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Written Essay
WPU GŌA employs a holistic review process for potential students, focusing on more than just standardized test scores. The written essay allows candidates to highlight their individuality, goals, and values. This is an opportunity to share their unique experiences, challenges overcome, and leadership qualities, helping evaluators understand their potential for academic success and community contribution at WPU GŌA.
ABC Model of Selection
WPU GŌA places great importance on three interconnected dimensions (ABC) that reflect the skills and mindset essential for thriving in our transdisciplinary learning environment.
A, Agility & Empathic Responsiveness, which is defined by the ability to adapt to change, show resilience, and demonstrate empathy
B, Broad-Minded Learning Orientation & Self-Development, which is demonstrated by aspects such as curiosity-driven learning, independent thinking, and openness to growth
C, Curiosity for Complex Problems & Co-Creation for Change, which is exemplified by engagement with real-world issues through collaboration and teamwork
In writing the essay, the candidate should focus on these three dimensions, ensuring that they address how they might possess these attributes.
Guidance for Writing an Effective Essay
While not mandatory, a candidate might be guided in structuring the essay by addressing aspects such as:
Discussing how they navigated a challenge with agility & empathy by reflecting on a personal, academic, or social challenge that required them to adapt, persist, or support others. They could consider addressing some or all of the following:
What was the challenge, and why was it significant?
How did they respond? What actions did they take?
What did they learn about themselves or others through this experience?
How has this shaped their ability to handle uncertainty or complexity?
What skills would they like to develop further to become more adaptable and empathetic?
Explaining aspects of learning beyond the classroom through a description of activities or pursuits outside regular academic studies that have shaped their thinking or interests. They could consider addressing some or all of the following:
What activities have they engaged in? (sports, arts, projects, hobbies, entrepreneurial ventures, special interests, etc.)
Why did they choose to invest time in these areas?
How did these experiences broaden their perspective or challenge their assumptions?
What new questions, interests, or insights emerged?
How do they plan to continue or deepen this learning journey?
Discuss how they contributed to change through collaboration by reflecting on their involvement with a cause, community initiative, or collaborative project addressing a real-world issue. They could consider addressing some or all of the following:
Were they part of an initiative? (volunteering, sustainability efforts, social justice work, community organizations, candidate advocacy, etc.)
What drew them to this cause?
What makes this cause complex or challenging to address?
What did they learn from working with others, especially those with different perspectives or backgrounds?
How do they envision contributing to similar efforts in the future?
The above are just examples. A candidate is at liberty to write an essay that they believe best describes their unique background, perspective, and experiences, and how these place them at the very top of all candidates applying for admission to WPU GŌA.
It is important that candidates keep the following in mind:
The written essay is a separate section in the registration form, and it should be written in English
The 750-word limit must be strictly adhered to. Shorter essays are permitted, but exceeding this limit will result in the essay not being evaluated, with the consequence of potentially not getting admitted to WPU GŌA
The written essay should be authentic and express the writer’s genuine voice, perspectives, and lived experiences
It should reflect deeply on their journey, focusing on self-awareness and personal growth rather than listing achievements
It should be written honestly without exaggeration or falsification. There are no right or wrong answers; what matters is clarity of thought and how what is meaningful to them is conveyed to the committee
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