Log on
Apply | Contact Us | Give a Gift | VU Home | Site Index | Text only
Application Essay

As part of your Preliminary Application for Undergraduate Admission for the Class of 2012, Villanova requires that you submit a Villanova essay, of at least one typed page, for our review. The essay is an important part of your application as it provides us with an opportunity to gain more insights into your candidacy. We thought that it would be helpful to provide you with some guidance on writing an effective, thoughtful, and well-crafted writing sample which addresses our Required Essay Question. 

Villanova Essay Villanova University's inspiration is derived from St. Augustine, the great philosopher and theologian of the fourth and fifth centuries.  St. Augustine's early life was a struggle to come to know himself.   However, through many experiences over the course of his life, he had found that his heart and mind had been transformed.


Please detail a time in your life when you have been transformed.

Common Application Essay Please also submit the essay of your choice from the Common Application.

 

Tips For Writing Your Essay

  • Read the directions. When completing our essay, please submit a type-written essay of at least one page. Please submit your essay on-line or include a hard copy in the envelope with all of your other supporting documents. Include your name, birth date, and social security number on each page.  If you are applying on-line, you can compose and edit your essay in Word Pad or Note pad (.txt format) and then copy and paste it into the text box of the on-line application.
     
  • Proof Read. A well-crafted essay usually has many revisions. Please review your content and edit your work before you submit it for consideration.
     
  • Answer the question posed. Please answer the question that we pose. It may be tempting to send a general or personal statement, especially if time is ticking; however, it is important for you to respond to our specific question.
     
  • There is not a correct or incorrect answer to the question. The Admission Committee is not necessarily looking for what you say, but rather how you say it. We want to see you make a thesis statement and defend it. We want to see you use good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Overall, we want to see a thoughtful and well-written essay. It should be clear to us that the candidate has put significant effort into the composition of the essay.
     

Remember, your essay can really enhance your application! It helps the Admission Committee to get to know a candidate aside from the transcript or the standardized test scores. It provides a subjective view in to the candidate's thoughts, opinions, hopes, and dreams that could otherwise not be extrapolated from the more objective academic information. It helps transform a one dimensional application into a three dimensional person.

We look forward to reading your essay!