The Stanford letter to roommate, also known as the "Roommate Essay," is an optional essay prompt included in Stanford University's undergraduate application. It asks applicants to write a short letter to their future roommate introducing themselves and sharing a few details about their personality, interests, and habits.
The purpose of this essay is to give the admissions committee a better sense of the applicant's character and how they might fit in with the university's diverse community. It also gives applicants the opportunity to showcase their writing skills and creativity, as well as provide insight into what they hope to gain from their college experience.
To write a strong Stanford letter to roommate essay, it's important to be honest, genuine, and thoughtful. Start by introducing yourself and giving a brief overview of your background, such as where you grew up, your family, and any notable achievements or experiences.
Next, highlight a few of your interests and hobbies. This could include your favorite activities, books, music, movies, or sports. It's okay to be specific and mention specific bands, authors, or movies that you enjoy, as long as you explain why you like them and how they reflect your personality.
You should also share a bit about your habits and how you like to spend your time. For example, if you're an early riser, you might mention that you enjoy starting your day with a morning jog or yoga practice. If you're more of a night owl, you might mention that you enjoy staying up late to watch movies or work on creative projects.
Finally, it's important to express what you hope to gain from your college experience and how you envision living with a roommate. For example, you might mention that you're looking forward to meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. You might also express your desire to be a considerate and respectful roommate, and to create a positive and supportive living environment for both of you.
Overall, the Stanford letter to roommate essay is a chance for applicants to showcase their personality, interests, and goals, and to give the admissions committee a sense of what they would bring to the university community. By being honest, genuine, and thoughtful in your writing, you can demonstrate that you're a well-rounded, engaged, and ambitious individual who is eager to make the most of your college experience.