Applicants will choose one of the three prompts below to respond to.
We recommend keeping your response under 800 words. You don’t need to reach the word limit; what matters most is that you express your ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Feel free to be creative in how you approach your response.
Questions? If you have any questions about Leading Scholar, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Looking to review dates and deadlines, see our Calendar.
Essay Prompts for Incoming Class of Fall 2026
1. Time Capsule
Write a message that you would want a future high school senior to discover in a time capsule 30 years from now. What would you want the next generation to know about leading with purpose? You might share a personal story about responsibility, resilience, or impact.
2. Solve It
Imagine you have been given the responsibility to fix any one problem in your school or local community. What issue would you take on, why does it matter to you, and how would you lead the charge to create lasting change?
3. Resume…From the Future
Imagine it's the year 2050. Create your resume as it might look that year. Include experiences, accomplishments, and personal highlights that reflect the leader you’ve become and the path you took to get there. After your resume, provide a brief reflection: what decision, experience, or lesson from your high school years do you believe most helped shape this future?
"Be you! In your essay, make sure you talk about the things that make you unique. When you then go to compete, that's the time that you can put a face to your essay. This is your opportunity to make yourself known!"
Essay Tips
- Choose the Prompt That Sparks the Most Ideas—Select the prompt that excites or challenges you the most, not necessarily the one you think is "easiest." The best essays come from authentic passion, reflection, and creativity. If one prompt gets your mind racing with ideas or emotions, that’s your best starting point.
- Anchor Your Essay in a Personal Story or Vision—Whether you're writing a time capsule letter, solving a community issue, or drafting a future resume, ground your ideas in personal experience. A vivid anecdote, defining moment, or specific ambition makes your essay more memorable and meaningful.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell—Instead of saying you’re resilient or a problem-solver, show us through examples. What did you do? What decisions did you make? How did you grow? Concrete actions and outcomes will make your leadership qualities more compelling.
- Highlight Purpose and Long-Term Impact—Each prompt ties back to purposeful leadership. Be sure your response shows not just what you care about, but why it matters, both now and for the future. Demonstrating a vision for lasting impact will strengthen your application.
- Be Creative, But Keep It Clear—These prompts encourage imagination, so don’t be afraid to take a unique approach (a metaphor, a bold format, a futuristic tone). Just be sure your message is coherent, your values are clear, and your leadership potential shines through.
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We recommend keeping your response under 800 words. You don’t need to reach the word limit, what matters most is that you express your ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Feel free to be creative in how you approach your response.
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Review and Submit—With these suggestions in mind, ensure that your essay is well written, free of errors, follows the instructions, and is submitted on time. The application system will close at 11:59 p.m. (eastern time) on November 15—late submissions will not be accepted.