Dare to Grow
250 wordsVanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.
Paragraph 1: The Grounded Story
- Open immediately inside a specific, sensory rich scene to hook the reader.
- You should include a unique tradition, ritual, or simple daily routine that represents your background.
- Do not write a generic introduction explaining your background or stating your name, and avoid cliché openings or listing multiple identities.
Paragraph 2: Finding the Deeper Meaning
- Explain the significance of the story from the first paragraph and show a real habit or action that demonstrates your values.
- You should focus on a specific, nonacademic area of your life that is not featured anywhere else in your application.
- Do not list achievements, awards, or GPA, and avoid talking about traumatic experiences or playing a pity game for admissions officers.