How to Write a Strong Harvard Roommate Essay

The Harvard roommate essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, quirks, and values in a more casual, authentic way. Unlike other application essays, this one allows you to be creative and highlight what makes you unique beyond academics.

Breaking Down the Prompt

Harvard asks:

“Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.”

This question isn’t just about listing fun facts—it’s about giving admissions officers a sense of who you are as a person, how you interact with others, and what you’ll bring to Harvard’s residential life.

Your response should be:
✅ Authentic – Show your personality, not what you think Harvard wants to hear.
✅ Specific – Avoid generic answers like “I’m friendly.” Instead, provide real details.
✅ Engaging – Use a conversational tone to make your essay enjoyable to read.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Essay

1. Choose Three Distinct Aspects of Your Personality

Your three things should reflect different dimensions of who you are. Consider:

• Habits and routines (Are you an early riser or a night owl?)
• Passions and interests (Do you love playing the piano at midnight?)
• Quirks and fun facts (Do you have a weird but endearing obsession with crossword puzzles?)

Examples of strong, varied answers:

1. I am a chronic night thinker and an early morning doer. If you ever wake up to see a notebook filled with 3 AM scribbles about startup ideas, philosophy questions, or the meaning of life, don’t be alarmed—that’s just how my brain works.
2. I am obsessed with baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie. I’ve tested over 20 recipes and have strong opinions on butter-to-flour ratios. If you ever smell brown butter wafting through our dorm, congratulations—you’re about to get free cookies.
3. I collect foreign language phrases for no reason other than curiosity. If you hear me muttering in Icelandic or Swahili, I promise I’m not summoning spirits—I just love words.

2. Use Storytelling to Bring Your Traits to Life

Instead of just listing traits, use short anecdotes or descriptions. This makes your essay more engaging and memorable.

Example:
Instead of saying, “I love music,” write:
“My playlist is a chaotic mix of classical violin, 90s hip-hop, and obscure indie bands. If you ever hear a violin cover of a rap song playing in our room, that’s just me trying to combine my love for Bach and Kendrick Lamar.”

3. Show How You’ll Be a Great Roommate

While the essay is about you, it should also subtly highlight that you’re someone others would enjoy living with. Show that you’re considerate, fun, and open to new experiences.

Example:
“I believe in celebrating small wins. Whether you aced an exam or survived a Monday, I will be the first to suggest an impromptu ice cream run to reward ourselves.”

Final Tips for a Standout Roommate Essay

✅ Be yourself – This essay should feel like a letter to your future roommate.
✅ Keep it light and engaging – Don’t overthink it—have fun with your response.
✅ Show, don’t tell – Use vivid examples instead of broad statements.

Before submitting, make sure your essay captures your unique personality. Get a free personalized review here: Pathways’ Free Essay Check.

A strong essay can make all the difference—let’s make yours stand out.