📚 Stanford, Notre Dame & More: Application Essay Requirements & Writing Tips | 斯坦福、圣母大学等校申请文书要求与写作指导
The college application essay is a decisive factor in holistic admissions at elite US institutions like Stanford, Notre Dame, and the Ivy League. Beyond the Common App main essay, each school poses unique supplemental prompts that probe your intellectual vitality, values, and fit. This guide unpacks the requirements of these top schools and provides actionable writing strategies to help you craft compelling, authentic narratives.
在美国精英院校（如斯坦福、圣母大学及常春藤盟校）的整体招生中，申请文书是决定性因素。除通用申请主文书外，每所学校还会通过独特的补充文书题目考察你的思想活力、价值观以及与学校的契合度。本文详解这些顶尖学校的文书要求，并提供可行的写作策略，帮助你写出引人入胜、真实可信的故事。
1. The Common App Essay: Your Personal Statement | 通用申请主文书：你的个人陈述
The Common Application personal statement is required by over 900 institutions. You select one of seven prompts and write an essay of 250–650 words. This is your chance to showcase your personality, values, and critical thinking beyond transcripts. Choose a prompt that aligns with a defining moment, a lesson learned, or a core belief.
通用申请主文书是900多所院校的必写材料。你需从七个题目中选择一个，撰写250–650词的文章。这是你展现个性、价值观和批判性思维、超越成绩单的大好机会。选择与你的决定性时刻、学到的道理或核心信念相关的题目。
The seven prompts cover topics such as a significant background or talent, a time you faced a challenge, questioned a belief, or a topic that captivates you. Regardless of the prompt, the best essays reveal an authentic narrative arc – growth, reflection, and self-awareness are key.
七个题目涵盖重要背景或天赋、面对挑战的时刻、质疑某个信念的经历、或令你着迷的话题等。无论选哪个题目，最好的文书都会展现真实的叙事弧线——成长、反思与自我意识是关键。
2. Stanford University Supplemental Essays: Intellectual Vitality & More | 斯坦福大学补充文书：思想活力等
Stanford requires three short essays (100–250 words each) plus several short questions. The prompts change slightly each year but consistently explore intellectual curiosity. One classic prompt is "What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?" Another asks you to reflect on an idea or experience that genuinely excites you about learning. A third often asks about something meaningful to you and why.
斯坦福要求提交三篇短文（每篇100–250词）及几个短问答。题目每年略有变化，但始终考察求知欲。一个经典题目是“当今社会面临的最重大挑战是什么？”另一个请你反思一项让你对学习真正感到兴奋的想法或经历。第三篇常问及一件对你意义重大的事及其原因。
Stanford values "intellectual vitality" – show how you pursue knowledge beyond the classroom. Whether you love building robots, debating philosophy, or analyzing climate data, demonstrate passion in action. Avoid abstract platitudes; use specific anecdotes from your projects, reading, or conversations.
斯坦福重视“思想活力”——展示你在课堂之外如何追求知识。不论你热爱制作机器人、辩论哲学，还是分析气候数据，都要用实际行动体现热情。避免抽象空话；使用你参与项目、阅读或对话中的具体轶事。
3. University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays: What Would You Fight For? | 圣母大学补充文书：你会为什么而奋斗？
Notre Dame's supplementary essays (usually two or three prompts, 150–200 words each) emphasize community, service, and values. The iconic prompt "What would you fight for?" invites you to identify a cause or issue that stirs you to action. Another common prompt asks why you are drawn to Notre Dame and how you will contribute to its distinctive community.
圣母大学的补充文书（通常两至三篇，每篇150–200词）强调社区、服务与价值观。标志性题目“你会为什么而奋斗？”邀请你指出一个能激励你采取行动的议题或事业。另一常见题目问你为何被圣母大学吸引，以及你将如何为其独特社区做贡献。
To answer "What would you fight for?", avoid generic responses like "world peace." Instead, connect to a personal experience that reveals your character. Perhaps you volunteered at a local shelter and now fight for housing equity, or you stood up against bullying. Be specific, and tie your fight to a larger value rooted in empathy or justice.
Published by TutorHao | Study Abroad Revision Series | aleveler.com
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