Example Application Essays for Ashoka University + Bonus Prompts for Preparation

You might have already read our other blogs detailing the structure of personal essays and other admission processes. Still unsure about where to start? Gotcha! We have curated some college essay examples specially for you that can get you started right away!

In this blog, you'll find samples of what an ideal personal essay looks like along with some prompts to help you perfect the art of essay writing. 

The Global Gender Wage Gap

One social issue that resonates with me both locally and globally is the gender wage gap. Despite increased advocacy for gender equality, significant disparities in pay still persist. The gender wage gap is the difference in earnings between men and women for the same work. It reflects deep-rooted inequalities in society, especially when it comes to women's access to resources, job opportunities, and decision-making roles.

During my friend’s internship at a marketing firm, she discovered that as a female colleague with the same role and experience as her male counterpart, she was earning significantly less. Despite her equal qualifications and dedication, her salary remained lower, which frustrated her. This experience opened my eyes to the silent yet pervasive gender pay gap and inspired me to dig deeper into workplace inequalities.

Different points of view shape the discourse around this issue. Some argue that the wage gap is a result of career choices made by women, with many opting for roles in sectors that traditionally pay less, such as education and healthcare. Others highlight systemic discrimination, pointing out that women, especially mothers, are penalized in the workplace in terms of both opportunities and wages. Additionally, the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and economic status compounds these inequalities for women of marginalized groups.

Personally, I believe that the wage gap is more than a symptom of societal norms; it is a deeply rooted economic imbalance that deserves more attention, especially in a rapidly evolving world. My resolve to contribute toward its resolution begins with raising awareness. As a management student, I intend to pursue internships and work in organizations that are committed to equal pay and inclusion. Additionally, I aim to develop policies that encourage transparency in salary structures, and promote flexible work environments that accommodate women’s needs, thus reducing the motherhood penalty.

Furthermore, in the long term, I envision initiating campaigns to educate both men and women on their rights and the benefits of gender equality, hoping to make a measurable impact in bridging the gap. Addressing this issue is essential for building a society where opportunities are equally accessible, regardless of gender.

Perfection Vs. Supremacy

In today's competitive world, it's easy to succumb to peer pressure and get caught up in the race to outdo others, in school, college, and collaborative projects where teamwork is essential. And as someone who was so close to being pulled into this world of unhealthy competition, I will forever remain grateful to my brother, who, in one conversation, changed my entire perspective and sparked my self-confidence.

I have always looked up to my brother, and he once told me that when studying or preparing for exams and competitions, it's important to focus on doing justice to the subject and our own efforts, rather than striving to outshine others. We learn to improve ourselves, not to elevate ourselves above others. Hence, my brother advised me to study hard to add meaning to all the hard work I’ve done throughout and aim to reach perfection, instead of chasing superiority or dominance. Prompts for Practice:

We hope our essay examples and prompts help you during the application process. Whether you're brainstorming ideas or polishing your final draft, keep practicing, and don't be afraid to take creative risks. For personalized feedback on your college essays, book your free consulting session at GuidEX!