colleges that don't require essays 2023

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73 Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – 2024

May 27, 2024

When college application season arrives, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed about the essays. There’s the personal statement , which many students have a general idea about, and then there are the supplemental essays. Supplemental essays can cover a range of college-specific prompts that help the colleges better understand why you’d be a great fit . Due to how personal and varied the supplemental essays can be, students often end up spending weeks, if not months, writing them.

However, across the country, there are colleges that do not require supplemental essays at all. For some students, applying to colleges without supplemental essays can make the overall application process much smoother. Benefits include experiencing less stress in their application preparation and diversifying prospective colleges while focusing more on their priority schools. Sometimes, though, these schools do ask for program-specific essays or optional essays, depending on the applicant.

Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

1) albion college.

At Albion College, the application essay is not required, but it is recommended. Students are encouraged to provide any more details that they believe the admissions team should consider.

2) Allegheny College

As noted on their website, Allegheny College has not required the supplemental essay since their 2013-2014 application cycle. Students will find more essay questions in the Member Questions section of the Common Application.

3) Augusta University

Augusta University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays as they do not require a personal essay at all. They do still require SAT or ACT scores and GPA.

4) Bates College

Since 1984, Bates College has not required SAT Subject Tests or ACT scores in their applications. There is an optional arts supplement for students who are applying to study art, creative writing, dance, film, music, and theater.

5) Case Western Reserve University

At Case Western Reserve University, the Common Application personal essay is required. However, if you’re applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, then you’ll have to write supplemental essays.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (Continued)

6) clemson university.

Clemson University does not require students to complete a personal essay with the Common or Coalition Application. There is also a test-optional policy that may appeal to some students.

7) Coe College

At Coe College, the personal essay is optional for students who meet the college’s minimum academic standards. Coe College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays that also have a test-optional policy.

8) Colby College

Colby College accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge Application, and they do not have any additional writing supplements. Test scores are optional for applicants at Colby College, and there is no application fee.

9) Colgate University

Colgate University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays required, but there is the option to write them. As stated on their website, “These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective.

10) College of the Holy Cross

College of the Holy Cross does not require supplemental essays, but the following are optional: personal interview, SAT or ACT scores, and supplementary materials.

11) Denison University

Denison University joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. Their website states that they wish to provide “equal access” to a Denison education, and they are also test-optional.

12) DePaul University

For first-year student applicants at DePaul University, personal essays are not required but optional. They have also been a test-optional university since 2012.

13) Dillard University

Dillard University is the oldest HBCU in Louisiana and is one of the colleges with no supplemental essay requirements. However, if students do not meet the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements, then they must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

14) Drew University

At Drew University, a personal statement is required, along with a counselor evaluation, teacher evaluation, and high school transcript.

15) Drexel University

Drexel University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require all students to complete the 250 to 650 essay on the Common or Coalition Application. However, the short answer question is optional.

16) Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, all essays, résumés, and recommendations are optional.

17) Florida Gulf Coast University

The only essay required by Florida Gulf Coast University is a two-page personal essay that discusses academic performance, special talents, and what the student can contribute to the campus.

18) Florida State University

Although Florida State University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays, students should invest time into the Common Application personal statement.

19) Fordham University

At Fordham University, the Common Application essay is required, but there are also optional writing sections. If students choose not to write in these sections, they will not be penalized.

20) Franklin and Marshall College

Franklin and Marshall College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require the personal essay in the Common Application, as well as standardized test scores, recommendations and other materials.

21) Furman University

At Furman University, first-year applicants do not need to submit a personal essay, and they are also test-optional.

22) Gannon University

Gannon University does not require students to submit a personal statement. It is optional but recommended for students to submit a statement. However, it is required for LECOM 4+4 Medical Program applicants.

23) Gettysburg College

Although Gettysburg College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays, it does require a personal statement on the Common Application.

24) Grinnell College

Grinnell College does not require supplemental essays and it also does not have an application fee. Standardized test scores are also optional.

25) Hamilton College

Although Hamilton College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays, the optional essays are still encouraged.

26) Hampshire College

Hampshire College only requires supplemental essays from international students applying as first-year or transfer students.

27) Hanover College

Hanover College states on their website that the essay or personal statement is optional, alongside test scores, letters of recommendation and résumé.

28) Hollins University

At Hollins University, for first-year students no personal statement is required and standardized test scores are optional.

29) Howard University

Howard University requires students to complete the Common Application essay and there is one optional supplemental essay.

30) Indiana University – Bloomington

Students applying to Indiana University – Bloomington must write the one essay in the Common Application or through Apply IU.

31) Kent State University

At Kent State University, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay or a letter of recommendation. Test scores are also optional.

32) Kenyon College

Kenyon College joins this list as it is one of the colleges without supplemental essays. For first-year and transfer students, test scores are optional and flexible.

33) Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University does require the Common Application personal statement, but as of its most recent admissions cycle, no supplemental essay is required.

34) Mercer University

At Mercer University, applicants who wish to be test-optional must complete the supplemental essays. They must also have a 3.5 GPA and letter of recommendation.

35) Miami University

Miami University, not to be confused with the University of Miami, requires the Common App personal statement but not the supplemental essays.

36) Michigan State University

Michigan State University requires students to write only one essay on the MSU application, Common Application or Coalition Application.

37) Middlebury College

Middlebury College is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They do still require the personal statement on the Common Application.

38) Muhlenberg College

Muhlenberg College requires students to submit the personal essay but no other supplemental essays.

39) New College of Florida

New College of Florida is one of the many colleges with no supplemental essays. However, they do still require a personal statement.

40) New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology only requires a personal statement included in the Common Application. There is no supplemental essay requirement.

41) New York Institute of Technology

Students applying to the New York Institute of Technology are required to write a 300 to 350 word essay as their only essay. They may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay.

42) Northeastern University

Northeastern is one of the best colleges without a supplemental essay requirement. They do require a personal statement, alongside other materials.

43) Nova Southeastern University

At Nova Southeastern University, the essay is entirely optional, and students can self-report their test scores.

44) Oberlin College

Oberlin requires a personal statement, but does not require any supplemental essays.

45) Ohio State University

Ohio State University only requires a personal statement. However, they also offer a COVID-19 impact statement on the Common Application for interested students.

46) Ripon College

At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials.

47) Rhodes College

Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional “ Elevator Pitch .”

48) Rowan University

Rowan University requires a personal statement in the Common Application, but joins this list as a college without supplemental essays.

49) St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University has no supplemental essay requirement, but it still requires the personal statement essay. They are also test-optional, depending on the applicant.

50) St. Mary’s University (San Antonio)

For students applying to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the personal statement is only required if they choose not to submit test scores.

51) Seton Hall University

At Seton Hall University, the personal statement is required, but there are no other supplemental essays.

52) Siena College

Siena College has made the personal statement (open topic) optional for students applying.

53) Skidmore College

While Skidmore College does not require supplemental essays, students do often send in supplemental materials to further support their application.

54) Stony Brook University

At Stony Brook University, only a personal statement is required. However, students applying to the Honors, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine must write supplemental essays.

55) Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee does not require supplemental essays and SAT/ACT scores are also optional.

56) Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University only requires supplemental essay materials for students applying to the creative writing, graphic design, studio art, and music programs.

57) Temple University

Temple University offers an optional essay as part of the Common Application for students to tell more about themselves beyond grades or test scores.

58) Union College

Union College does offer an optional supplemental essay question as part of their application.

59) University of Alabama

At the University of Alabama, essay submissions and letters of recommendation are not required but they are optional.

60) University of Albany

University of Albany joins the list as one of the colleges without supplemental essays. However, it does require a personal essay of at least 250 words on the Common Application of SUNY Application.

61) University of Arkansas

At the University of Arkansas, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay. They accept self-reported test scores and letters of recommendation are also not required.

62) University of Arizona

Although the University of Arizona does not require an application essay, they strongly encourage students to submit the 500-word personal statement.

63) University of Cincinnati

Students applying to the University of Cincinnati are required to write the Cincinnati personal statement and the Common Application personal statement. However, there are no other required essays.

64) University of Colorado-Denver

University of Colorado-Denver requires the personal statement on the Common Application, but not other supplemental essays.

65) University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut joins this list as one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. The university does require a personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

66) University of Dayton

The University of Dayton does not require any supplemental essays, although it does require a personal statement. The university is also test-optional.

67) University of Denver

The University of Denver only requires the personal statement on the Common Application.

68) University of Houston

Students who apply to the University of Houston without a test score must submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.

69) University of Iowa

The University of Iowa does require a personal statement as part of their application, but there is no supplemental essay requirement.

70) University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a college without supplemental essay requirements for first-year students. However, students applying to the Honors Program or the Engineering SELF Program must submit their responses.

71) University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky requires students to write one personal statement from seven of their given writing prompts.

72) University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

For first-year students applying to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the personal essay is not required, although it is encouraged.

73) University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not require a personal statement for first-year students. However, those applying to the Honors Program must write a 300-600 word essay.

Whether for the personal statement or any supplemental essay, writing college application essays can prove to be a challenging task. But if students plan ahead about how they want to approach the essays, it helps tremendously. Those who are about to apply to a college without supplemental essays can focus any extra time on other schools that do require them. It’s also great for students who wish to be considered primarily for their grades, test scores, personal statement and other reasons.

Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Additional Resources 

• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples 
• How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay
• UC Essay Examples
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More From Forbes

Over 40 colleges without supplemental essays 2022-23.

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As high school seniors begin the college application process, they quickly realize that applying to colleges can take a lot of work! Putting together the personal statement—a 650-word essay that helps demonstrate to colleges what type of person you are—activity list and supplemental essays are a time-consuming process that many students spend months preparing.

Seniors applying to college this year can easily apply to these schools with no supplemental essays. ... [+]

On average, the number of applications submitted to Common App, one of the biggest college application platforms, has increased yearly, with 14.4% more applications submitted in 2020- 21 than in 2019-20. As students apply to more schools, some of the top universities have gotten even more competitive, with Columbia University and Harvard University accepting less than 4% of their applicants for the class of 2026.

Because of the increased competition, many students are trying to beat the odds and will apply to ten or more universities. It’s not uncommon for some students to apply to more programs, especially if they are applying to highly selective schools or programs like direct medical programs. According to Nicole Gress , a counselor at Moon Prep, her direct medical students will typically apply to a mixture of BS/MD, Ivy League, and other traditional colleges for a total of 25-30 schools.

However, it is essential first to build a balanced college list rather than applying to only the most competitive schools. Having a list with colleges categorized as safeties, matches, and targets ensures that students will get into a number of schools, giving them options on May 1 when making their college decision.

How To Build A Balanced College List

As students build their college list, they should consider various things: career/major goals, financial aid needs, school size, location, and more. To start, students should get organized and begin tracking this data in Google Sheets and later use it as a reference. Research the acceptance rate, standardized testing policies, average scores, and early admissions options.

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Once this information has been gathered, students can start categorizing their school list into safety schools, match schools and reach schools. A mixture of these three types of schools can help them create a balanced college list.

• Safety schools. Accepted students will have average GPAs and standardized test scores lower than yours. The acceptance rate will be at least 40%.
• Match schools. Accepted students will have similar GPA and standardized test scores as you. The acceptance rate will be 25% or above.
• Reach schools. Accepted students will have higher GPAs and standardized test scores than you. The acceptance rate is typically lower than 25%. However, schools with an acceptance rate of 10% or less are a reach for everyone, even for valedictorians with perfect standardized test scores.

Students should aim to have at least 2-3 schools in each category to ensure that they have a well-balanced college list.

Applying To Schools With No Supplemental Essays

Here is a list of schools that don’t require supplemental essays to apply to their undergraduate program. Check the school website to make sure the information is accurate. Also, note that you might have to write essays for these schools if you are interested in their honors programs, scholarships, or a specific program within the school. By adding some schools that don’t require a supplemental essay to your college list, students can pad their numbers, apply to more schools, and have more options.

• Albion College
• Case Western University
• Clemson University
• Colby College
• Connecticut College
• Dillard University
• DePaul University
• DePauw University
• Drexel University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Fordham University
• Grinnell College
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University
• Seton Hall University
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• Spelman College
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stony Brook University
• SUNY Binghamton University
• SUNY Buffalo
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado-Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton
• University of Delaware
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• University of New Hampshire
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of St. Thomas
• University of Vermont
• Wesleyan University

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Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2023

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date October 5, 2023
• No Comments on Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2023

Navigating the college application process can often feel like maneuvering through a maze of requirements, deadlines, and essays. Among the most daunting tasks can be the slew of supplemental essays many colleges and universities require. For many students, this makes the admissions process feel overwhelming, especially when applying to multiple schools.

What if there were some schools that streamlined the college application process? Well, good news—there are plenty of colleges and universities that don’t require ANY supplemental essays.

A WORD OF CAUTION

TTA Top Tip : Without supplemental essays, your Common App main essay MUST make an impression on admissions officers, highlighting what YOU will bring to THEIR community. Grades and scores remain the gatekeeper but, once you’ve overcome that hurdle, be sure to knock their socks off with your main essay, which should focus on your intellectual curiosity and unique contributions to your community.

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Rest assured, there are plenty of selective colleges and universities that don’t require supplemental essays. We’ve compiled a sample of these liberal arts colleges and larger universities below.

SAMPLE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Albion College (application essay – recommended, not required)   
• Allegheny College   
• Bates College
• Beloit College
• Coe College  (personal essay optional for students who meet Coe’s minimum academic standards )
• Colby College
• College of the Holy Cross
• Connecticut College 
• Denison University
• DePauw University 
• Dickinson University
• Drew University  
• Farleigh Dickinson (essays are optional, but welcome)
• Franklin and Marshall College
• Furman University
• Gettysburg College 
• Goucher College
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Hanover College (application essay – optional)
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Juniata College
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New College of Florida
• Oberlin College
• Ripon College (optional personal statement)
• Rhodes College
• Sewanee—University of the South
• Siena College  
• Skidmore College
• St. John’s University  (Personal Essay- recommended, Why essay for Pharmacy program)
• St. Lawrence University
• Susquehanna University 
• Thomas Aquinas College
• Ursinus College (optional short response)
• Wesleyan University  
• Whitman College
• Williams College (option to share academic paper 3-5 pages)

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SAMPLE UNIVERSITIES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Case Western Reserve University 
• Clemson University
• DePaul University
• Drexel University  
• Fordham University (optional personal essays)
• Miami University—Oxford
• New Jersey Institute of Technology  (Albert Dorman Honors College has an essay requirement)
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University   (Honors, Scholars, Morrill Scholarship Program and some majors have additional essay requirements)
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology  (Accelerated Medicine program has an additional writing question)
• SUNY Binghamton University  
• SUNY Buffalo  
• Temple University (optional essay)
• Tulane University (optional supplemental essays)
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado -Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton 
• University of Delaware  
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa  (personal statement required if not submitting test scores)
• University of Minnesota  
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln  (personal statement required to be considered for leadership and diversity scholarships)
• University of New Hampshire 
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh  (personal statement required to be considered for scholarships, essay required for Pitt Honors admission)
• University of St. Thomas  (essays recommended, but not required)
• University of Vermont  (optional essay questions recommended, but not required)
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33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

While there are many nuances to the college admissions process, there are several key steps to be aware of. Take our quiz to see just how prepared you are to submit your college applications!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

The hello college team.

• Last Updated on August 17, 2022

Table of Contents

It’s easy to get stressed out as you prepare to send out your college applications . Students have to present themselves in a unique positive light. But, given the sheer amount of paperwork and form-filling students have to deal with as application deadlines approach, this can be difficult. To make matters worse, on top of a Common Application personal statement essay, some colleges require additional supplemental essays.

Especially if you are applying to numerous schools at once, you might not have time to write multiple essays. If you need to save time and energy, consider applying to schools without a supplemental essay. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of the top schools that don’t require supplemental essays .

What Are Supplemental Essays?

College application essays are an important part of the admissions process. They allow admissions officers to get to know students on a more personal level. Some schools only require the Common App’s 650-word personal statement essay. Other schools, though, require additional essays and ask more targeted and specialized questions. These more targeted essays are known as supplemental essays. 

Top Colleges That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays :

The following schools are some of the top-ranked colleges in the country. We’ve provided some simple facts about each university, so you can decide whether these institutions are the right fit for you. 

1. Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is known for its R1-level global research and is ranked among the top 100 schools in the United States. Unlike other top colleges, you don’t have to submit an additional supplemental essay. The common app essay is enough for the application process. 

2. Clemson University

Clemson University is recognized for its academic reputation and advanced research efforts. CU is one of the top universities in South Carolina and is ranked among the top 30 schools in the United States. Like Drexel, you only have to submit your common app essay to apply. 

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university located in Phoenix, Arizona. This popular and well-known school does not require a supplemental essay . Instead, applicants only have to submit a Common Application to apply. The only exception is if you are applying to ASU’s honor program, in which case applicants must write a supplemental essay. 

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 and has a long history of academic excellence. Primarily known for its Law School, students at UA have won a range of academic awards during its long history. No supplemental essays are required for UA, and there are tons of great majors to choose from. Many students choose to pursue Engineering and Communication majors. 

5. University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private school that is also ranked within the top 100 schools in the country. This is a particularly great university for students who want to go into international relations, astronomy, and other diverse majors. Those interested in creative writing should also consider applying to UD, which has one of the oldest creative writing programs in the country. 

6. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is ranked among the top 40 public universities in the United States. UD was founded in 1743 and offers over 300 programs to both undergraduate and graduate students. Supplemental essays are not required at UD; however, if you are applying to the honors program or Occupational Therapy, you will need to write supplemental essays. Otherwise, you can just fill in your Common Application essay. 

  7. University of South Carolina

Unless you are applying to its Honors Program, students interested in attending the University of South Carolina need only submit a Common Application essay. USC is located in Columbia, South Carolina, and offers students one of the country’s best college experiences. Highly ranked for its Greek life, amenities, and academic environment, USC is a great public university to consider adding to your list. 

  8. University of Minnesota  

The University of Minnesota has been ranked among the top research universities in the world. This school is best known for its Ecology department, which is ranked second in the world. With a range of majors to choose from and a list of impressive alumni, this is another top college we recommend applying to—especially if you don’t want to submit a supplemental essay. 

9. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is surrounded by the bustling and culturally rich city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This top university is one of the country’s leading research universities in the country and is within the nation’s top 60 ranked schools. Students can choose to write a personal statement or may simply submit their essays through the Common Application . No supplemental essays are involved.

10. University of Vermont

The University of Vermont is surrounded by natural beauty. Students with a passion for nature and academics will love UVM. This so-called public ivy is rigorous and ranks well amongst other colleges. UVM is also right near ski slopes, hiking trails, and major bodies of water, which make it a perfect fit for students who want to get involved in extracurricular outdoor activities. The essay for the Common Application is optional, and no supplemental essays are needed. 

11. Skidmore College

Dubbed as one of the “New Ivies,” Skidmore offers a prestigious and exclusive academic setting. This private school is ranked 39th among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. With only 2,400 students, Skidmore is smaller than other institutions on this list. However, if you want a school with a variety of majors with smaller class sizes, this is a great option.  

12. Juniata College

Finally, if you are looking for a unique college experience without a supplemental essay requirement, consider applying to Juniata College. Juniata College is one of the country’s few institutions that doesn’t make its students declare a major. Instead, students create their own self-designed majors. Though pre-planned majors are also available, Juniata offers a rare chance to tailor your education to your needs. 

Other Colleges Without Supplemental Essays:

In addition to the other top colleges, we listed above, there are other great schools that don’t require a supplemental essay . Check out some of your other options here.

Northeastern College

Rhodes college, kenyon college, oberlin college, connecticut college, seton hall university, colby college, case western reserve college, washington university , university of massachusetts, new jersey institute of technology.

If you are interested in learning more about the college admissions process, or about college life in general, check out more of our blogs and resources here at  HelloCollege . We believe that preparing for university shouldn’t be scary, and we are here to help guide you or your student through the process every step of the way.

HelloCollege CEO Andrea Emmons has spent the last 15 years guiding students and families across the country on their path to college. Andrea knows the profound impact proactive college planning has on the lives of students and is passionate about mentoring families through the process.

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Common App Schools That Don't Require Extra Essays (2023-24)

Posted in Your College List , Class of 2028

The list includes schools that simply require the base essay (e.g. personal statement). Keep in mind that many of these schools may have "optional" prompts which you might want to complete anyway to strengthen your application.  

If you're a student or parent with a College Kickstart Plus or Premium subscription, this information is already available to you as part of our key application requirements view.

Click on Continue Reading for the list.

Common App Schools with No Extra Essays (Class of 2028 Edition)

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40 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2022-23

By Brandie Erickson • October 10, 2022 • College Application College Search

As high school seniors begin the college application process, they quickly realize that applying to colleges can take a lot of work! Putting together the personal statement—a 650-word essay that helps demonstrate to colleges what type of person you are—activity list and supplemental essays are a time-consuming process that many students spend months preparing. 

On average, the number of applications submitted to Common App, one of the biggest college application platforms, has increased yearly, with 14.4% more applications submitted in 2020- 21 than in 2019-20. As students apply to more schools, some of the top universities have gotten even more competitive, with Columbia University and Harvard University accepting less than 4% of their applicants for the class of 2026. 

Because of the increased competition, many students are trying to beat the odds and will apply to ten or more universities. It’s not uncommon for some students to apply to more programs, especially if they are applying to highly selective schools or programs like direct medical programs. According to Nicole Gress , a counselor at Moon Prep, her direct medical students will typically apply to a mixture of BS/MD, Ivy League, and other traditional colleges for a total of 25-30 schools. 

However, it is essential first to build a balanced college list rather than applying to only the most competitive schools. Having a list with colleges categorized as safeties, matches, and targets ensures that students will get into a number of schools, giving them options on May 1 when making their college decision. 

Applying To Schools With No Supplemental Essays

Here is a list of schools that don’t require supplemental essays to apply to their undergraduate program. Check the school website to make sure the information is accurate. Also, note that you might have to write essays for these schools if you are interested in their honors programs, scholarships, or a specific program within the school. By adding some schools that don’t require a supplemental essay to your college list, students can pad their numbers, apply to more schools, and have more options.

• Albion College
• Case Western University
• Clemson University
• Colby College
• Connecticut College
• Dillard University
• DePaul University
• DePauw University
• Drexel University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Fordham University
• Grinnell College
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University
• Seton Hall University
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• Spelman College
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stony Brook University
• SUNY Binghamton University
• SUNY Buffalo
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado-Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton
• University of Delaware
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• University of New Hampshire
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of St. Thomas
• University of Vermont
• Wesleyan University

To learn more about how you can build a balanced college list, including what you should consider like career/major goals, financial aid needs, school size, location, Check out our most recent article on Forbes . 

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College applications require a lot of hard work and dedication. At times, it can feel difficult to stay organized during the application process. Especially if you have a sizable college list. Between writing a successful college essay and chronicling your various extracurricular activities , there are a lot of application sections to focus on. And that doesn’t even take supplemental essays into account! 

Knowing how to find the right college for you often requires a lot of research. That said, referring to a list of colleges without supplemental essays can be a great way to add to your college list. Especially if you don’t have time to write more essays. Ultimately, this is why having a list of colleges with no supplemental essays can be such a helpful tool. 

In this article, we review over 40 colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. Again, these colleges can serve as great last-minute additions to your college list!

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Northeast: colleges without supplemental essays

Let’s take a look at some of the best colleges without supplemental essays. As you go through this list, research the universities without supplemental essays that most stand out to you. And remember, there are lots of top colleges without supplemental essays!

Midwest: colleges without supplemental essays

Alternatively, if you’re interested in attending college in the midwest and are still wondering what colleges don’t require supplemental essays? consider some of these competitive colleges without supplemental essays.

South: colleges without supplemental essays

Still wondering what colleges don’t have supplemental essays? Take a look at some of these good colleges without supplemental essays located in the south. 

Deciding on your list of colleges

As you assemble your college list, you’ll likely want to research the differences between colleges and universities . You’ll also want to consider questions such as: Do you prefer urban or rural settings? Smaller or larger classes? etc. During your initial college research, you might also want to consider some of the ​​ top public universities in the West , as well as liberal arts colleges in the East . 

Ultimately, you’ll come up with a list of preferences, as well as other criteria, that will help you decide which colleges you want to apply to. It’s important to use these same standards when deciding which colleges without supplements you should add to your college list. In other words, although it may be easier to apply to schools that don’t require supplemental essays, you should always research each college thoroughly before choosing to apply. 

Key takeaways and moving forward

Colleges without supplemental requirements can make excellent additions to your college list. In fact, purposefully selecting several colleges without supplemental essays can help you save time and stay organized during the college application process . After all, it takes a lot of work to put together a strong college application. Writing your personal statement, asking for letters of recommendation , preparing scholarship essays , and continuing to engage in your extracurricular activities are all incredibly time-consuming. That said, if you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance while you work on your college applications, reach out to learn more about our services .

• January 13, 2023

40+ Colleges That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays

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Lists & Rankings > College Admission > Colleges For B Students, Late Bloomers, And Underachievers

Colleges and Universities That Don't Require Supplemental Essays

List produced by the facts.

* Green "Yes, connect me!" buttons indicate a featured school

• Albion College (Albion, MI): An application essay is recommended but not required.
• Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY): No additional essays are required, but students may submit special talent supplements. Yes, connect me!
• Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH): Additional materials are an optional way to enhance your application. Yes, connect me!
• Clemson University (Clemson, SC): No personal essay is required with the Common or Coalition Application.
• Colby College (Waterville, ME): Supplemental essays aren't required, but students may opt to submit a video through InitialView Elevator Pitch.
• Connecticut College (New London, CT): No supplemental essays are requested beyond the Common Application personal statement requirement.
• DePaul University (Chicago, IL): Personal essays are optional and not required for first-year student applicants; however, test-optional applicants are encouraged to submit the essay through the Common App.
• DePauw University (Greencastle, IN): An additional essay beyond the personal statement is required to be considered for the Honor Scholar Program.
• Dillard University (New Orleans, LA): If a first-year applicant doesn't meet certain requirements, they must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement (a three-to-five-paragraph essay outlining your future aspirations) for further consideration.
• Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA): A 250–650-word essay via the Common or Coalition Application is the only writing requirement for most applicants, while certain programs in the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design require an additional writing supplement. Essays submitted on paper or emailed directly to the University are not accepted.
• Fairleigh Dickinson University (Teaneck, NJ): Essays, résumés, and recommendation letters are optional but welcome.
• Fordham University (Bronx, NY): An essay as part of the Common Application is required, but other writing opportunities are optional; applicants will not be penalized if they choose to skip these sections. Yes, connect me!
• Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA): No fee to apply and no required supplement.
• Kent State University (Kent, OH): Personal essays aren't required for first-year applicants.
• Kenyon College (Gambier, OH): Prospective students who have an interest or talent they would like to share may submit an optional portfolio.
• Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT): A supplemental essay is not required; any additional materials submitted beyond what are required are not guaranteed to be reviewed by admissions readers.
• Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA): Only a personal essay is required of applicants.
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ): An additional essay on a specific topic is required to apply to the Honors College.
• Northeastern University (Boston, MA): Additional essays are not required beyond the personal statement through the Common or Coalition Application. Yes, connect me!
• Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ): An essay through the Common Application is the only writing requirement. Yes, connect me!
• Siena College (Loudonville, NY): The essay is optional for the majority of applicants, though many students still choose to submit one to help the admissions team learn more about them. Applicants also have the option to submit a graded English or history paper from junior or senior year to show off their best work. Yes, connect me!
• Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY): Supplemental materials will be reviewed but aren't required; however, an additional essay is required in order to apply for the College's Porter-Wachenheim Presidential Scholarships in Science and Mathematics.
• Spelman College (Atlanta, GA): Students who are invited to the honors program will be required to submit an additional essay.
• Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ): Just one personal statement is required of applicants.
• Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY): Additional essays are required for Honors, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine applicants.
• The Ohio State University—Columbus (Columbus, OH): Freshman applicants to the Columbus campus are only required to write a Common Application essay, while no essay is required for admission to OHIO's regional campuses. Yes, connect me!
• The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL): No personal essay is required for first-year student applicants.
• University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY): The University may ask applicants to submit a personal statement and/or mid-year grades if they apply without test scores.
• University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR): A personal essay isn't required through the Common App, but supplemental essay prompts are available for students who would like to apply for scholarships.
• University of Colorado, Denver (Denver, CO): The personal statement is the only writing sample submitted during the application process. Yes, connect me!
• University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT): A personal essay through the Common Application is the only writing requirement for prospective students. Yes, connect me!
• University of Dayton (Dayton, OH): Just one essay is required of applicants.
• University of Denver (Denver, CO): No essays are required beyond the Common App personal statement.
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA): If a student doesn't provide ACT or SAT scores at the time of application, they may be required to submit additional academic documents or a personal statement to receive an admission decision.
• University of Minnesota—Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN): No essays are required, but applicants have the option to submit short answers to supplemental questions.
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln (Lincoln, NE): A personal essay isn't required for admission, but applicants must write a 500-word essay about themselves with a focus on leadership, career goals, and community service to be considered for the University's Leadership, Service & Diversity Enhancement Scholarships.
• University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH): No supplemental essays or writing prompts are required other than the essay required as part of the Common Application.
• University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA): A personal statement or the Common Application essay is required for scholarship consideration as well as for students applying test-optional. It could also increase your chances with guaranteed admission programs or help explain extenuating circumstances. Yes, connect me!
• University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN): Applicants aren't required to answer the University's essay questions, but it's "highly recommend" to do so, especially if you apply without test scores.
• University of Vermont (Burlington, VT): An optional essay is available as a chance for the University to get to know you better. Yes, connect me!
• University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA): A personal statement is the only writing requirement for prospective students.
• Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT): The submission of supplemental materials is optional.

Source: Moon Prep

Want more information on how this list was compiled? Find out more about  where our Lists & Rankings come from .

About This List

Having schools on your list that don’t require supplemental essays gives you more time and energy to apply to more colleges and programs. The following schools do not require supplemental essays as of the 2022–2023 application season. Please keep in mind that if you're interested in special programs such as honors, Nursing, or scholarship opportunities, you may still be required or encouraged to write essays—especially if you don't submit standardized test scores. (This list was compiled by our friends at Moon Prep , with additional research by CollegeXpress.)

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• Best Colleges
• Application Advice

10 Amazing Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

Conventional wisdom claims that college hopefuls should apply to 12-15 schools to best increase their chances of getting into an institution that is a good fit for them. 

But it can be difficult for a lot of students to imagine pulling that off without such a process requiring months of laborious application crafting. 

Why? So many schools require their applicants to write pages upon pages of supplemental application materials. 

On top of this, many students won’t know what college they want to go to until they hear back from several schools regarding different scholarships and opportunities available to them. 

With some estimates showing that up to 55% of high school students feel unprepared for college, and up to 50% of college freshmen are undecided about their major, uncertainty is widespread during the college application process. 

It is only natural, then, that such a big decision would be made easier if students were able to compare and contrast many options after casting a wide net.

In trying to cast that wide net, some might think that the best schools must have the longest applications. But that isn’t always the case. 

This article breaks down 10 amazing schools that don’t require that students spend extra hours crafting an unnecessarily large number of supplemental essays. The following schools may require personal statements, but nothing beyond that. 

In laying out this list, this article shows that it’s a misconception that good schools must have time-consuming applications. 

As students begin to create their wide nets, any one of these schools would be fantastic additions that require little extra time spent on application-crafting.

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

The University of Minnesota is the flagship institution of the Minnesota university system. Ranked 24th in academic and research excellence in the 2021 Shanghai Ranking, this campus, nestled within the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has produced 26 Nobel Prize-winning alumni, 3 Pulitzer Prizes , 25 Rhodes scholars , and about 130 Fulbright recipients. 

The University of Minnesota has an especially impressive Ecology department, ranked second globally, alongside the world’s 10th best Management department, and the 11th best Biotechnology department. 

The University of Minnesota is also home to institutes specifically designed for the study of Law and the Environment, Cognitive Sciences, Translational Neuroscience, Environmental study, Population studies, and more , assuring that students interested in these fields of study have a home on campus.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

The University of Denver is a private research university in Denver, Colorado with incredibly strong Creative Writing, Astronomy, and Study Abroad departments. 

Denver is home to one of the nation’s oldest Creative Writing programs, founded by renowned novelist John Edward Williams in 1966. 

Their English department is also home to one of the most respected college literary magazines in the country, The Denver Quarterly. 

For students hoping to study abroad, Denver has one of the most robust study abroad programs in the world, with some classes having up to 71% of their students being offered the chance to study abroad. 

Finally, students interested in studying the heavens will have an unparalleled experience at Denver, as they have the 11th highest telescope in the world in terms of altitude at the Meyer-Womble Observatory . 

Furman University (Greenville, SC)

Furman University is the oldest university in South Carolina, and is frequently ranked as one of the top universities in the Southern United States. 

Students hoping to work towards a more sustainable future will find a home at Furman University. Furman University, lead by the Shi Institute for Sustainability, has won several awards for its sustainability initiatives, including Furman being ranked by the AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index as being the 10th most sustainable campus for all baccalaureate institutions. Furman also received the AASHE’s National Campus Sustainability Achievement Award in 2016.

For those looking to experience the serenity and beauty that a college campus can often provide to best enhance the overall student experience, Furman is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world, with USA Today ranking Furman as 4th in the nation in 2016.

Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA)

Juniata College offers its students a truly one of a kind experience by having its student not declare a major, but instead, a “ Program of Emphasis ,” through which students have the opportunity to create their own, self-designed major. 

Students may choose from a set of pre-planned Programs of Emphasis or create their own. 

In this way, Juniata gives students unique opportunities for academic exploration due to its more flexible curriculum requirements. 

Nearly forty-five percent of Juniata students design their own program of emphasis.

Furthermore, Juniata has truly unique college-wide events which give the school a charming feeling of community. 

The Madrigal Dinner , for example, features up to 700 students tenting outside Ellis Hall for up to a week for the chance at being the first in line for a massive, campus-wide feast. 

Juniata has several unique celebrations of this sort, and a wonderful community atmosphere.

Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY)

Skidmore College is considered one of the nation’s “ New Ivies .” Ranked as the 38th best liberal arts college in the United States, Skidmore College earns its reputation as one of the most prestigious in the nation. 

Skidmore has one of the most robust Student Media infrastructures in the country. With the Salmagundi, a literary journal that has published the likes of Christopher Hitchens and Seamus Heaney, The Skidmore News, The Skidmo’ Daily, SkidTV, and more, those hoping to get hands-on experience with media production will have all the tools available to them to succeed at Skidmore. 

With a focus on promoting creative thought, Skidmore provides its students state of the art artistic facilities via multi-million dollar theaters, music halls, and art galleries, so that those interested in honing their creative abilities can experience some of the absolute highest quality artistic institutions in the country.

Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, which is second to none in enhancing their students’ education via internships, academics-related jobs, and career services.

Regularly ranked #1 in the country for Best Co-Ops/Internships by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review, and ranked as having the best career services department in the nation by the Princeton review, those hoping to kick-start their career with on-the-ground employment/experience will be in wonderful hands at Northeastern.

Northeastern has one of the world’s largest and oldest co-op programs. In a co-op, students alternate between a semester of study and a semester of relevant work/internship experience, which is typically paid. 

While working, students do not pay tuition, and thus many students at Northeastern stay five years so that they can graduate with several years of work and academic experience under their belt.

Connecticut College (New London, CT)

Connecticut College has maintained a truly distinctive tradition for over eighty years. All students, faculty, and staff at Connecticut College operate under an Honor Code , a promise all college members make to uphold a standard of mutual respect, excellence, and communal values. 

The Honor Code is taken so seriously that the college has an Honor Council , which litigates violations. 

As such, it is no wonder, with a strict code of mutual respect that fosters community and cooperation among college members, that Connecticut College is ranked 25th among all liberal arts colleges for its contribution to the public good, as measured through the degree of social mobility a school provides, the service it does for the nation, and the good an institution’s research does.

With award-winning library systems, rigorous academics, and a slew of notable alumni, this college promises its students the chance to achieve both academically and as upstanding citizens. 

Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)

Seton Hall is a private, Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. As one of the nation’s largest religious universities, Seton Hall is ranked as the #29 Catholic university in the nation by Niche. 

Seton Hall produces the Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations , one of the largest diplomatic journals in the country, which promises students the chance to experience the forefront of international relations and diplomatic thought while studying at Seton. 

Related to this, undergraduate students produce the Diplomatic Envoy, a weekly newspaper regarding foreign relations, further demonstrating the kinds of projects students interested in international relations can engage in while at Seton. 

Furthermore, as an NCAA Division I, Big East Conference member, Seton Hall promises its students the full range of wonderful college athletics experiences to its students. 

Colby College (Waterville, ME)

Colby College is another “ Little Ivy ” school, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 17th best liberal arts college in the nation, and the 5th Best Value school. Colby received an A+ from Niche in terms of academics and value, and an A for diversity.

Colby College is a model for sustainable institutions globally, as Colby is the largest college to have net zero carbon emissions, and is ranked as the most sustainable college in the country by Second Nature . 

Colby is ideal for students wanting to pursue research or major projects, as Colby follows a 4-1-4 course schedule, where students take 4 classes in the Fall and Spring, and then take a single, intensive, “Jan-plan” class in the winter.

In this way, Colby allows students to dedicate themselves to one project, area of research, or specialization in the winter—a truly unique educational opportunity.

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)

Case Western Reserve University, a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, is truly one of the nation’s best.

Ranked as the #42 best university in the country by U.S. News and World Report, this university has it all, from the 18th best Theatre program in the world according to The Hollywood Reporter , to the world-renowned Electrochemistry and Electroengineering departments which recently received a grant of $10.75 million dollars from the U.S. Department of energy.

With over a hundred “centers” dedicated to the investigation of subjects ranging from Growth Studies to Nonprofit Organizing, any student in just about any discipline will find a center on campus specially designed for their area of study.

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ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

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Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December… Show More

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December 2023, there will be 2 additional winners earning $1,000 each. Applicant must be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories except for Rhode Island and Michigan. Applicant also must be 16 years of age or older and either be enrolled now, or will be enrolled within three months of registration in the Scholarship Sweepstakes, in a qualified high school, college or university within the United States. Show Less

Edvisors $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Offered by Edvisors

Easy $2,500 scholarship from ScholarshipPoints open to all students aged 17 and older.

Unigo $10,000 Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Unigo

This easy scholarship is open to all high school students who are at least 14 years of age. To apply, students must respond to the… Show More

This easy scholarship is open to all high school students who are at least 14 years of age. To apply, students must respond to the following essay prompt in 250 words (or less): "Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?" On or about March 31, 2025, a qualified panel of judges will select one (1) potential winner based on the criteria of writing ability (25%), creativity (25%), originality (25%), and overall excellence (25%). Show Less

US Bank Student Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by U.S. Bank

The US Bank Student Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship opportunity for U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have been accepted to or are enrolled… Show More

The US Bank Student Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship opportunity for U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a post-secondary institution to receive help funding their education. Each year, the scholarship awards up to $20,000 to multiple incoming and current undergraduate students who complete some of the U.S. Bank's "financial education lesson" modules. Each module takes approximately 1-2 minutes to complete, and the more that students complete, the more money they become eligible to earn. Applicants who complete 25+, 50+, 100+, and 200+ modules are eligible to receive $2500, $5000, $10,000, and $20,000, respectively. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details. Show Less

Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

Offered by The Gallery Collection

Are you over 14 years of age, enrolled in high school or college, and enjoy making original artwork? If so, the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest may… Show More

Are you over 14 years of age, enrolled in high school or college, and enjoy making original artwork? If so, the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest may be the perfect opportunity for you! Each year, the contest awards $10,000 to the applicant who submits the best holiday, greeting, or all-around holiday card. While the top ten finalists will be decided by a public vote, the final winner will be decided by a panel of judges. The contest is offered by The Gallery Collection, the “leading business-to-business online and mail order publisher of premium quality personalized Christmas, Holiday, and Everyday greeting cards in the United States.” If you’re a student aged 14 or older who wants to put their card-making skills to the test, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

$2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CampusReel

Easy scholarship program open to all students who watch a student-led virtual college tour

$$$ Isn’t Everything No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Keepgoingforward.org

The "$$$ Isn't Everything" No Essay Scholarship exists to help a student or graduate worry a little bit less about money each month, and to… Show More

The "$$$ Isn't Everything" No Essay Scholarship exists to help a student or graduate worry a little bit less about money each month, and to help them get a bit of time back to focus on the important things. The scholarship is open to anyone from college-bound high school graduates to those who have already graduated college - anyone who will need help paying off student debt is eligible. If you're looking for a solution to some of your college debt, look no further! We encourage you to apply. Show Less

California Freethought Day Video Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by California Freethought Day

Are you a middle school, high school, or college student in the United States who believes in the importance of democracy? If so, consider applying… Show More

Are you a middle school, high school, or college student in the United States who believes in the importance of democracy? If so, consider applying for the California Freethought Day Video Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $750 each to two applicants who submit the best 30 to 60-second PSA (Public Service Announcement) video addressing the question "How can we protect our democracy from becoming a theocracy and unite our country against religious bigotry?" To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must also upload their videos to either Twitter, Instagram, or Tiktok, tagging @FreethoughtDay and using the hashtag #ScholarshipPSA. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

“Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sttark

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who holds U.S. citizenship wanting to showcase or "unbox" your personality through a creative video?… Show More

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who holds U.S. citizenship wanting to showcase or "unbox" your personality through a creative video? If so, consider applying for the “Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $4,000 to the applicant who submits the best ~5-minute video "that showcases [their] originality and unique personality." Videos will be evaluated based on their originality, creativity, quality, and competency. If this sounds like a good opportunity, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Top 5 no essay scholarships

Our editors hand-picked the following 10 no essay scholarships with an eye for large awards, prestigious organizations, and scholarships that are open to a wide variety of students. Apply with confidence to the following no essay scholarships:

• Coca Cola Scholarship – $20,000 scholarship for college-bound high school seniors
• Dell Scholars Program  – For Pell Grant-eligible high school seniors who participated in a college readiness program. Worth $20,000 with 500 scholarships awarded every year. Recipients also receive a free laptop, textbooks, and more
• Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship  – Video scholarship for students between 16 and 26 with a passion for the field they are pursuing. Worth up to $25,000
• Burger King Scholars – Scholarship for high school seniors worth up to $50,000
• Doodle for Google Scholarship – Scholarship for K-12 students who submit a Doodle to be featured on Google’s homepage. Worth up to $55,000

Tips for students applying to no essay scholarships

Look for competitions rather than randomized drawings.

No essay scholarships are alluring because they do away with the pressure that comes with writing an essay for your application. Between your other academic responsibilities, extracurriculars, and other commitments, these essays can present a big roadblock for applicants.

However, you should bear in mind that you are not the only student with this idea. Many applicants are attracted to opportunities that are easy to apply to, and since many no essay scholarships are essentially scholarship sweepstakes, that means you have a very low chance of actually winning.

This is not to say that you should not apply to these opportunities, but that you should seek out scholarship opportunities that assess some materials submitted by applicants. Whether this is a video submission, a portfolio, or a photograph you took, it can help your chances greatly.

Be wary of scholarship scams

No essay scholarships are very popular with students because they typically don’t take much time to apply to. Unfortunately, this makes them all the more popular with scammers. 

Before applying to any scholarship, and especially no essay scholarships, ensure that you are not giving away any personal information that could be used to steal your identity. Additionally, you should never pay a fee to enter a scholarship competition. For more information on how to avoid scholarship scams, check out our article on how to spot them .

If at first you don’t succeed…

Many no essay scholarships, especially the random drawings, select a winner each month and then reopen. To maximize your chances of winning, make sure to check back each month to throw your hat back in the ring.

Check out similar scholarship categories

If you are looking to apply for scholarships without putting too much time into essays, check out our lists of video scholarships and easy scholarships . While some of these may include short essays, they are generally much less of a commitment than typical scholarship applications.

Don’t over-rely on no essay scholarships

No essay scholarships can be a great no-effort way of applying for educational funding, but make sure that your overall scholarship strategy makes use of all potential funding sources. Make sure especially to seek out local scholarships through community organizations and your high school counselor.

Don’t forget financial aid

If you have demonstrable financial need, there is one source of free funds for your higher education that is even easier to get than no essay scholarships. This is federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant . Make sure to fill out the FAFSA on-time and send your results to your school in order to gain eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

Apply to affordable schools

In addition to scholarships, it’s a good idea to ensure that you apply to some colleges that are known for offering an affordable education to their students. In-state public schools offer steep tuition discounts to their students, and tuition reciprocity agreements extend these benefits to some neighboring states as well. We also have a list of the best schools in the country for affordability . These schools are known for charging low tuition, offering generous financial aid, and offering a good value to their students.

Frequently asked questions about no essay scholarships

Are “no essay” scholarships legit, how can i increase my chances of winning a no essay scholarship.

• For scholarships with a creative or artistic element, make sure that you put all of your effort into your project! Remember, your application will be completely assessed on your creative project as there is no essay required.
• For scholarships that have minimal requirements, you should apply to them as often as possible to increase your odds. However, these types of scholarships should not be the only part of your application strategy.

Who can apply for no essay scholarships?

What qualifies as a no essay scholarship, are there gpa requirements for no essay scholarships.

Also see: How to write a scholarship resume

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• Scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Top STEM scholarships
• Scholarships for women

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Complete List: Colleges With No Application Fee (Updated)

Trying to save money on college applications? Good news! There are actually quite a few colleges that allow you to apply for free. In this article, I'll provide some general information about application fees along with a comprehensive list of all the schools that offer free applications.

Application Fees at a Glance

Most colleges charge application fees in the $50-60 range , but they can sometimes be as high as $90 (looking at you, Stanford). Many top schools charge application fees of $75 or more.

To put this in context, suppose you are applying to five different schools. If three have $50 application fees and two have $75 application fees, you'll be spending $300 on applications alone. (And that doesn't include the cost of any ACT or SAT scores you might send as well.) That's not small change for most people, so application fees are something you might take into account in your college search process.

Fortunately, many schools, even ones that have very high application fees, offer waivers to students with financial need. In order to be eligible for a fee waiver, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You were provided with a fee waiver to take the SAT or ACT
• You are enrolled in a Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program
• Your family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
• You're enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families
• Your family receives public assistance
• You live in federally subsidized housing or a foster home

You can request a fee waiver form here. Once you fill out the form, your guidance counselor has to sign it, and then you should mail it to the admissions office of the college you have selected. Alternatively, if you want to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in application fees or going through the process of obtaining a fee waiver, you should consider applying to some of the schools with free applications that are listed in this article.

Making Smart Choices With Application Fees

If your dream school has a $75 application fee and you're considering not applying because of the cost, you need to consider the costs versus the long term benefits. Compared to the total cost of attending college, that fee is a drop in the bucket. Over the course of four years, if you plan on attending a private college, you'll end up paying close to $200,000 on average in total cost. Even for public schools the price tag will be close to $100,000. The fee is a very small part of the overall expenses that come along with attending college.

Don't sacrifice the opportunity to attend a school that's a perfect fit for you because of an application fee. You'll most likely end up regretting your decision later. Similarly, you should try not to choose schools that don't fit what you're looking for just because they have lower application fees. If you check out some of the no fee schools that I've listed and find that you really like them, then it's a win-win, but don't let it influence you too much if there are other fee-charging schools that you think you will really love!

Colleges That Don't Require Application Fees (By State)

Here is our complete and updated list of colleges that don't require an application fee. (Note that some schools may require a fee for paper applications.)

Auburn University at Montgomery

Huntingdon College

Miles College

Spring Hill College

Alaska Pacific University

Grand Canyon University

Williams Baptist College

Arkansas Tech University

Henderson State University

Hendrix College

Southern Arkansas University

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

California College San Diego

Deep Springs College

Dominican University of California

Holy Names University  

Laguna College of the Arts

La Sierra University

Northwest College

Notre Dame de Namur University

Pacific Union College

University of the Pacific

Thomas Aquinas College

Colorado College

Colorado Mountain College

Johnson & Wales University - Denver

Regis University

US Air Force Academy

Connecticut

US Coast Guard Academy

University of Hartford (fee waived only if you apply by November 15)

Mitchell College  

University of Saint Joseph  

Ave Maria University

Florida Gateway College

Florida Institute of Technology

Indian River State College

Johnson & Wales University - North Miami

Polk State College

Saint Leo University

Santa Fe College

Agnes Scott College

Berry College

Brenau University

Oglethorpe University

Piedmont College

Savannah State University

Wesleyan College  

College of Southern Idaho  

College of Idaho

Augustana College

Aurora University

Bradley University

Elmhurst College

Eureka College

Greenville College

Illinois College

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Wesleyan University

Lake Forest College

Loyola University Chicago

McKendree University

Millikin University

Monmouth College

Rockford University

Saint Augustine College

University of St. Francis

Anderson University

Butler University

Calumet College of St. Joseph

DePauw University

Earlham College

Franklin College

Grace College  

Hanover College

Holy Cross College

Indiana Wesleyan University

Manchester University

Purdue University-North Central

St. Mary's College

Trine University

University of Evansville

University of Indianapolis

Valparaiso University

Buena Vista University

Central College

Coe College

Cornell College  

Drake University

Graceland University

Grand View University

Grinnell College

Iowa Wesleyan College

Loras College

Luther College

Morningside College

Mount Mercy University

Northwestern College

Simpson College

St. Ambrose University

Upper Iowa University

Wartburg College

Baker University

Barclay College

Bethany College

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Sterling College

Alice Lloyd College

Asbury University

Berea College

Centre College

Lindsey Wilson College

University of Pikeville

Thomas More College

Transylvania University

Centenary College

Loyola University New Orleans

Tulane University

Colby College

College of the Atlantic

St. Joseph's College

Unity College

Capitol Technology University  

Hood College

St. John's College

Stevenson University  

US Naval Academy

Washington Adventist University

Massachusetts

Bay Path College

Eastern Nazarene College

Emmanuel College

Fisher College

Hampshire College

Lasell College

Lesley University

MCPHS University

Merrimack College

Mount Holyoke College

Nichols College

Simmons College

Smith College

Wellesley College

Adrian College

Albion College

Alma College

Aquinas College

Calvin College

Concordia University

University of Detroit Mercy

Ferris State University

Finlandia University

Hillsdale College

Kalamazoo College

Kettering University

Madonna University

Michigan Technological University

Northwood University

Oakland University

Olivet College

Siena Heights University

Augsburg College

Bethany Lutheran College

Bethel University

Carleton College

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Concordia College

Gustavus Adolphus College

Hamline University

Metropolitan State University

Saint John's University

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

St. Catherine University

St. Olaf College

College of St. Scholastica

University of St. Thomas

Mississippi

Alcorn State University

Jackson State University

Millsaps College

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi Valley State University

Rust College

Avila University

College of the Ozarks

Culver-Stockton College

Drury University

Fontbonne University

Maryville University of St. Louis

Northwest Missouri State University

Ranken Technical College

Rockhurst University

Saint Louis University

Stephens College

Truman State University

Westminster College

William Jewell College

William Woods University

Carroll College  

University of Great Falls

Salish Kootenai College

Chadron State College

Concordia University-Nebraska

Creighton University

Doane College-Crete

Hastings College

Midland University

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Peru State College

Union College

Wayne State College

Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

Colby-Sawyer College  

Granite State College

New England College

Saint Peter's University

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus

Navajo Technical University

Northern New Mexico College

Canisius College

Cazenovia College

Clarkson University  

Colgate University (free for non-US citizens only)

D'Youville College

Daemen College  

Davis College

Hartwick College

Hilbert College

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Keuka College

Le Moyne College  

Medaille College

College of Mount Saint Vincent

Mount Saint Mary College

Nazareth College

Niagara University

Roberts Wesleyan College

Sage College of Albany

St. Bonaventure University

St. John's University

College of New Rochelle/Mercy College

College of St. Rose

Touro College

US Merchant Marine Academy

US Military Academy (West Point)

North Carolina

Barton College

Belmont Abbey College

Catawba College

Guilford College

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

University of Mount Olive

Queens University of Charlotte

Warren Wilson College

North Dakota

University of Jamestown

Ashland University

Baldwin Wallace University

Chatfield College  

College of Wooster

University of Dayton

Defiance College  

Denison University  

University of Findlay

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franklin University

Hiram College

John Carroll University

Kenyon College

Lake Erie College

University of Mount Union

Notre Dame College

Oberlin College

Ohio Northern University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Shawnee State University

University of Rio Grande

Ursuline College

Wilmington College

Wittenberg University

Xavier University

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Lewis & Clark College

Linfield College-McMinnville Campus

Reed College

Pennsylvania

Albright College

Allegheny College

Arcadia University

Bryn Mawr College  

Carlow University  

Cedar Crest College  

Central Pennsylvania College

Chatham University

Delaware Valley College

Duquesne University

Elizabethtown College  

Gannon University  

Gwynedd Mercy University  

Immaculata University

Juniata College

King's College  

La Roche College

La Salle University

Lebanon Valley College

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

Lycoming College

Marywood University  

Mercyhurst University

Moravian College

Neumann University

Point Park University

Robert Morris University

Rosemont College

Saint Francis University

University of Scranton

Susquehanna University

Ursinus College

Washington & Jefferson College  

Wilson College

Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University - Providence

South Carolina

Allen University

Coker College

Columbia College

Converse College

Limestone College

Presbyterian College

South Dakota

University of Sioux Falls

Freed-Hardeman University

Lane College

Maryville College

Rhodes College

Sewanee: The University of the South

Tusculum College

Austin College

Baylor University

Hardin-Simmons University

Houston Baptist University

Howard Payne University

LeTourneau University

Saint Edward's University (fee waived for those who apply by Dec. 1)

Southwestern Adventist University

Southwestern University

St. Mary's University

Texas A&M International University

University of St. Thomas - Texas

University of Houston-Victoria

University of Texas-El Paso

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

Texas Wesleyan University

Trinity University

Champlain College

Averett University

Bridgewater College

Christendom College  

Emory & Henry College

Hampden-Sydney College  

Hollins University

Liberty University

Lynchburg College  

Randolph-Macon College

Randolph College

Roanoke College

Sweet Briar College

Olympic College

Pacific Lutheran University

Saint Martin's University

Whitworth University

West Virginia

Alderson Broaddus University

Bluefield State College

Concord University

Davis & Elkins College

West Liberty University

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Wheeling Jesuit University

Alverno College

Beloit College

Cardinal Stritch University

Carroll University

Lakeland College

Marquette University

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Mount Mary University

Northland College

St. Norbert College

Wisconsin Lutheran College

What's Next?

The Common Application makes it easy to apply to a bunch of different schools through a single online platform. Find out which colleges use it.

Are you worried about standardized tests and their role in your college application? Read this article to find out when these tests might not matter for you. Also take a look at this list of colleges that don't require SAT scores.

Everyone knows about the really selective colleges, but what are some colleges that are actually easy to get into? Find out here.

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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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28 Super Easy Scholarships to Apply for in 2023

What’s covered:, 28 easy scholarships to apply for, strategies for applying to easy scholarships.

Applying for scholarships is an important part of preparing for college. Given how expensive higher education is, these awards can relieve lots of anxiety and provide students with unique opportunities. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be paid back.

That said, after a grueling college application process, the thought of completing more applications can feel overwhelming to many students. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy scholarships you can apply for in under an hour. Some don’t even require essays. We’ve rounded up X super-quick scholarships with applications you’ll complete in no time at all.

1. CollegeVine Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: High school student and US resident

Application Requirements: Create a free CollegeVine account or fill out your chancing profile if you already have an account

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships .

2. Because College Is Expensive Scholarship

Amount: $500

Deadline: End of each quarter at 11:59 pm EST

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, college students, and graduate students

Application Requirements: Simple online form

Cedar Education Lending gives out the aptly-named Because College Is Expensive Scholarship once per quarter. All you need to do to apply is complete a simple form, and you’ll be entered into a $500 random drawing.

3. I Have a Dream Scholarship  

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Eligibility: Must be a legal U.S. resident; must be at least 14 years old at the time of application

Application Requirements: Short answer question

For this scholarship, applicants will submit an online written response to the following prompt in 250 words or fewer:

“We want to know… what do you dream about? Whether it’s some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college.”

4. SmarterCollege Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Recurring (next deadline is June 30, 2023)

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old; must be a US resident

All you have to do to apply for this scholarship is complete a 5 question application! You can apply each month.

5. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: The end of each month

Eligibility: Must be a registered Cappex user; must be at least 13 years old; must be a US resident; must be planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning within 4 years

In order to enter this scholarship contest, sponsored by Cappex, all you need to do is complete the online registration form. Perhaps that’s why it’s called “Easy Money!”

6. “No Essay” College Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly (next deadline is May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: High school students, college students, and others planning to attend college or graduate school within the next year ( additional eligibility requirements )

As noted in the name, this scholarship requires no essay to enter. The recipient is selected by a random drawing, and you can enter once per month. If you win, you can use the award for education-related expenses, such as tuition, housing, and books.

7. No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2023

Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. resident in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia, except for Rhode Island and Michigan; must be enrolled in a U.S. high school, college, or university

When you create an account on Scholarship Owl on or after April 30th, 2023, you’ll automatically be entered to win the scholarship. You can then enter again once every seven days during the Sweepstakes Period. 

8. Make Me Laugh

Deadline: August 31, 2023

Here’s one for the comedians out there. This is not only an opportunity to win $1,500 in scholarship money but also a chance to showcase your comedy set. In 250 words or fewer, respond to this prompt:

“OMG… finding and applying for scholarships is serious business, but it’s time to lighten things up a little. We don’t want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL. Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!”

9. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility: Legal residents of the U.S. who are at least 13 years old; must sign up as a member of ScholarshipPoints.com

This simple online form secures $2,500 scholarships for randomly selected students each month. Completing the form means you will be automatically entered.

10. Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2023

I don’t know about you, but I love ice cream. The premise of this scholarship is simple: you just need to talk about your favorite flavor of the (objectively) best dessert out there. In 250 words or fewer, respond to this prompt:

“Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. In fact, July is National Ice Cream Month, and that’s the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?”

11. Courage to Grow Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior or a college student with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a U.S. citizen

This scholarship is awarded once per month. To enter, you just need to describe in 250 words or fewer why you believe you should receive the scholarship.

12. College Is Power Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and plan to start college within the next 12 months or already be enrolled; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Full- or part-time students may apply for this easy scholarship. Judging is mainly based on your response to the following prompt, which you should address in 150 words or fewer:

“What is your primary goal for going to school?”

13. Nitro Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and a high school senior or college student, parent of a high school senior or college student, or loan-paying college graduate or parent of a graduate; must be a legal U.S. resident

This scholarship, open to both students and their parents, is offered once per month. All you need to do is complete a short form to enter the competition.

14. SuperCollege Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023 

Eligibility: High school seniors, college or graduate students, or adults planning to enroll in college or university; must be a permanent U.S. resident; Employees, officers, and directors (and their relatives) of SuperCollege and its affiliates are not eligible

To enter the SuperCollege Scholarship drawing, you just need to complete this form . Winners are chosen at random and may apply the award to education-related expenses.

15. Tallo + Niche Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be 13 years of age

Application Requirements: Create a profile and short answer questions

You don’t need to write an essay for this scholarship—you just need to create a profile on the sponsoring site, click “Opportunities,” and enter “Niche” in the keyword field. From there, you can apply by answering very brief questions:

“What’s your next step after school? Is there a company you have your eye on? Tell us! Just answer a few questions—no essays, we promise—and you’ll be entered to win!”

16. $40,000 BigFuture Scholarships

Eligibility: High school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students

Application Requirements: Make account and complete simple steps

The College Board offers scholarships with easy requirements—advance your college application process. You get entries into their drawing for things like building your college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, strengthening your college list, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges.

17. Book Recommendation Scholarship

Amount: $1,300

Eligibility: N/A

Application Requirements: Simple online form and short answer question

All you have to do to get entered to win this scholarship is register and answer the following question in one sentence:

“What is a good book you’d recommend to a friend for the summer?”

18. $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Eligibility: Must request Christian college, university, and/or Bible college information; must be enrolling for the first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college

Students planning to attend a Christian college can fill out a simple online form to submit for this online drawing, which will surely draw fewer students than others on the list. 

19. $2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship

Deadline: June 30, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all high school, college, community and graduate students

Application Requirements: Watch a video

Students can easily get their name entered into this lucrative drawing by watching a student-led virtual tour!

20. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be at least 13 years old

To submit to this drawing, students must complete a form to receive information from Catholic colleges and universities.

21. Community Champions Scholarship

Eligibility: Must have applied to or be enrolled in a degree program; or the parent or legal guardian of a person who has applied to or who is enrolled in a degree program; Must be legal resident of the US; Must be age 18 or older

Application Requirements: Social media engagement and a simple online form

To be entered in this drawing, students must follow @AscentFunding on Instagram,“like” a specific post, tag two friends in a post with a specific hashtag, save the post, and complete a contact form.

22. Shining Stars Scholarship

To be entered in this drawing, students must follow @AscentFunding on Instagram,“like” a specific post, leave a comment about mental health with a specific hashtag, save the post, and complete a contact form.

23. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2023

Eligibility: Students age 14 or older; Must be planning to enroll in a postsecondary institution sometime before the Fall of 2027

This application asks you to respond to a specific prompt in 250 words or less:

“ Describe your escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at your school.”

24. Education Matters Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Eligibility: Must be U.S. student; Must be 14 years of age or older; Must be a legal U.S. resident

To submit to this competition, students must respond to the following prompt in 250 words or less:

“What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?”

25. Top Ten List Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2023

“Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship.”

26. Unigo $10k Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

“Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?”

27. Too Cool to Pay for School No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: Quarterly (next deadline is June 30, 2023)

Eligibility: Must be high school, college, or graduate school student; Must be currently enrolled full time (in high school or at an accredited university) or planning on enrolling within 24 months

This easy online form submits you for a drawing that will happen four times this year.

28. Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th, 2023

Eligibility: Open to current high school students (freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors)

This drawing requires filling out a quick and simple online form.

1. Apply to as many easy scholarships as possible. 

Given that many of these scholarships are lottery-based, it’s easy to apply. Even those that have short essays require minimal time to complete the application process, so they won’t eat up too much of your day. You can maximize your chances of winning one by applying to as many as possible.

Additionally, many of these scholarships you can apply to every month. Make a schedule and fill out the simple online forms for each drawing.

2. Balance easy scholarships out with more specific ones.

You shouldn’t focus solely on “easy” scholarships since your odds of winning are much lower. Because applying to these scholarships takes minimal effort, they draw a high number of entrants. This means your odds of winning are lower than they are for scholarships with a more rigorous application process. 

If you apply to scholarships that are tailored to your profile and require more of a time commitment to enter, you will increase your award potential. That might mean entering scholarship contests for people who share your background or demographics or for students intending to study a certain discipline. Find more opportunities on the scholarship section of our blog .

3. Apply to schools with generous merit scholarships.

Most scholarship money comes from schools themselves and not external providers. Many schools consider students for merit scholarships just based on their application, so it’s no extra work; in fact, many schools have automatic scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores . Applying to schools where you’re in the top 75th percentile or above in terms of grades and test scores can maximize your chances of getting merit scholarships.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (51)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bishop’s university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carnegie mellon university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of mount saint vincent 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado school of mines 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, 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america 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, st. john’s college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of california 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of north carolina (unc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt 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Is BU the New MIT? Introducing the 15 Alt-Ivies of 2024.

Once again, it’s time to rethink that list of safety schools.

The concept of Alt-Ivies is hardly new— T &C has covered this topic since the 1970s, when we published a list of 50 alternatives to Ivy League schools in our college-themed August 1973 issue (we revived a condensed version a few years ago). But there used to be some measure of predictability to it all. We have long known about the Little Ivies ( selective liberal arts institutions like Amherst, Colgate, and Vassar) and the Public Ivies (University of Michigan, UVA, and Berkeley among them), and schools like Stanford, Northwestern, Duke, and Georgetown. And once upon a time, we used to be confident that certain party schools in Florida were easy gets, and anything in Boston not named Harvard or MIT could be a safe bet. Well, not anymore. You might recall that last year, Northeastern ended up at the top of our 2023 Alt-Ivies list with an acceptance rate that had plummeted into the single digits. (It’s also the dream choice of over-achieving kids at the most expensive boarding school on the planet.)

So as the future Class of 2029 gears up for another round of college admissions mayhem, we once again consulted the experts at IvyWise , who looked at metrics like sharp increases in applications, stark declines in admit rates, and other intel gathered from their contacts in the field, to create a list of the schools that are now as elite, competitive, and desirable as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. Below, introducing the top 15 Alt-Ivies of 2024.

Bates College

Lewiston, Maine

“Bates is sometimes overshadowed by Bowdoin and Colby, its fellow members of the “Maine Big Three” liberal arts colleges , but it has rocketed to popularity and selectivity in its own right over the past few years. A unique academic calendar is a big draw. There are two traditional semesters, plus a 4-week Short Term, which runs from late April through May, during which students immerse themselves fully in one class, either on- or off-campus. Global Chinese Food, Landscape Ethnography, and The Modern Political Campaign in the Age of AI have been a few of the popular recent offerings. Diversity, inclusivity, and equity are top priorities at Bates, which was founded in 1855 as New England’s first coed college. The Harward Center for Community Partnerships supports community-engaged learning and research, volunteering, work-study, and civic leadership opportunities with nearly 100 organizations in the Lewiston/Auburn community.” Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 13.06% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 12.14% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 10.39% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

“Boston University is committed to opportunity, which is evident in its extensive offerings, with more than 300 programs of study and the innovative BU Hub curriculum, which prepares all undergraduates with essential capacities across knowledge, skills, and habits of mind. The university’s robust research environment has earned $579.4 million in awards. The school also allocates $1 million in funding for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, through which, according to BU’s website, students of the Class of 2028 have created puzzles for the New York Times , researched cancer at Boston Children’s Hospital, interned at the French Senate, and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. BU’s trajectory toward becoming a serious alternative to renowned Boston-area institutions like Harvard and MIT is clear as it rises in popularity and becomes increasingly categorized as a “reach” school for traditionally competitive applicants.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 10.85% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 18.94% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 29.36% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, Massachusetts

“The College of the Holy Cross is gaining recognition as an attractive choice for high-achieving students seeking a challenging education at a Catholic university. Through 45 major offerings and a holistic education system, which is rooted in the Jesuit tradition, students are encouraged to engage in deep ethical and philosophical inquiry— and to view their education from a global perspective. Critical thinking, writing, and communication skills are fostered early on in the Montserrat first-year seminar program, which focuses on one of 6 thematic clusters: Contemporary Challenges, Core Human Questions, the Divine, Global Society, the Natural World, and Self. Holy Cross’s Jesuit influence is further evident in their dedication to service, exemplified by the Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), which facilitates diverse community partnerships in Worcester and provides students with meaningful service experiences and opportunities for reflection on structural injustice. Holy Cross is also one of a select group of colleges that meets 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial need.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 16.00% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 34.22% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 32.46%

College of William and Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia

“Founded in 1693, the College of William & Mary is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. and is also known as the “Alma Mater of the Nation” because of its distinguished alumni, which includes three American presidents, 16 members of Congress, four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and four justices of the Supreme Court. The Williamsburg, Virginia, college’s rich history lends itself to a slew of traditions, including the Yule Log celebration each December, One Tribe One Day in the spring, and the Royal Ball to celebrate the end of the academic year. As is one of the original “Public Ivies,” William & Mary combines a liberal arts experience with the research opportunities of a larger university. Some of the most popular majors include psychology, biology, government, economics, and computer science. And then there is the St Andrews William & Mary Joint Degree Programme, in which students complete two years each at William & Mary and the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and earn a single Bachelor of Arts degree.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 32.61% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 37.68% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 21.17%

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, Colorado

“Colorado College is immensely popular for its unique Rocky Mountain West location that lends itself to plenty of outdoor exploration, a vibrant community, and interesting course offerings. But its innovative Block Plan is perhaps its most defining feature: The academic year is broken out into eight blocks and optional Half Blocks in the winter and summer. Students take only one academic course per 3.5-week session, which typically includes interactive activities like labs and field trips. For first-years, the Colorado College orientation includes the Priddy Experience, in which small groups of students participate in service, outdoor, and local activities to get to know one another, the school, and the region. They will continue to enjoy their surroundings for the next four years thanks to the Colorado College Outdoor Education (CCOE), which runs nearly 200 outdoor trips a year along with more than three dozen workshops and trainings. As for the numbers below, which indicate an opposite trend to the rest of the schools on this list, it’s important to note that the first-year class size at Colorado College has also fallen over the past few years, a decrease that is nearly in line with the fall in applications. Which is to say that Colorado College focuses on recruiting the right students who will be a fit on-campus, rather than just recruiting as many applicants as possible in an effort to decrease their admit rate.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 19.00% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 13.50% Change in applications (2019-2024): -9.98%

Elon University

Elon, North Carolina

“Elon is a relatively new university—it was founded in 1889. While it has long been a popular school for students in its home state of North Carolina and from the Southeast, it now counts Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York as some of the top states of origin for students, who are drawn to its tight-knit community, experiential learning opportunities, and engaging student life. And then there is the campus, which is often touted as one of the nation’s most beautiful and, thanks to its location in the picturesque Piedmont region, is close to Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, providing easy access to entertainment, sports, museums, and the outdoors. Elon offers a wide variety of majors as well as opportunities for international study, research, publication, and competitions at academic centers such as the Center for Environmental Studies, Center for Leadership, and Center for Research on Global Engagement, among others. Elon also connects with local, regional, national, and international communities with strategic partnerships.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 66.00% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 78.44% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 78.96% * *Application numbers for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Grinnell College

Grinnell, Iowa

“Grinnell students—or Grinnellians, as they are affectionately called—are united by a love for learning and a commitment to bettering their communities. As one of the few colleges that does not require students to complete core curriculum or general education requirements, Grinnell gives students the freedom to explore the courses that most interest them. The only requirement, known as the First-Year Tutorial, equips freshmen with the writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills needed to succeed in their college careers and beyond. They can pick from one of 35 topics, from Making Sense of Succession , to Divining Difference in Iowa (Grinnell’s home state), to even a Taylor Swift-focused course. Learning is so engrained in the culture here that more than half of alumni go on to earn an advanced degree within 10 years of graduation. Grinnell also boasts one of the highest college endowments—at $2.5 billion as of June 30, 2023—which equates to nearly $1.5 million per student and allows for a generous financial aid program.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 9.49% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 23.08% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 66.60% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Hamilton College

Clinton, New York

“Hamilton College is guided by their motto, “Know Thyself,” which was inspired by Socrates’s belief that it is the first step to true wisdom. That commitment to students’ personal journeys comes to life through an open curriculum, guidance from advisors, a community of diverse perspectives, and an emphasis on written and spoken communication and expression. Hamilton’s sprawling, yet compact, hilltop campus is located in the New England-style village of Clinton, New York, which means outdoor aficionados can make frequent use of the Adirondacks for backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, camping, and skiing. In fact, all first-year students begin forming connections and memories with an orientation adventure trip.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 11.77% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 16.39% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 15.64% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

“Lehigh is a prime example of a mid-sized research university that offers small class sizes and an intimate student-to-faculty ratio in the spirit of a liberal arts college, but also has robust research opportunities, a $2.1 billion endowment, and Division I athletics. School spirit is high at this Pennsylvania institution thanks to the proximity of its historical rival, Lafayette College: the Lehigh-Lafayette football game, which began in 1884, is the most-played college football rivalry in the U.S. In matters of academia, undergrads select from majors across four colleges and about 12% of them pursue an intercollegiate major, like arts and engineering, computer science and business, and integrated business and health. First-year students can also choose to spend their first semester off-campus through the Lehigh Launch program, which offers an immersive, inquiry-based semester in the American West (Wyoming and New Mexico) and Santiago, Chile.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 25.35% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 32.10% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 30.33%

Spelman College

Atlanta, Georgia

“Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary and renamed in 1924, Spelman is a women’s HBCU that offers 36 majors and 39 minors, with unique programs such as African Diaspora and the World, Asian Studies, Curatorial Studies, and Food Studies. Freshmen are required to complete community service hours, integrating service with learning from the outset. As a member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Spelman provides opportunities for students to interact with peers beyond their university, with consortium benefits like cross-registration, access to the AUC Woodruff Library, and diverse engagement opportunities. On campus, students can explore their passions through 70+ student-led organizations and academic centers, such as the Bonner Office for Civic Engagement, Center for Black Entrepreneurship, and IBM Center for Quantum Computing. Spelman’s Innovation Lab further supports ideation, design, prototyping, and entrepreneurial ventures. And notably, the National Science Foundation recognizes Spelman as the top producer of Black women who complete Ph.D.s in STEM fields.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 34.00% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 39.32% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 12.30% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts

“Tufts is one of the academic giants of Boston, offering more than 150 majors and minors, including 30 interdisciplinary programs between the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Each semester, the unique Experimental College offers a set of courses taught by experts, community members, and Tufts juniors and seniors who have designed their own courses and dedicated themselves to a specific topic. First-year students begin their pursuit of academic excellence with the Explorations Program, a seminar led by upperclassmen peer advisors with topics ranging from Politics by Other Means: Simulation and Strategy Games throughout History, to Bending the Norm: Sociopolitical Commentary in the Legend of Korra. As a top research university with a "tier 1" classification from the Carnegie Foundation, more than 60% of undergraduates engage in research projects. Civic engagement is also deeply embedded in the Tufts experience, with programs like Tisch Scholars, which combines coursework and fieldwork in local communities, and the Civic Semester, in which 10-12 peers engage deeply with important social issues by learning from organizations in locations such as the Southwestern U.S. and Peru.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 10.00% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 14.95% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 49.35%

University of Florida

Gainesvilla, Florida

“UF is one of the many flagship universities that has recently seen an increase in applications from out-of-state and international students. They are drawn to the exciting student life, SEC athletics, and location of Gainesville, which is often ranked as one of the top college towns thanks to its quaint downtown, easy access to nature, and 224 days of sunshine a year, not to mention the energy of everyone’s fervent passion for the Gators. UF is especially popular with students from New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, while international students come from countries including China, India, Brazil, and Venezuela. STEM applicants interested in studying AI may be particularly drawn to UF, as its dedicated AI initiative has made significant investments in infrastructure like with the HiPerGator—the fastest supercomputer in higher education—and 300 faculty members who teach AI courses and/or use it in their research.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 24.03% (In-state: 52.58% | Out-of-state: 14.25% | International: 19.60%) Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 36.58%

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia

“Located in the quintessential college town of Athens, the University of Georgia comprises 19 schools and colleges offering more than 142 fields of study. Its distinctive Double Dawgs program gives students the opportunity to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years or less, saving time and money while accelerating their career paths. In 2016, UGA became the largest university in the nation with a mandatory experiential learning requirement for all undergraduates, ensuring that students gain practical experience before graduation. Its research capabilities are equally impressive, with $571 million in R&D expenditures in 2023 and things like the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO). The university has produced 28 Rhodes Scholars and 143 Fulbright Scholars, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. It’s also committed to diversity and access: the ALL Georgia Program supports rural students with unique opportunities and a robust network of resources, while the GAAME initiative focuses on Black male students and offers comprehensive support services, leadership development, and mentoring. By making hands-on learning experiences available for all, and integrating service into its academic framework, UGA offers a rich, high-quality public education that rivals Ivy League institutions.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 37.00% (in-state vs. out-of-state acceptance breakdown not made public) Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 45.63% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 48.25%

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

“The University of Washington has seen remarkable growth in selectivity and academic reputation in the last five years, striking the school from many applicant’s safe list. It’s recognized by Reuters as the #1 public university for innovation in the U.S. and in 2023, secured $1.52 billion in federal funding to support more than 280 research centers. More than 180 majors across 13 schools cater to diverse academic interests and career aspirations. There is the renowned Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, a global leader in computing education and research that attracts significant industry engagement through its Industry Affiliates Program and $36 million in research grants. And the Michael G. Foster School of Business, which reports a $73K average starting salary for graduating seniors. UW’s expansive academic and research opportunities and strong career outcomes have made it a trending top choice for high-achieving students in recent admissions cycles, particularly among domestic applicants from the West Coast and international applicants from Asia. Non-Washington residents face a particularly competitive admissions landscape, with a mere 2% three-year average admit rate for direct admission to computer science or computer engineering.”

Class of 2028 acceptance rate: 10.13% (in-state vs. out-of-state acceptance breakdown not made public) Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 51.76% Increase in applications (2019-2024): 51.56%

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, New York

“Vassar has a rich history of pioneering education; originally established, in 1861, to provide women with an education equal to that available to men, it became the first women’s college in the nation to adopt coeducation by welcoming men in 1969. This commitment to progressive education continues today with initiatives like the "Intensives," introduced in 2019 to build on the long tradition of curricular innovation. The university was also among the first to offer courses in drama, psychology, and Russian, as well as the first undergraduate degree in cognitive science. Initiatives like Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) and the Community Fellows Program connect students with social justice projects and various partners for comprehensive experiential learning and critical reflection. The school’s libraries have among the best liberal arts collections in the country: the Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library is known for its Gothic architecture, while the George Sherman Dickinson Music Library holds more than a million volumes. Research opportunities are abundant, too, highlighted by the likes of the Creative Arts Across Disciplines (CAAD), an experimental lab for trying out new models of research, practice, community engagement, and critical making; the Beckman Scholars Program for students in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience; the Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI); and the Ford Scholars Program, which offer generous stipends and faculty-mentored research collaboration.”

Class of 2027* acceptance rate: 17.72% Class of 2023 acceptance rate: 23.74% Increase in applications (2019-2023): 35.53% *Figures for Class of 2028 not yet available.

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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Opinion Writer

Trump’s Pandering Plan to Stop Taxing Social Security Won’t Work

Donald Trump wants to eliminate taxation of Social Security benefits. That may be a political winner, but it’s bad idea economically for at least four reasons.

First, those taxes support trust funds for Social Security and Medicare. Eliminating them would cost around $1.7 trillion over 10 years, accelerating the exhaustion of the trust fund for Social Security retirement benefits by more than one year and for Medicare hospital insurance by six years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

To keep the programs solvent, either some other tax would have to be raised or benefits would have to be cut. If the former president has a plan for doing one or both of those two things, he should spell it out now, but he has avoided discussing the implications of his idea. Most likely, any fix would shift the burden to young working people, Romina Boccia, the director of budget and entitlement policy at the conservative Cato Institute, told The Times.

Second, eliminating taxation of Social Security would violate the principle that people with equal incomes should be taxed equally. Other retirement income, such as from private pensions, is taxed, so it’s hard to justify why Social Security benefits shouldn’t be. “There is no sound reason why two retirees with identical total pretax incomes should have vastly different after-tax incomes due to having different mixes of retirement saving,” Kyle Pomerleau, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote last week.

Third, the wealthy would benefit the most. “In dollar terms, the biggest winners would be those in the top 0.1 percent of income,” the Tax Policy Center wrote last week. Households earning $63,000 to $200,000 would get the biggest tax break as a share of their after-tax income, the center added.

Fourth, why? If stimulating economic growth is what you’re after, cutting Social Security taxation won’t get you there. If anything, by in effect increasing benefits, it could encourage people to retire earlier, shrinking the work force, as The Wall Street Journal editorialized last week. If intergenerational equity is what matters, this goes the wrong direction. As it is, young people are slated to get a worse deal from Social Security than their elders.

This feels like Trumpian pandering. Unfortunately for the Democrats, they have to make this point carefully because, as The Times points out , their vice-presidential nominee, Tim Walz, as governor of Minnesota signed a bill exempting Social Security payments from state taxes for many seniors. (True, only a minority of states — the number keeps changing — tax Social Security benefits at all, and Minnesota’s decision has no effect on the finances of Social Security and Medicare.)

For sensible tax policy, election seasons are perilous.

Michelle Cottle

The Benefits of a Goofball on the Ticket

In tapping Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota for her running mate, Kamala Harris is experimenting with a quality not often seen in high-level national politics: the goofball factor.

Part of Walz’s charm is his lack of political polish: his penchant for silly jokes and faces, his willingness to risk looking ridiculous (I trust you’ve seen the piglet pic ), his smiley, gee-whiz amazement. The goofball factor is slightly different from the Regular-Guy vibe or the Small-Town vibe — although there is considerable overlap. Hailing from a culture that values tater tots can convey a real edge in the goofball department.

Stopped by the #MNstatefair Oink Booth and couldn’t resist holding one of the piglets! 🐷 pic.twitter.com/etCXLEtKD1 — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 24, 2019

Many of us have a friend like Walz: the dorky dad/cousin/high school geography teacher who loves to make his wife or kids roll their eyes at him. If you haven’t seen the “Turkey is meat” exchange between the governor and his daughter, check it out . I’ll wait.

My daughter, Hope, tricked me into doing the most extreme ride at the Minnesota State Fair. pic.twitter.com/YeMEocwJRv — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) September 4, 2023

As a political matter, the goofball factor risks making one seem unpresidential. But for a V.P. contender, there are upsides. One, it helps the ticket seem less intimidating, more relatable, and certainly less patronizing. I mean, it’s hard to look down on folks while snuggling a pig.

More specifically, it allows Walz to serve as an attack dog without seeming mean. At the rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, he tossed off multiple zingers — about Donald Trump’s criminality, about how “creepy and weird as hell” the Republican ticket is and even about JD Vance’s apocryphal affection for couches — while sounding downright genial.

I watched Walz’s remarks repeatedly, mostly to observe Harris’s reactions. Mostly, she nodded along, smiling indulgently or looking thoughtfully concerned as the moment dictated. Now and then, she’d laugh and clap. For the more eyebrow-raising bits — including the couch line — she looked to be consciously tamping down her reaction, even fighting not to burst out laughing.

This speaks to how Walz could be of particular value to Harris. Too often, women can have a hard time convincing some people that they have the gravitas to be strong leaders. Harris in particular has faced a … weird amount of criticism over her laugh, which many voters think makes her seem unserious and not that bright.

Simply by contrast, Walz’s dorky dad energy could aid Harris’s quest to seem more presidential. She can play the straight woman, staying above the fray while he brings the fun with partisan barbs and groaners she could never get away with.

Everybody understands his or her mission. And Harris can steer clear of camo ball caps, hunting vests and farm animals for the duration.

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Jonathan Alter

Contributing Opinion Writer

Why the Electoral Math on Tim Walz Makes Sense

There’s a lot of talk that Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz to prevent Josh Shapiro’s views on the Middle East from becoming a distraction. But the more relevant reason that Walz was chosen is electoral.

It’s true that we were told for weeks that Electoral College criteria would lead to Shapiro, in the hopes that he could put the crucial state of Pennsylvania in Harris’s column. And if Harris narrowly loses Pennsylvania and thus the election, the failure to pick Shapiro will reverberate for generations.

But electoral math has many permutations. Shapiro, like Harris, is from the coastal elite. By contrast, Walz — a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard — graduated from high school in a Nebraska town of 400 and later coached the Mankato West Scarlets to a Minnesota high school football championship. Unlike JD Vance, Walz didn’t leave home for Yale and private equity. Once his life story penetrates among voters, he will probably shore up Democrats in parts of the country where they need help the most.

Over the years, rural counties in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Nevada have felt abandoned by Democrats. Many went for Donald Trump in the last two elections by 20 points or more, and he remains very popular in those places. But Walz, an authentic rural voice, might change that outcome and reduce Trump’s share to 55 percent from roughly 60 percent in enough counties. If that happens, Harris will win the election.

Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

Google Exemplifies the Lack of Competition in the Tech World

One key reason that Google was found to be an illegal monopoly in an important antitrust decision on Monday was that it paid billions of dollars to be the default search engine for companies like Apple. But that’s not the only way the digital world has become so centralized, giving just a few companies the ability to dominate the industry.

All too often in the digital world, rich companies get richer and big ones get bigger thanks partly to something called network effects, which allow the early winners to build on that advantage to resist competition and shield themselves against market pressures — even if their product later loses its luster.

Imagine there are two standards for making phone calls, and each phone can use only one. Let’s say one standard gets to market first or has better sales, and 65 percent of the people you regularly call use it. Then a second standard comes in with much better sound quality, but not many people are using it.

You’d likely pick the one with the most users you call, despite the inferior sound, since the ability to call others is the critical reason for the phone. The superior phone has little to no chance. That’s called a network effect .

If many people are on WhatsApp, that’s what people and businesses will use to communicate, which makes the platform even stronger — and that’s why it mattered that Facebook was allowed to purchase WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014.

To many at the time, it seemed like a crazy price, because WhatsApp had made only about $10 million in revenue in 2013. But Facebook was buying the network effect and killing a potential competitor at once. It’s probably one of the best purchases the company made.

This, then, can build on itself. Google’s search engine initially pulled ahead through a genuinely better product, but it also got something that its competitors didn’t have: billions of searches helping it understand what people were looking for, which the company then could use to improve its search results.

It also made sense for advertisers to go where the users were, which gave Google all those billions to pay Apple to remain its default search engine — something that worked even if the quality of the search results went down, which they did, at least in my experience.

Such effects are everywhere in the digital world.

For example, Apple and Google’s Android have the biggest app stores, so naturally most companies will write apps for their platforms, further incentivizing a consumer to purchase an Apple or Android phone because that’s where the best programs are — and so on.

The Google antitrust ruling is the first big win of its kind for the government in a long time, and it may be a good first step, but the anti-competitive forces that dominate the digital world go beyond that. And countering them will require new, sensible regulation that matches how digital technology actually works.

Farah Stockman

Editorial Board Member

Should a Detroit Congressional District Be a ‘Black Seat’?

Update: Representative Shri Thanedar won the Aug. 6 primary with about 54 percent of the vote .

This election season has been studded with stories about race, mainly because of dumb things that Donald Trump has said about “Black jobs” and Kamala Harris’s racial identity. But race is also coming up in a congressional race in Detroit, in which Democrats are trying to take out one of their own — Representative Shri Thanedar, a freshman and an Indian-born entrepreneur — in Tuesday’s primary election.

Powerful figures in Detroit, including Mayor Mike Duggan, have endorsed Thanedar’s most serious rival, City Council member Mary Waters, who is Black, arguing that Thanedar hasn’t been helpful when the city needs it. That might be payback for Thanedar’s opposition to a hefty package of tax breaks to wealthy developers. But others oppose Thanedar because they say the seat, representing a majority Black city, should be held by a Black person.

“When it’s all said and done, we’ve got to have somebody there who understands the unique needs of African Americans,” Waters told the Michigan Advance , a nonprofit news site. “Because we do have some unique needs — some of the things that we should be fighting for, when it comes to voting rights, for example.”

Thanedar, who came from humble beginnings in India and got rich from starting a pharmaceutical company in the United States after years of struggle, won the election two years ago in a nine-way contest. News outlets noted that his election marked the first time in nearly 70 years that Detroit didn’t have a Black lawmaker representing it in Congress. (The other congressional seat that includes parts of Detroit is held by Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman in Congress.)

Thanedar says that the poverty he grew up in allows him to relate to his voters in a way that other politicians can’t. In any case, he swears that his ethnicity is not important to them.

“The people on the street don’t care,” he told me. “They tell me all the time: ‘Solve our problems. Fix the crime. I don’t have public transportation. Take care of that.’” It’s the media and the establishment Democrats that created the narrative that his seat is a “Black seat,” he said. On Tuesday, in a primary that is tantamount to the general election, we will see if he’s right.

Liriel Higa

Opinion Audience Director

My Favorite Simone Biles Moment Wasn’t When She Won Gold

GOAT. Most decorated. Winningest. It sounds hokey, but the most satisfying and joyful part of the Olympics for me is not which country is leading the medal count but when the best athletes in the world show their respect and admiration for one another, especially after an underperformance. On Monday, the last day of the artistic gymnastics competition, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, the Americans who took silver and bronze medals in the floor exercise final, showed such sportsmanship to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who won gold.

During the medal ceremony, Biles and Chiles bowed down to the Brazilian as she climbed the podium to receive her medal. Andrade had already come in second to Biles in the all-around and vault event finals , but she took advantage of Biles’s two out-of-bounds landings to take first on floor.

Andrade was runner-up to Biles at the 2023 World Championships and second to Suni Lee at the Tokyo Olympics all-around. It may have been frustrating to keep coming in second, but she has been consistently supportive over the years, saying, for instance, that it was an “honor” to compete against Biles.

For her part, Biles has acknowledged her own fallibility, and reminded us that just because she makes winning look easy does not mean that it is. After the all-around final, Biles said of Andrade: “She’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes, and it brought out the best athlete in myself.”

Of course, it’s easy to be gracious when you’ve won the gold. On Monday, in what might be her final Olympic performance, Biles took the silver on floor after a disappointing fifth-place finish on the balance beam. But when Chiles suggested that they bow down to Andrade, Biles eagerly agreed, creating one of the most iconic images from these Olympics.

Chiles explained their thinking during an interview after the competition. “Why don’t we just give her her flowers,” she said. “Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. So giving it back is what makes it so beautiful. So, I felt like it was needed.”

The Stock Market Dropped, but Don’t Freak Out

The secret to making money in the stock market is to buy low and sell high. Right? Not buy high and sell low.

So loading up on stocks when the market is breaking records and then dumping them when something bad happens is not the road to riches.

Yet that’s exactly what a lot of investors are undoubtedly doing, or contemplating, right now. I typed “Should I” into the Google search bar on Monday and the first autocomplete choice was “Should I sell my stocks now?” The third choice was “Should I sell my stocks?”

In between, by the way, was “Should I buy Nvidia stock?” Apparently, there are still some optimists out there.

I’m a journalist, not an investment adviser, so I don’t have any bright ideas for how to cope with market turmoil. I’ll just repeat the standard advice: Most of us amateurs should be long-term, buy-and-hold investors. Trying to time the ups and downs of the market rarely works.

It’s different if you have a big expense coming up soon. Then you really should think about selling stocks and putting the money in something safe, like a checking account. It would have been smarter to do that before the market broke, but better late than never.

Jeneen Interlandi

When Will the F.D.A. Crack Down on Stem Cell Clinics?

A jury in Tampa, Fla., has ordered a now-defunct stem cell clinic to pay at least $9 million in damages to more than 1,000 patients who say they were misled, lied to and put at medical risk by unscrupulous doctors offering scam therapies. The decision, nearly a decade in the making, is a welcome one for plaintiffs — and for anyone who cares about accountability.

But it will not do much for countless other patients who have been similarly duped .

Nearly a decade after a spate of mishaps first drew attention to the problem, clinics promoting dubious “adult stem cell” treatments for just about any medical condition you can think of (from autism to sexual dysfunction and diabetes) are still flourishing in the United States. These treatments are not only expensive and unproved, they can be dangerous . They have left some patients blind , others paralyzed and at least one dead.

So far, the Food and Drug Administration has made only vague gestures toward addressing the problem. In 2017, the agency said that at least some adult stem cell treatments would need to secure federal approval. Companies whose products had not been deemed an imminent threat to human health were given three years to comply with the requirement, and those with particularly risky offerings (such as products that get injected directly into the veins or the central nervous system) were threatened with imminent sanctions.

For the most part, though, nothing happened. “You’d think the F.D.A. would have taken dozens of actions,” Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell scientist at the University of California at Davis, told me. “But it just hasn’t happened.” The agency has long maintained that it lacks the resources to do much. But critics say that what officials there really lack is resolve.

It’s easy to see where such apathy might come from. Once revered as a bulwark against snake oil medicine, the F.D.A. is now seen by many Americans as a mere tool of the pharmaceutical industry, tasked with promoting and protecting corporate profits above all else. Attempts to regulate certain products (stem cells, dietary supplements, e-cigarettes) have been met with public outcries in some cases — and with countermeasures led by interest groups meant to undermine the agency in others. A recent Supreme Court decision limiting federal regulatory powers will only make this problem worse.

The F.D.A. should be doing everything in its power to reverse this erosion of trust. It can start by drawing much more attention to the harms caused by untested products and then working aggressively to hold the purveyors of those products to account. Class-action victories against snake oil salesmen are great. But the goal should still be to protect patients before they are harmed, not just to compensate them after the fact.

An earlier version of this article misidentified the campus of the University of California where Paul Knoepfler works as a scientist. He is at the Davis campus, not Irvine.

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Katherine Miller

Opinion Writer and Editor

Once a Running Mate Is in Place, Harris Can Go Full Speed

Every Monday morning on The Point, we kick off the week with a tipsheet on the latest in the presidential campaign. Here’s what we’re looking at this week:

Obviously the biggest thing coming is that Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate early this week. Though each day of the past month or so has felt very long, it’s pretty wild how fast things have changed and how compressed the timeline has been for Democrats to nominate a candidate, cut new ads, vet a vice-presidential slate and presumably re-plan major parts of the convention, which begins Aug. 19.

Harris and her running mate will hit seven rallies in five days. They start in Philadelphia, then go to Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia (this time, Savannah), Arizona and end on Saturday in Las Vegas. That will be her second appearance in two weeks in Georgia — a state that looked pretty rough for Biden this summer. There hasn’t been a big TV interview with Harris yet, but it’s also possible she and the running mate would sit for one.

As of now, Donald Trump has one rally scheduled in Montana, to support Tim Sheehy’s bid for Senate in the state against Jon Tester. But it’s always possible they’ll add more for him or especially for JD Vance, who’s traveled a lot in the last few weeks.

By Friday, lawyers for the government and Trump are supposed to submit proposed schedules for how to proceed in the federal Jan. 6 case, with a status hearing set for next week. Although it remains very unlikely a full trial would proceed any time soon, Judge Tanya Chutkan now has to decide how to implement the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling in a hearing to determine which allegations concerned official acts of the presidency.

As our newsroom colleague Alan Feuer pointed out , “It remains unclear at this point whether Judge Chutkan will rely solely on written briefs from the two sides or whether she will schedule a more substantial hearing to consider evidence, perhaps from witnesses involved in the case, in what could resemble a mini-trial.”