Admission, Office of

Villanova A-Z | VU People Directory
| Edit Your Account

VU Home > Office of University Admission > Admissions Process > For Undergraduate Students > Application Requirements > Application Essay
Villanova University Home
  • Office of University Admission
  • Admissions Process
    • For Undergraduate Students
      • Application Requirements
        • Test Scores
        • Application Essay
      • Admission Statistics
      • On-Campus Housing
      • Early Action
      • Regular Decision
      • Health Affiliation Programs
    • For International Students
    • For Parents
    • For Counselors
    • For Transfer Students
  • Visit Villanova
  • Academics
  • Student Services
  • Financial Assistance and Scholarships
  • Important Dates
  • Presidential Scholarships
  • Fast Facts
  • Only at Nova
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Around Philadelphia
  • What's myNova?
  • Contact Us
  • Join Our Mailing List

Application Essay

In addition to the essay included with the Common Application and as part of Villanova's Common Application Supplement, Villanova requires that you submit one Villanova Essay (of approximately one type-written page) from the two choices below. This essay is an important part of your application as it provides us with an opportunity to gain more insights into your candidacy. We thought that it would be helpful to provide you with some guidance on writing an effective, thoughtful and well-crafted writing sample.

Villanova Essay Question-Choice One:

One of the core values of Villanova, as an Augustinian university founded on the teachings of St. Augustine, is that student and faculty learn from each other. As you imagine yourself as a member of the Villanova community, what is one lesson that you have learned in your life that you will want to share with others?

Villanova Essay Question-Choice Two:

Emblazoned on our University Seal is a flaming heart which symbolizes St. Augustine’s passionate search to know God and love others.  What sets your heart on fire?

Common Application Essay:

Please also submit the essay of your choice from the Common Application.

Please note: the Villanova Essay should have a separate and distinctive response to that of the Common Application Essay.

Tips For Writing Your Essay

  • Be Yourself. Through the essay, the Admission Committee is hoping to get to know you better. You are so much more than just your grades and test scores. Your essay provides a view into your thoughts, opinions, hopes, and dreams.
  • Proof Read. A well-crafted essay usually has many revisions. Please review your content and edit your work before you submit it for consideration. 
  • Answer the question posed. Please answer the question that we pose. It may be tempting to send a general or personal statement, especially if time is ticking; however, it is important for you to respond to our specific question. 
  • There is not a correct or incorrect answer to the question. The Admission Committee is not necessarily looking for what you say, but rather how you say it. We want to see you make a thesis statement and defend it. We want to see you use good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Overall, we want to see a thoughtful and well-written essay. It should be clear to us that the candidate has put significant effort into the composition of the essay. 

Remember, your essay can really enhance your application. We look forward to reading your essay!

Quick Link Icons

  • Contact VU
  • Apply Now
  • Calendar of Events
  • Site Map
  • Print This Page

Apply to VU

Apply to Villanova by completing the on-line Common Application with the Villanova Supplement

Apply Now Link

Why Villanova?

"Villanova faculty and staff foster individual growth in every student. I had the opportunity to work with Special Olympics as early as my freshman year. I'm so grateful that Villanova encourages students to give back to the community."

Jennifer Park
Pasadena, California

Jennifer Park, Pasadena, California

Helpful Facts

Villanova University is a fully exclusive Common Application member institution.

Important Dates Calendar

Check deadline dates — Print this page and keep it in a handy place to use as a quick reference.

Please note that interviews are not part of the admission process.

Important Note

For your information, more detailed application directions are available here.

Helpful Facts

Villanova University is a fully exclusive Common Application member institution.

Helpful Facts

Footer Information

Villanova University Logo

Founded by the Augustinians in 1842

800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
(610) 519-4500 | Contact Us

Send Feedback | Privacy & Security | Copyright |
Higher Education Act
©1990- Villanova University. All rights reserved.

Villanova University Global Navigation

  • Villanova University Home
  • About
    • Office of the President
    • Mission & Ministry
    • History of Villanova
    • Fast Facts
    • Administration & Offices Dept
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Philadelphia & the Surrounding Area
    • Virtual Tour
    • Directions to Campus
    • Directory Search
    • Calendar of Events
    • The Villanova Conference Center
  • Admission
    • Undergraduate Students
    • Graduate Students
    • Part-Time Students
    • Visit Villanova
    • Financial Aid
    • Important Dates
    • Presidential Scholarships
    • Virtual Tour
  • Academics
    • Academic Affairs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Undergraduate Programs (A-Z)
    • Graduate Programs (A-Z)
    • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Villanova School of Business
    • College of Engineering
    • College of Nursing
    • School of Law
    • Honors Program
    • Part-Time Studies
    • Continuing Studies
    • International Studies
    • Summer Session
    • Undergraduate Research
    • Undergraduate Catalog
    • Registrar
    • Enrollment Management
  • Campus Life
    • Student Life
    • Residence Life
    • Campus Ministry
    • Dining Services
    • Registrar
    • Counseling Center
    • Health Center
    • Learning Communities
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Campus Publications & Media
    • Bursar's Office
    • Career Center
    • Technology @ VU
    • University Shop
  • Athletics
    • Varsity Athletics
    • Facilities
    • Ticket Information
    • Intramurals & Recreation
    • Athletic Camps & Organizations
  • Libraries
    • Falvey Library
    • Bartley Virtual Library
    • Law Library
    • Digital Library
  • Alumni & Friends
    • University Advancement
    • Development
    • Alumni Association
    • Make A Gift
    • University Shop
    • Career Services
    • Parents & Family
    • Corporate Visitors
  • myNOVA