"Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let Elon Admissions know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and will give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Name your top 5 characters. Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments."
3.2 Explain Your Top 5
"Explain why these are your top 5." (150 words max)
Elon Top 5 Essay Slides
Q: What is the purpose of this essay?
A:
The list shows your interests. The explanation reveals your values.
This essay is a personality test.
Your two responses must work together to tell a single story.
Q: How to choose your theme?
A:
Select a topic that is unique.
Don't pick a generic theme like "top 5 movies."
Instead, choose "top 5 movie scores that evoke a sense of adventure."
The theme itself should connect to a deeper interest.
Q: How to build your list?
A:
Each item must be a specific data point.
A good list is evidence of passion and deep engagement.
Every choice should hint at the personal meaning you will explain later.
Q: What is the 'why' behind the list?
A:
The explanation is the most important part of the essay.
Connect each item to a core value, skill, or experience.
Focus on how your list reveals your character.
Example: "A journey from simple problem-solving to systems design is revealed through my choice of coding languages."
Q: How to handle the word count?
A:
Write a single paragraph.
Start with a topic sentence.
Explain each item's meaning briefly.
Conclude with a final sentence connecting the list to your identity.
