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“What do you expect to contribute as a student?”

February 26, 2021 By Admin

What kind of answers are expected in such questions?

Most applicants handle this by mentioning soft skills (leadership, etc), which I think is a mistake.

Instead, you should treat it as a short diversity statement, i.e. elaborate how you’re singularly unique. So, in addition to your unique research/academic focus, and your willingness to contribute to specific campus organizations (as proven by your past experience in similar organizations), you might describe how, as a first-generation quadrilingual Buddhist you’ll be eager to work in labs with all kinds of students from all kinds of backgrounds.

Or, as someone who spent two semesters studying abroad in Southeast Asia, you’ll be eager to serve as a community bridge for international students acclimating to the new environment.

Or, as a professional assembly line engineer, you’ll prove an ability to meet deadlines under the strictest conditions.

Or, as an utterly normal girl who’s done nothing amazing, but has worked in the Big Brother Big Sister program for 4 years, you’ll collaborate honestly and helpfully with your classmates knowing that everyone can accomplish great things if they have community support.

Hope these examples help!

*This question was originally posted on Reddit here.

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