Skip to main content
Admissions

Personal Statement (Essay) Topics

Tell us about yourself

The purpose of the essay portion of the Loyola application is to give you the opportunity to make a personal statement and to demonstrate your creativity and ability to organize and express your thoughts.

In 500 words or less, write about one of the following topics. Please note: these prompts are the same as the Common Application Essay Topics:

Topic 1

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Topic 2

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Topic 3

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Topic 4

Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

Topic 5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Topic 6

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Topic 7

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

 

 

 

You will be prompted to include your essay when completing the online application. Please type your essay and include it as a part of your Application for Undergraduate Admissions. If emailing, mailing or faxing your essay, include your name, birthdate, and the date on the essay. This essay will be used as an important document in scholarship consideration.

Email: admit@loyno.edu

Mailing Address: Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Campus Box 18, New Orleans, LA 70118

Fax: (504) 865-3383

To learn more, call 1-800-4-LOYOLA or schedule your visit online.