Essay Questions

The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) Bunton-Waller Fellowship and Merit award application requires three essays. Each essay should be at least 100 words but no more than 500 words. Essays must be submitted via the online application that you received in email. You may preview the essay questions below. Need help getting started? Watch these tips for writing a winning essay.

Essay 1

Choose to respond to Option A or Option B for the first essay.

Definition: Ally - someone who uses their privilege, position, influence, voice, or power to advocate on behalf of one or several marginalized communities. Advocacy in this sense can mean to educate others about a marginalized group or otherwise push or fight for change that will benefit the lives of people in that marginalized group. Definition adopted from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Option A: Describe a time when you were an ally to someone whose identity you did not share. What did you learn from that experience? How has that experience shaped your perspective? In what ways has your perspective on diversity and inclusion changed or evolved since then?

OR

Option B: Describe a time when you were an ally to someone whose identity you shared. What did you learn from that experience? How has that experience shaped your perspective? In what ways has your perspective on diversity and inclusion changed or evolved since then?

Essay 2

Some of the most famous discoveries in science have come from failures or unlikely accidents, such as the discovery of penicillin or the sticky note. Give an example of a failure or set-back in your life that you turned into an opportunity. Describe what you were able to learn from the experience.

Essay 3

What is an issue or social cause that you are passionate about? Why are you passionate about this? In what ways have you contributed to this issue (e.g., the resolution, eradication, education, advocacy, etc.)?