Elon University

1. Background, identity, interest, or talent: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. Facing adversity: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Challenging an idea: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Gratitude: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Personal growth: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Intellectual curiosity: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Topic of your choice: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The Common App enforces the length inside the application. For Common App applicants.

The school shows this prompt only after you sign in to Elon Acorn account.

Only if you apply to the Honors Program (the application opens in your Elon Acorn account after you submit the first-year application; due November 10).

1. What at Elon has caught your eye—programs, opportunities, or experiences you can’t wait to try? (150 words)
2. What aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why? (200 words)
3. Explain why these are your top 5: (150 words)

The identity question allows up to 200 words; the other two allow up to 150 words each. Applicants who apply with the Common App. Question 3 asks you to explain a list of five items. The instructions for making the list are not published on Elon’s website; follow the instructions shown in your Common App Elon questions.