When applying to Purdue University, you will need to submit responses to the following required questions. Responses are limited to 250 words or fewer for each prompt.
Required Prompts
1. Why Purdue & Interests Alignment
"How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom?"
Explain how Purdue opportunities support your interests.
Cover both in-classroom and out-of-classroom aspects.
Show specific alignment with Purdue.
Q: In-classroom opportunities?
A:
Identify specific Purdue courses, labs, or faculty research.
Connect them directly to your academic interests.
Example: "Purdue's 'Mechatronics' course (MET 48200) offers hands-on experience. I seek Prof. Zhang's work on integrated electro-mechanical systems."
Q: Out-of-classroom opportunities?
A:
Cite specific Purdue clubs, organizations, or research programs.
Explain how you will engage, contribute, and grow.
Example: "I will join the 'Purdue Space Program.' I aim to contribute to their liquid propulsion team, applying theoretical knowledge to rocket design."
Q: Connect interests to Purdue's ethos?
A:
Show how your interests align with Purdue's core values.
Example: "My passion for innovation aligns with Purdue's 'Boiler Up' spirit. I seek to develop disruptive technologies for societal benefit."
Q: Unique Purdue fit?
A:
Highlight aspects unique to Purdue. Avoid generic statements.
Example: "Purdue's 'Discovery Park District' fosters industry collaboration. I seek internships with companies developing smart manufacturing solutions."
Generic praise: "Purdue is a top engineering school."
Listing interests without specific Purdue connections.
Vague statements about "learning a lot."
Repeating information from other application sections.
2. Major Choice & Campus Location
"Briefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette)."
Purdue 'Major & Campus Location' Essay Q&A Slides
Q: Reasons for major choice?
A:
Name your specific major. Connect it to a formative experience or intellectual spark.
Example: "My interest in data science began analyzing local crime statistics for a community project. It revealed patterns, sparked my desire for predictive modeling."
Q: Interest in West Lafayette?
A:
Highlight specific West Lafayette campus resources.
Connect them to your major interests or personal goals.
Example: "West Lafayette's 'Discovery Park District' fosters interdisciplinary research. I seek to join the 'Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering' to apply data science to public health challenges."
Q: Interest in Indianapolis?
A:
Highlight specific Indianapolis campus resources.
Connect them to your major interests or personal goals.
Example: "Indianapolis's urban setting offers unique opportunities. I seek to engage with the 'Purdue Polytechnic Institute Indianapolis' for hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing, leveraging the city's industrial base."
Q: Connect major to campus resources?
A:
Cite specific faculty, labs, courses, or student organizations on your chosen campus.
Show how these unique offerings enhance your major pursuit.
Example: "Prof. Doe's research on AI in healthcare at the Indianapolis campus aligns with my data science major. I aim to contribute to his predictive analytics projects."
Q: Manage 250 words?
A:
Structure: Major choice (100 words), Campus interest (100 words), Specific connections (50 words).
