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"Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?"
Word Limit: 400
For Boston College's incoming class, I think we should read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling. This book is really popular and almost everyone has heard of it. It's about a boy named Harry who discovers he is a wizard and goes to a magical school called Hogwarts. There are lots of exciting adventures, like battling trolls and playing Quidditch.
Reading this book would be fun because it has magic and adventure. Everyone loves a good fantasy story, and it would be nice to escape into a world where anything is possible. Plus, there are movies based on the book, so if someone doesn’t want to read, they can just watch the movie instead.
While reading "Harry Potter," students can learn about friendship and bravery. Harry and his friends face many challenges, and they always stick together. This shows that teamwork is important, which is something we can all agree on as we start college.
Overall, I think this book would be a great choice for our incoming class. It’s entertaining and teaches some good lessons about being brave and loyal. Plus, since it's so well-known, everyone will have something to talk about during orientation. Reading this book will help us bond as a class.
In conclusion, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is an exciting story that everyone should read. It’s perfect for Boston College because it’s fun and has themes of friendship that we can all relate to as we begin our college journey.
I believe "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson should be our shared text at Boston College. This book tells the powerful story of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans moved from the South to Northern and Western cities between 1915 and 1970. Wilkerson brings this history to life through the journeys of three people—Ida Mae, George, and Robert—who risked everything for a chance at freedom and opportunity.
Reading this book together can spark important talks about race, migration, and fairness—issues that still matter today. As we come to Boston College from different backgrounds, Wilkerson's stories can help us understand each other better. We might see parts of our own lives in these stories, or learn about experiences very different from our own.
The book also makes us think about unfairness in society today. It shows how past injustices still affect things like job opportunities and education. By discussing these issues, we can learn how to make positive changes in our communities.
Wilkerson's storytelling reminds us that everyone has an important story. During our first days at Boston College, we can use this book to start conversations about our own backgrounds and hopes for the future.
For me, "The Warmth of Other Suns" is more than just a history lesson. It's a call to action. It makes me want to learn more about social issues and find ways to help. I think it could inspire my classmates too.
By sharing this book, we can start our time at Boston College with deep, meaningful conversations. It can help us think about how we want to grow during our college years and what kind of impact we want to have on the world.
At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs
Word Limit: 400
My best friend, Alex, is someone who often challenges my views. We have had many conversations about different topics, but one that stands out is when we discussed our favorite movies. I love action films, while Alex prefers romantic comedies.
During one of our hangouts, I said that action movies are the best because they are exciting and full of thrills. I mentioned how much I enjoyed the latest superhero movie and how it had amazing special effects. Alex disagreed and said romantic comedies are better because they have deeper stories and relatable characters.
I didn’t really understand why he thought that. I told him that action movies are more entertaining and keep you on the edge of your seat. Alex tried to explain his point of view, but I didn’t listen carefully. I just kept insisting that action movies were superior because they are fun and full of excitement.
In the end, we didn’t really change each other’s minds. I still think action movies are the best, and Alex still prefers romantic comedies. This conversation didn’t really help me grow or change my perspective; it was just a friendly debate between friends.
Overall, talking with Alex is nice, but I don’t think our discussions have a big impact on my views. I enjoy our conversations, but they usually end up being about trivial matters like movies or music preferences. While it’s good to have different opinions, I don’t feel like this conversation made me think differently or reflect on anything important.
In conclusion, my conversations with Alex are fun but not very deep or meaningful. We often talk about light topics that don’t challenge us in significant ways. Although he is a great friend, our discussions rarely lead to personal growth or new insights.
Last winter, our physics club organized a night sky observation. As we set up telescopes, I confidently explained to younger students how gravity works, detailing Newton's laws with unwavering certainty. Mr. Tanaka listened quietly, then asked, "Are you absolutely sure about that?
Surprised, I replied, "Of course! It's fundamental physics." Mr. Tanaka smiled and began to explain Einstein's theory of general relativity. He described how it reimagined gravity not as a force, but as a curvature of spacetime. As he spoke, he pointed out a faint smudge in the telescope – a distant galaxy cluster, its light bent by gravitational lensing.
"But if Einstein disproved Newton, how can we trust any scientific theory?" I asked, feeling my confidence waver. Mr. Tanaka's response was enlightening: "Science isn't about absolute truths but about developing better models of understanding. Newton's laws are still incredibly useful for most situations we encounter. Einstein's theories simply offer a more comprehensive model, especially at cosmic scales."
This conversation extended long into the night. We discussed the nature of scientific progress and the humility required to admit the limitations of our knowledge. Mr. Tanaka challenged me to see beyond textbook facts and appreciate the evolving nature of scientific discovery.
This exchange profoundly impacted my approach to learning. I realized that true scientific thinking isn't about memorizing facts but cultivating curiosity and embracing uncertainty. It taught me to question assumptions and approach complex topics with both skepticism and wonder.
Moreover, this conversation sparked a personal journey of exploration. I began reading about the philosophy of science, exploring how scientific paradigms shift over time. These explorations have deepened my appreciation for the scientific method and the collaborative nature of human knowledge.
Mr. Tanaka's willingness to challenge my certainty while nurturing my curiosity exemplifies the meaningful dialogue I hope to engage in at Boston College. His guidance has shown me the value of being open to having my perspectives challenged.
As I anticipate joining the BC community, I'm eager to encounter new conversation partners who will push me to think critically and expand my understanding of the world. The lesson Mr. Tanaka imparted – that our knowledge is always evolving – is one I'll carry with me throughout my academic journey and beyond.
In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?
Word Limit: 400
I've always felt that people judge me unfairly based on how I look. It's really frustrating when someone thinks they know everything about you just by looking at you. This happens to me all the time, and it's not fair.
For example, last year at school, some kids thought I wasn't cool because of the clothes I wear. I like to dress comfortably, and I don't really care about fashion trends. But apparently, that makes some people think I'm weird or something. It's so annoying when people make assumptions like that.
One day, I was sitting alone at lunch, and I overheard some popular girls talking about me. They were saying things like, "Look at what she's wearing" and "She's so strange." It made me feel really bad about myself. I couldn't believe they were judging me just because of my clothes. Don't they know that appearances aren't everything?
This kind of thing happens to me a lot. People always seem to have these preconceived notions about who I am based on really superficial things. It's not just about clothes either. Sometimes people think I'm not smart because I'm quiet in class, or they assume I'm not athletic because I wear glasses. It's like they can't see past these little details to who I really am.
I wish people would take the time to get to know me instead of just making snap judgments. It's really hurtful when someone decides they know everything about you without even talking to you. I have a lot of interesting thoughts and ideas, but no one ever seems to want to hear them because they're too busy stereotyping me.
I don't really know how to deal with this problem. I've tried telling people that they shouldn't judge others, but they never listen. It's just so unfair that I have to deal with this all the time. I guess I'll just have to keep being myself and hope that someday people will see past their assumptions.
In conclusion, being stereotyped is a really difficult thing to deal with. It makes me feel bad about myself and like I don't fit in. I wish people would stop doing it, but I don't know how to make them change. Maybe someday things will be different, but for now, I just have to put up with it. It's not easy being judged all the time, but I guess that's just how life is sometimes.
Growing up as a first-generation Chinese-American in a predominantly white Midwestern town, I often encountered the "single story" of Asian Americans as quiet, studious overachievers. This stereotype came to a head during my sophomore year when I joined the school's debate team.
On my first day, our coach, Mr. Johnson, seemed surprised to see me. "Oh, I didn't expect to see you here," he said, his tone a mix of confusion and concern. "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer the math club or academic decathlon?"
His words stung, revealing the "single story" he had assigned to me based solely on my appearance. In his mind, my Asian heritage equated to a preference for numbers over words, for quiet study over vocal argumentation. This assumption presented immediate challenges. During practice debates, Mr. Johnson would often overlook me when selecting speakers, assuming I'd be uncomfortable with public speaking. When I did participate, my passionate delivery was met with surprise rather than encouragement.
The "single story" Mr. Johnson had of me threatened to limit my opportunities and undermine my confidence. However, I refused to let his preconceptions define me. Instead of retreating, I decided to directly challenge this stereotype through my actions and words.
I approached Mr. Johnson and expressed my genuine interest in debate, sharing my love for public speaking and my desire to improve my skills. I volunteered for every practice debate, gradually demonstrating my ability to construct compelling arguments and deliver them with conviction. To further break the stereotype, I chose topics that defied expectations, like arguing for increased funding in arts education instead of STEM programs.
As the weeks passed, I noticed a shift in Mr. Johnson's attitude. He began calling on me more frequently and offering constructive feedback. My teammates, too, started to see beyond the "single story" they had initially accepted.
The culmination of my efforts came at the state debate championship. As I delivered our team's closing argument, I saw pride replace surprise in Mr. Johnson's eyes. We won second place, and Mr. Johnson praised not just my logical reasoning, but also my passionate delivery and stage presence
This experience taught me the power of actively challenging stereotypes through persistent effort and open communication. It showed me that while we can't control the initial "single story" others might have of us, we have the power to rewrite that narrative through our actions and words.
Now, as I prepare for college, I carry this lesson with me. I'm eager to continue breaking down stereotypes and helping others see beyond their preconceptions, fostering a community where everyone's multifaceted story is recognized and valued.
Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?
One major problem in the world today is climate change. It affects everyone and everything. The weather is getting worse, and there are many natural disasters. People are talking about it all the time in the news, and it seems like a big deal. Everyone should be concerned about this issue because it impacts our future and the planet we live on.
In my school, we have talked about climate change in various classes. I remember learning about how carbon emissions from cars and factories contribute to global warming. It’s interesting to think about how our actions can affect the environment. Many people are trying to do their part by recycling or using less plastic, which is good. However, I feel like there is still so much more to do.
I believe that going to college will help me understand these issues better. College is a place where you can learn a lot of things, and I am sure I will gain valuable knowledge about environmental science and policy. It will be great to take classes that focus on these topics, and I expect to learn from professors who know a lot about climate change.
I also think that being around other students who care about the environment will inspire me. We can work together on projects and initiatives that aim to make a difference. I hope to join clubs related to sustainability and participate in events that promote awareness about climate change.
In conclusion, climate change is a significant issue that needs attention. While I have learned some things in school, I look forward to furthering my education in college. I believe that with more knowledge, I can contribute to solving environmental problems. By attending college, I hope to become part of the solution and help create a better future for our planet.
Plastic pollution in our oceans is a serious problem that I deeply care about. During my beach clean-up activities, I have seen how plastic waste harms marine life and coastal ecosystems. One moment that stands out to me is when I found a sea turtle tangled in a plastic bag during a clean-up. Although we freed the turtle, the experience reminded me how human actions directly impact wildlife. This strengthened my resolve to advocate for solutions like banning single-use plastics and promoting alternatives such as reusable materials.
At Boston College, I want to focus on creating biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics. I am especially interested in researching plant-based polymers that break down in natural environments, preventing waste from harming ecosystems. By working with faculty in environmental science, I can contribute to projects that explore how these materials can be scaled for everyday use. For instance, I hope to study how schools, like Boston College itself, could transition to compostable packaging in dining halls. These efforts will help me bridge the gap between science and practical application.
On campus, I want to lead campaigns to educate students about reducing plastic use. I would start by organizing a zero-waste challenge, where students commit to cutting out single-use plastics for a week. To support this, I’d collaborate with student organizations to distribute reusable water bottles and utensils while hosting workshops about sustainable alternatives. I also want to initiate a program to collect and recycle harder-to-process plastics like chip bags and straws. These actions would empower students to take ownership of their impact on the environment.
In the local community, I plan to partner with schools to create hands-on programs for children, such as art projects using recycled materials. For example, I’ve already helped organize an event where students made sculptures from beach trash, showing them how waste can be repurposed while fostering creativity. By expanding such efforts, I can inspire young people to take pride in protecting their environment and see the positive outcomes of sustainable practices.
At Boston College, I will build on my passion for fighting plastic pollution by combining research, education, and advocacy. By taking initiative and collaborating with others, I can work toward meaningful change. My goal is not just to learn, but to lead by example and inspire others to join me in creating a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?
Societal problems are everywhere, and they affect many people in various ways. Some of the major issues include poverty, climate change, and healthcare access. These problems are significant because they impact millions of lives. For instance, poverty is a widespread issue that prevents people from achieving their full potential. Climate change is another critical problem that threatens our planet and future generations. Healthcare access is also essential because everyone deserves to receive medical attention when needed.
I believe that education is crucial for addressing these societal challenges. Attending Boston College would provide me with a solid foundation in Human-Centered Engineering (HCE). HCE combines technology with a focus on human needs, which seems like a great way to approach these issues. I have heard that Boston College has many resources and opportunities for students interested in engineering and social justice, but I can’t recall any specific programs or initiatives right now. However, I am sure they exist.
In my future studies, I hope to learn about various engineering principles and how they can be applied to real-world problems. My goal is to use this knowledge to help people in some way. For example, I might work on projects related to clean energy or affordable housing. These are important areas that could benefit from innovative solutions. However, I don’t have any concrete ideas yet about what specific projects I would want to pursue.
I think it’s essential for students to be aware of societal problems and consider how they can contribute to solutions. My education at Boston College will undoubtedly prepare me for this responsibility, even if I’m not entirely sure how. The idea of helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about, and I believe that HCE will give me the tools I need to make a difference.
In conclusion, societal issues like poverty, climate change, and healthcare access are critical challenges we face today. While I may not have a clear plan on how to tackle these problems yet, I am confident that my education at Boston College will help guide me in the right direction. With the right skills and knowledge, I hope to contribute positively to society.
One major issue I care about is the lack of clean water. Over 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water, leading to diseases like cholera. I believe clean water is a basic human right, and I want to use my Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) education at Boston College to help solve this problem.
My interest in this began during a volunteer trip to rural Guatemala. There, families collected water from a polluted river, which caused frequent sickness. This experience showed me the need for engineering solutions that address the local context, not just the technology.
At Boston College, I’m excited to join the HCE program. I’ll take courses like “Sustainable Water Systems” to learn how to create low-cost water filtration systems. I’ll also focus on hydrology and materials science, so I can design practical, affordable solutions. The program’s focus on people-centered engineering will help me understand how to best apply technology to meet human needs.
I also plan to join Engineers Without Borders to work on projects that improve water access in underserved communities. For example, I’d like to help build gravity-fed water systems in remote areas, providing clean water without needing electricity.
Additionally, I want to collaborate with local organizations to teach communities about water conservation and simple filtration methods, like ceramic filters. By giving people the knowledge and tools to maintain these systems, we can ensure long-term access to clean water.
In conclusion, the lack of clean water is a serious issue that needs both technical and human-centered solutions. At Boston College, I’ll gain the skills to develop practical solutions and work toward a future where everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water.
In summary, choose the right prompt, be heavy on specifics , and avoid traits that make your essay weak.
Check how your essay performs on the GradGPT college essay editor and aim to perfect it.
All the best for your BC application.
