The University of San Diego asks first-year applicants for two short supplemental essays, each capped at 350 words (USD recommends keeping them closer to 200 words). The first prompt is required of everyone and asks about an idea or experience that shaped how you see the world. The second is a "choose one of three" prompt covering community, changemaking, or faith. Both are short, which means every sentence has to do real work.
The other thing to know up front: USD is test-free, not just test-optional. SAT and ACT scores are not reviewed at all, so they cannot help or hurt you. That pushes more weight onto your transcript, your activities, and these two essays. The core challenge here is resisting the urge to write something grand and abstract. USD's prompts reward small, honest, specific stories far more than mission-statement language.
01Genuine curiosity over achievement. Prompt 1 literally asks what made you want to learn more. USD wants to see a mind that gets pulled toward questions, not a resume of accomplishments. A reader should finish your essay knowing what genuinely fascinates you and why.
02Community you actually built. As a self-described Changemaker Campus rooted in belonging, USD rewards concrete evidence that you make spaces warmer for other people. Not leadership titles, but the specific moment you noticed someone was left out and did something about it.
03Values lived, not declared. USD is a contemporary Catholic university that cares about social justice, care for others, and reflection. You do not need to be Catholic or use lofty language. You need to show a value in action through one real choice you made.
04A clear link to USD. Prompt 1 asks how your interest connects to your future at USD. The strongest essays name something specific, a program, a value, a way of learning, so the school sees itself in your story rather than reading generic praise.
2 prompts for USD, each broken down with annotated examples.
The Curiosity Essay (Required)350 words max (USD recommends ~200)
At the University of San Diego, we believe education should spark curiosity, foster connection, and prepare students to make a meaningful impact in the world. Tell us about an idea or experience that has shaped your worldview or inspired you to learn more. Why is this important to you, and how do you see it connecting with your future at USD?
Choose One of Three: Community, Changemaking, or Faith350 words max (USD recommends ~200)
Applicants choose ONE of the following three options. Option 1 (Community and Belonging): USD is committed to fostering a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. Reflecting on your own experiences, what does community mean to you? How have you helped create inclusive, welcoming spaces for others, and what have you learned from those efforts? Option 2 (Changemaking): As a proud Changemaker Campus, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through care for our common home, social justice efforts, civic engagement, social innovation, creativity and a global perspective. Write about one of the challenges facing humanity today. Why does it matter to you? What experiences or insights have you had that speak to the urgency of this issue? Option 3 (Faith and Spirituality): As a contemporary Catholic university, we welcome and celebrate students from every background and faith tradition, including those who do not identify with a faith tradition. We are committed to helping every student feel connected and supported by offering space to grow in faith, reflect on their values and explore who they are called to be. Share how faith or spirituality, your own or someone else's, has shaped a perspective, experience, or decision.