For admissions, Syracuse University asks applicants to respond to a single, required supplemental essay.
The essay has a maximum word count of 250 words.
Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way.
The debate team bus was silent. We had just lost the state semifinal, and my partner, Ben, was staring out the window. I had dominated our speaking time, convinced my strategy was superior. But my strategy had failed. In that quiet moment, I realized my biggest mistake was not a flawed argument but a failure to listen. I had been so focused on my own voice that I completely ignored Ben’s brilliant idea for a different approach. The loss taught me a crucial lesson: the strongest communities are not built by the loudest voice, but by the combined strength of every voice.
This is why I am drawn to Syracuse University’s collaborative spirit. I am fascinated by the Maxwell School’s commitment to public service, where solving complex problems requires listening to diverse perspectives. I want to take courses like PSY 375 Cross Cultural Psychology to better understand how different backgrounds shape communication. I see myself contributing to this environment not by leading every discussion, but by ensuring every voice is heard. I hope to join a student organization like Asian Students In America to help create events where open dialogue is encouraged, applying my lesson from the bus ride to build a truly inclusive community at Syracuse.
During our junior year prom planning, my friend Maria, who uses a wheelchair, pointed out that the stage design had no ramp. Instead of just getting angry, she came to the next meeting with a simple, low-cost ramp design she found and offered to help build it. She wasn’t just demanding access; she was actively creating it. Her courage wasn't in the complaint, but in her collaborative solution. I was inspired by how she turned a moment of exclusion into an opportunity to improve the event for everyone who would come after her.
Her actions taught me that being "welcoming to all" is an active verb. It’s why I am so drawn to Syracuse University’s philosophy that "Disability = Diversity". I want to be part of a community that leads in inclusion through programs like the Center for Disability Resources, which works to build a universally accessible campus. At Syracuse, I hope to bring Maria’s spirit of proactive problem-solving to campus life. I plan to volunteer with student organizations that promote accessibility, ensuring that every member of the Orange community not only feels welcome, but has the opportunity to fully participate.
All the best!
