What is Stanford looking for in the roommate essay, and how can you write the perfect one?
The Stanford roommate essay is one of the most important pieces of writing that you will ever do. This essay gives you the chance to introduce yourself to your future roommate and showcase your personality and interests. Your essay should be creative, thoughtful, and engaging, and it should help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants who are also eager to attend Stanford University.
What is the Stanford Roommate Essay?
The Stanford Roommate Essay is a brief (around 500 words) essay that is part of the Stanford University admission application. It asks applicants to write a letter to their future roommates, introducing themselves and giving a glimpse into their personality, interests, and values. The essay prompt examples can be seen on this post.
Outstanding tips to ace your Stanford Roommate essay
Here are some tips to help you write an outstanding Stanford roommate essay:
- Be yourself: The most important thing is to be true to who you are. Don’t try to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear, write about what makes you unique and special.
- Be creative: The Stanford roommate essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your creativity. Use humor, anecdotes, and imaginative language to make your essay stand out.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply listing your interests and qualities, try to show the admissions committee what these things mean to you and how they define who you are. Use specific examples and stories to illustrate your points.
- Use a conversational tone: Write as if you’re speaking to your future roommate, using a friendly and engaging tone. Avoid using overly formal language or convoluted sentences.
- Be positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and personality, and avoid complaining or discussing negative experiences.
- Proofread: Make sure to proofread your essay carefully before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.
- Get feedback: Consider asking someone you trust, such as a teacher or a friend, to read your essay and provide feedback. They may be able to offer helpful suggestions or identify areas that need improvement.
How important is the Stanford roommate essay?
The Stanford roommate essay is considered to be an important part of the Stanford University undergraduate application process. The essay provides applicants with the opportunity to show their personal side and give admissions officers a better sense of who they are as a person, beyond their grades, test scores, and list of extracurricular activities.
Admissions officers at Stanford look for applicants who are a good fit for their community, and the roommate essay helps them determine whether an applicant would be a good fit. Through the essay, applicants can demonstrate their writing skills, communication skills, and their ability to express their thoughts and opinions in a clear and concise manner.
Best Stanford roommate essay examples
To help you get started, here are four different sample essays that you can use as inspiration for your own writing.
Sample 1: The Quirky Roommate
My roommate should be prepared for a wild ride! I’m a quirky and eccentric person who loves to have fun and try new things.
I’m a huge fan of comic books and I love to dress up in costumes and go to conventions. I also love to bake, and I’m always experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a roommate who is always up for an adventure, then I’m your person!
Sincerely,
Sandra Smith
Sample 2: The Bookworm Roommate
I’m a total bookworm, and I’m looking for a roommate who shares my passion for reading. I love to spend hours curled up with a good novel, and I’m always on the hunt for the next great read.
When I’m not reading, you can usually find me with my nose buried in a journal, scribbling down thoughts and ideas. I’m also a huge fan of poetry and I love to write my own poems in my free time.
If you’re looking for a roommate who is always lost in a good book, then I’m the one for you!
Your Future Roommate
Anderson
Sample 3: The Music Lover Roommate
Music is my life, and I’m looking for a roommate who shares my love for all things musical. I’m a classically trained pianist, but I also love to play guitar and sing.
I have a wide taste in music, from classical to hip-hop, and I’m always looking for new songs and artists to discover. When I’m not playing music, you can usually find me dancing around the room or singing along to the radio.
If you’re looking for a roommate who is always in tune with the beat, then I’m your guy!
Sincerely
Peterson Gabriel
Sample 4: Letter to my future roommate
Dear Future Roommate,
I am a fan of adventure, laughter, and good food. I have a passion for exploring new places and trying new things, whether it’s rock climbing, kayaking, or trying new foods. I love to laugh and have a good time, and I believe that laughter is the best medicine. I am also a huge foodie and love to cook and bake. I believe that sharing meals is a great way to bring people together and create memories.
As for my values, I am a strong believer in kindness, respect, and honesty. I believe that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, no matter who they are or what they believe. I am also a firm believer in honesty, and I believe that honesty is the best policy. I am looking forward to getting to know you and creating a positive and respectful living environment.
Stanford Roommate Essay FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Stanford roommate essay?
A: The purpose of the Stanford roommate essay is to introduce yourself to your future roommate and to give the admissions committee an idea of who you are as a person. The essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, interests, and values, and to help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.
Q: How long should the Stanford roommate essay be?
A: The Stanford roommate essay should be around 500 words in length. However, the exact length is not specified, so you can use as many words as you need to fully express yourself.
Q: What should I include in my Stanford roommate essay?
A: In your Stanford roommate essay, you should include information about your personality, interests, values, and what makes you unique. You can also talk about your hobbies, talents, and any other aspects of your life that you think would be interesting to your future roommate. It’s important to be creative, thoughtful, and engaging in your writing, and to show the admissions committee who you are as a person.
Q: Is it okay to be humorous in the Stanford roommate essay?
A: Yes, it is okay to be humorous in the Stanford roommate essay. However, it’s important to strike the right balance between being funny and being appropriate. Avoid making jokes that could be offensive or that could reflect poorly on you.
Q: Can I include personal anecdotes in my Stanford roommate essay?
A: Yes, you can include personal anecdotes in your Stanford roommate essay. Personal anecdotes can help bring your essay to life and give the admissions committee a better understanding of who you are as a person. Just be sure to keep your anecdotes relevant to the topic and to focus on the positive aspects of your life and personality.
Summary
The Stanford roommate essay is your opportunity to shine and to show the admissions committee who you are as a person. Be creative, be yourself, and have fun with it!