semester that eligibility courses are completed, which generally occurs during the second semester of enrollment.

• Students enrolled in a pre-major program are required to apply to three major choices.
• Students enrolled in a major program and are wishing to change majors may select one, two, or three majors choices.

Students selecting the CIS option in Computer Science as their first choice are not required to select a choice 2 or 3 engineering major but are welcome to do so.

Students selecting Computer Science (CSE and CIS BS options),  Electrical and Computer Engineering ,  Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering , and  Industrial and Systems Engineering will be asked to select the specialization/program of study in the major they plan to pursue. Please use the links on each major to explore each program's options. This selection is not permanent, students are able to change their choices in the future.

The process requires students to verify their coursework, and respond to a few short essay prompts (about 250 words each). Students will address their interest in the selected majors, their experiences working with teams, and their life experiences influencing their desire to pursue engineering. Once final grades are available at the end of the semester, applications will undergo a program review. Applicants undergo a blind review by the selected major choices where the cumulative GPA and essay responses are considered (the CSE 2221 grade and Physics II grades are also considered for computer science and engineering physics applicants respectively). Applications will be reviewed in the order of the their preferred major choices. For example, if a student's preference is Civil, Chemical, Environmental, their application will be review by Civil first, followed by Chemical and Environmental if not admitted by the proceeding major.

All students will be notified of their admission decision on the admission decision date listed below. Admitted students will be offered a place in one major. This offer must be accepted by the indicated deadline to secure a place. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the admission offer.

Students must have a cumulative Ohio State GPA of 2.0 or better, be enrolled in an engineering/computer science major or pre-major, and meet the criteria for each major choice by the end of the semester in which they are applying.

• Aerospace Engineering - Calculus II; Fundamentals of Engineering; Physics I; and enrollment in the aerospace or mechanical pre-major
• Aviation - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Biomedical Engineering - Calculus II; Fundamentals of Engineering; either Chemistry II or both Chemistry I and Physics I; and enrollment in the biomedical pre-major
• Chemical Engineering - Calculus II; Fundamentals of Engineering; and either Chemistry II or both Chemistry I and Physics I
• Civil Engineering - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• *CIS pre-majors applying to the CSE option will not be required to meet the Fundamentals of Engineering criteria. However, if admitted to CSE, students are expect to complete ENGR 1181/1182 during their first year in the major.
• CIS BA option - GE Foundations: Writing and Information Literacy
• CIS BS option - GE Foundations: Writing and Information Literacy
• Electrical and Computer Engineering - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Engineering Physics  - Calculus II, Fundamentals of Engineering, and Physics II (grade of C+ or better)
• Environmental Engineering - Calculus II, Fundamentals of Engineering, and one of Chemistry I or Physics I
• Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering -  No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Industrial and Systems Engineering - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Materials Science and Engineering - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Mechanical Engineering - Calculus II; Fundamentals of Engineering; Physics I; and enrollment in the aerospace or mechanical pre-major
• Welding Engineering - No additional criteria prior to applying to this major
• Calculus I options: MATH 1141, 1151, 1161
• Calculus II options - MATH 1152, 1172, 1181H, 2162, 4181H
• Fundamentals of Engineering options - ENGR 1182, 1282H, or all three of ENGR 1186, 1187, 1188
• Chemistry I options - CHEM 1208, 1210, 1250, 1610, 1910H
• Chemistry II options - CHEM 1220, 1620, 1920H

Physics I options - PHYSICS 1249, 1250, 1250H, 1260, 1270

• Physics II options - PHYSICS 1251, 1251H, 1261, 1271

Students are eligible to apply to different majors based on completion of the program requirements. Find which majors you are eligible to apply to based on the science and technical courses you will have completed. You are eligible to apply to the majors listed in each group that you will be completed by the end of application semester.

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Welding Engineering

Physics I options - PHYSICS 1249, 1250, 1250H, 1260, 1270 Physics II options - PHYSICS 1251, 1251H, 1261, 1271

Chemistry I options - CHEM 1208, 1210, 1250, 1610, 1910H

Chemistry I options - CHEM 1208, 1210, 1250, 1610, 1910H Chemistry II options - CHEM 1220, 1620, 1920H

Chemistry I options - CHEM 1208, 1210, 1250, 1610, 1910H Physics I options - PHYSICS 1249, 1250, 1250H, 1260, 1270

Software I options - CSE 2221

• Computer Science (CSE and CIS)

 What if Degree Audit

Students are encouraged to generate a What If Degree Audit to show which majors they are eligible to apply to. Students should choose Run Selected Program and select School -  ENG - Engineering , College - ENG , Major - ENGPRE-PRE , Degree - NONE INDIC , and Catalog Year - AU 2022 . 

• Students selecting the CIS option in Computer science are not required to have credit for Calculus II and Fundamentals of Engineering to be eligible for choice 2 and choice 3 engineering majors. Applicants will still need to meet the science/technical course requirement for their choice 2 and 3 options.
• Students not admitted to Computer Science and who accept an admission offer to their choice 2 or 3 engineering major will be required to complete the engineering common requirements (Calculus II and ENGR 1181/1182) during their first year in the major.
• Engineering majors are assessed a program fee each semester. CIS pre-majors should be aware their cost of attendance may increase by switching from the CIS pre-major to an engineering major by accepting a choice 2 or 3 offer.

Goals, Problems to be Solved, and How the Three Discipline Areas Will Help Set You on Your Way

• For the {major choice 1} program, describe how a degree in that area will help you to achieve your career goals and address the problems that interest you. ( maximum  1500 characters with spaces)
• For the {major choice 2} program, describe how a degree in that area will help you to achieve your career goals and address the problems that interest you. ( maximum 1500 characters with spaces)
• For the {major choice 3} program, describe how a degree in that area will help you to achieve your career goals and address the problems that interest you. ( maximum 1500 characters with spaces)

*Essay 1 (the major essay) is not required when selecting the Aviation, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Welding Engineering majors as a major choice.

• 4 Points - Draws clear, well informed, accurate connections between {the major} and their interests and career goals.
• 3 Points - Intermediate
• 2 Points - Discusses career goals and interests and makes connections to {the major}; some connections may be vague or inaccurate.
• 1 Point - Intermediate
• 0 Points - Does not communicate career goals or interests, or student makes no effort to connect goals or interests to {the major}.

Problems in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are inherently complex.  Solving them requires extensive teamwork and collaboration.  Research shows teams that are diverse in terms of how members process information, in social perspectives, and lived experience tend to be more creative, faster, and effective in their problem solving. With this definition of diversity in mind, reflect on and discuss your experiences working in teams. What have you learned from those experiences that you can apply or share as you progress in your education and career? [ Here, ‘team’ refers to any group of people working together; could be family members, co-workers, students, neighbors, etc. ] ( maximum 1500 characters with spaces)

Reflection on teamwork and team diversity

4 Points - Provides thoughtful reflection on experience(s) working in a team. Team diversity is explicitly discussed.

• 2 Points - Provides limited reflection on team experience  or  no discussion of team diversity.
• 0 Points - Provides no reflection on team experience  and no discussion of team diversity.

Lessons learned

• 4 Points - Fully, clearly, and specifically addresses what student learned from experience that they can apply or share in their education or career.
• 2 Points - Addresses in limited or vague way what student learned from experience that they can apply or share in their education or career.
• 0 Points - Does not address what student learned from experience that they can apply or share in their education or career.

Pursuing a degree in a STEM field  requires determination, as well as the ability to master coursework.  With this in mind, please describe any experiences, challenges, or circumstances that have influenced or affected your academic performance or your desire to pursue a degree in STEM.  (maximum 1500 characters with spaces)

Insight and Impact

• 4 Points - Provides significant insight into the impact of prior experiences, challenges, or circumstances on academic performance or the desire to pursue STEM degree.
• 2 Points - Provides limited insight into the impact of prior experiences, challenges, or circumstances on academic performance or the desire to pursue STEM degree.
• 0 Points - Provides little or no insight into the impact of prior experiences, challenges, or circumstances on academic performance or the desire to pursue STEM degree.

Determination

• 4 Points - Determination to pursue STEM degree is explicitly discussed.
• 2 Points - Vague or limited discussion of determination to pursue STEM degree.
• 0 Points - No discussion of determination to pursue STEM degree.

Note to Students : Please write and save your essays outside of the application system. Do not write your essays in the application. If the application system times out, you will lose your progress. When you are prepared to submit your application, copy and paste your essays into the system.

• Students must be enrolled in an engineering or computer science pre-major to apply for admission to major . Students not enrolled in an engineering or computer science pre-major/major will first need to change into one before going through the admission to major process. Students should follow the Enroll in an Engineering Program .
• Students have two attempts to seek admission to a major through the Admission to Major process . Applications reviewed at the end of term will be considered an attempt. Students not awarded admission to a major after the second attempt, and students who do not wish to accept an offer during their second attempt will not be permitted to apply a third time. Applications with a status of "Withdrawn" or "Cancelled..." do not count as an attempt.
• Application Cancellation . Students may cancel their application by the 10 th week of the semester. Applications cancelled by the deadline listed below will not count as an application attempt. Applications not cancelled by the deadline will be assessed for admission eligibility at the end of the semester and therefore deemed an attempt.
• Students who accept an admission to a major offer are not permitted to reapply to a different major during the next admission cycle . Accepting an offer demonstrates the intent to complete the major program. Students who wish to reapply to a new major will need to wait one academic year to reapply. For example, if a student submits an application in Spring 2024 for Autumn 2024 admission and accepts the offer, the student would not be permitted to reapply during the Autumn 2024 cycle.

Prospective students interested in pursuing two degrees at Ohio State, with one in specific engineering programs (Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Computer and Information Science, or Mechanical Engineering), must choose one of these programs during their initial application to Ohio State. Once enrolled at Ohio State, students can later add a second major or degree, either within engineering or from another university program. It's important to note that adding a double major or dual degree in these specified programs later on is not allowed.

For current Ohio State Engineering students, adding a double major or dual degree in the mentioned programs is not permitted. However, they are encouraged to connect with their academic advisor to explore alternative academic opportunities aligned with their specific interests and career goals.

Students wishing to pursue a second major or degree in any of the other 10 available engineering programs may do so by following the procedures outlined in the Current Engineering Students or Current Students Outside of Engineering sections below.

While students are allowed to pursue dual degrees in two engineering or computer science majors, it's important to note that they may only choose one from the list of Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Computer and Information Science, or Mechanical Engineering. Pursuing two programs from this list simultaneously is not permitted. The college does not generally recommend completing two engineering degrees (except for Aviation and Computer Science). The job market tends to favor individuals with a bachelor's degree in a single engineering discipline. Instead, students with diverse interests are encouraged to explore technical areas through a minor or certificate program, avoiding the additional time commitment needed for two degrees. Additionally, considering graduate degrees (MS or PhD) is suggested, where changing disciplines is both possible and beneficial.

For students pursuing a dual degree in engineering or computer science, the process involves applying to one major at a time in two separate admission cycles (e.g., spring cycle for major 1 and autumn cycle for major 2). The first application should be for the first major/degree during the initial admission attempt. After successfully gaining admission to the first major, the second application is submitted for the second major.

When applying for the second major/degree, students should indicate on the application that they are seeking a dual degree. This ensures they are not switched out of their current major upon admission to the second major.

Note : Students interested in adding a dual degree in one of the Space Available Programs only need to visit the advisor to declare the second degree; an application is not required.

Dates, Deadlines, and Application to Major System Login

Autumn 2023 application for spring 2024 admission.

Admission cycle has completed.

Spring 2024 Application for Autumn 2024 Admission

Applications Open : January 22, 2024 Application Submission Deadline : February 23, 2024 at 5:00 pm Application Cancellation Deadline : March 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm Admission Decision Date : Saturday May 18, 2024 Tuesday May 14, 2024 Deadline to Accept Admission Offer : Sunday May 26, 2024 Transfer Credit Completed Prior to Spring 2024 Credit & Evaluation Posting Deadline : Friday, February 23, 2024 Enrollment at Another Institution During Spring 2024 Transcripts Received Deadline : Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Review Sending Transcripts to Ohio State

• Log in to Application to Major System

Autumn 2024 Application for Spring 2025 Admission

Applications Open : September 3, 2024 Application Submission Deadline : October 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm Application Cancellation Deadline : October 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm Admission Decision Date : To be announced Deadline to Accept Admission Offer : To be announced Transfer Credit Completed Prior to Autumn 2024 Credit & Evaluation Posting Deadline : Monday, October 7, 2024 Enrollment at Another Institution During Autumn 2024 Transcripts Received Deadline : Friday, December 20, 2024 - Review Sending Transcripts to Ohio State

Spring 2025 Application for Autumn 2025 Admission

Applications Open : January 21, 2025 Application Submission Deadline : February 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm Application Cancellation Deadline : March 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm Admission Decision Date : To be announced Deadline to Accept Admission Offer : To be announced Transfer Credit Completed Prior to Spring 2025 Credit & Evaluation Posting Deadline : Friday, February 21, 2025 Enrollment at Another Institution During Spring 2025 Transcripts Received Deadline : Thursday, May 15, 2025 - Review Sending Transcripts to Ohio State

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the University of California Essays 2023-2024

The University of California (UC) school system is the most prestigious state university system in the United States and includes nine undergraduate universities: UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, UC Riverside, UC Merced, and UC Irvine.

The University of California system has its own application portal, as well as its own deadline of November 30th—a full month before the Common Application is due. All nine universities use one application, so it is easy to apply to multiple UCs at the same time. 

The application requires you to answer four of eight personal insight questions, with a 350-word limit on each prompt. This may seem daunting at first, but we provide this guide to make the prompts more approachable and to help you effectively tackle them! 

University of California Application Essay Prompts

Note: There is only one application for all the UC schools, so your responses will be sent to every University of California school that you apply to. You should avoid making essays school-specific (unless you are applying to only one school).

You might want to start by deciding which four of the eight prompts you plan on answering. The eight prompts are:

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.

2. every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. describe how you express your creative side., 3. what would you say is your greatest talent or skill how have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time, 4. describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced., 5. describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. how has this challenge affected your academic achievement, 6. think about an academic subject that inspires you. describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom., 7. what have you done to make your school or your community a better place, 8. beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the university of california.

As you begin selecting prompts, keep the purpose of college essays at the forefront of your mind. College essays are the place to humanize yourself and transform your test scores, GPA, and extracurriculars into a living, breathing human with values, ambitions, and a backstory. If a specific prompt will allow you to show a part of who you are that is not showcased in the rest of your application, start there. 

If nothing immediately jumps out at you, try dividing the prompts into three categories: “definites,” “possibilities,” and “avoids at all costs.” “Definites” will be prompts that quickly spark up a specific idea in you. “Possibilities” might elicit a few loose concepts, anecdotes, or structures. And “avoids” are prompts where you honestly cannot see yourself writing a convincing essay. Next, take your “definites” and “possibilities” and jot down your initial thoughts about them. Finally, look at all of your ideas together and decide which combination would produce the most well-rounded essay profile that shows who you are as an individual.

Of course, this is just one way to approach choosing prompts if you are stuck. Some students might prefer writing out a list of their values, identifying the most important ones in their life, then figuring out how to showcase those through the prompts. Other students select prompts based on what they are excited by or through freewriting on every prompt first. Do not feel constrained by any one method. Just remember:

• Do not rush into prompts at first glance (though trial writing can be very valuable!).
• Make sure that you consider potential ideas for many prompts before making final decisions, and ultimately write about the one with the most substance.
• The prompts you select should allow you to highlight what is most important to you.

Check out our video to learn more about how to write the UC essays!

The 8 UC Personal Insight Questions

“Leadership Experience” is often a subheading on student resumes, but that is not what admissions officers are asking about here. They are asking for you to tell them a specific story of a time when your leadership truly mattered. This could include discussing the policies you enacted as president of a school club or the social ties you helped establish as captain of a sports team, but this prompt also gives you the freedom to go past that.

Leaders are individuals with strong values, who mentor, inspire, correct, and assist those around them. If you don’t feel like you’ve ever been a leader, consider the following questions:

• Have you ever mentored anyone? Is there anyone younger than you who would not be the person they are today without you?
• Have you ever taken the initiative? When and why did it matter?
• Have you ever been fundamental to positive change in the world—whether it be on the small scale of positively impacting a family member’s life or on the large scale of trying to change the status of specific communities/identities in this world?
• Have you ever stood up for what’s right or what you believe in?

Leadership is a concept that can be stretched, bent, and played with, but at the end of the day, the central theme of your essay must be leadership. Keeping this in mind, after your first draft, it can be helpful to identify the definition of leadership that you are working with, to keep your essay cohesive. This definition doesn’t need to appear within the essay (though, if you take on a more reflective structure, it might). Some examples of this include “being a positive role model as leadership,” “encouraging others to take risks as leadership,” and “embracing my identities as leadership.”

Here are some examples of how a leadership essay might look:

• You’ve always loved learning and challenging yourself, but when you got to high school it was clear that only a certain type of student was recommended to take AP classes and you didn’t fit into that type. You presented a strong case to the school counselors that you were just as prepared for AP classes as anyone else, enrolled in your desired classes, and excelled. Since then, AP classes have become more diversified at your school and there has even been a new inclusion training introduced for your district’s school counselors. 
• When you were working as a camp counselor, the art teacher brought you two of your campers who were refusing to get along. To mediate the conflict, you spent long hours before bed talking to them individually, learning about their personal lives and family situation. By understanding where each camper came from, you were better equipped to help them reach a compromise and became a role model for both campers.
• As a member of your school’s Chinese organization, you were driven by your ethnic heritage to devote your lunch breaks to ensuring the smooth presentation of the Chinese culture show. You coordinated the performers, prepared refreshments, and collected tickets. You got through a great performance, even though a performer didn’t show and some of the food was delivered late. You weren’t on the leadership board or anything, but exhibited serious leadership, as both nights of the culture show sold out and hundreds of both Chinese and non-Chinese people were able to come together and celebrate your culture.

Like the last prompt, this prompt asks about a specific topic—creativity—but gives you wiggle room to expand your definition of that topic. By defining creativity as problem-solving, novel thinking, and artistic expression, this prompt basically says “get creative in how you define creativity!” 

Additionally, this broad conception of creativity lets you choose if you want to write about your personal life or your academic life. A robotics student could write about their love of baking on the weekends or their quick thinking during a technical interview. A dance student could write about their love of adapting choreography from famous ballets or their innovative solution to their dance team’s lack of funds for their showcase. You have space to do what you want!

That said, because this prompt is so open, it is important to establish a focus early on. Try thinking about what is missing from your application. If you are worried that your application makes you seem hyper-academic, use this prompt to show how you have fun. If you are worried that you might be appearing like one of those students who just gets good grades because they have a good memory, use this prompt to show off your problem-solving skills.

Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to describe any skill in creative pursuits as you answer this prompt. The prompt asks you how you express your “creative side,” alluding to creative instinct, not creative talent. You could write about how you use painting to let out your emotions—but your paintings aren’t very good. You could write about dancing in the shower to get excited for your day—but one time you slipped and fell and hurt your elbow. Experiences like these could make for a great reflective essay, where you explore the human drive towards creative expression and your acceptance that you personally don’t have to be creatively inclined to let out creative energy.

Some examples:

• A math student writing about a time they devised a non-textbook method to proving theorems 
• A creative writer describing how they close-read the ups-and-downs of classical music as an attempt to combat writers’ block and think of emotional trajectories for new stories
• An engineering student writing about cooking as a creative release where numbers don’t matter and intuition supersedes reason
• A psychology student writing about the limitations of quantitative data and describing a future approach to psychology that merges humanism and empiricism.

This is the kind of prompt where an answer either pops into your head or it doesn’t. The good news is that you can write a convincing essay either way. We all have great talents and skills—you just might have to dig a bit to identify the name of the talent/skill and figure out how to best describe it.

Some students have more obvious talents and skills than others. For example, if you are intending to be a college athlete, it makes sense to see your skill at your sport as your greatest talent or skill. Similarly, if you are being accepted into a highly-selective fine arts program, painting might feel like your greatest talent. These are completely reasonable to write about because, while obvious, they are also authentic! 

The key to writing a convincing essay about an obvious skill is to use that skill to explore your personality, values, motivations, and ambitions. Start by considering what first drew you to your specialization. Was there a specific person? Something your life was missing that painting, hockey, or film satisfied? Were you brought up playing your sport or doing your craft because your parents wanted you to and you had to learn to love it? Or choose to love it? What was that process like? What do these experiences say about you? Next, consider how your relationship with your talent has evolved. Have you doubted your devotion at times? Have you wondered if you are good enough? Why do you keep going? On the other hand, is your talent your solace? The stable element in your life? Why do you need that?

The key is to elucidate why this activity is worth putting all your time into, and how your personality strengths are exhibited through your relationship to the activity. 

Do not be put off by this prompt if you have not won any big awards or shown immense talent in something specific. All the prompt asks for is what you think is your greatest talent or skill. Some avenues of consideration for other students include:

• Think about aspects of your personality that might be considered a talent or skill. This might include being a peacemaker, being able to make people laugh during hard times, or having organization skills.
• Think about unique skills that you have developed through unique situations. These would be things like being really good at reading out loud because you spend summers with your grandfather who can no longer read, knowing traffic patterns because you volunteer as a crossing guard at the elementary school across the street that starts 45 minutes before the high school, or making really good pierogi because your babysitter as a child was Polish.
• Think about lessons you have learned through life experiences. A military baby might have a great skill for making new friends at new schools, a child of divorce might reflect on their ability to establish boundaries in what they are willing to communicate about with different people, and a student who has had to have multiple jobs in high school might be talented at multitasking and scheduling. 

Make sure to also address how you have developed and demonstrated your selected talent. Do you put in small amounts of practice every day, or strenuous hours for a couple of short periods each year? Did a specific period of your life lead to the development of your talent or are you still developing it daily? 

The purpose of college essays is to show your values and personality to admissions officers, which often includes exploring your past and how it informs your present and future. With a bit of creativity in how you define a “talent or skill,” this prompt can provide a great avenue for that exploration. 

This prompt offers you two potential paths—discussing an educational opportunity or barrier. It is important that you limit yourself to one of these paths of exploration to keep your essay focused and cohesive. 

Starting with the first option, you should think of an educational opportunity as anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for life and your career. Some examples could include:

• participation in an honors program
• enrollment in an academy geared toward your future profession
• a particularly enlightening conversation with a professional or teacher
• joining a cultural- or interest-based student coalition
• plenty of other opportunities

The phrasing “taken advantage of” implies the admissions committee’s desire for students who take the initiative. Admissions officers are more interested in students who sought out opportunities and who fought to engage with opportunities than students who were handed things. For example, a student who joined a career-advancement afterschool program in middle school could write about why they were initially interested in the program—perhaps they were struggling in a specific subject and didn’t want to fall behind because they had their sights set on getting into National Junior Honor Society, or their friend mentioned that the program facilitated internship opportunities and they thought they wanted to explore therapy as a potential career path.

On the other hand, if an opportunity was handed to you through family connections or a fortuitous introduction, explore what you did with that opportunity. For example, if a family member introduced you to an important producer because they knew you were interested in film, you could write about the notes you took during that meeting and how you have revisited the producer’s advice and used it since the meeting to find cheap equipment rentals and practice your craft.

If you choose to write about educational barriers you have faced, consider the personal characteristics and skills you called upon to overcome the challenge. How did the process of overcoming your educational barrier shape you as a person? What did you learn about yourself or the world? An added plus would be talking about passing it forward and helping those in your purview obtain the knowledge you did from your experiences.

Some examples of educational barriers could include:

• limited access to resources, materials, technology, or classes
• lacking educational role models
• struggles with deciding on a passion or career path
• financial struggles

One example of an interesting essay about educational barriers:

As a student at a school that did not offer any honors classes, you enrolled in online lectures to learn the subject you were passionate about — Human Geography. Afterward, you spoke to your school administrators about high-achieving students needing higher-level courses, and they agreed to talk to the local community college to start a pipeline for students like you.

Either way that you take this prompt, it can be used to position yourself as motivated and driven—exactly the type of student admissions officers are looking for!

This prompt is three-pronged. You must 1) identify a challenge 2) describe the steps you have taken to overcome the challenge and 3) connect the challenge to your academic achievement.

When approaching this prompt, it is best to consider these first and third aspects together so that you identify a challenge that connects to your academic life. If you simply pick any challenge you have experienced, when you get to the third part of the prompt, you may have to stretch your essay in ways that are unconvincing or feel inauthentic.

That said, remember that “academic achievement” reaches far beyond grades and exams. It can include things like:

• Deciding your career goals
• Balancing homework, jobs, and social/familial relationships
• Having enough time to devote to self-care
• Figuring out how you study/learn best
• Feeling comfortable asking for help when you need it

You should begin brainstorming challenges and hardships that you have experienced and overcome. These could include financial hardships, familial circumstances, personal illness, or learning disabilities. Challenges could also be less structural—things like feeling like you are living in a sibling’s shadow, struggles with body image, or insecurity. While it is important that your challenge was significant, it matters much more that you discuss your challenge with thoughtful reflection and maturity.

Some ways to take this prompt include:

• Writing about how overcoming a challenge taught you a skill that led to academic success — for example, a high-achieving student who struggles with anxiety was forced to take time off from school after an anxiety attack and learned the importance of giving oneself a break
• Writing about a challenge that temporarily hindered your academic success and reflecting on it — for example, a student who experienced a death in the family could have had a semester where they almost failed English because reading led to negative thought spirals instead of plot retention
• Writing about how a challenge humbled you and gave you a new perspective on your academics — for example, a student with a part-time job who helps support her family missed a shift because she was studying for a test and realized that she needed to ask her teachers for help and explain her home situation

As you describe the steps you have taken to overcome your selected challenge, you will want to include both tangible and intangible steps. This means that you will need to discuss your emotions, growth, and development, as well as what you learned through overcoming the challenge. Was your challenge easy to overcome or did it take a few tries? Do you feel you have fully overcome your challenge or is it a work in progress? If you have fully overcome the challenge, what do you do differently now? Or do you just see things differently now? If you were to experience the same challenge again, what would you have learned from before?

Here are some detailed examples:

• Your parents underwent a bitter, drawn-out divorce that deeply scarred you and your siblings, especially your little brother who was attending elementary school at the time. He was constantly distraught and melancholy and seemed to be falling further and further behind in his schoolwork. You took care of him, but at the cost of your grades plummeting. However, through this trial, you committed yourself to protecting your family at all costs. You focused on computer science in high school, hoping to major in it and save up enough money for his college tuition by the time he applies. Through this mission, your resolve strengthened and reflected in your more efficient and excellent performance in class later on.
• Your race was the most significant challenge you faced growing up. In school, teachers did not value your opinion nor did they believe in you, as evidenced by their preferential treatment of students of other races. To fight back against this discrimination, you talked to other students of the same race and established an association, pooling together resources and providing a supportive network of people to others in need of counseling regarding this issue.

The first step for approaching this prompt is fun and easy—think about an academic subject that inspires you. This part of the essay is about emotional resonance, so go with your gut and don’t overthink it. What is your favorite subject? What subject do you engage with in the media in your free time? What subject seeps into your conversations with friends and family on the weekends?

Keep in mind that high school subjects are often rather limited. The span of “academic subjects” at the university level is much less limited. Some examples of academic subjects include eighteenth-century literature, political diplomacy, astronomy, Italian film and television, botany, Jewish culture and history, mobile robotics, musical theater, race and class in urban environments, gender and sexuality, and much more.

Once you’ve decided what subject you are most interested in and inspired by, think about a tangible example of how you have furthered your interest in the subject. Some common ways students further their interests include:

• Reading about your interest
• Engaging with media (television, film, social media) about your interest
• Volunteering with organizations related to your interest
• Founding organizations related to your interest
• Reaching out to professionals with your academic interest
• Using your interest in interdisciplinary ways
• Research in your field of interest
• Internships in your field of interest

While you should include these kinds of tangible examples, do not forget to explain how your love for the subject drives the work you do, because, with an essay like this, the why can easily get lost in describing the what . Admissions officers need both.

A few examples:

• You found your US government class fascinatingly complex, so you decided to campaign for a Congressional candidate who was challenging the incumbent in your district. You canvassed in your local community, worked at the campaign headquarters, and gathered voter data whilst performing various administrative duties. Though the work was difficult, you enjoyed a sense of fulfillment that came from being part of history.
• Last year you fell in love with the play Suddenly Last Summer and decided to see what career paths were available for dramatic writing. You reached out to the contact on your local theater’s website, were invited to start attending their guest lecturer series, and introduced yourself to a lecturer one week who ended up helping you score a spot in a Young Dramatic Writers group downtown.
• The regenerative power of cells amazed you, so you decided to take AP Biology to learn more. Eventually, you mustered up the courage to email a cohort of biology professors at your local university. One professor responded, and agreed to let you assist his research for the next few months on the microorganism C. Elegans.
• You continued to develop apps and games even after AP Computer Science concluded for the year. Eventually, you became good enough to land an internship at a local startup due to your self-taught knowledge of various programming languages.

With regards to structure, you might try thinking about this essay in a past/present/future manner where you consider your past engagement with your interest and how it will affect your future at a UC school or as an adult in society. This essay could also become an anecdotal/narrative essay that centers around the story of you discovering your academic interest, or a reflective essay that dives deep into the details of why you are drawn to your particular academic subject.

Whatever way you take it, try to make your essay unique—either through your subject matter, your structure, or your writing style!

College essay prompts often engage with the word “community.” As an essay writer, it is important to recognize that your community can be as large, small, formal, or informal as you want it to be. Your school is obviously a community you belong to, but your local grocery store, the nearby pet adoption center you volunteer at, your apartment building, or an internet group can also be communities. Even larger social groups that you are a part of, like your country or your ethnicity, can be a community. 

The important part of your response here is not the community you identify with but rather the way you describe your role in that community. What do you bring to your community that is special? What would be missing without you?

Some responses could include describing how you serve as a role model in your community, how you advocate for change in your community, how you are a support system for other community members, or how you correct the community when it is veering away from its values and principles.

Here are some fleshed-out examples of how this essay could take shape, using the earlier referenced communities:

• A student writes about the local grocery store in his neighborhood. Each Sunday, he picks up his family’s groceries and then goes to the pharmacy in the back to get his grandmother’s medication. The pharmacist was a close friend of his grandmother’s when she was young, so the student routinely gives the pharmacist a detailed update about his grandmother’s life. The student recognizes the value in his serving as a link to connect these two individuals who, due to aging, cannot be together physically.
• An animal-loving student volunteers one Saturday each month at the pet adoption center in their city’s downtown district. They have always been an extremely compassionate person and view the young kittens as a community that deserves to be cared for. This caring instinct also contributes to their interactions with their peers and their desire to make large-scale positive social change in the world.

Your response to this prompt will be convincing if you discuss your underlying motives for the service you have done, and in turn, demonstrate the positive influence you have made. That said, do not be afraid to talk about your actions even if they did not produce a sweeping change; as long as the effort was genuine, change is change, no matter the scale. This essay is more about values and reflection than it is about the effects of your efforts.

Lastly, if you are discussing a specific service you did for your community, you might want to touch on what you learned through your service action or initiative, and how you will continue to learn in the future. Here are a few examples:

• Passionate about classical music, you created a club that taught classical and instrumental music at local elementary schools. You knew that the kids did not have access to such resources, so you wanted to broaden their exposure as a high school senior had done for you when you were in middle school. You encouraged these elementary schoolers to fiddle with the instruments and lobbied for a music program to be implemented at the school. Whether the proposal gets approved or not, the kids have now known something they might never have known otherwise.
• Working at your local library was mundane at times, but in the long run, you realized that you were facilitating the exchange of knowledge and protecting the intellectual property of eminent scholars. Over time, you found ways to liven up the spirit of the library by leading arts and crafts time and booking puppet shows for little kids whose parents were still at work. The deep relationships you forged with the kids eventually blossomed into a bond of mentorship and mutual respect.

Be authentic and humble in your response to this essay! Make sure it feels like you made your community a better place because community is a value of yours, not just so that you could write about it in a college essay.

This is the most open-ended any question can get. You have the freedom to write about anything you want! That said, make sure that, no matter what you do with this prompt, your focus can be summarized into two sentences that describe the uniqueness of your candidacy.

The process we recommend for responding to open-ended prompts with clarity involves the following steps:

1. On a blank piece of paper, jot down any and every idea — feelings, phrases, and keywords — that pop into your head after reading this prompt. Why are you unique?

2. Narrow your ideas down to one topic. The two examples we will use are a student writing about how her habit of pausing at least five seconds before she responds to someone else’s opinion is emblematic of her thoughtfulness and a student whose interest in researching the history of colonialism in the Caribbean is emblematic of their commitment to justice.

3. Outline the structure of your essay, and plan out content for an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

4. Before you start writing your essay, write one or two sentences that summarize how you would like the admissions officers to perceive you based on this essay. These sentences will not be in your final product, but will help you to maintain a focus. For our examples, this would be something like “Natalie’s habit of gathering her thoughts before responding to other people’s opinions allows her to avoid undesired complications and miscommunications in her social interactions. This has not only helped her maintain strong relationships with all the staff members of the clubs she leads, but will also help her navigate the social environments that she will face in the professional world.” A summary for the student writing about their interest in the history of colonialism could be “Jonathan has always been highly compassionate and sympathetic by nature. When they found out about the historical injustices of colonialism in the Caribbean through the book The Black Jacobins , they realized that compassion is what is missing from politics. Now, they are inspired to pursue a political science degree to ultimately have a political career guided by compassion.”

5. Finally, write an essay dedicated to constructing the image you devised in step 4. This can be achieved through a number of different structures! For example, Natalie could use an anecdote of a time when she spoke too soon and caused someone else pain, then could reflect on how she learned the lesson to take at least five seconds before responding and how that decision has affected her life. Jonathan could create an image of the future where they are enacting local policies based on compassion. It is important to keep in mind that you do not want to be repetitive, but you must stay on topic so that admissions officers do not get distracted and forget the image that you are attempting to convey.

As exemplified by the examples we provided, a good way to approach this prompt is to think of a quality, value, or personality trait of yours that is fundamental to who you are and appealing to admissions officers, then connect it to a specific activity, habit, pet peeve, anecdote, or another tangible example that you can use to ground your essay in reality. Use the tangible to describe the abstract, and convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable asset to their UC school!

Where to Get Your UC Essays Edited

With hundreds of thousands of applicants each year, many receiving top scores and grades, getting into top UC schools is no small feat. This is why excelling in the personal-insight questions is key to presenting yourself as a worthwhile candidate. Answering these prompts can be difficult, but ultimately very rewarding, and CollegeVine is committed to helping you along that journey. Check out these UC essay examples for more writing inspiration.

If you want to get your essays edited, we also have free peer essay review , where you can get feedback from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by editing other students’ essays.

You can also receive expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with an expert to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers. Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Advisors on CollegeVine also offer  expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

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