"I can speak three languages fluently" or "I once wrote a song for my mom's birthday".
"At age five... I asked if we could eat our pet fish when they died, which shows my practical streak".
Don’t waste space on academic or professional achievements already listed in your resume.
Rather than a traditional narrative, this prompt asks you to share 25 numbered points that help the admissions committee get to know you beyond your professional resume. It is considered one of the most "useful" essays for showing personality, values, and humor. Key Strategies for Writing It:
Some points can be a single short sentence (e.g., "My favorite fruit is a strawberry"), while others can be a short paragraph describing a meaningful realization. Examples of "Useful" Points:
Use specific examples. Instead of saying you are adventurous, describe a time you tried a numbing spice in rural China or volunteered abroad.
Include a mix of poignant life experiences, humorous anecdotes, and lighthearted fun facts.
According to Duke student blogs , successful lists often include: