Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. This could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (≤250 words)
Purpose: This prompt asks you to identify a specific personal quality and illustrate its positive impact on a community through a story. It seeks to understand your character, your contributions to groups, and how you apply your strengths in real-world settings.
UNC 'Personal Quality & Community Impact' Q&A Slides
Q: What personal quality to choose?
A:
Select one specific, impactful quality.
Example: Not "leadership," but "empathetic leadership."
Listing achievements without connecting to a quality.
Vague descriptions of community.
No empty flattery for UNC.
Prompt 2: Academic Topic Exploration
Discuss an academic topic that you’re excited to explore and learn more about in college. Why does this topic interest you? Topics could be a specific course of study, research interests, or any other area related to your academic experience in college. (≤250 words)
Purpose: This prompt requires you to articulate a genuine academic interest and explain its appeal. It assesses your intellectual curiosity, your readiness for college-level study, and your ability to connect your passion to broader academic exploration.
UNC 'Academic Topic Exploration' Q&A Slides
Q: What academic topic to choose?
A:
Select a precise, non-obvious academic interest.
Example: Not "history," but "the economic impact of post-colonial trade routes."
Show genuine intellectual curiosity.
Q: Why does this topic interest you?
A:
Detail the specific origin of this interest.
Example: "A forgotten map in my grandfather's attic sparked my interest in historical cartography."
Connect it to a personal experience or observation.
Q: How does UNC's curriculum support this?
A:
Research specific UNC courses, faculty, labs, or programs.
Example: "Professor X's research on Y in the Z department aligns with my interest."
Example: "The 'Data Science for Social Good' course directly addresses my passion for ethical AI."
Show precise institutional fit.
Q: How will you explore this at UNC?
A:
Discuss specific research interests, projects, or academic clubs.
Example: "I plan to join the Undergraduate Research Program to investigate urban planning models."
Show how you will deepen your understanding.
Q: How to show intellectual curiosity?
A:
Explain *how* you think about the topic.
Example: "I question the traditional narratives of X, seeking alternative interpretations."
