Please write an essay of 600 words or less in response to one of the following two topics:
1. Howard Thurman, who was the dean of BU’s Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965, once wrote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Can you describe a particular experience you have had or an activity that you participate in that makes you come alive? How would you try to integrate that experience or activity into your time at BU?
or
2. Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward?*
Essay Prompt 1
At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why?
Essay Prompt 2
The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?
APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
What is the truest thing that you know?
One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.
In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?
Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.
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Home » Career Advice » Professional Development » Which Colleges Require Supplemental Essays? A Detailed Guide
Applying to college involves understanding various requirements, including supplemental essays that provide insight into applicants beyond their academic records. This guide focuses on the supplemental essay prompts for some of the most popular colleges, providing detailed information sourced from College Essay Advisors . On their website they have full detailed guides on over 150+ colleges supplemental essays.
The admissions committees design the supplemental essay prompts to understand your background, interests, and aspirations. By effectively responding to these prompts, you can highlight your unique experiences and how you will contribute to the college community. Below, we have outlined the specific essay requirements for ten popular colleges to help you prepare and succeed in your application process.
American University requires one essay of 150 words focused on community engagement. The supplemental essay aims to understand how applicants can contribute to the university’s Inclusive Excellence.
At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community. (150 words)
American University seeks students who actively engage with and learn from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. In your essay, share a story where you fostered inclusivity within a community and connect it to your vision for contributing to American University’s diverse and inclusive environment. Highlight experiences such as participating in a progressive church youth group, joining the marching band, or any other instance where you built meaningful relationships across different backgrounds. Explain how these experiences shape your desire to contribute to AU’s community and your plans to continue this engagement on campus.
Amherst College requires one essay of 300 words and a series of optional short answers. The supplemental essays focus on activities, diversity, and a topic of choice, allowing applicants to provide a more detailed picture of themselves beyond test scores and grades.
Optional additional identity information: The questions below provide a space for you to share additional information about yourself. This information is used in the admission process to understand each applicant’s full context, as part of our whole-person review process. Your responses will be kept private and secure, and will not be used for a discriminatory purpose.
If you would like to share more about yourself that is not captured elsewhere in your application, please tell us more here. (Maximum: 175 words)
Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? If you wish to share this information, please complete the following question: If you wish to share more about your LBGTQ+ affiliation, please use the space below. (Maximum: 75 words)
Please briefly elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience of particular significance to you. (Maximum: 175 words)
If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project: (Optional) (50-75 words)
In addition to the essay you are writing as part of the Common Application, Amherst requires a supplementary essay from all applicants. There are three options for satisfying Amherst’s supplementary writing requirement: Option A, Option B or Option C. You may select only one of these options. Before deciding, carefully read the descriptions of all three options.
Choose one of the following quotations, and respond to the question posed, in an essay of not more than 350 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.
“Amherst College is committed to learning through close colloquy and to expanding the realm of knowledge through scholarly research and artistic creation at the highest level. Its graduates link learning with leadership—in service to the College, to their communities, and to the world beyond.”
– from the Mission of Amherst College
Prompt 1 Question: What do you see as the benefits of linking learning with leadership and/or service? In your response, please share with us a time where you have seen that benefit through your own experience.
“We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world.”
– from the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community
Prompt 2 Question: In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?
“Strong commitment to the freedom of inquiry lies at the heart of Amherst College’s mission to create a home in which the liberal arts may flourish. As a small residential liberal arts college that prides itself on the ability, curiosity, and diversity of its students, Amherst seeks to create a respectful environment in which members of its community feel emboldened to pursue their intellectual and creative passions.”
– from the Amherst College Statement of Academic and Expressive Freedom
Prompt 3 Question: Tell us about an intellectual or creative passion you have pursued; what did you learn about yourself through that pursuit?
Please submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay. If you have submitted an analytical essay in response to the “essay topic of your choice” prompt in the Common Application writing section, you should NOT select Option B.
Amherst’s supplementary essay prompts aim to reveal more about applicants’ personal stories, intellectual pursuits, and community involvement, allowing them to stand out in the admissions process.
Boston College requires one essay of 400 words, with applicants choosing from several prompts that reflect the Jesuit tradition of reflective dialogue and social engagement.
Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?
At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.
In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?
Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?
HCE Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?
Boston College’s prompts encourage applicants to reflect on personal experiences, intellectual engagement, and societal concerns, aligning with its mission to educate thoughtful, service-oriented individuals.
The Requirements: 1 essay of 300 words
Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:
BU wants to understand your social awareness or what excites you about joining their community. Show your engagement and vision for contributing to BU.
The Requirements: 3 essays of 250 words; 4 short answers
Help us get to know you better by reflecting briefly on each of the questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most:
Brown’s prompts encourage reflection on academic interests, personal background, and sources of joy. Connect your experiences and aspirations to Brown’s offerings.
The Requirements: 1 list of 100 words; 4 essays of 150 words each.
For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:
List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. (100 words or fewer)
For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer.
Columbia seeks insight into your intellectual interests, perspectives, resilience, and specific reasons for choosing Columbia.
In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)
College of agriculture and life sciences.
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500-word limit)
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100-word limit)
Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).
Select all that apply:
Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 word limit)
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy: Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 word limit)
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)
Instructions: All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.
Long Essay Responses (200 word limit)
Question 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?
Short Answer Responses (100 word limit)
Question 1: What brings you joy?
Question 2: What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you’ve already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
Question 3: What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
Question 4: What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you.
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)
Cornell’s prompts focus on your community influences and specific interests in your chosen field, requiring a tailored response for each college within Cornell.
The Requirements: One required 250-word essay and two optional 250-word essays
What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)
We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer the questions if you believe they will add something meaningful that isn’t already shared elsewhere in your application. Four optional questions are available, and you can select up to two.
Respond in 250 words or fewer.
Duke’s prompts explore your fit for the university, imagination, perspectives on disagreements, and aspects of your identity and background.
The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words; 1 half-page essay; 2 page-long essays
(Each school-specific prompt should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced)
A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)
Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).
Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying your intended major, Nursing.
The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.
Georgetown’s prompts focus on intellectual experiences, significant activities, and a personal or creative essay showcasing your background and talents.
The Requirements: Five essays of 200 words or fewer
Harvard is asking 2023-24 applicants to pen five short essays in response to the following prompts:
Harvard’s prompts cover your contributions, intellectual experiences, activities, future goals, and personal qualities you would share with your roommates.
The supplemental essay requirements for these ten colleges share common themes, such as reflecting on personal experiences, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, and showing how applicants can contribute to the campus community. Many prompts ask students to discuss their academic interests , personal growth, and involvement in community or extracurricular activities. These essays provide a platform for applicants to showcase their unique backgrounds, perspectives, and aspirations.
However, there are notable differences among the colleges. Some, like Columbia and Cornell, require multiple short responses that delve into specific experiences and academic goals, while others, like Boston College and Georgetown, offer prompts that explore broader themes of personal identity and societal impact. Each college tailors its prompts to align with its values and educational philosophy, allowing applicants to present a holistic picture of themselves and how they fit into the school’s environment.
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Supplemental essay prompts by college (2022-2023).
In addition to the Personal Statement, many colleges require applicants to submit supplemental essays. These supplemental essays ask students to respond to a wide variety of topics: their most meaningful activity, their interest in a particular college or major, an important community they belong to, etc. Essays range in length from just a few sentences to 650+ words.
The essay prompts below are from the 2022-23 application cycle. We plan to update this page with updated information for Fall 2023 when application questions are released (typically by August 1st). Always be sure to confirm essay prompts on the official college websites or Common App.
Looking for help with college essays? Check out our essay coaching options .
Allegheny College
American University
Amherst College
Arcadia University
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Bard College
Barnard College
Bates College
Bennington College
Bentley University
Binghamton University
Bloomsburg University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Butler University
California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Chatham University
Chestnut Hill College
Claremont McKenna College
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of Charleston
College of New Jersey
College of William and Mary
Colorado State University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
DePaul University
Dickinson College
Drew University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Eastern University
Elon University
Emerson College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Florida Southern College
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franklin and Marshall College
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Gwynedd Mercy University
Hamilton College
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
High Point University
Hofstra University
Hollins University
Howard University
Illinois State University
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Iowa State University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Kansas State University
Kenyon College
King's College of PA
Kutztown University
Lafayette College
La Salle University
Lebanon Valley College
Lehigh University
Lock Haven University
Louisiana State University A and M (Baton Rouge)
Loyola University of Maryland
Miami University (Ohio)
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Millersville University
Mississippi State University
Missouri State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Monmouth University
Muhlenberg College
Neumann University
New York University
The New School
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Oklahoma City University
Oregon State University
Penn State University
Pepperdine University
Pfeiffer University
Pomona College
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rider University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins University
Rowan University
Rutgers University (all campuses)
Saint Joseph's University
Saint Mary's University
Sarah Lawrence College
Scripps College
Seton Hall University
Shippensburg University
Skidmore College
Smith College
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stockton University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A and M University
Texas State University
Thomas Jefferson University
Towson University
Tufts University
Tulane University
United States Military Academy (West Point)
United States Naval Academy
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of California (all campuses)
University of Chicago
University of Connecticut
University of Dallas
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois (Chicago)
University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
University of Kentucky
University of Maine
University of Maryland (Baltimore County)
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Maryland (Eastern Shore)
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of Montana
University of Nevada (Las Vegas)
University of New Haven
University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico
University of New Orleans
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Scranton
University of Southern California
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of Texas (Austin)
University of Texas (Dallas)
University of Texas (San Antonio)
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington (Bothell)
University of Washington (Seattle)
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Ursinus College
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University (St. Louis)
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
West Chester University
West Virginia University
Widener University
Williams College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Yale University
York College of Pennsylvania
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2024-2025 college application supplemental essay guides.
Do you have a special talent, a defining quirk, or a core trait that isn’t reflected on your college application? Is there something about you that makes you a perfect fit for your dream school?
If you are applying to a prestigious college or university, the Common App Essay is not the only piece of writing you have to complete. Top schools require students to submit one or more essays in response to prompts that they provide. These essays offer applicants the opportunity to articulate their interest in a specific school, showcase their unique qualifications for admission, and demonstrate the ways in which they will enrich their future campus community.
Supplemental essay prompts often fall into discrete categories, which Command Education has dubbed “Why this school?’ “The Diversity and Community Question,” and “The Rapid-Fire List,” among others. Learning how to recognize different types of prompts is key to optimizing limited word counts and decoding what admissions officers are truly seeking to learn about you with each prompt.
Regardless of the type of prompt you’re tackling, remember that these prompts are a critical opportunity to show admissions officers your personality, values, and guiding passions. As such, your supplemental essays should be:
Essays are evaluated both for their content and for their grammar, so make sure that you take the time to read your essay out loud, meticulously proofread it at least twice, and even have a trusted, experienced adult (like an English teacher) review your essay before you click submit. Don’t lose points because of basic grammar mistakes.
Think deeply about each topic you write about. Avoid writing platitudes. Strive to find ideas that feel new and don’t fall into typical high school tropes. Show off your personality and what makes you unique!
Aim to be self-aware with everything you write, and avoid coming across as overconfident, entitled, or too pessimistic.
Below, you’ll find guides for how to answer every top school’s supplemental essay question(s), complete with examples!
More resources, colleges and universities.
Choosing which colleges to apply to is one of the most difficult parts of the college application process—and one of the most important.
Review our blog posts and articles for the latest in college information, news and updates.
We know how challenging applying to college can be for international students, so we’ve compiled helpful guides to help you navigate the process.
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It can feel daunting to choose what to write about in your college application essays. How do you sum up the complex, dynamic individual you are with such limited space?
The short answer: You can’t. But that’s OK.
The goal of your application is not to share every detail of your multifaceted life. Rather, the process allows you to share your story with the admissions committee about what makes you a strong match for the institution. Each piece of the application reveals something about your academic experiences and personal journey that shows us how you might contribute to the Hopkins community.
In some ways, the essays help tie together the rest of the application. They offer space for you to tell stories that represent the most important parts of your identity, which provide context for other components of the application.
Let’s zero in on the supplemental essay .
The supplemental essay portion of the application is specific to each school. Each institution has intentionally crafted a question (or multiple) to help determine whether a student might be a good match. We look for individuals who share Hopkins’ institutional values but will also bring unique experiences and perspectives to the community.
Below is the supplemental essay prompt for students applying for entry to Hopkins in the fall of 2025:
How has your life experience contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and what you want to pursue at Hopkins? (350-word limit)
Picture your life in college. What does your community look like? Which aspects of your identity are most important for you to develop and nurture?
Now jot down some thoughts about experiences or parts of your identity that have had a significant effect on your life. Maybe it’s a hobby you love, a cultural tradition, or an instance when you discovered something new about yourself.
Once you have a list, think about how each of these will continue to play a role in your college life. Choose one to focus on and spend some time building it out.
Keep in mind this essay is not an exercise in “tell us everything you know about Hopkins.” While it’s important for the admissions committee to see you’ve done your research and understand what Hopkins has to offer, simply listing what you hope to pursue on campus is only half of the puzzle. Be sure to connect the dots by explaining why you wish to pursue those things, and how they’ll help you remain connected to and grow in your identity.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas or crafting your essay, reach out to your school counselor or an English teacher. They can help you brainstorm and ensure your piece is answering the prompt in a meaningful way.
Happy writing!
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Admissions and test prep resources to help you get into your dream schools
Learn how to impress admissions committees through any type of school-specific supplemental essay prompt plus strategies for tackling essays of various lengths.
We recommend using this resource alongside our College Supplemental Essay Premium Example Hub , which includes a sample essay in response to every prompt required by the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.
Part 2: from outlining to writing.
The 600-word essay
The 150–250-word or other very short essay, part 3: types of secondary and supplemental essays.
The “why us” essay
Design a class/a major
Diversity-in-community essay, part 4: frequently asked questions.
If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably finished the most challenging part of your college application process, the Common App essay, i.e. personal statement. In that case, major congratulations are in order!
Now it’s time to address the various supplemental or secondary essays that schools like Harvard , Princeton , Yale , Stanford , and many others will ask you to write. Whereas some universities will require you to complete one additional essay, other schools will ask you to complete multiple essays. In addition, the essay lengths will vary from school to school and from prompt to prompt, ranging in length from 25 characters to 650 or more words.
Some students think they should treat their personal statement as the main “essay question” on the test and consider the supplemental essays as “short answer” questions. While it’s true that your personal statement almost always allows you the most space to share an aspect of who you are, it’s important that you treat your supplementals with the same rigor.
Admissions committees use your secondary essays to augment the story they have assembled about you as a candidate from your Common App essay and your recommendations. They are looking for more details that confirm and expand what they know about you, and which neither contradict nor repeat what they’ve already learned from your personal statement.
Let’s replace the “essay question” and “short answer” analogy we hear from students a lot with an interview analogy. Your Common App essay is the initial answer you get to give the interviewer when they say, “Tell me about yourself.” You deliver that with excellent posture and careful word choice. Now, as the interview continues, and the questions become things like, “Why would you like to attend our school?” and “What’s your favorite snack?” and “Can you elaborate more on your favorite extracurricular?” you don’t want to kick off your shoes, slouch in your chair, and develop a sudden drawl as you respond to your interviewer.
Realizing that the supplemental essays are, well, still essays that require outlining, planning, and editing, some students can freeze up. You’ve just completed a mammoth task of squeezing yourself into your personal statement and now you have to write more ?
The good news is that the skills and rhythms you developed while writing your personal statement remain applicable for your supplemental essays. If you haven’t worked through our step-by-step guide to writing your Common App Essay or viewed our college essay examples , go do that now, and you’ll be well prepared for your supplemental essays shortly.
In preparing for your Common App essay, you likely left some material “on the cutting room floor,” so to speak—meaning you probably thought about topics or experiences that moved you but weren’t “the one” for your personal statement. Now is your chance to make use of that excess!
The exercises and prompts we used to prepare for the Common App personal statement can serve as excellent material for addressing the many types of questions that come up in the supplemental essays. The difference is how you’ll apply them to the formats of your supplemental essays, which are generally shorter.
Here’s a general strategy for approaching essays of varying lengths. We’ll tackle examples of the essays themselves by subject matter shortly.
In this essay, a college may simply give you a chance to write another Common App-style personal statement.
Let’s take a look at some example prompts from Pitzer College : At Pitzer, five core values distinguish our approach to education: social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement and environmental sustainability. As agents of change, our students utilize these values to create solutions to our world’s challenges. Please answer only ONE of the following prompts (650 words maximum)
Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one of Pitzer’s core values?
Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you.
Pitzer is known for our students’ intellectual and creative activism. If you could work on a cause that is meaningful to you through a project, artistic, academic, or otherwise, what would you do?
Strategies for this essay: It’s the personal statement 2.0—so lather, rinse, repeat! Go through your materials from your Common App essay pre-writing phase, including the list of topics you made originally, and choose the one that almost made the cut for your personal statement. Outline it with the same rigor and attention that you gave the Common App!
This means you’re using your traditional five-paragraph essay tools. You’ll need an intro paragraph with a lede or hook of some sort, a billboard paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You will likely want to follow our personal statement model of linking your essay to at least one anecdote or specific story.
Here’s an example prompt from Rice University : Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500 word limit)
Strategies for this essay: With just 500 words to work with here, we might want to think slightly smaller or more contained than a five-paragraph essay revolving around an anecdote or personal experience. Instead, let’s think in terms of the following units:
A topic or thesis statement that unites the question with your personal experience.
Some evidence, drawing on personal history, that supports the thesis statement.
The one-line zinger that ensures the committee knows you read the question and are answering it.
Here they are again, with examples based on our student Ramya, whom you met during the personal-statement-writing process.
Ramya came up with a number of things that make her uniquely “her,” and which her friends, family, teachers, and counselors would all recognize as her. She’s planning on studying medicine but is a rabid sports fan, loves football and soccer, and is also a loyal friend. Ramya is also Indian American and comes from a small town in California where being Asian doesn’t actually make her a minority. So, while some students might choose to write about race or identity or other things we traditionally think of when thinking of “diversity,” Ramya’s mind doesn’t go there. Instead, she thinks about… Harry Potter. Hold that thought. Here’s what she thought about when asked to consider what made her different:
I grew up in a community full of ambitious people, all of whom were told to be leaders. What makes me unlike them? I’m not the one who stands up at the front of the room to try to run things. I’m the one who makes them run, behind the scenes. In fact, I’m the dependable one, the loyal one...
Ramya's personal experience has shown her that this makes her different.
So, what about Harry Potter? Here’s how Ramya articulates this to her readers:
I was raised on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. As a kid, I remember friends choosing which house they thought they’d be sorted into: brave in Gryffindor, smart in Ravenclaw, ambitious in Slytherin, and… everyone else in Hufflepuff. Rowling says Hufflepuffs are the “loyal and true.” But when friends and I talked about landing up as a badger, it seemed like we were doomed.
Now, just as we used anecdotes and set scenes for readers while writing the personal statement, we want to do something similar here. But we don’t have time for Ramya to walk us through the room where her heart pounded as she revealed herself to be a Hufflepuff. We have to move more efficiently this time, without sacrificing specificity. One way to do that is by writing in a list, as Ramya did here:
Strangely, though, as we got older, it was exactly my Hufflepuff qualities that my friend group seemed to depend on the most. “You might belong in Hufflepuff,” the Sorting Hat sings, “where they are just and loyal.” Hufflepuffs are “patient,” “true,” and “unafraid of toil.” It’s not a thrilling description! No bravery, no promises of ruling the world here. But those words all seemed to describe me. During my junior year, I found my friends turning to me after the loss of a classmate. We needed people to organize an assembly, a memorial, and a charity in the classmate’s name. My school was going through a difficult time, and everyone was trying to contribute in their way. But we were all young and new to grief, which meant we didn’t always know how to get things right. Some people were quick to speak or write about the classmate, believing that someone had to take a leadership role. Others felt uncomfortable and tried to move on past it entirely. I was quiet, as I often am, but when I saw how many ways people were trying to respond, I realized we didn’t need another “leader” to step in. We needed loyal followers and patient workers to follow through on the many initiatives that people were trying to start in the wake of this classmate’s passing.
Because many essays are like opening a door to a larger conversation, it can be easy to wander through the door and begin pacing around the interesting room you have discovered on the other side. But don’t forget your manners! At some point you have to make sure you acknowledge that a specific door was opened. Leaving that metaphor before we wring it dry: in plain terms, remember that, unlike in the case of the personal statement, the supplemental essays often ask a specific question that you need to ensure you’ve answered. So make sure your concluding statement or one of your last few lines gets into that. This Rice essay has Ramya musing on what makes her “different” (her Hufflepuff-ness) and has sent her into anecdotal territory, remembering her classmate’s loss. But she has to bring it home, and answer that question specifically, not just introduce the committee to something quirky and distinctive about her. Here’s how she does it:
If there’s one thing I, and the generation of kids who grew up on Rowling’s series, learned from those books, it’s that you need all types of people, represented by all four houses. My personality, as a loyal, heads-down, sometimes quiet Hufflepuff, often made me think of myself as boring when I was younger. But for the past year, I’ve seen how it can be a strength, not just to me, but also to the community I belong to. I am applying to Rice early because it feels like a strong community. From the residential college system to the tight-knit campus, I can see myself giving my best Hufflepuff qualities to my classmates and peers during intramural sports tournaments, late-night study sessions, and more—in the face of both everyday trials and larger, scarier moments in life.
Ramya has done a double-whammy here, telling us not only about what the community gets from her unique qualities, but also slipping in an answer to the “Why Rice” question that she’ll soon have one more chance to respond to in full.
An example prompt from Columbia University : Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
Strategies for this essay: With a short amount of space to work with, we’re going to need extremely taut and clear sentences. This essay doesn’t need the fancy flourish of anecdotal hooks or ledes; in fact, you can’t back into this essay through narrative. Clarity and direct responses to this kind of question will win you the game. The components of a successful answer to an essay of this length:
A topic sentence that explicitly answers the question that has been asked
Evidence supporting the conclusion (in this case, that neuroscience is the right major for Josh)
A dash of introspection to finish the day
Here’s what Josh, our pianist and soccer player, wrote:
I hope to double-major in neuroscience and behavior and film and media studies at Columbia. Though I may eventually attend medical school, I want to use the liberal arts curriculum at Columbia to explore multiple disciplines as an undergraduate. The combination of neuroscience and film studies might seem surprising to some, but together they pay tribute to the reason I love science at all. My elementary and middle schools didn’t have strong STEM programs, and so my teachers, seeing a student enthusiastic about science, used to put on science documentaries when I’d finished the homework. Watching Stephen Hawking, Oliver Sacks, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, I discovered things that couldn’t have reached me from the textbook. At Columbia, I hope to both take courses that prepare me for a career in neuroscience while also learning documentary filmmaking and production. I hope to intern at least one summer at a production company specializing in science documentaries, and to do a senior project that might eventually see screen time. Whether or not I go on to make films as a career, I know that learning how to communicate complicated ideas to the public will serve me well as a scientist.
Josh’s essay is successful for a number of reasons, but particularly because it not only answers the question (how did you come to your interests), it also specifies the types of classes he’d like to take, summer internships he’d like to pursue, and his eventual goals with both majors. It’s excellent because it’s tailored to Columbia, the asking school; like Ramya’s Rice essay, it serves as an additional mini essay proving Josh’s knowledge of and passion about the school.
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While you can face a number of different types of questions when tackling your secondary and supplemental essays, there are certain prompts and certain genres of prompts that come up again and again. It’s a good idea to be aware of the general types of secondary essays that can come up.
(On the other hand, the University of Chicago is a school that’s famous for coming up with new prompts inspired by its current students each year—a list of current and past questions is available here .)
You’ll notice that many of these secondaries touch on things that you scribbled about way back during your pre-writing phase, while others may ask you to do some thinking about the qualities of the specific college to which you are applying.
We’ve broken down the wild sea of supplemental essays into a few particular types of questions and come up with some strategies with which you can approach the next phase of your application.
Some colleges will ask you to explain why you’d like to attend their school.
Baylor University : What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (450 words)
Dartmouth College : Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2028, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer)
Yale University : What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
Strategies for addressing the “Why us?” essay:
Work backward. Think about what your big dream is—what or who you hope to become—and identify a few specific things about each college you’re applying to, asking yourself how each one of those is going to help you get there.
Provide a “mini-thesis” for each school rather than a general list of qualities that the school meets for you. Anita, our humanities-oriented student, writes that she’s interested in studying history, and includes a tidbit in her “Why Yale” essay from the campus tour she was able to take about how Yale’s architects were so obsessed with the past that they built the campus to look even older than it is. This jives with her own interest and the fact that Yale has one of the best history departments in the country.
Go beyond the website, and be specific. Don’t restate the “About Baylor” section of the Baylor brochure to the admissions committee—they already know why they offer you a great opportunity. Talk about your experiences with the college you’re applying to—did you visit and hear something from a tour guide, admissions officer, student, or professor? If you couldn’t visit, did you do some online research that got you in touch with some of the big themes a tour guide or info session would hit? Is there a particular class you’ve heard of that’s legendary on campus? A tradition at the school? An alumna/alumnus of the college whose work has inspired you?
Here’s an example of a great “Why us?” essay, responding to Yale’s prompt. Our mock trial champion from our Common App personal essay guide, Anita, was admitted to Yale.
I hope to study history or English, and Yale's departments in both are some of the best in the world. I am drawn to the interdisciplinary humanities offerings, including the Directed Studies program and the Humanities major. A writer, I also hope to work on the Yale Daily News or the Globalist. But it isn't just the caliber of academics that draws me to Yale. It's also the sense that the campus itself is comprised of history and knowledge. From Sterling Memorial Library, literally constructed as a cathedral to knowledge, to the buildings the architects poured acid on to make them look older, I felt a sense of almost ancient respect for intellect when I visited.
Anita’s essay is extremely specific, citing history, English, a freshman academic program, a particular major, two campus publications she wants to write for, and two facts she learned on her campus tour (which you could also get from watching a number of YouTube videos or speaking with local alumni or meeting admissions officers at a local college fair, if you’re not able to visit schools). But it’s also successful because it has a thesis that conveys a dual passion: a personal passion for her own academic interests, and a passion for the school. She converges her personal plans with the spirit of Yale, and that shows the admissions officers that she’s a natural fit.
Some colleges will simply ask for you to elaborate further on an extracurricular activity or class you’ve already mentioned on your Common App activities list . This is the only time you should elaborate further on something already in your application.
An example prompt from Brown University : What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
Strategies for addressing the extracurricular essay:
Choose an activity that means something to you, or that could benefit from being livened up by your prose. Anita our mock trial champion, chose to write about a wilderness solo. But now would be a good time for her to talk about mock trial—the thing the admissions committee will already know her for, but which now she can add some humanity to, without making it the only thing that defines her.
Don’t write about the same thing you’ve written your Common App Essay on! Josh, who chose piano for his personal statement, will need to pick something else.
Here’s another of Anita’s essays, this one about her mock trial activities. Remember that mock trial is one of Anita’s most obviously impressive activities. She’s nationally competitive, and it will come up in her counselor and teacher recommendations and her national wins will show up on her resumé and lists of awards. But she hasn’t written about it yet. Her job is not to summarize her wins—her recommenders and CV will do that for her—but to tell the admissions committee something they can’t get from other portions of her application.
I spend several Saturdays a semester in front of a room full of people, acting out a story. It is one of the greatest adrenaline rushes I can think of. My role: I am an attorney, for a few hours. My motivation: simple. To win the case.
I’m not in the drama club. I’ve never been on a proper stage. I almost threw up as an eighth-grader at theater camp when I had to improvise a scene. And yet, I thrive as a member of the mock trial team. That’s because when my job is to make sense of a series of arguments, to cross-examine my way to the heart of the trial, and to articulate a clear and powerful closing statement, I am inhabiting my best self. I am Atticus Finch and Clarence Darrow, and, most importantly, me.
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Some colleges, especially those with a liberal arts foundation, will ask you to come up with a seminar or even reimagine an entire department.
Example prompts:
University of Chicago : Due to a series of clerical errors, there is exactly one typo (an extra letter, a removed letter, or an altered letter) in the name of every department at the University of Chicago. Oops! Describe your new intended major. Why are you interested in it and what courses or areas of focus within it might you want to explore? Potential options include Commuter Science, Bromance Languages and Literatures, Pundamentals: Issues and Texts, Ant History... a full list of unmodified majors ready for your editor’s eye is available here . — Inspired by Josh Kaufman, Class of 2018
University of Notre Dame : During the spring semester, Notre Dame faculty gave 3-Minute Lightning Talks on exciting topics within their fields of expertise. While you don't have a Ph.D. yet, we bet you're developing an expertise in something. If you were giving a Lightning Talk, what topic (academic or not) would you choose? (200 words)
Strategies for this essay: This should be tons of fun—a way of getting to hear you geek out and be creative; it’s a chance for you to show your excitement at the chance to get a broad and varied education. The important thing here is to convey excitement for the reason the college is asking you to do this at all: you’re going to get a chance to study somewhere where your intellectual curiosity is valued.
Here’s Ramya’s answer to an Emory University prompt from a few years back:
If you could create an academic course that is in the Emory University spirit of collaboration, creativity, entrepreneurship and inquiry, what would it be? What impact would the course have on you and your classmates’ educational experience? (500 words)
Why do I love chocolate while my brother gags at the scent of it? Why are some people more attracted to Italian food than Mexican food? Why do we like some foods during the summer, and others during the fall? Can we predict what people might find enjoyable based on their background and attitudes? As an avid foodie, I have always wondered what it is that attracts each person to different tastes.
These are a few of the questions we would answer in my Freshman Seminar class on “Food for Thought.”
We would purchase, cook, and taste foods from all around the world and observe the neurological effects that each has. While there is common knowledge of the basic proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with how a good balance should be struck in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this new class would focus on the subtle differences in types of signals emitted by the brain when different foods are consumed. Students would be exposed to the theory and practice of neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans. We would identify neurotransmitters emitted as a result of the food ingested and study if different parts of the brain “light up” in response to different foods.
Along with creating a brain-food map, students would learn how to use statistically sound methods to study how variables such as a subject’s ethnic background, age, gender, and social attitudes such as open mindedness, correlate with the subject’s likes and dislikes.
This class will also address cultural elements of food. When eating foods from around the world, in order to fully appreciate the dish as a whole, it is important to understand the context surrounding what lands on our plates. We would read short stories or passages and watch excerpts of popular film focused on food from the countries whose cuisine we are testing. Cooking and tasting food together are great ways to bring people together, as seen in many movies such as Ratatouille and The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Not only would this class be informative, but it would also be an engaging, hands-on experience, and would provide freshmen with two valuable experiences during their first year at college—forming community and rethinking their fundamental approaches to academics by introducing them to interdisciplinary thought. “Food for Thought” would expose freshmen to an integrated approach to science while providing a fun environment for freshmen to get to know each other. At the end of the class, all students would have a better understanding of neuroscience as well as an appreciation for different cultures and their unique foods.
Sign us up for Ramya’s class! This is such a vibrant essay for a number of reasons. She’s truly thrown herself into imagining an interdisciplinary topic that converges a fun, light part of her personality—food—with something already on her application—her interest in medicine and neuroscience. She’s also made a few expert moves here, whether consciously or not. By pointing to the “valuable experiences” students need freshman year, she has indicated to the admissions committee that she understands that being a part of Emory involves both community and academics. That’s the kind of person you want on your campus!
Some schools may ask you to apply to a specific professional school or track or having declared a major. Others may ask you to indicate an initial preference. Still others may expect no prior thought about majors.
Cornell University : Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College. (650 words maximum)
Brown University : Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it. (200–250 words)
Strategies for this essay: This is one essay hiding two in it—it’s a “Why us?” essay combined with an essay that wants you to state where you see yourself in 5–10 years.
First, apply the same strategies you did for the “Why us?” essay (specifics!) —go to the website of the undergraduate program or major you’re applying to/indicating interest in, and look at student or alumni profiles. Is there anyone who makes you say, “Yeah, I’d love to do that”? Write about them. Is there a summer program, a particular class, an internship, or anything else associated with this program that attracts you?
Second, talk about where you want to be in 5–10 years. Imagine your dream job and tell the admissions committee how this particular program or major might help you reach it. This is a time when you can and should be specific—because you’re not committing to the story you’re writing down. You’re just demonstrating that you’ve thought about it and have a passion or vocation pulling you in one direction or another.
Here’s an example in response to Brown’s prompt from our student Josh, who isn’t sure what he wants to study. But he’s generally interested in international affairs and global political issues.
I am interested in studying International Relations or East Asian Studies. My mother is Chinese and my father is American. When they met, their two countries could not have been more distant. But today, China and America have to increasingly understand one another, economically, politically, and culturally. I am able to stand at the crossroads of these two countries, and I hope to use my time at Brown to learn Mandarin and to study abroad in China. I am also excited about the East Asian Studies requirement to engage with countries beyond China; learning about migratory patterns and cultural conversations in the region and studying Korea and Japan will help me crystallize my sense of the region.
An essay that asks you what you bring to the college community can seem like it’s asking for you to explain the ways in which you bring “diversity” to the community. You can answer in terms of your identity—gender, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or otherwise—but you do not need to. Really, essays like this are asking for you to identify one way in which you’re different, and the way you make that difference a boon to others around you.
University of Michigan : Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
Duke University : We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you. (250 words maximum)
Strategies for these essays: Go back to your pre-written prompts and think about what you noticed that made you different and unlike your peers. You’re often looking for something intangible to others but tangible to you. Think about what you wrote about your parents or siblings, your hometown or community.
We’ve given you Ramya’s response to this above, but here’s another essay, from Michael responding to the Duke prompt, who wrote about surfing with his grandfather for the personal statement. Though Michael has included his grandfather in his application already, he takes a different angle on him for this optional essay so it does not feel redundant. Especially because this is a non-required answer, that repetition is fine.
I was born and raised in a small town in southern California and attended a big public high school. Here, everyone is racially mixed-up. Black, Asian, Hapa, Hispanic, and other combinations mingle in our loud school hallways. I never had much of a reason to think about my ethnic heritage until recently. My maternal grandfather is Hawaiian, and he married a “haole,” or a white person. My paternal grandparents are white Californians. I look almost entirely white, and I get to move through the world feeling like any old white guy. But when my grandfather got sick and eventually passed away at the end of high school, I became interested in that part of my background.
I learned about the state’s history and the colonial presence that white people had. I also learned how many people in Hawaii now serve in the Armed Forces. This is a complicated history, and one I am interested in exploring more in college. Though I don’t know if I will ever live in Hawaii long-term, I want to study history or anthropology to write about this part of American history, which I never knew about growing up. I think this cultural background could bring something unique to the Duke community. I also think it can contribute to conversations about social justice, which are big in my high school, but which entirely white people sometimes struggle to contribute to. My sense of containing multiple racial identities now will shape me and the school I attend.
Some universities ask for your “short takes” on a number of things, limiting your response to 35 words or so.
Yale University (approximately 35 words each):
Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss?
Yale students embrace the concept of “and” rather than “or,” pursuing arts and sciences, tradition and innovation, defined goals and surprising detours. What is an example of an “and” that you embrace?
Princeton University (50 words each):
What brings you joy?
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
Strategy for these “essays:” Be authentic, original, and don’t overthink it. You might even have someone else read them aloud to you and answer instinctively. This is a chance for you to sound like the you your friends and family know and love. If you’re flexing here, trust us, the admissions officers will roll their eyes. They can smell it.
Through our work advising students on their college supplemental essays, we’ve noticed a few interesting trends in the types of questions universities prefer to ask over the last few years. Namely, a slow phasing out of questions around adversity or challenges and a greater variety of questions asking students to reflect on themes of diversity and community.
There may be a few reasons behind this shift. For example, students often felt at pains to paint a dramatic story that described their background and how they overcame some form of adversity to get to where they are today. This created an environment where many critics argued that students felt pressured to embellish or even completely fabricate stories of hardship in the hope that adcoms would look favorably upon them and their situation. Many students felt if they didn’t have anything especially challenging to write about, they were at a great disadvantage.
Furthermore, the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action meant that many schools had to revamp their diversity essays as well as how they asked about and handled race in their applications. This caused some schools to reformulate their essay prompts, sometimes even adding more prompts to the application. For instance, schools would ask questions that focus on a student’s upbringing and how it shaped them, the meaning of community and the varying (diverse) communities that have shaped them, or ask students to detail an experience or relationship in which they had to closely interact with someone whose views, background or culture differ markedly from their own.
To see this change in action, let’s look at a few recent prompts as examples.
Vanderbilt University : Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?
Northwestern University : We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?
Strategies for this essay: This is your chance to paint a picture of the range of experiences you’ve had and stand out as an applicant who will add to the dynamism of your future campus community. While it’s perfectly fine to discuss your race or sexual orientation here, it’s important to make the connection between your experiences and how they have shaped the way you connect with others.
Here’s an example response to Vanderbilt’s prompt written by one of our former students.
In my psychology class we discussed synesthesia, a condition in which people experience perceptions that cross between senses. This could mean tasting shapes or feeling sounds or, as one of my classmates put it, hearing colors. It turned out that my classmate Julie had identified as a synesthetic for many years.
When I asked her about it she was adamant that particular sounds were linked with colors. A classic telephone ring, for example, was the color red. As we stood in the hallway someone was drinking from the water fountain. Julie told me this sound was the color green.
I was intrigued by these insights because I tend to assume, as I think many of us do, that my own perceptual experience is the norm. My conversation with Julie reminded me that we never have full access to another person’s experience of the world. While we might agree that we are both looking at a blue sky, are we having the same experience of blue or is this merely culturally conditioned? I find this question both humbling and awe-inspiring.
At the same time, there was a way in which Julie’s experience made sense to me. I realized that I also tend to associate certain sounds with colors. Doing further research, I encountered a theory that everyone is born with synesthesia but that as we grow up our brains become more specialized. I think there’s joy to be found here, and lately I’ve been striving to recapture experiences of sensory overlap.
You want to offer one round story about yourself, while also giving the admissions committee an opportunity to discover you anew each time: first in your Common App essay, then in your recommendations, and finally in your supplementary essays. Stating major contradictions or trying to span too much—for example, saying you want to study English, biology, Chinese, and public health—might confuse things. Everyone is more complex and multivalent than they can seem on paper, but remember to keep sounding related notes without ringing the same bell over and over.
Some schools will give you a chance to elaborate on splotches on your transcript or weak points. If they don’t, remember that you have the chance to engage with your weak spots in any number of these supplementary essays, as long as you write narratively. Say your STEM grades were weak freshman and sophomore year. You might talk about how your middle school didn’t have a strong math or science program and when you switched to a good high school, you weren’t prepared. Then you’d want to explain what you did to improve them and how that taught you a lesson going forward.
It’s important to note, though, that it is rarely the right choice to talk about your bad grades in your essays. More often, you should try to be impressive on your own terms rather than risk seeming defensive.
Take your cue from the tone of the question. The Pitzer essays we mentioned in this post, for instance, have a serious tone and are basically invitations to write another personal statement. But the short takes, or Stanford’s famous “roommate essay,” are asking you to be creative, and that might mean more casual. But it probably means something more like “sound like you.” In any case, be deliberate and try not to slip too much into generational patois.
Yes, definitely. It’s always a good idea to reuse your material as much as possible. You don’t have to reinvent yourself for every application. You’re presenting the same self at a slightly different angle based on the questions a given school chooses to ask you.
Always remember, though, that any essays you reuse across schools will probably have to be at least a little bit modified so that they directly answer the question that was asked. The question from the University of California that asks, “What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?” is not the same question as “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences that was particularly meaningful to you.”
That said, your answer might be the same or similar. Your greatest talent or skill might be mock trial or soccer; perhaps you’ve written about mock trial for the extracurricular supplemental essay. The trick now is to make sure you’re answering the “over time” element of the UC question. Your job isn’t just to say you did mock trial and why you liked it; you will also need to explain something about its arc and change in your life over a period of months or years.
(Suggested reading: How to Write Great UC Essays )
Unfortunately, no. The whole essay writing process would be so much simpler if that were the case. Different schools will have different reasons for including a question like this on their supplemental applications.
However, it can be helpful to keep a few things in mind.
Your extracurricular activity isn’t “you,” meaning the activity itself doesn’t have to be interesting to adcoms, only you do. You could be really passionate about watching grass grow but the way you “show” that passion to your reader is what will intrigue them about you as a candidate.
Being creative within constraints shows effort and an ability to think outside the box. In this case, your constraint is what you imagine is the typical extracurricular activity you must write about. Adcoms likely get hundreds of applications from students writing about biology club or being on the student council, but do those students’ larger personalities and passion show through their writing? Remember to consider an example or anecdote that sparked your interest in that activity and harness the emotional connection in your writing.
Answering a ‘why us’ essay question for a highly prestigious school can certainly be difficult. Surely, everyone wants to attend a top-tier institution, which makes the answer seem obvious.
It can be helpful to compare your dream school to other top schools. For example, if you’ve got the grades and the talent to gain acceptance to Yale, what makes Yale a more desirable place to study for you than Princeton? Why not a public ivy such as UC Berkeley?
Consider which specific professor, course, or research interest that exists at your dream school that isn’t offered at other ivies. No one institution can offer everything. Most importantly, how will your engagement with that professor, course or research interest add to the campus community? You can cite specifics from a professor’s published work that excite you, noting what you hope to accomplish from working with them. You could also discuss a unique course you hope to take and what you plan to do with what you learn or even a research facility at the school that specializes in a particular interest of yours.
Remember that location is important as well. The cultural and science activities you will have access to will be markedly different in Ithaca, New York from Boston, Massachusetts.
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.
THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.
Supplemental Essay Guides
Supplemental essays are additional pieces of writing required by many highly-selective universities, and they can be just as revealing and important as your personal statement. Read on for how-to guides with essay examples & analysis on tackling these essays for some of the most popular colleges and universities.
I’ve developed a pretty simple, step-by-step process to help you see which essay prompts can overlap. Follow my lead and it may not only save you dozens of hours of writing, it could improve the quality of those essays.
Seems pretty natural that a school wants to know why you chose them, right? Read this step-by-step guide on writing the infamous “Why Us” essay.
In this post, I’ll share some practical tips for how to write about your extracurricular involvement in your college essays.
Tons of colleges require a supplemental essay that asks something like, “Why did you choose your major?”
These essays are a chance to say: “Here’s how I connect with folks in my community. And if accepted to your college, I’ll probably be active in getting involved with that same community and others on your college campus.”
Dive into eleven do's and dont's for how to ensure your short answer questions are doing their job of highlighting your genius, your experience, your talents, and your personality.
This is a must read for anybody writing the Stanford roommate essay: included is an example essay, a detailed breakdown, helpful tips along the way, and a section on how to revise your essay too.
Search cornell admissions, cornell first-year writing supplement prompts.
In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)
College of agriculture and life sciences.
Required: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time.
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 word limit)
Optional Short-Answer Responses: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission.
Optional Question #1: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 word limit)
Optional Question #2: Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.)
Select all that apply:
Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 word limit)
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 word limit)
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 word limit)
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)
Instructions: All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions , or contact us .
College Reality Check
Forbes has a list of 80+ schools that do not require supplemental essays.
College-bound teens who hate writing essays or believe that essay writing is not their strongest suit rejoice!
By choosing strategically, they can apply to college without writing a single literary word.
Unfortunately, chances are you may have to write several of them if your college list contains selective schools, given that most of them require supplemental essays.
Secondary essays.
College-, school-, or institution-specific essays.
Regardless of the name, these are the same things. They’re all supplemental college essays .
If a college asks for one (or more in most circumstances), you must submit it.
Many college admissions agree that supplemental essays account for about 25% of the weight of your college application as they provide information about you that your GPA, class rank and test scores can’t.
It also allows college admissions officers to see whether or not you know the school you’re applying to.
A college essay comes in different names.
They include:
You can call it any name you like, but a college essay is an entirely different type of written composition from a supplemental essay, though both can help you get into the college of your preference.
A college essay is anywhere from 250 to 650 words or 500 to 650 words.
It all depends on which college application platform you intend to use or the college of your liking accepts — the Common Application has a lower minimum word requirement than the Coalition App (250 vs. 500).
What’s nice about a college essay is that you must write it only once .
The one you include in your college application will reach all the colleges you apply to.
So, in other words, college admissions officers from different institutions will read the same essay, although those who don’t consider it in the application process won’t look at it.
That’s nice — just one essay for all the schools on your college list!
However, including colleges that require supplemental essays on your list changes everything.
As mentioned, supplemental essays are also called school-specific essays.
That’s because they’re exactly that — you write each essay with a particular school in mind.
Compared to personal statements, supplementals are usually shorter , although it’s not uncommon for some colleges to set the maximum word count to 650 or sometimes more.
But then most of them are anywhere from 35 to 250 words long.
There are shorter ones (sometimes just a single word!), which is why they’re called short-answer questions .
Although you usually need fewer words to write a supplemental essay, you often have to write more than just one supplemental essay when applying to a single college.
On average, colleges require two to three institution-specific essays.
Applying to ten postsecondary institutions requiring supplementals could leave you writing anywhere from 20 to 30 college supplemental essays in a single admissions cycle!
College admissions officers, especially at competitive schools , want to know applicants in a certain way.
They want to learn not only about your academic accomplishments, personal achievements, unique life experiences, individual strengths, core values, and prospective goals.
They also like to know how those would fit on the campus of the specific school you’re applying to!
Due to this, supplementary essays are college-specific.
Your college essay alone may not reveal how you would make a perfect addition to a specific campus.
Again, every college you send your Common App or Coalition App to will be able to read it, which is why it’s crucial for your personal statement to focus on you as an individual and a learner, not the institution you like.
On the other hand, a supplemental essay should focus on what makes you a good fit for the college.
If you may, think of a writing supplement as an opportunity to convince college officers that you are a better choice than another applicant with the same academic profile as yours.
Show that your positive traits, hobbies, interests, and personality all fit on campus.
Talking about your weaknesses is fine, too, although it would be a great idea to point out you are working on them and how attending the college you are applying to can turn them into your strengths.
Of course, you won’t be able to write about how you’ll fit on campus without knowing the college.
College admissions officers want to know what you can add to the campus community.
Similarly, they want to know how the school can meet your academic and career goals .
Supplemental essays are an opportunity for you to discuss both and prove to your top-choice college that you are applying to the right school and also show that you are the right applicant .
For this, you must know what sort of academic program can make your professional dream happen.
It’s vital to know, too, which type of campus community can make you a well-rounded student and equip you with the skills necessary to succeed beyond college.
You can tailor your college application to fit the school’s needs through supplementals.
They allow you to demonstrate how you will fit with its culture, values, and mission.
Ultimately, they let you express why sending you an acceptance letter is worth it.
Because supplemental college essays are major role players in the admissions process where they are required, I cannot stress enough the importance of giving your best when writing them.
What you say in them can spell the difference between an acceptance and a rejection.
College application is stressful , and writing various supplementals can make it even more nerve-racking.
But avoid panicking.
It’s of utmost importance for you to take a deep breath, compose yourself, and then pay attention to blowing the minds of college admissions officers with your supplemental essays.
That can be a challenge , but totally doable.
The secret is to know the steps necessary to nail those supplemental essays.
Supplemental essays allow your application to stand out, so grab the opportunity in every way you can!
Independent Education Consultant, Editor-in-chief. I have a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and training in College Counseling. Member of American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental 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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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We recommend that most students apply to 8-12 colleges —typically at least two safeties, four targets, and two reaches. This strategy boosts a student’s odds of getting into multiple schools, increases their options, and even offers leverage to negotiate for more financial aid.
Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don’t have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or personal statement, if you’re looking for schools to balance out your list without the additional writing.
Below is a list of 45 liberal arts colleges and universities without essay supplements. The list isn’t comprehensive, but it covers a spectrum of schools of varied selectivity. The list does not include any schools with optional essays, which are something we always encourage applicants to complete.
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| Waterville, ME | 10% |
| Middlebury, VT | 15% |
| Middletown, CT | 17% |
| Granville, OH | 29% |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | 30% |
| Gambier, OH | 34% |
| Worcester, MA | 34% |
| Oberlin, OH | 36% |
| New London, CT | 37% |
| Carlisle, PA | 40% |
| Memphis, TN | 45% |
| Saint Petersburg, FL | 67% |
| Ripon, WI | 70% |
Update: We removed Grinnell College and Colgate University from this list because they’ve historically sent optional supplements to students after they applied.
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| Boston, MA | 18% |
| San Diego, CA | 34% |
| Tallahassee, FL | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | 39% |
| Hoboken, NJ | 40% |
| Atlanta, GA | 43% |
| Storrs, CT | 49% |
| Columbus, OH | 54% |
| Denver, CO | 59% |
| Greencastle, IN | 64% |
| Houston, TX | 65% |
| Chicago, IL | 68% |
| Orangeburg, SC | 69% |
| Ada, OH | 70% |
| East Lansing, MI | 71% |
| Newark, DE | 71% |
| Dayton, OH | 72% |
| Lowell, MA | 73% |
| South Orange, NJ | 74% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 75% |
| Seattle, WA | 76% |
| Boston, MA | 76% |
| Hartford, CT | 76% |
| Fayetteville, AR | 77.10% |
| Moscow, ID | 78% |
| Oxford, OH | 80% |
| Iowa City, IO | 83% |
| Durham, NH | 84% |
| Memphis, TN | 85% |
| Tempe, AZ | 87% |
| Richmond, VA | 87% |
Applying only to schools with no supplement would limit your options severely, so we don’t recommend it. That said, supplements can serve as a litmus test for how much you care about a particular college. If you’re really excited to attend a particular college, you’re more likely not to mind extra application work (after all, it’s a chance to show a college why they should accept you). Conversely, if you’re turned off by writing a supplemental essay, it could indicate that you’re not as excited about a school as you thought you were.
Some essay prompts also give you insight into the personality of a college. For example, the University of Chicago is known for its quirky essay prompts—the 2021-2022 supplement has applicants explore ideas like What if the moon were made of cheese? and What’s so easy about pie? If UChicago’s unorthodox essay prompts make you cringe, it’s a possible sign that the school’s culture isn’t right for you. If they excite and inspire you, you could be a perfect fit.
Overall, a college’s essay requirements should not be a major deciding factor as to whether or not you apply to a school (unless you’re truly short on time). What’s most important is whether or not you will fit with the school academically and socially . Consider things like:
If you’re trying to round out your school list, it’s important to know whether a particular school is a reach, target, or safety. CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing engine considers factors such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities to estimate your odds at hundreds of colleges across the country, along with providing tips to strengthen your profile.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
College of the Holy Cross does not require supplemental essays, but the following are optional: personal interview, SAT or ACT scores, and supplementary materials.
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.
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.
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.
At Drew University, a personal statement is required, along with a counselor evaluation, teacher evaluation, and high school transcript.
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.
At Fairleigh Dickinson University, all essays, résumés, and recommendations are optional.
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.
Although Florida State University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays, students should invest time into the Common Application personal statement.
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.
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.
At Furman University, first-year applicants do not need to submit a personal essay, and they are also test-optional.
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.
Although Gettysburg College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays, it does require a personal statement on the Common Application.
Grinnell College does not require supplemental essays and it also does not have an application fee. Standardized test scores are also optional.
Although Hamilton College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays, the optional essays are still encouraged.
Hampshire College only requires supplemental essays from international students applying as first-year or transfer students.
Hanover College states on their website that the essay or personal statement is optional, alongside test scores, letters of recommendation and résumé.
At Hollins University, for first-year students no personal statement is required and standardized test scores are optional.
Howard University requires students to complete the Common Application essay and there is one optional supplemental essay.
Students applying to Indiana University – Bloomington must write the one essay in the Common Application or through Apply IU.
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.
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.
Louisiana State University does require the Common Application personal statement, but as of its most recent admissions cycle, no supplemental essay is required.
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.
Miami University, not to be confused with the University of Miami, requires the Common App personal statement but not the supplemental essays.
Michigan State University requires students to write only one essay on the MSU application, Common Application or Coalition Application.
Middlebury College is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They do still require the personal statement on the Common Application.
Muhlenberg College requires students to submit the personal essay but no other supplemental essays.
New College of Florida is one of the many colleges with no supplemental essays. However, they do still require a personal statement.
New Jersey Institute of Technology only requires a personal statement included in the Common Application. There is no supplemental essay requirement.
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.
Northeastern is one of the best colleges without a supplemental essay requirement. They do require a personal statement, alongside other materials.
At Nova Southeastern University, the essay is entirely optional, and students can self-report their test scores.
Oberlin requires a personal statement, but does not require any supplemental essays.
Ohio State University only requires a personal statement. However, they also offer a COVID-19 impact statement on the Common Application for interested students.
At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials.
Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional “ Elevator Pitch .”
Rowan University requires a personal statement in the Common Application, but joins this list as a college without supplemental essays.
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.
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.
At Seton Hall University, the personal statement is required, but there are no other supplemental essays.
Siena College has made the personal statement (open topic) optional for students applying.
While Skidmore College does not require supplemental essays, students do often send in supplemental materials to further support their application.
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.
Sewanee does not require supplemental essays and SAT/ACT scores are also optional.
Susquehanna University only requires supplemental essay materials for students applying to the creative writing, graphic design, studio art, and music programs.
Temple University offers an optional essay as part of the Common Application for students to tell more about themselves beyond grades or test scores.
Union College does offer an optional supplemental essay question as part of their application.
At the University of Alabama, essay submissions and letters of recommendation are not required but they are optional.
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.
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.
Although the University of Arizona does not require an application essay, they strongly encourage students to submit the 500-word personal statement.
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.
University of Colorado-Denver requires the personal statement on the Common Application, but not other supplemental essays.
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.
The University of Dayton does not require any supplemental essays, although it does require a personal statement. The university is also test-optional.
The University of Denver only requires the personal statement on the Common Application.
Students who apply to the University of Houston without a test score must submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.
The University of Iowa does require a personal statement as part of their application, but there is no supplemental essay requirement.
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.
The University of Kentucky requires students to write one personal statement from seven of their given writing prompts.
For first-year students applying to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the personal essay is not required, although it is encouraged.
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.
With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.
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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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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!
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Colby College | Waterville, ME | 2,262 | $63,520 |
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Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1,829 | $62,620 |
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Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 12,834 | $58,965 |
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Fairleigh Dickinson University | Teaneck, NJ | 7,860 | $33,082 |
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Fordham University | New York, NY | 9,904 | $58,082 |
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Middlebury College | Middlebury, VT | 2,858 | $62,460 |
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Muhlenberg College | Allentown, PA | 2,074 | $58,005 |
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New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | 9,183 | $34,034 |
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Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 15,747 | $60,192 |
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SUNY Binghamton University | Binghamton, NY | 14,307 | $10,390 (in-state) $28,230 (out-of-state) |
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SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | 21,467 | $10,856 (in-state) $28,776 (out-of-state) |
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Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 6,063 | $48,960 |
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Siena College | Loudonville, NY | 3,498 | $41,245 |
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Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs, NY | 2,686 | $62,248 |
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Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | 3,932 | $58,624 |
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Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | 17,999 | $10,556 (in-state) $28,476 (out-of-state) |
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University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 18,567 | $19,434 (in-state) $42,102 (out-of-state) |
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University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | 11,490 | $19,024 (in-state) $37,934 (out-of-state) |
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University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | 19,980 | $19,760 (in-state) $36,000 (out-of-state) |
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University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | 11,626 | $18,890 (in-state) $43,890 (out-of-state) |
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Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 3,385 | $64,022 |
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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.
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Albion College | Albion, MI | 1,523 | $54,930 |
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Case Western University | Cleveland, OH | 5,792 | $62,234 |
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DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 14,294 | $42,840 |
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DePauw University | Greencastle, IN | 1,724 | $55,410 |
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Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1,748 | $61,480 |
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Kent State | Kent, OH | 21,133 | $12,464 (in-state) $21,570 (out-of-state) |
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Kenyon College | Gambier, OH | 1,875 | $66,490 |
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Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 47,106 | $11,936 (in-state) $35,019 (out-of-state) |
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University of Colorado-Denver | Denver, CO | 14,289 | $11,800 (in-state) $33,460 (out-of-state) |
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University of Dayton | Dayton, OH | 8,637 | $46,170 |
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University of Denver | Denver, CO | 5,867 | $56,439 |
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University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | 36,209 | $15,859 (in-state) $35,099 (out-of-state) |
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University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 21,608 | $9,942 (in-state) $31,904 (out-of-state) |
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | 19,552 | $9,854 (in-state) $26,984 (out-of-state) |
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University of St. Thomas | St. Paul, MN | 6,067 | $50,366 |
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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.
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Clemson University | Clemson, SC | 21,653 | $15,558 (in-state) $39,502 (out-of-state) |
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Dillard University | New Orleans, LA | 1,202 | $19,354 |
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New College of Florida | Sarasota, FL | 632 | $6,916 (in-state) $29,944 (out-of-state) |
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Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | 2,417 | $28,885 |
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Sewanee: The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | 1,735 | $51,146 |
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University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 31,685 | $23,920 (in-state) $43,370 (out-of-state) |
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University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 24,265 | $9,656 (in-state) $27,410 (out-of-state) |
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University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 18,671 | $15,410 (in-state) $37,930 (out-of-state) |
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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.
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 .
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College Info , College Essays
If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?
The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.
In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.
However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:
It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.
At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.
Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.
They need to use those limited resources for coffee.
Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.
If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.
Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.
In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.
Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.
Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.
By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .
They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.
Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!
There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.
If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.
If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:
A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.
Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!
You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!
A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.
However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.
At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.
Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.
Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!
You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!
The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.
Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
Optional for "Comprehensive Review" admission | Assured admission for in-state applicants who meet criteria; comprehensive review process for all other applicants | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily by eligibility index; some majors/campuses have more stringent requirements | ||
None (though UC Boulder require an essay) | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Only required for dental hygiene students; otherwise, encouraged but not required. | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Strongly encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | "Each applicant is considered individually, taking into account grades, rigor of curriculum and standardized test scores" | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, transcripts, test scores, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Optional personal statement | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA and test score cutoffs | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Writing samples are encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily through the Regent Admission Index | ||
None | Different requirements for different schools in the university | ||
None | Students must meet GPA/test requirements and complete Precollege Curriculum | ||
Short answers only for those who don't meet Assured Admission criteria | Meet Assured Admission criteria through GPA/test score requirements | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Guaranteed admission for in-state applicants who meet criteria; primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts | ||
None | Admissions index based on test scores and GPA | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Assured admission for students who have completed prerequisite coursework and meet a combination of GPA/class rank/test score criteria | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
Essays required only if you don't meet the selection index criteria | Meet selection index criteria and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet primary requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Required only for scholarship consideration | Assured admission if you meet performance requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA or test score requirement and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
None | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts | ||
Optional writing sample | Primarily determined by transcripts; test scores are optional for most programs, as is the essay | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Meet GPA and test score requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
Essay required only if you need comprehensive application review | Assured admission by combination of GPA/class rank/test scores; otherwise comprehensive application review | ||
Optional writing sample | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts; students who feel they might not meet academic requirements can submit supporting documentation | ||
Required only for students who don't meet minimum academic requirements | Admission primarily via GPA (3.0+) and recommendation; test optional except for students applying for scholarships and honors, or for those who don't meet minimum academic requirements | ||
Required only for petitioning students | Automatic admission for students who meet basic coursework/test requirements and have a GPA of 2.75 | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Only required for Honors College application | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA, test score, or class rank cutoff and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Only required for Honors College application | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet College Academic Distribution Requirements; assured admission for top 10% of class or 3.5+ GPA | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Essay only required for some programs and scholarships | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts |
If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.
Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:
If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.
Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .
If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.
There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.
I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.
Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!
Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.
For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.
If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.
If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.
There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:
So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:
When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:
No essay, no tears!
Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !
Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.
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Lists & Rankings > College Admission > Colleges For B Students, Late Bloomers, And Underachievers
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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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Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ
Iona University
New Rochelle, NY
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, NC
College of Saint Benedict
Collegeville, MN
Bethel University (Minnesota)
St. Paul, MN
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA
University of Dallas
High Point University
High Point, NC
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
University of Idaho
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
Ohio Northern University
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
Messiah University
Grantham, PA
Azusa Pacific University
Kettering University
Felician University
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Union University
Jackson, TN
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Over 40 colleges without supplemental essays 2022-23.
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.
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.
Students should aim to have at least 2-3 schools in each category to ensure that they have a well-balanced college list.
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.
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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what colleges don't have supplemental essays.
Hey everyone! I'm starting to put together my college list and to be honest, the thought of writing dozens of supplemental essays is overwhelming. Can anyone list some good colleges that don't require supplemental essays? It would really help me balance my college list with a mix of schools.
Hello there! I completely understand how the prospect of writing multiple supplemental essays can seem daunting. It's great that you're planning ahead to balance your college list. There are indeed several good colleges that don't require supplemental essays. For starters, consider looking at schools such as Middlebury College, Colby College, and Wabash College. Additionally, some public universities tend to have more streamlined applications; for instance, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the University of Iowa typically do not require supplemental essays for general admission.
Just a word of encouragement, though: while it's good to have options that require less writing, don't shy away from applying to schools with supplemental essays if they're a good fit for you otherwise. Sometimes those essays can be a great opportunity for you to shine and demonstrate your interest in the school. Good luck with your applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.
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Check out our list of supplemental essays required by many of the top colleges students apply to each year. If you need help with these essays schedule a meeting with one of our essay coaches today! Adelphi University. The Honors College is a community of students who love to engage with ideas that come from a broad range of sources.
Amherst College Supplemental Essay Requirements. Amherst College requires one essay of 300 words and a series of optional short answers. The supplemental essays focus on activities, diversity, and a topic of choice, allowing applicants to provide a more detailed picture of themselves beyond test scores and grades.
Yale University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide. Comprehensive guide on how to approach supplemental essays for 2024-25. Get insider tips and personalized help from College Essay Advisors.
These supplemental essays ask students to respond to a wide variety of topics: their most meaningful activity, their interest in a particular college or major, an important community they belong to, etc. Essays range in length from just a few sentences to 650+ words. The essay prompts below are from the 2022-23 application cycle.
How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Brown University asks prospective students to write seven supplemental essays in total. Three are short essays of 250 words in length.
The supplemental essay portion of the application is specific to each school. Each institution has intentionally crafted a question (or multiple) to help determine whether a student might be a good match. ... Once you have a list, think about how each of these will continue to play a role in your college life. Choose one to focus on and spend ...
We recommend using this resource alongside our College Supplemental Essay Premium Example Hub, which includes a sample essay in response to every prompt required by the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.. Part 1: Introduction Part 2: From outlining to writing. The 600-word essay. The 500-word essay. The 150-250-word or other very short essay
Highly-selective colleges and universities often require supplemental application materials. These materials help further personalize the admissions process so that each college's admissions committee has the information it needs to select a vibrant and diverse incoming class.. In this article, we will look at 10 supplemental essay prompts from top colleges and universities for the 2022-23 ...
9 months ago. I completely understand the importance of planning out your summer writing schedule to stay on top of college application requirements. Most colleges, especially those that use the Common Application or Coalition Application, require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number and topics of supplemental essays can vary ...
This is a must read for anybody writing the Stanford roommate essay: included is an example essay, a detailed breakdown, helpful tips along the way, and a section on how to revise your essay too. Write supplemental essays for hundreds of the most competitive colleges. Follow our step-by-step guides and read our supplemental essay examples that ...
Many selective colleges require supplemental essays beyond the standard Common App essay, also known as the Personal Statement. The Purdue application requirements are no exception to this. There are two Purdue essay prompts required of all applicants. Additionally, Honors College applicants must complete two additional Purdue University ...
We will also be open virtually on Wednesdays from 8:00am-4:30pm. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
The following schools have no required supplemental essays to apply to their college. However, they might have additional essays for specific programs. For example, if a student is interested in ...
However, including colleges that require supplemental essays on your list changes everything. Supplementals are Usually Shorter but More Than Just One. As mentioned, supplemental essays are also called school-specific essays. That's because they're exactly that — you write each essay with a particular school in mind.
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.
Maybe you want to apply to a few schools, but don't want to write any essays. Perhaps you've already written so many supplemental essays that the thought of writing one more makes you want to lock yourself in your room with five family size bags of kettle corn and never come out. Maybe you're just trying to take advantage of the Common Application's 20 school cap by sending out your ...
Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don't have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or ...
Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (Continued) 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 ...
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!
Western Oregon University. Required only for students who don't meet minimum academic requirements. Admission primarily via GPA (3.0+) and recommendation; test optional except for students applying for scholarships and honors, or for those who don't meet minimum academic requirements. Eastern Oregon University.
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.
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 ...
For starters, consider looking at schools such as Middlebury College, Colby College, and Wabash College. Additionally, some public universities tend to have more streamlined applications; for instance, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the University of Iowa typically do not require supplemental essays for general admission.