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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
