USD Member Questions
To help you prepare for the USD Member Questions, we've provided the 2025-26 essay prompts for you below.
Please note:
- First-Year applicants are required to answer the Mandatory First Year Essay Prompt and either Essay Prompt Option #1, #2, or #3.
- Please note that the default word counter for the First Year Common Application essay text boxes allows up to 350 words, but most applicants find they can answer these prompts in about 200 words.
- Transfer applicants are required to answer the Mandatory Transfer Essay Prompt and either Essay Prompt Option #1, #2, or #3.
- Please note that the default word counter for the Mandatory Transfer Common Application essay text box allows up to 150 words, although most applicants find they can answer the prompts in about 100 words. The essay prompt options allow a maximum of 200 words.
- The essay prompts listed below are for the 2025-26 year.
25 -26 Essay Prompts
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?
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?
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.
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’re 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.
How will USD help enhance your educational and professional goals beyond what your current institution offers?
Using AI Responsibly in Your USD Application
At the University of San Diego, we value authenticity, reflection and a true sense of self in your application. The personal statement and supplemental essays are your opportunity to share your story in your own words - not those of a machine.
AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful in many settings, but when it comes to your college essays, using them as a shortcut undermines the purpose of the application. These essays are not just about content - they’re about how you think, write and communicate.
What’s okay?
There are responsible ways to use technology during the writing process. For example:
- Running grammar or spell checks after your draft is complete.
- Asking AI for brainstorming questions or topic ideas to get started.
- Researching general information about college admissions or application strategies.
If you’re ever unsure, a good rule of thumb is this: if it would be acceptable to ask a teacher or mentor for the same kind of help, it’s likely okay.
Improper use of AI in applications
Using AI in ways that replace your original thinking or writing is not appropriate. For example:
- Submitting essays written entirely or mostly by an AI tool.
- Having AI create an outline or structure for your response that you simply fill in.
- Translating full essays using AI rather than writing directly in English.
- Adopting AI-generated language that doesn’t reflect your personal tone or style.
These uses blur the line between assistance and misrepresentation and don’t reflect the level of integrity we expect from future Toreros.
Stay true to your voice
We read thousands of essays each year. The ones that stand out aren’t perfect. Rather, they are personal, thoughtful and real. Let your words reflect your experiences, your values, and your voice. Don’t let technology flatten what makes you unique.
At USD, integrity is central to our community. That commitment begins with your application. Show us who you are. We’re excited to get to know you!