This one I just jammed out, not really sure what they are really looking for on this question so I just started writing! Please give me some feedback on this, its pretty short, but I only have 120 character spaces left to use.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better.
I am a real person. At least I try to be. That's what I want you to know. I just try to live every day without illusions. The way I see it, people tend to get caught up in their imaginations. We live entirely within a set of boundaries, laws and rules that are imaginary. Our roads, currency, and even our languages are simply constructs with imaginary rules and regulations attached. Of course, the fact that our entire human lives are dictated by those imaginations of our collective cultures' minds necessitates an ability to live within those boundaries. To utilize your powers of self-illusion to carry out the functions of life such as getting food, and finding shelter, is by all means a great thing, and a great skill. It is this ability that we humans have developed that allows us to live on what is an arguably higher plane of existence. We are so good at constructing illusions around ourselves, as evidenced by our massive, technologically driven societies with their somewhat functioning economies, that we rarely glimpse the realities behind that grand collaboration. The simple act of taking a few minutes every day to contemplate the nature of that reality is just as much prayer or meditation to me. I find it can change your perspective on many issues. If you merely glimpse the underlying nature of life for a few moments, the troubles that worry you can be let to slip away. To live with total joy is basically my goal, although it is never totally attainable. That is all I can really strive for. Hopefully that gives you a glimpse into the underlying animus of my actions and thoughts. Also, if you can't laugh at my jokes then I don't think we can be roommates.
This is a good piece of writing. Its interesting and thought provoking, however, I'm not sure its what their looking for.
I don't think you'd be denied admission by submitting it, because it does reveal something interesting about you and showcase your ability to write, but its a little... heavy for a roommate letter. I would try to ground it more in experiences and reality (and it can be hard, I have a huge issue with it.) I feel like if any supplement question should be sort of light and easy it should be this one, its the least "intellectual" of the essay prompts from Stanford.
List some activities you do, really let yourself shine through, you can clearly write and you have a good sense of humor (I'd laugh a your jokes,) so try to bring that out in this essay.
Good luck champ.
