cmu supplemental essays 2024

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide 

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

Carnegie Mellon University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 short essays of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why ,  Short Answer

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

So many factors go into shaping your educational experience: course selection, professors, classmates, campus culture, even the city where you’ll live. Think through how each of these will affect you and jot down some examples of what you’re looking for in each. Do you value a professor who is accessible via office hours? Do you focus well in a stadium-seating lecture hall? Are you excited to start a small study group for your Shakespeare: Comedies and Romances  literature course? Additionally, do some research on their website and show them that you value what they specifically have to offer. Give them a peek into how you learn and help them visualize you as a thriving student in their community.

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

This prompt sounds simple enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it so much so that you’re willing to dedicate four years of your life to it (at the very least). While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will expect you to connect your intended major with some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. Lucky for you, we would have advised you to start with an anecdote anyway. The most personal, memorable essays spring from concrete descriptions of your lived experience. What excites you and why? When was the last time you got drawn down a Reddit rabbit hole – and what was the topic? While you don’t need to drill to the origin of your interest in a given topic, try to zero in on some formative experience: the best TED Talk you ever watched, the first time you spoke to your new friend in ASL, that one time when you shadowed an EMT and saw what it’s like to help people in need! Your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study. And don’t forget: CMU asks what passion OR inspiration led you to choose this area of study. You can also talk about a particularly powerful book you read or a life-changing experience that set you on this path. Just make sure to use details to bring your story to life.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

This prompt is a kind of free for all opportunity. Much like Common App’s prompt #7 , CMU is giving you free reign to write about any topic under the sun. If you’re overwhelmed by all the potential possibilities, don’t fret. Instead take a breath and ask yourself: What doesn’t admissions know about me yet? What do I wish I’d had more space to write about on my resume or activity list? If you’ve written a supplemental essay for another school about a particularly rewarding activity, this is an excellent place to tweak and recycle that essay. Almost any essay that you have already written in response to supplemental essay prompts for other schools will be applicable here, as long as it doesn’t address what you want to study or how you work with others. If you haven’t already drafted any others supplemental essays that would fit here, feel free to seek inspiration in the prompts for other schools (ideally the ones on your list). Worst case scenario, revisit your personal statement brainstorming notes and think about the topics that you almost wrote about. Can you write about any of those memories or stories in 200 words?

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Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

When applying to a school like Carnegie Mellon that only accepts 11% of applicants, it’s important to keep in mind that the other 89% of applicants will ultimately be denied admission. Many of these rejected individuals will have straight A’s in high school and/or SATs in the 1500s. Those applying to certain programs—computer science, for example—will face even more harrowing odds. We don’t bring up this harsh reality in an attempt to crush your dreams or deter you from applying. Rather, we want to impart to prospective CMU applicants the need to maximize every component of your application. The aim is to ultimately shine just a touch brighter than your well-qualified competition. This includes the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Carnegie Mellon University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Carnegie Mellon: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The three 300-word essays required by Carnegie Mellon give applicants the chance they need to separate themselves from the throngs of other extremely talented and deserving CMU hopefuls. Below are CMU’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – #1

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study (300 words).

Here, CMU is asking you to share your story of how you became interested in your selected discipline. You can structure the narrative of this essay as a soup-to-nuts chronicle of your entire journey toward your discipline of interest. Contrarily, you could share one or two vignettes that illustrate your burgeoning passion for engineering, history, French, computer science, business, psychology, etc. As you begin the prewriting phase, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your first strong memory relating to your future area of study?
• What fills you with wonder?
• What books have you read on the subject?
• Do you consume podcasts or documentaries related to your passions?
• Have certain online or print publications helped to fuel your interests?
• What subtopics of your prospective discipline most intrigue you?
• Did a teacher excite you about this topic or was it a parent/relative or outside mentor?
• How did you seek our subject-relevant opportunities outside of the high school classroom?

CMU Supplemental Essays – #2

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. as you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience (300 words).

There’s a lot to unpack in this prompt before you even enter the brainstorming phase of the essay-writing process. First, they want to know a bit about your goals, which could be:

• Degree-oriented
• Career-focused
• A combination of two or all three of the previous options.

Given that CMU requires you to apply to a particular college within the larger university, you likely already have a reasonably strong notion of what discipline you hope to study. You’ll definitely want to share everything you already know about the degree you aim to earn. Additionally, you’ll want to discuss how that fits into your larger life plans.

Next, you’ll want to take note of the fact that “learning” is mentioned twice in this prompt, a solid indicator that CMU is sincerely interested in how you will take advantage of the unique learning opportunities available to you at their instruction. While not required, you should consider discussing items such as:

• CMU-specific academic programs , professors, or course offerings.
• Undergraduate research opportunities .
• Study abroad programs .
• The classroom environment at Carnegie Mellon— class size , laboratory settings, etc.
• Campus organizations that will help you continue your learning outside of the classroom.

In short, generic thoughts about how you envision engaging in the learning process throughout your collegiate experience are perfectly fine, but school-specific detail can take an essay from good to great.

CMU Supplemental Essays – #3

Consider your application as a whole. what do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words).

After completing your main Common App essay and the first two CMU essays, is there anything that you have yet to share that is absolutely elemental to who you are as a person/student? Without the benefit of an in-person interview, it may feel like you never fully had a chance to connect intimately with a Carnegie Mellon admissions officer. You have a burning sense that you have not communicated the full you, your true essence, your je ne sais quoi, your…you get the idea. If you feel something important about yourself has yet to be communicated elsewhere in the application, then CMU Prompt #3 is the answer to your prayers.

Consider that the admissions reader is already familiar with your academic history, activities, and awards. What don’t they know, or, what could they understand on a deeper level? This could be a particular skill or talent, or something about your character or personality. This one is intentionally open-ended, so use this space to share your most cherished accomplishments or most winning attributes. The university itself is inviting you to “brag” here. We recommend obliging, by presenting the equivalent of a “closing argument” at the end of this admissions trial.

One example of what not to do would be to say, “I work as a camp counselor in the summer” if that was already listed in the Activities section. Another no-no is deciding that the admonition regarding linking to websites doesn’t apply to you, because, well…they simply have to see your art exhibit or performance on stage in Oklahoma! last year. We promise that it is better to take CMU at their word that they prefer that you describe it. This remains true no matter what “it” is.

How important are the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays?

CMU rates the essays as being an “important” factor in their evaluation process. The essays are listed alongside recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, and first-generation status. The only factors ranked above the essays as being “very important” are: GPA, the rigor of high school coursework, class rank, extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteer work.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing-related resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
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• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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4 Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay Examples (2024)

If you want to get into Carnegie Mellon in 2024, you'll need to write responses to CMU's writing supplement that help you stand out and get accepted.

In this article, I've gathered 4 of the best CMU essays that worked to hopefully get you inspired to write your own stand-out essays.

I've also included this year's supplemental prompts for CMU and some ideas for getting started.

Let's get started.

What is Carnegie Mellon's Acceptance Rate?

Getting into Carnegie Mellon is more difficult every year. Last year, 42,015 students applied to CMU and only 7,143 students were admitted.

Which means Carnegie Mellon University an overall acceptance rate of 17% , or in other words less than every 1 in 5 students get admitted each year.

And admissions into certain programs like Computer Science or the School of Drama is even more competitive, with acceptances rates of 7% and 4% each.

Carnegie Mellon Acceptance Scattergram

That's a comparable admit rate to the most selective Ivy League schools like Princeton University for example.

To have your best chances of getting into CMU, you'll need to write great essay responses. Below are 4 of the best examples of CMU essays to help improve your essays and get accepted.

What are the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

This year Carnegie Mellon requires students to write three short essays of 300 words each.

Here are the Carnegie Mellon University writing supplement prompts for 2022. The questions on this page are being asked by Carnegie Mellon University:

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

Carnegie Mellon has used these prompts in past years.

And below you'll find several examples of essays that responded to these prompts. I've also included some personal statement essays from admitted CMU students.

4 Carnegie Mellon University EssaysThatWorked

It's safe to say students who get into Carnegie Mellon write interesting and creative application essays. Or at least these ones did.

Here are 4 of the best Carnegie Mellon essays that have helped students get admitted.

Carnegie Mellon Essay Example #1

Carnegie mellon essay example #2, carnegie mellon essay example #3, carnegie mellon essay example #4.

Prompt: Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words max)

When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I in fact was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own. Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities.

In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger. I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.

Prompt: Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words max)

I recall entering the intimidating world of high school as an exorbitantly introverted, stereotypical Asian girl. My father urged me to assert myself and attempt new activities I wouldn’t have typically participated in. I didn’t want to be disappointed in twenty years by the things I didn’t attempt in high school, so I decided to pursue my long-time dream of becoming a cheerleader. I had always admired the optimism that cheerleaders had, and I was at a point in my life where I needed more positivity.

I faced obstacles trying to join the team. An Asian cheerleader? But Asians were supposed to be smart and cheerleaders were dumb! I broke racial stereotypes by becoming the first Asian cheerleader in my high school.

When I made the squad, I was exposed to individuals which whom I did not ordinarily traverse paths. I stepped outside of my bubble and met girls who were extremely extroverted and seemed to be in a constant state of elation. They taught me how to spread positivity throughout my daily interactions and taught me to use optimism as a strength in facing the hurdles of life. These were qualities I would have never learned from a textbook.

My parents had possessed strong reservations about me joining and feared I would meet girls who weren’t motivated in academics. This was false. Many of the girls were brilliant and creative in ways my regular friend group wasn’t. All avenues of life met there on that team.

Cheerleading was the rain and sun that helped a small seed like me bloom into a flower. It delights me knowing that I gained social skills and made friends I never thought I could gain. Cheerleading has changed my perspective on life and joining that family is one of my greatest treasures.

Prompt: “When we‘re connected to others, we become better people,” said Carnegie Mellon University‘s Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture .

At Carnegie Mellon you‘ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of scholars, artists and innovators. Given the students, faculty, staff and resources that have been available to you as a student, how have you collaborated with others, in or out of the classroom?

Or, what lessons have you learned from working with others in the past, that might shape your experience in the future? (300 words max)

Because it took some time for me to pass my driving test, I was unable to get a traditional job at the same age as the rest of my peers. I had another friend who was also unable to drive. To fund our shopping addictions, we started our own business, "Velour Slimes," where we sold slimes of a diverse number of scents and textures. The experience gave us a taste of entrepreneurship and the elements of what it takes to run a successful business. One of those elements was collaboration.

Going into business with a friend can get ugly, even with a small scale operation like ours. One of our most grueling conflicts was deciding whether to spend our first profit paying off our debts or buying new materials to make more slime with. Neither of us were transparent with our goals, or on the same page. We let our conflict escalate to the point where we could not look at each other. Eventually we solved our issue by effectively communicating together. By being honest with each other about our ideas and concisely supporting our arguments with evidence, we were able to understand each other and find a balance. In the end, we compromised. We spent half of the money paying off our debts and the other half on more materials to create even more slimes.

This experience brought me closer to my friend. We were able to strengthen our relationship while becoming more understanding and considerate of each others’ feelings. I discovered empathy is deeply necessary in improving the negative aspects of modern day society. If we were all a bit more empathetic, the world would be a more pleasant place. For that reason, I try to continuously improve my own compassion.

Prompt: Why Carnegie Mellon? (650 words max)

With a strong background in computer science and communications, I hope to incorporate both into a future career of building data systems, conducting research, and consulting for organizations that serve underrepresented citizens.

Why This Essay Works:

Specific details and anecdotes will almost always be more compelling than less specific ones. In this essay, the student does a great job of including specific, "nerdy" details, such as "an association test between melanoma associated variants and survival outcome." These details demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of an area and make your essay more engaging.

This essay does a fantastic job of addressing real-world problems and emphasizing the "bigger picture" impact of their studies. Rather than just explaining what they want to study, this student explains how their education will help them have an impact on the world. Make an argument for what problems you see in the world and how you could potentially help solve them.

For "Why Us?" college essays, one of the most important parts is to reference unique aspects to the school. Almost all colleges have strong academics, great faculty, etc. So instead of referencing those points, reference what makes the school unique and different. In this essay, the student talks about "CMU's Technology Consulting in the Global Community" program, which is both highly specific to CMU and relevant to their own interests.

What They Might Improve:

In general, you should avoid simply listing your achievements. This student has many remarkable activities and experiences, but it comes across less interesting because the first half of the essay is simply describing these accomplishments.

For "Why Us?" essays, it is also a good idea to reference the values the school represents. Each school has a different "culture" and type of student body, and admissions wants to know how you will fit in.

If you're trying to get into Carnegie Mellon, here are 4 of the best essays that worked. Read example answers to Carnegie Mellon's writing supplement for 2022 and see how other students got into CMU.

What did you think of these Carnegie Mellon essays?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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August 1, 2024

Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Carnegie Mellon University has released its 2024-2025 admissions essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2029 . CMU requires applicants to write three essays (in addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement). Each essay has a 300-word maximum. So, what are this year’s CMU essays? Let’s find out!

2024-2025 Carnegie Mellon Essay Topics and Questions

1. Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

This essay prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Major question. CMU’s admissions committee wants to understand the origin of an applicant’s interest in their chosen area of study. It’s critical that students write their origin story in high school rather than as children. Admissions officers, after all, want to learn about how you think now — not as a middle-schooler or toddler.

Also, it would be ideal if the applicant’s activities reflect their interest in their chosen area of study so they present with a singular hook rather than well-roundedness.

2. Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

CMU’s admissions committee wants to see that an applicant is eager for a challenge. They want to see that while a student has firm conviction, they also are malleable to change. After all, the beauty of a liberal arts education is exposure to a variety of disciplines and ways of thinking. As such, an anecdote that showcases how a student has learned something that has changed their lives — ideally but not necessarily connected to their hook as presented in their activity section — can be a great approach to this prompt.

3. Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

Much like The Common Application’s Personal Statement, this essay prompt is a free-write. Students can write whatever it is they’d like. Applicants should just be sure not to be redundant — they shouldn’t repeat things they’ve written in previous essays. And they should be sure to highlight their intellectual curiosity. Too often, students write silly answers to vague essay prompts. That’s never the right approach.

This essay prompt is an opportunity to make it clear to admissions officers how a student thinks and how they hope to contribute to the world in their own small but meaningful way.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Carnegie Mellon Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to CMU by submitting compelling essays that shine a strobe light on your hook, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Carnegie mellon supplemental essays 2023-24.

Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, especially in engineering and computer science . As one of the nation’s top universities, CMU demands rock-solid applications, which means well-crafted Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays. While a 4.0 GPA is impressive, CMU supplemental essays will truly differentiate the most competitive applicants. So, to maximize your admissions chances, you want highly refined Carnegie Mellon essays, and we’ll help you get started.

Here’s a quick rundown of Carnegie Mellon. CMU’s cutting-edge academic offerings and vibrant extracurricular opportunities draw many aspiring students every year for every discipline. Where is Carnegie Mellon? It’s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , and is among the top schools in the state. As one of America’s premier private research institutions, Carnegie Mellon annually attracts a diverse cohort of exceptional minds—including you. 

This article will review the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays and their place among the Carnegie Mellon requirements. We’ll decode the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts and outline the Carnegie Mellon admissions requirements. We’ll also guide you through writing your CMU supplemental essays by offering strategies and tips for your Carnegie Mellon essays. Together, we will learn how to craft impactful Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays. Let’s get started. 

CMU Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

Carnegie mellon supplemental essays: quick facts.

• Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate: According to U.S. News , the acceptance rate is 14%, which classifies Carnegie Mellon University as most selective.
• 1 Personal Statement
• 3 essays  (< 300 words each)
• Carnegie Mellon University Admissions Application: Carnegie Mellon University only accepts Common Application . Therefore, students must complete their Carnegie Mellon application using the Common Application.
• Early Decision I: November 1st
• Regular Decision for Schools of Drama and Music: December 1st
• Early Decision II: January 3rd
• Regular Decision: January 3rd

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Carnegie Mellon require supplemental essays?

Yes, the Carnegie Mellon requirements include supplemental essays. In addition to your Common Application personal statement, Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to respond to three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts. These Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays should be under 300 words and will explore your academic interests, learning process, and personal interests.

It’s important to note that the Common Application personal statement is not covered further in this article. However, CollegeAdvisor.com has several resources for writing knockout Common Application and Coalition Application essays, including several successful examples . We also have an article that takes a deep dive into the 2023–2024 Common App essay prompts. Take a look around our site for more about personal statements and more.

With a word count of 300 words or less, these Carnegie Mellon essay prompts require a concise response. Therefore, applicants must craft brief, impactful CMU supplemental essays that positively impact the Carnegie Mellon admissions team . In the following sections, we’ll discuss the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts and how to approach the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

What are the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays?

As shared in the previous section, Carnegie Mellon University requires the Common Application personal statement and three CMU supplemental essays. Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays respond to three distinct Carnegie Mellon essay prompts. Each of these Carnegie Mellon essay prompts asks a different question, and each essay will also reveal more about you.

Here are the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts for 2023–2024:

As you can see, the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts all ask very different questions. The Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays should give the admissions committee insight into you as a future CMU student. So, why are you interested in CMU as a place to explore your passions and fulfill your goals? Moreover, will you uphold CMU’s legacy on campus and after graduation?

Next, we’ll look more closely at how to approach each of these Carnegie Mellon essay prompts. Remember that it’s advisable to brainstorm several ideas for each prompt, even if you already know what to write. You never know when you may come up with even better essay ideas for your CMU supplemental essays.

Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompts #1

As shared in the previous section, the first of the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts asks:

Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompt #1

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity, or personal goal. whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. as you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience.

Among the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, this asks most directly about applicants’ interest in Carnegie Mellon. Strong CMU supplemental essays for this prompt should balance the applicant’s goals for college with the university’s offerings. The essay should also show the applicant has done their research and knows how CMU can uniquely support them in their college journey.

How to write this Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay

The first of the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts asks students to reflect on what they consider a successful college experience. In response to this Carnegie Mellon essay, it’s important to note that the college experience is multifaceted, so there are many different ways to define “success.” For this Carnegie Mellon essay, it is essential to understand what a successful college experience looks like for you.

Some types of success that you may want to consider in your response are: 

Academic Excellence

You may hope for close relationships with professors through office hours and small class sizes. What kind of academic environment can you thrive in, and how can CMU offer that?

Broadened Horizons

CMU has myriad opportunities to expand your learning beyond lectures, from extracurricular groups to study abroad programs. How do you envision these mind-opening experiences as part of your years at CMU?

Skill Development

Many students also hone skills relevant to your future career through internships, research projects, or extracurricular activities. Are there any offerings at Carnegie Mellon that will help you foster useful skills?

Personal Growth

For most, college is a time for self-discovery and personal development. This could mean joining groups relevant to your cultural identity or background, participating in mentorship, or even doing community service.

An illustrious school like CMU is an ideal place to build meaningful relationships with peers, professors, and mentors. Think of your future career and ways you may start building a network while still a student.

Of course, you don’t have to include every one of these points, and you can choose your own. The key is to think about what excites you about college—large lecture hall classes? Robotics research? Slacklining with the outdoors club? Jot down the most important or interesting prospects and research CMU to see if they can offer that.

Successful Carnegie Mellon essays for this prompt should be specific about what the applicant considers a “successful college experience.” In addition, they should clearly state ways that CMU is an ideal environment, mentioning offerings like specific programs and groups. Ultimately, your essay should leave the reader understanding what you want out of college and how CMU can provide it.

Carnegie Mellon Why Major Essay

Like many selective colleges, the second of the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts ask students to complete the “why major” essay as part of their application process. For this Carnegie Mellon essay, the prompt asks:

Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompt # 2

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study.

Out of the three Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, this question may appear the simplest, but don’t be mistaken. Writing this essay can be challenging because you only have 300 words to convey your passion. Especially for students who are laser-focused on their intended major, this can be a sizable challenge to write.

It’s important to note that students actually enter Carnegie Mellon undecided. In fact, students can’t even declare a major until the end of their first year. Therefore, you aren’t bound by the topic you write about in this essay. Right now, you may already be planning the layout of your desk at NASA—and maybe you end up majoring in biology. This essay is about your academic passion right now; nobody will scrutinize it if you change disciplines in college. 

Some students face a different hurdle: they don’t know what area of study they’re most passionate about. You may even be applying undeclared to one of CMU’s schools—a wide range of fields are available. Again, these Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays play no role in the major you ultimately declare. In light of that, you can brainstorm several topics that interest you and why. Don’t hesitate to make outlines or even quick and dirty drafts to narrow down your topic.

Approaching this Why Major Essay

Among the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts, this asks most specifically about your intellectual interests. Therefore, a good Carnegie Mellon essay for this essay should accomplish three key things.

1. Identify Your Interest

Identify the academic area or major that genuinely resonates with you. You may state this directly, or it may be built in to the next section.

2. Share Your Background

Provide context to how you developed your passion for that particular interest, demonstrating enthusiasm for the field. This section should be the longest because you want to share as much information about yourself as possible. Therefore, share stories, anecdotes, or experiences illustrating your passion for the major. Furthermore, be sure to include any relevant experience that you already have in the field. Do you have internships, research projects, extracurricular activities, or coursework that have informed your decision? Be sure to mention them and explain how these experiences have shaped your understanding of the field.

3. Connect to Carnegie

Connect your passion and academic interest to Carnegie Mellon’s academic programs and opportunities. Share why the chance to study at Carnegie Mellon captivates you—whether it’s a unique curriculum, esteemed faculty, or research initiatives. Highlight how Carnegie’s programs align with your academic aspirations and why CMU is the ideal place to foster intellectual growth. 

Considering you only have 300 words to tackle this Carnegie Mellon essay, every word counts. So, avoid general statements and focus on specifics that showcase your deep interest and preparedness for the chosen academic areas. Be specific about your interest, your experience, and how CMU can meet your academic needs.

Additionally, be mindful of mentioning the same thing twice. If you mentioned a research initiative in the first Carnegie Mellon essay, do you need to bring it up here? That’s not to say your application will be automatically rejected if you name drop it again, but think carefully. Use your words wisely—if you could better use those words to talk about yourself and your passion, do so. The Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays don’t give any room for wasted words.

By following this advice, your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays will certainly captivate Carnegie’s admissions committee. 

CMU Supplemental Essay #3 – Highlight Something

The final Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay allows you to highlight something about yourself that wasn’t previously mentioned in your application materials. The last of the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts asks:

Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompt #3

Consider your application as a whole. what do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. tell us, don’t show us (no websites, please)..

While possible Carnegie Mellon essays here are endless, it’s important to consider the overall impression of your CMU supplemental essays . That is to say, Carnegie Mellon essays for this prompt should contribute to the applicant’s personal narrative . How are you trying to present yourself to the admissions committee? Within that, what aspects are missing from your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays? Questions like these can help you choose your topic, but they can be difficult to answer.

Therefore, in the next section, we will help you decide what to showcase in this Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay.

Choosing what to showcase in this Carnegie Mellon essay

When approaching this Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay, think about it like this; your admissions decision may be riding on these 300 words. This might be the keystone that completes the admissions officer’s understanding of you as a potential CMU student. Ideally, these Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays provide critical information that rounds out a picture of their writers.

So think about who you are and how you want the admissions committee to understand you. Reread your other two CMU supplemental essays, personal statement, and extracurricular activities section. What is something you haven’t already shared that would take you over the top in the eyes of the admissions committee? 

Here are some things you may want to consider: 

Hobby or Extracurricular Activity Experience

While Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays allow you to highlight your academic interests, sometimes, your academic interests don’t align with your hobbies. Therefore, this could be a great space for a particular hobby or extracurricular experience you couldn’t highlight anywhere else. Common topics like sports or community service should be considered carefully, but most importantly, you should write with enthusiasm. 

Cultural or Diversity Perspectives

Considering the recent affirmative action ruling , some students from marginalized groups may not be able to state their ethnic background on the Common App. This includes how their ethnicity may have affected their livelihood. Therefore, you can use this Carnegie Mellon essay to discuss your cultural background, experiences, or perspectives. There are endless ways to approach this, like how your experiences will enrich your time as a community member at CMU.

Personal Challenges or Growth

Some successful Carnegie Mellon essays share a personal challenge and the growth that resulted from facing it. Instead of focusing solely on hardship, delve into the specific experiences and emotions you encountered during these challenges. What did you learn, and how did facing—not necessarily overcoming—this challenge shape you? Furthermore, maintain a positive and forward-looking tone, demonstrating resilience and a capacity for self-improvement. 

Is Carnegie Mellon hard to get into?

You’re probably aware that Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its challenging admissions process. With an acceptance rate of approximately 14%, it can be quite difficult to secure a spot. While meeting the academic Carnegie Mellon requirements is important, your application is much more than a place to flaunt good grades.

Remember that your application’s strength lies within overall excellence, which includes well-crafted CMU supplemental essays. These Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays can be what puts you over the edge. Your CMU supplemental essays allow you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences and your fit with CMU’s values and academic programs. While it’s undeniably competitive, admissions at Carnegie Mellon is not insurmountable. Well-rounded and thoughtful Carnegie Mellon essays can be what sets you apart and ultimately tips the scales in your favor.

Does Carnegie Mellon care about essays?

Yes, yes, yes. Admissions officers greatly value Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays because they offer direct insight into an applicant’s capabilities. In Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, hopeful students speak directly to admissions staff about what they’ve done and what they’ll do at CMU. Essays are also a useful means to expand the admission criteria for prospective students, providing a more complete picture than scores alone.

As a test-optional institution for those applying for fall 2024, Carnegie Mellon University also acknowledges the limitations of standardized test scores. A student’s potential, abilities, and compatibility with the university’s community cannot be fully captured by a standardized test. Consequently, for students without test scores, other Carnegie Mellon admissions requirements like transcripts, recommendations , and, most notably, CMU supplemental essays are more heavily weighed. However, that’s not to say that applicants are forbidden from sending test scores—if your standardized test scores are competitive, submit them.

Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays empower applicants to illuminate their distinctive perspectives, life experiences, and personal attributes. Through the CMU supplemental essays, applicants can provide a deeper look into their character, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with Carnegie Mellon’s core values. Therefore, the university gains a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of each applicant by meticulously reviewing CMU supplemental essays.

How do I make my Carnegie Mellon essays stand out?

Considering the importance of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, getting your CMU supplemental essays to stand out is incredibly important. So, here are some suggestions to help your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays stand out to the admissions team.

Using Authenticity and Personal Voice in Your Carnegie Mellon Essays

Ensure your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays reflect your true self. Use your Carnegie Mellon essays to share personal anecdotes and experiences that have influenced your values, passions, and goals. Avoid generic responses and instead focus on the unique aspects of your journey. Even if you feel that your experiences are common, make them yours.

Research and Understanding of Carnegie Mellon University

Take the time to research Carnegie Mellon University’s values, mission, and academic programs thoroughly. Anyone can answer, “Where is Carnegie Mellon?”, but you should be able to outline several CMU offerings that interest you. Gain a deep understanding of the university’s majors, academic offerings, campus culture, and initiatives. Incorporate this knowledge into your Carnegie Mellon essays to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with Carnegie Mellon.

Have an Engaging Writing Style in Your Carnegie Mellon Essays

Make your Carnegie Mellon essays engaging and captivating through strong storytelling . Capture the reader’s attention with powerful imagery and thoughtful language. Maintain a compelling narrative flow that keeps the reader hooked from the introduction to the conclusion. Avoid cliches and other common pitfalls —try to find your particular writing voice and let it shine through.

Proofread and Refine Your Carnegie Mellon Essays

Pay careful attention to proofreading and editing your CMU essays. Ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Verify the clarity and coherence of your ideas. Given the limited word count, you should also choose every word wisely and eliminate redundancy. You may ask a trusted friend or mentor to read your Carnegie Mellon essays and give you feedback.

By utilizing these strategies while writing your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, you can create standout Carnegie Mellon essays that showcase your unique qualities and potential. Remember, CMU supplemental essays are your opportunity to convince the admissions committee that you’re an ideal fit for Carnegie Mellon University.

CMU Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Carnegie Mellon University boasts a reputation for academic excellence and a highly competitive admissions process. To secure admission to Carnegie Mellon, it’s crucial to recognize the paramount importance of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays. Indeed, all aspects of the Carnegie Mellon application, from extracurriculars to recommendation letters , are important. However, in Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, you can directly tell admissions officers who you are and why CMU is the place for you.

CMU supplemental essays are your chance to stand out and capture the admissions committee’s attention. Your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays are a crucial component of your application and will significantly impact your admission chances. Therefore, it’s essential to approach your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays strategically. Craft your CMU supplemental essays thoughtfully and use them to convey your unique qualities and potential contributions to the Carnegie Mellon community.

Ultimately, your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays allow you to shine and convince the admissions committee that you’re an ideal fit. Use these tips to write impressive CMU supplemental essays and put your Carnegie Mellon application over the top. Are you now ready to apply ? We hope so. Good luck!

This article was written by senior advisor Ashley Hollins . Still looking for additional information, check out this CollegeAdvisor article on Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays from 2021-2022 . Are you looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. Our team will discuss your profile during your meeting 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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Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Carnegie Mellon University, renowned for its innovative approach to education and a strong emphasis on research and technology, stands out as a leading institution of higher learning. In the realm of college admissions, the supplemental essays hold significant weight, serving as a window into the applicant’s personality, intellect, and potential contributions to the campus community.

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Carnegie Mellon has crafted prompts that are both challenging and opportunity-rich, designed to elicit thoughtful and revealing responses from prospective students. At the heart of these supplemental essays are questions that probe into the candidates’ motivations, aspirations, and self-perceptions.

Carnegie Mellon’s prompts are notably open-ended compared to many other universities, offering a unique canvas for students to paint a vivid picture of their academic passions, personal journeys, and future ambitions. Understanding and responding effectively to these prompts is crucial for applicants wishing to stand out in a pool of highly qualified candidates.

Applying to Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon only accepts applications through the Common Application , and you need to submit your application online.

Make sure to check the application plans, deadlines, and admission requirements for Carnegie Mellon . If you’re applying to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, or Music, please also look at the College of Fine Arts applicant information.

Remember, Drama and Music applicants have a December 1 deadline for Regular Decision. When you apply, you’ll get an email within one to five business days from the Office of Admission confirming they’ve received your application. This email will help you track your application’s progress.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Carnegie Mellon Have?

For the 2023-24 admissions cycle, Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to complete three supplementary essay prompts. Each of these essays is limited to 300 words. These essays are an integral part of the application process, giving applicants the opportunity to showcase their individual strengths and aspirations in relation to what CMU offers.

What are the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)

Answering the 2023-2024 Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay Prompts

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? 

This prompt is primarily about understanding the underlying motivations and inspirations that have led a student to choose their intended major or area of study. It seeks to explore the depth of the student’s interest in the subject and how this interest has evolved over time. The aim is to gauge not just the student’s commitment to the field but also to understand the personal journey and experiences that have shaped their academic choices.

Here are four key points for students to consider while brainstorming and answering this prompt, with detailed explanations for each:

1. Identify the Origin of Your Interest: Begin by reflecting on when and how your interest in the chosen field started. Was it a particular event, a class in school, a personal project, or an encounter with a work in this field that sparked your curiosity? Detailing this origin story gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your personal journey and helps them understand the sincerity and depth of your passion.

2. Describe Key Milestones and Experiences: Discuss specific experiences, projects, or challenges that furthered your interest in this field. This could include relevant classes, extracurricular activities, internships, personal projects, or even influential books or conversations. Describe how these experiences contributed to your growing interest and understanding of the subject. This shows the progression of your passion over time.

3. Connect Your Interest to Your Personal Values or Goals: Explain how your chosen field aligns with your personal values, life goals, or future aspirations. This connection demonstrates a deeper level of reflection and shows that your choice of study is not just a passing interest but is integral to who you are and who you want to become.

4. Reflect on What Makes Your Perspective Unique: Finally, consider what unique perspective or experiences you bring to this field. How does your background, culture, or personal experiences inform your approach to this area of study? This helps in showcasing your individuality and how your unique perspective can contribute to the diversity of thought in the university community.

Remember, the key to a compelling response is authenticity and specificity. It’s not just about stating an interest but illustrating it through your personal story and experiences.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

This Carnegie Mellon essay prompt is fundamentally about understanding and articulating personal goals and aspirations in the context of a college education. It invites students to reflect on what they consider a successful college experience, beyond just obtaining a degree. Here are four key points students should consider when answering this prompt:

1. Define Personal and Academic Goals: Students should start by clearly defining their personal and academic goals. This could involve specific skills they want to acquire, career paths they aspire to, or personal development they hope to achieve through their college education. For instance, a student interested in computer science might discuss aspirations to contribute to groundbreaking technology developments or the desire to acquire skills in both technical and leadership areas.

2. Emphasize the Importance of Learning: The prompt places a strong emphasis on learning as a critical component of college success. Students should reflect on how they approach learning – not just in academic terms, but as a lifelong process. They might discuss their enthusiasm for engaging with diverse ideas, their commitment to overcoming challenges in their studies, or how they plan to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.

3. Incorporate College Resources and Opportunities: It’s important to link personal goals with specific resources and opportunities offered by Carnegie Mellon. Students could mention unique programs, clubs, or research opportunities that align with their goals. For instance, if a student is interested in entrepreneurship, they could talk about how participating in Carnegie Mellon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will contribute to their success.

4. Reflect on Personal Growth and Contributions to the Campus Community: Lastly, students should consider how they will grow as individuals and contribute to the campus community. This could involve discussing their desire to engage with diverse perspectives, contribute to campus organizations, or develop leadership skills through campus activities. The aim here is to show a holistic view of success that combines personal achievement with community involvement.

By covering these aspects, students can create a comprehensive and compelling response that showcases their ambitions, understanding of the learning process, and how they envision making the most of their college experience at Carnegie Mellon.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). 

This is an open-ended question that allows applicants to showcase unique aspects of their personalities, experiences, or qualifications that might not be evident in the rest of their application. This question is about giving students the opportunity to highlight a part of their story, identity, or achievements that they feel is significant and would contribute to their profile as a desirable candidate.

Here are four key points for brainstorming and detailed explanations for each:

1. Personal Growth or Challenges Overcome: Encourage students to reflect on a personal challenge or a significant growth experience. This could be overcoming a personal obstacle, dealing with a family situation, or a significant personal achievement. The key is to focus on how the experience shaped them, what they learned, and how it has prepared them for college. For example, overcoming a fear, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or managing a learning disability. This narrative should demonstrate resilience, maturity, and self-awareness.

2. Passion Projects or Extracurricular Involvements: Students can highlight a project or activity they are deeply passionate about but haven’t had the space to discuss in other parts of their application. This could be an independent research project, a community service initiative, a creative endeavor, or leadership in an extracurricular activity. The emphasis should be on the impact of this involvement, how it aligns with their academic and career goals, and what it reveals about their character. For example, starting a community clean-up program or developing an app to solve a local problem.

3. Unique Skills or Talents: If a student has a unique skill or talent that sets them apart, this prompt is a great place to discuss it. This could be anything from fluency in multiple languages, exceptional artistic abilities, or even unconventional skills like coding or robotics. The idea is to showcase how these skills have been developed and used in meaningful ways. For example, using multilingual skills to bridge communication gaps in their community or applying artistic talents in local events.

4. Cultural or Family Background: Students can use this prompt to highlight aspects of their cultural or family background that have significantly influenced their perspectives and aspirations. This can include traditions, values, or experiences unique to their family or community. It’s important to focus on how this background has shaped their worldview, contributed to their educational goals, and prepared them to contribute to a diverse college community. For example, growing up in a multicultural household or engaging in cultural community events.

In answering this prompt, students should aim to be authentic, reflective, and specific, connecting their chosen topic back to their overall candidacy and potential contributions to Carnegie Mellon’s community.

Structuring Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays is crucial in conveying an applicant’s message effectively and making a memorable impression. For the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, a well-structured essay can make the difference between an application that stands out and one that gets lost in the pile. Here are three key points on how applicants can structure their Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays:

1. Introduction: Begin the essay with a compelling narrative or anecdote that directly relates to the prompt. This not only engages the reader but also sets a personal tone for the essay. For instance, if a student is writing about a challenge they’ve overcome, they might start with a vivid description of a moment that epitomizes that challenge . This approach not only grabs attention but also immediately immerses the admissions committee in the student’s world. It’s essential that this narrative seamlessly leads into the main theme of the essay, providing a natural flow into the subsequent sections.

2. Thematic Body Sections: After the engaging start, the body of the essay should be organized into clear, thematic sections. Each section should focus on a specific aspect of the topic, providing depth and detail. For instance, in a Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay, one section could delve into how the applicant’s experiences have shaped their academic interests, another could discuss skills or qualities they’ve developed, and a third could explore how these elements align with the opportunities at Carnegie Mellon. Using clear, thematic sections helps maintain a focused and coherent narrative, making it easier for the admissions committee to follow and appreciate the student’s story and aspirations.

3. Reflective and Forward-Looking Conclusion: The conclusion should not only summarize the key points discussed but also reflect on what the student has learned and how it prepares them for a future at Carnegie Mellon. This section should tie back to the introduction, creating a full-circle effect that leaves a lasting impression. For example, the conclusion could revisit the initial narrative and reflect on how the student’s journey has prepared them for the unique challenges and opportunities that Carnegie Mellon offers. It’s also an opportunity to explicitly state why Carnegie Mellon is the right fit for them, based on the specific programs, culture, or opportunities the university provides.

In structuring their Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle, applicants should ensure that their essays are not only well-organized and coherent but also showcase their personality, experiences, and fit for the university. A well-structured essay will flow logically, keep the reader engaged, and effectively communicate the student’s unique story and aspirations.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

Effectively revising and proofreading essays is a critical step in crafting a compelling and error-free application. For students applying to Carnegie Mellon for the 2023-2024 cycle, ensuring that their supplemental essays are polished and impactful is especially important. Here are four detailed strategies for revising and proofreading Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays:

1. Layered Review Approach: Break down the revision process into multiple layers. The first layer should focus on content and structure. Does the essay answer the prompt fully? Is there a clear and logical flow of ideas? The second layer should examine the style and voice. Is the essay reflective of the student’s personality? Does it maintain a balance between formality and personal expression? The final layer should be about language and clarity. Are there any complex or unclear sentences that could be simplified for better understanding? This approach ensures that each aspect of the essay is thoroughly reviewed.

2. Feedback from Multiple Sources: Obtain feedback from various individuals such as teachers, peers, or family members. Each person will bring a different perspective. For instance, a teacher might provide insights on the academic soundness of the essay, while peers might focus on how relatable and genuine the essay feels. When collecting feedback, specifically ask reviewers to look for different aspects: content accuracy, emotional impact, and language use. This varied input can be invaluable in enhancing the overall quality of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

3. Focused Proofreading Sessions: Instead of trying to catch every error in one go, conduct multiple, focused proofreading sessions. In each session, concentrate on one specific type of error: first spelling, then grammar, then punctuation, and finally, formatting. This methodical approach reduces the cognitive load and increases the likelihood of catching more errors. Tools like Grammarly or Readable can be used to assist in this process, but they should not replace human judgment.

4. Temporal Distance: After writing the essay, take a break from it for a few days before revising. Approaching the essay with fresh eyes can make a significant difference in identifying areas that need improvement. When the student returns to their essay, they are more likely to notice awkward phrasing, repetitive information, or off-topic content. This temporal distance helps in achieving a more objective and critical review of their own work.

For applicants to Carnegie Mellon’s 2023-2024 cycle, these strategies in revising and proofreading can greatly enhance the quality of their supplemental essays. It’s not just about fixing errors but refining the essay to ensure it best represents the student’s abilities, experiences, and fit for Carnegie Mellon.

Why Choose Carnegie Mellon?

Carnegie Mellon University is a place where education and research come together in exciting ways. It’s not just a university; it’s a hub of innovation and creativity. Let’s dive into what makes Carnegie Mellon so special:

1. Outstanding Global and National Rankings: Carnegie Mellon isn’t just another university; it’s a top-ranked institution both in the United States and around the world. According to the QS World University Rankings for 2023, it stands proudly at number 52 globally. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2023 places it even higher, at 28th worldwide and 19th among U.S. colleges. Additionally, the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Colleges Rankings lists it as the 22nd-best National University in the U.S. These rankings highlight the university’s excellence and global recognition.

2. Strength in Programs and Innovation: When it comes to specific subjects, Carnegie Mellon shines even brighter. It’s a leader in computer science, and ranked as the top university for undergraduate studies in this field. Innovation is another area where it excels, ranking third among the most innovative universities. The university also boasts strong programs in undergraduate business, engineering, business analytics, and management information systems, making it a powerhouse in various academic disciplines.

3. A Leader in Research: Carnegie Mellon is not just about learning from books; it’s about creating new knowledge. It’s recognized for its outstanding research, ranking high in research reputation. In fact, it’s among the top in the world in 16 different research areas, making it a great place for students who are keen on exploring and discovering new things.

4. Diversity and Inclusivity: With about 14,000 undergraduate students from various corners of the globe, Carnegie Mellon is a melting pot of cultures and ideas. This diverse student body creates a rich, multicultural learning environment where students can learn as much from each other as they do from their courses.

5. Interdisciplinary Approach: One of the unique things about Carnegie Mellon is how it encourages students to blend and merge different fields of study. This interdisciplinary approach means students get a well-rounded education, preparing them for the complex, interconnected world we live in.

6. Vibrant Campus Life: Situated in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon’s campus is a unique mix of city vibes and suburban tranquility. It’s not just a place to study; it’s a community where students can live, learn, and grow in an environment that is both stimulating and supportive.

Overall, Carnegie Mellon University offers a dynamic, top-quality education marked by excellent program rankings, a commitment to innovation, abundant research opportunities, and a diverse, interdisciplinary community. It’s an institution where students are challenged, inspired, and prepared for successful futures in a variety of fields.

How Important are Supplemental Essays in the College Admissions Process?

Supplemental essays are a crucial element in the college admissions process, especially for renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon. For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the role of these essays cannot be overemphasized. They serve as a unique platform for applicants to add personalization to their applications, going beyond the quantitative data of transcripts and test scores. These essays allow students to share their unique stories, experiences, and aspirations, offering a vivid portrait of their personality and potential. For example, a student might use their essay to detail a particular project or experience that sparked their interest in a field of study at Carnegie Mellon, providing a compelling narrative that distinguishes their application.

Moreover, supplemental essays enable students to demonstrate their specific interest in Carnegie Mellon, showcasing how they align with the university’s culture, values, and academic programs. Thoughtful and well-researched responses to essay prompts can convincingly illustrate a student’s understanding of what makes Carnegie Mellon unique and why they are a perfect fit for it. For instance, an applicant might articulate how the university’s interdisciplinary approach resonates with their own learning style and career aspirations.

The essays also provide an opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Carnegie Mellon highly values these skills, as they are indicative of a student’s readiness for the academic rigors they will encounter. The way an essay is constructed—how ideas are presented, the clarity of arguments, and the overall writing style—offers the admissions committee valuable insights into an applicant’s intellectual capabilities and potential contributions to campus dialogues.

Lastly, supplemental essays can be strategically used by students to address any potential weaknesses in their applications or to further underscore strengths and unique achievements. For some, it’s a chance to explain how personal challenges have prepared them for college life, while for others, it’s an opportunity to expand on significant accomplishments or projects that highlight their potential as a future Carnegie Mellon student.

In essence, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are a critical component of the application. They offer students the chance to present a well-rounded and authentic picture of themselves, making a persuasive case for why they are an ideal match for the university. Far from being mere formalities, these essays can significantly impact the chances of admission , allowing applicants to stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.

How Do Carnegie Mellon’s Supplemental Essays Compare to Others?

Carnegie Mellon’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle have distinct characteristics that set them apart from those of other top universities. While many elite institutions use supplemental essays to gain deeper insights into applicants beyond their grades and test scores, Carnegie Mellon’s prompts tend to emphasize practical creativity and intellectual curiosity, reflecting the university’s strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary study.

For instance, unlike the broad and reflective prompts often seen in Ivy League schools like Harvard or Yale , where students are encouraged to delve into personal life philosophies or intellectual experiences, Carnegie Mellon’s prompts are more targeted. They often ask students to discuss specific aspects of their academic interests, career goals, or personal projects. This approach mirrors the university’s pragmatic and forward-thinking ethos, evident in its renowned programs in technology, science, and the arts.

Similarly, while Stanford University is known for its creative and sometimes unconventional essay questions that challenge students to think outside the box, Carnegie Mellon’s supplemental essays are more straightforward, aligning with the university’s emphasis on clarity of thought and purpose. This difference can be attributed to Carnegie Mellon’s unique blend of artistic creativity and technological innovation, which demands a certain level of directness and practicality in thinking.

Moreover, compared to schools like the University of Chicago , known for its intellectually rigorous and often quirky essay prompts, Carnegie Mellon’s essays tend to be more grounded and closely tied to the applicant’s specific interests and experiences, especially in relation to their intended field of study. This focus reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges and its expectation that applicants demonstrate a clear vision for how they intend to utilize their education.

In essence, while other top universities might use their essays to probe into the philosophical and abstract thinking of their applicants, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle are more reflective of the university’s practical and interdisciplinary approach.

They ask students to clearly articulate their passions, how these align with what Carnegie Mellon offers, and how they foresee their experiences at the university shaping their future. This distinction underscores Carnegie Mellon’s unique position in higher education as an institution deeply rooted in practical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The supplemental essays for Carnegie Mellon University’s 2023-2024 admissions cycle offer a unique opportunity for applicants to showcase their individuality, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with the university’s ethos. These prompts, while challenging, provide a platform for students to narrate their academic and personal journeys, articulate their future aspirations, and highlight unique aspects of their experiences and perspectives.

Applicants should approach these essays with introspection, creativity, and authenticity, ensuring that each response adds depth and dimension to their overall application. The goal is to present a compelling, coherent narrative that resonates with the admissions committee, demonstrating not only the applicant’s suitability for Carnegie Mellon but also their potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

With thoughtful preparation and attention to detail, these essays can be a decisive factor in the admissions process, turning aspirations of attending Carnegie Mellon into reality.

AdmissionSight , a college consulting firm, offers personalized assistance to students in their college admissions journey. We help you create a strategic plan for your application process, identify suitable schools aligned with your academic and personal goals, and prioritize your application strategy.

Our experts review your application, providing constructive feedback to enhance its quality and uniqueness. We also assist in crafting compelling essays that reflect your personality and achievements, guide you through the writing process, and offer feedback on drafts. In addition, we provide interview coaching to boost your confidence and readiness for college interviews, offering tips on professional presentation and answering common questions.

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How to Write the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Carnegie Mellon University, known for their School of Music , School of Computer Science , and interdisciplinary programs , is a competitive academic institution. Applicants seeking admission to Carnegie Mellon hope to join the ranks of storied alumni like Andy Warhol, John Nash, Kurt Vonnegut, and Leslie Odom Jr. If you’re interested in applying to Carnegie Mellon, then you might want some guidance on your supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

Carnegie Mellon’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Carnegie Mellon’s admissions team asks three short answer questions, each of which needs to be 300 words or less. Although Carnegie Mellon requires more essays than many other schools, with a little bit of forethought, these essays can actually be to your advantage. Even if your CMU application require more effort to complete than some other applications, you can strengthen your profile by presenting your authentic self in your essays. Here are the prompts:

• Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?
• Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
• Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

General Tips

All three of these prompts seek to fill in the blanks of your application. A student’s passion for a certain subject is likely clear from their other application elements, but not necessarily the origin of that passion. A student’s vision for their college experience is typically not discussed comprehensively anywhere in their application. And the third prompt allows you to discuss any other topic that isn’t covered by the rest of your application materials. Because the admissions team has structured the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays in this way, you may want to start your brainstorming process by considering what is missing from your current application profile .

For all of these essays, because they are so short, it is necessary to be concise. Therefore, before you start drafting (unless you’re free-writing to gain inspiration), you will want to know what topic your essay will focus on. You may even have an anecdote or a few examples in mind to add dimension to your essay. You can also consider which details from your experience will best illustrate your point(s) in the essay. Outlining beforehand isn’t a prerequisite to writing a strong essay. However, it is a strategy that can help keep such a brief piece of writing cohesive and focused.

You may also have a particular “message” or “takeaway” that you would like to leave your reader with. If this is the kind of essay you are hoping to write, it can be helpful to compose your first drafts with those messages or takeaways already prepared to make sure they are communicated throughout each of your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

Lastly, if you’re already thinking about your engaging opening hook or thoughtful concluding line, this might stall your essay draft’s progress. Unless you have a wave of inspiration, elements of style like these are often hard to pin down during the drafting stage. Once you’ve got something on the page, though, it can be easier to come up with your opening hook. Therefore, don’t stress about these elements yet, just focus on defining your essay’s topic and keeping your essay well-organized.

Carnegie Mellon Short Essay Questions

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study (300 words or fewer).

When beginning this essay, you may struggle to identify how you settled on your chosen major or area of study. Many students choose a major because they were good at the subject in high school. Or maybe it’s because their parents are pushing them toward that subject. Alternatively, a student might be pursuing the career associated with that major. Thus, these students may feel like there was no spark of inspiration leading them to this area of study. Given how many students change their major in college, this is not too surprising.

If that sounds like you, you may want to consider this question differently. Instead of trying to think of a magical moment when you determined your future college major, think of the moments when you have found joy or fulfillment in this area of study. These moments may have been in the classroom or elsewhere. The key is that these are moments when this subject area was important to you, no matter how big or small.

In your essay, you can dive into these moments and build your narrative around them. Think broadly: has there been an occasion when you have seen someone with a degree in your field of interest make a positive impact on the world? If so, that moment could be part of your essay. You could write about just one moment, or you could cover a few. Note that the prompt uses the phrase “developed over time.” Thus, don’t feel restricted to describing a single moment. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with focusing on a single source of inspiration, if that is true to your experience.

In sum, look into your past experiences, plural, to guide the progression of this essay. If you’re having trouble deciding which moment(s) to focus on, try free-writing to figure out which topics you find most meaningful to explore in your writing.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words or fewer)

It can be difficult to zoom out while in the thick of the college application process. But this prompt is asking you to focus on the fact that college is about learning and receiving an education , whatever that means to you. When you chose the area of study you explored in the last essay, what did you have in mind for your future? How will that vision of your future motivate you during your college years? While the last prompt asked you to look into your past, this one asks you to look into your future.

Note that this prompt does not restrict your response to career motivations or academic aspirations. You can also consider your social and personal development as you answer this question. It may be helpful to visualize yourself at college. Without getting too idealistic, what is the college experience you dream about? If that feels too intimidating to describe, you may want to get more specific.

What specifically would you like to have achieved before you graduate? You can even think of this as a bucket-list for your college experience. Of course, some items on this bucket-list won’t be appropriate for a college essay. At least some of those items should be, though, and you can discuss them in your response to this prompt.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words or fewer)

This supplemental essay can be your application’s golden ticket. There is a part of you that doesn’t appear elsewhere in your college application. If so, this essay is your opportunity to address it. If there is a topic you wanted to bring up in your personal essay but didn’t have room, here’s your chance to explore it deeply. And if there is a part of your academic journey that might not make sense to an admissions officer at first glance, you can explain those complexities here.

That said, you may feel like your application comprehensively captures you as a person and nothing is missing. If that’s the case, you can take this essay as an opportunity to “emphasize” an existing aspect of your application, as the prompt’s wording indicates. For instance, you may want to give some of your extracurriculars more depth than the Common App Activities section. Similarly, you may choose to explain how and why you received an honor or award mentioned on your Common App.

Another path you could take with this essay is to discuss something you’ve failed at or struggled with. College applications may look like highlight reels of students’ high school academic lives. But perhaps you really struggled to achieve that math grade last semester. Or perhaps you made a sacrifice in your personal life in order to pursue a certain extracurricular. Exploring the challenges you’ve overcome can provide nuance to your story. After all, these challenges may underlie the achievements highlighted elsewhere on your application.

If you need help polishing up your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompts

Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Carnegie Mellon is one of the nation’s top universities. With a 14% acceptance rate , CMU surely gets top applicants each year. If you want to rise above the rest, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays are your chance.  Carnegie Mellon’s prompts touch on different aspects of your background, interests, and goals. They are a great way to show off more of your personality and enthusiasm for the school. Planning strong examples to weave throughout your essays is key to success.

We will walk you through each prompt and offer tips on how to craft stellar responses for each of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays!

Also see:  How to write an essay about yourself

“ Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words) ”

Say you are interested in Computer Science. Well, you would not be alone, given it is Carnegie Mellon’s top major. Fortunately, this question invites you to back up your chosen area of study with a reason that is distinctly yours. For example, you could discuss your obsession with Guitar Hero as a kid and thus how video games are made. This inspiration for why you want to study programming makes this response personal and unique. 

Note that this prompt says a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time. Talk about the origin of your interest, then trace the ways you have further cultivated it. What started as a Guitar Hero fascination then led you to take a summer coding bootcamp. Now, you spend hours viewing YouTube videos on game development. Whatever your major is, try to get to the core of what intellectually excites you about it and what sparked that curiosity. This will ensure your sincerity and voice shines through. You can close with your long-term aspiration in this field or conclude more specifically with how you plan to pursue this interest at CM. 

Questions to consider: 

• Is there a role model you look up to whose career you’d like to emulate? 
• Have you taken a class that piqued your interest in this major?  
• Are you drawn to a particular field of study because of the positive impact it can make in the world? 

“ Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words) ”

This question can be tricky for some students because there are many directions to take your response. There is no one right answer for what you’d like to achieve in college and what constitutes a successful experience. After all, learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Instead of being scared of this freedom, embrace it. Before writing, take a moment to really envision yourself in four years. How do you hope to grow personally and academically at Carnegie Mellon? If one goal does not dominate, make a list of all the things you want to achieve and find a way to summarize them into an overarching theme. 

One example could be how the prospect of meeting new people energizes you. You might discuss how you grew up in a small, southern town as an only child. Moving to Pittsburgh to live with peers of diverse backgrounds will be a big shift. Studying abroad could be another related wish for your time at CM. Talk about how these experiences will fulfill your ultimate goal of expanding your worldview. This avenue is a great way to discuss CM’s values and how you hope to align them with your own, as well.

Some students approach this question by discussing college as the key to unlock their dream profession. If you take this route, be sure you are not repeating information you discussed in prompt #1. You could go at it from a more abstract lens, like discovering how to engage both your creative and analytical sides. You could talk about an interesting major/minor combination, clubs you’d like to be involved in, or a research project you wish to explore. 

Questions to consider:  

• What would you change about your high school mindset? For example, do you want to do a better job taking risks, or make community service a weekly priority?
• In what ways will college enrich your character? 
• What academic benchmarks do you hope to meet? 

“ Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words) ”

Similar to prompt #2, this response is incredibly open. You can choose to write literally anything about yourself here. Of all the prompts, this is perhaps the best way to differentiate your essays.  It is helpful to look over your application as a whole. What have you already shared with admissions, and what have you left out?

Is there something meaningful to you that you could only briefly mention in your activities section? For instance, you may have been in the improvisation club in high school. You could describe how you used to be incredibly shy, but this form of theater let’s you discover a whole new witty side to yourself. It may have taught you humility and the value in stepping outside of your comfort zone. These are terrific qualities to take with you to CM. 

In a whole different vein, you could use this space to be vulnerable. Maybe remote learning was especially hard on you and resulted in a semester of lower grades. You could explain the obstacles you overcame and how it made you realize the importance of prioritizing mental health. This showcases your resiliency and informs admissions about an inconsistency on your transcript. 

The admissions team wants to know what makes you, you. They also are curious about your road to get to this point. So, anything is fair game. Trust your gut, and choose something that you feel is genuinely important to paint a whole picture of yourself and your experiences. 

• What have you been involved in that has shaped who you are today?
• Are there any red flags on your application that require explaining? 
• Do you have any unique hobbies or stand-out personality traits?

Final thoughts

After these deep dives, we hope you feel inspired to tackle each of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays with ease. Use our tips to organize your responses, then get all your thoughts down. You can cut out the fluff and revise for grammar and writing quality later. Be genuine in sharing what matters to you, not what you think admissions want to hear. You are well on your way to crushing these essays!

Also see:  Top scholarships for high school seniors

Additional resources

As you continue in your college application process, make sure to check back with us for other useful resources! We can help you decide how many schools to apply to , how to write a 500 word essay , and how to get a college application fee waiver . We’ll also help you decide whether you should send your ACT/SAT scores to test-optional schools. Good luck!

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Admission Consideration

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At Carnegie Mellon, we select our first-year class from a large group of very qualified candidates. We don’t use a calculation to choose who to admit because calculations can’t take into account all the factors we consider when making admission decisions. No single grade, factor, score or activity will automatically gain or deny you admission to Carnegie Mellon. We treat every applicant as an individual, taking great care to make our admission decisions fair, thorough and sensitive. We’re interested in students who can be successful at Carnegie Mellon while taking full advantage of all the university has to offer.

What We Consider

Our admission process reflects  Carnegie Mellon's values and core competencies , including diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, community engagement, concern for others, self-directed learning and critical thinking. We recommend that you think creatively about how your experiences in and out of the classroom showcase these characteristics. We also encourage you to consider how to share your experiences and aspirations so the admission committee can learn more about you as an applicant, student and person beyond a list of accomplishments.

Academic and Creative Potential

Our admission process is designed to select a highly talented, diverse undergraduate population with high aspirations who will succeed at Carnegie Mellon. If you’re applying to academic programs, your high school talent and/or potential will be a significant factor in our admission decision because it’s the most meaningful indication of your motivation and abilities. We pay close attention to your curriculum rigor, the grades you’ve earned and the work you’ve accomplished. We’re interested in seeing that you’ve challenged yourself within your secondary school environment. If you’re applying to programs in the College of Fine Arts, your artistic performance will be either the main factor or a significant factor (depending on the program) in our admission decision.

Recommendations

We closely review your secondary school counselor’s evaluation and your teacher’s recommendation. If you're applying as a first-year student, we require two letters of recommendation: one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. While we’ll accept a third recommendation from a teacher or other recommender, we require our committees to consider only two recommendations in the decision-making process.

When choosing a teacher to write your recommendation, be sure to choose someone who can speak to your academic abilities, achievements and broader personal characteristics. It doesn't have to be a teacher in the academic area you're applying to; rather, it should be the teacher who knows you the best.

If you're applying as a transfer student, we require one letter of recommendation from either a faculty member/professor or an academic advisor. While we’ll accept two additional recommendations, we require our committees to consider only one recommendation in the decision-making process.

Standardized Testing

Standardized test scores add to our knowledge of your ability, but we don’t make decisions simply on the basis of test scores alone.

Carnegie Mellon University is test optional for Fall 2025 undergraduate admission applications. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to bolster their application's strength and to aid in determining their ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon.

Pursuant to this policy, applicants aren't required to submit SAT or ACT results; however, results will be considered for those who submit them.  Students who are unable to take either the SAT or ACT or choose not to submit their standardized test scores will be considered equally for admission along with those who submit scores. Learn more .

Please also note that submission of any prior SAT Subject Test results won’t be considered in our admission review process.

Activities, Experiences & Passions

Your non-academic interests, including extracurricular accomplishments, part-time jobs, hobbies and community service also play a very important role in the admission process. We also consider leadership, motivation, passion and perseverance, concern and advocacy for others, and other experiences when making admission decisions.

Our students make Carnegie Mellon an exciting campus. The positive qualities and diverse experiences you bring with you will enrich our community. By looking at this non-academic information, we develop a sense of your personality, motivation and social responsibility.

We also consider your Common Application essay and your responses to the Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement. The Writing Supplement includes three short-answer questions:

• Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?
• Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
• Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

Your short answer responses shouldn't exceed 300 words each.

While there's no such thing as the perfect essay, the best essay you can write helps us learn about you! We want to know more about your passions, goals, aspirations and experiences to gain a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your transcript. While role models, mentors and family members may have played a critical role in your life, don’t forget to write about you. 

Finally, it’s important to recognize that you apply directly to a college or school within Carnegie Mellon, so we encourage you to use part of your essays to describe your academic interests and goals.  If you want to learn more about our wide range of programs, you can check out our visit opportunities to attend an information session or schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admission counselor.

Carnegie Mellon does not collect or review criminal history information as part of the admission process. However, individuals who are admitted to Carnegie Mellon will be required to disclose any past criminal conviction as part of the enrollment process. Learn how Carnegie Mellon considers criminal history information .

Striving for Access and Equity in Admission

The mission of Carnegie Mellon University includes the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive community. Our undergraduate admission process is committed to reducing or eliminating advantages that have been inherent in the admission process. The goal is to provide a more equitable, level playing field where all segments of our applicant population have the same opportunity in the admission process.

Our Admission Paradigm

Demonstrated interest not considered.

We do not consider demonstrated interest in our admission paradigm. Demonstrated interest is a term used in undergraduate admission that describes the ways in which a prospective student shows a college that they’re interested by visiting campus and submitting additional materials that aren’t required in the application. As a result, we do not consider a campus visit or communication with the Office of Admission or other members of the Carnegie Mellon community when making admission decisions. Also, we do not accept supplementary submission of materials, including:

• Research abstracts
• Writing samples
• Multimedia demonstrations of talents
• Maker portfolios

These extra materials haven't been useful in making our admission decisions and allowing optional materials has deterred some people from applying. Applicants have space on the Common Application to list accomplishments and involvement for the admission committee’s consideration. We encourage students to use this space to share the extracurricular facets of their high school experience.

Our Application Process

Shorter essays, non-evaluative on-campus sessions and refocused alumni efforts.

We’re working hard to move our admission application process in a more inclusive direction.

• We changed our long application essay to a series of short essays to better understand student context, unique talents and interests, as well as special considerations candidates would like to bring to our attention.
• On-campus sessions are not evaluative, but rather are counseling sessions to help students align their interests with our programs. 
• We do not offer alumni interviews in advance of admission decisions and have refocused alumni efforts to connect with admitted candidates instead.

Yet even with these changes, there's more work needed on our part to achieve a more inclusive process.

Issues surrounding standardized testing, for example, are complex in a research university like ours, and while we’re no longer requiring or recommending SAT Subject Tests, we’re hoping there is more we can do.

Our Waiting List

Designed to give everyone the opportunity to respond.

Efforts to support access and inclusion extend to our waiting list process as well. Like many other institutions, we are inundated with demonstrations of continued interest and additional recommendations, mostly from well-resourced or well-advised applicants. 

Our waiting list process is designed to give everyone who is interested in remaining on our waiting list the opportunity to respond about their uniqueness by sending us a paragraph at the appropriate time, only when we know there are additional places to fill. 

We request only the paragraph and do  not  consider:

• Letters of continued interest
• Extra recommendations
• Expectation of campus visits
• Lobbying efforts including phone calls and emails  

Details about the paragraph are included in the information made available to all students offered a place on our waiting list when admission decisions are rendered in March. We don't provide the exact topic in advance since we want to avoid having students work on it needlessly in the event we don't end up admitting candidates from our waiting list.

Even with these changes, there's more work needed on our part to achieve a more inclusive process. Issues surrounding standardized testing, for example, are complex in a research university like ours, and while we’re no longer requiring or recommending SAT Subject Tests, we’re hoping there is more we can do. All told, we're working hard to move our process in a more inclusive direction.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT CMU

Mastering the CMU Supplemental Essays: 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

ello, future Tartans! If you're eager to join the innovative community at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), it's crucial to ace their supplemental essays. Let's discuss the specific advice on how to best approach them.

CMU requires one general essay and three short answer prompts. Each school under CMU may also have specific prompts.

General Essay (250-300 words)

• Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s).

This essay calls for specificity. Why CMU? Why this particular program? Your reasons should go beyond CMU's reputation or ranking.

Example: "CMU's Computer Science program is renowned for its focus on practical application. As someone passionate about cybersecurity, the opportunity to learn in an environment that values hands-on experiences like the Build18 festival is appealing. I am particularly interested in Professor X's research on IoT security and would be thrilled to contribute to it."

Short Answer Questions (1-2 sentences)

• List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure.
• Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
• What or who has influenced you to apply to Carnegie Mellon?

The short answers test your ability to be concise and impactful. The first question reflects your intellectual curiosity. The second question is about your sense of belonging and identity, and the third question is about your motivation.

For the book list, choose a diverse set of books that reflect different interests. For the community question, choose a community that has significantly shaped your experiences or values.

School-specific Prompts

The additional essay(s) for specific schools vary, but all demand you to illustrate your commitment and suitability to the chosen field of study. For example, the School of Drama asks for a two-page essay describing your career goals and how CMU can help you achieve them.

In these essays, detail any relevant experiences (internships, workshops, school clubs), discuss your passion for the field, and explain why the particular program at CMU aligns with your career goals.

Example: "Working backstage in high school theatre ignited my passion for stage management. The School of Drama's Stage and Production Management Program offers a mix of practical training and theoretical knowledge I need to transition from a high school setting to larger, professional productions. I am particularly excited about the program's collaboration with Pittsburgh theatres."

In all responses, be authentic and specific, and ensure your passion for your field of study and for CMU shines through. Best of luck, future Tartans!

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Mastering Carnegie Mellon University's Supplemental Essays for 2024

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and a strong emphasis on innovation. As part of its highly selective admissions process, CMU requires applicants to complete supplemental essays that provide deeper insights into their passions, goals, and individuality. In this post, we’ll delve into CMU's essay prompts for 2024 and offer detailed advice on crafting compelling responses.

Carnegie Mellon University 2024 Supplemental Essay Prompts

CMU's 2024 supplemental essay prompts are as follows:

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieving your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (300 word maximum)

Now, let’s break down how to approach each of these prompts effectively:

1. Passion-Driven Major

The first prompt asks about the passion or inspiration that led you to choose your intended major. Start by reflecting on your personal journey and identifying pivotal moments that sparked your interest in this field. Did a specific experience, book, project, or person influence your decision? Make sure to weave a narrative that showcases your enthusiasm and commitment.

Remember, it's not just about stating your passion but demonstrating it with concrete examples. If you’ve participated in relevant extracurricular activities, internships, or independent projects, mention them to illustrate your dedication. For personalized feedback on your essay ideas, consider using Sups AI , an AI college counseling platform that helps students brainstorm and refine their essays.

2. Defining a Successful College Experience

This prompt requires you to introspect on what you value in a college experience. Think about the aspects of learning that excite you the most. Do you prioritize hands-on research, collaborative projects, or interdisciplinary courses? Explain how these elements will shape your journey at CMU.

Additionally, consider how you plan to integrate CMU's resources into your academic and personal growth. Mention specific programs, clubs, or opportunities that align with your goals. A well-rounded response will not only focus on your aspirations but also demonstrate your knowledge of CMU’s offerings. For more tailored advice, connect with current CMU students through Sups AI .

3. Emphasizing Key Aspects of Your Application

The third prompt invites you to highlight something significant that might not be evident elsewhere in your application. This is your chance to share a unique aspect of your background, experiences, or personality that sets you apart. Think about any challenges you’ve overcome, unconventional interests, or leadership roles that showcase your character.

Avoid repeating information already covered in your application. Instead, dive deeper into an experience or trait that reveals more about who you are. For instance, if you have a passion project or a volunteer initiative you're particularly proud of, elaborate on its impact. To ensure your narrative resonates, leverage the feedback and brainstorming tools provided by Sups AI .

Crafting standout supplemental essays for Carnegie Mellon University requires thoughtfulness, introspection, and a clear understanding of what the admission committee values. By authentically expressing your passions, defining your vision of a successful college experience, and highlighting your unique qualities, you can create a compelling application that captures the essence of who you are.

Ready to get started? Explore Sups AI for expert guidance, feedback, and one-on-one chats with current students who can provide invaluable insights into crafting your essays. Join the ranks of over 10,000 students who've successfully navigated the college admissions process with Sups AI.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, any tips on tackling cmu's supplemental essays for 2024.

Could use some advice! Carnegie Mellon's supplementals are giving me a hard time. How do you guys approach writing essays that stand out for schools like CMU that have a strong emphasis on them?

When tackling the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) supplemental essays, your approach should be strategic and focused. CMU values innovative thinkers and problem solvers, so it's crucial that your essays reflect these traits.

First, research CMU thoroughly and align your interests and experiences with the unique offerings and culture of the university. For example, if applying to the School of Computer Science, discuss your specific interest in CMU's collaborative projects or particular faculty research that excites you. Make it evident that you're not just applying to any top-ranked school, but specifically to CMU.

Next, be specific and personal in your responses. Use concrete examples of your achievements, experiences, or challenges you've overcome that are relevant to your program choice. This is not the place for generic statements. If CMU emphasizes interdisciplinary learning in your desired program, highlight experiences where you've successfully integrated knowledge across fields. Reflect on your 'spike' or area of deep interest and expertise, and connect it to how you plan to contribute to the CMU community.

Finally, proofread meticulously. CMU's emphasis on supplements means your writing must be clear, concise, and free of errors to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Writing standout essays takes time and reflection, so start early and revise often.

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How to write the carnegie mellon supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025.

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)*

Explanation:

With this prompt, the admissions committee seeks to understand more about your academic journey and your intellectual curiosity, a quality that the university specifically looks for in applicants. First, consider your intended area of study—what initially sparked your interest? A teacher? A documentary? A book? One strategy you can employ when approaching this prompt is to start your answer with a story or anecdote that connects your prior experience with your intended major. However, be mindful that this essay should not simply restate content shared in your personal statement—tailor your response specifically to your intellectual interests and experiences. While Carnegie Mellon requires prospective students to apply to the particular school that houses their chosen discipline, the university also prides itself on its interdisciplinary approach to academics. In order to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity as well as your commitment to the school’s vision of intellectual collaboration, consider how your area of interest intersects with other disciplines or perhaps how you arrived at your major area of study through a line of inquiry in another subject area.

The day I turned twelve, my parents gifted me a jigsaw puzzle—a thousand-piece challenge depicting a sprawling cityscape. As I slowly started to connect the pieces, I felt a thrill of satisfaction with each small victory. While my friends were engrossed in video games or sports, I would spend hours solving puzzles, trying to fit ever-more complex pieces together to make increasingly intricate pictures.

During my freshman year of high school, I enrolled in a computer programming class. As I stared at numbers and symbols on the screen, I felt the same thrill of discovery I often felt as a child sorting through a sea of puzzle pieces. I discovered a new way of thinking that combined my love for problem-solving with the ability to create something tangible. The first time I successfully programmed an algorithm to solve a real-world problem—an application that helped local businesses optimize their inventory—I was hooked. After helping a few more businesses optimize their systems, I started hosting weekly webinars for businesses and organizations teaching simple coding solutions, expanding throughout local counties as my events became more popular.

As a student at Carnegie Mellon, I hope to continue giving back to my community as I deepen my knowledge of computer science. Carnegie Mellon’s rigorous computer science program, with its emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, is the perfect place for me to deepen my knowledge and pursue my passion. I am particularly drawn to the intersection of computer science and data analytics, where vast amounts of information can be harnessed to make informed decisions in fields ranging from healthcare to finance. I’m eager to collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from leading experts in the field as I continue to use technology to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)*

This question inquires about how the process of learning will help you achieve your goals, and as such, students should consider both the what and the how of their academic and career aspirations in their answer.

First, consider your ultimate academic and professional goals and work backward. Think specifically about where you hope to be in ten years, how you hope your degree will help you arrive at that destination, and finally, what you would hope to gain from your time at Carnegie Mellon in pursuit of those goals. Keep in mind that while these goals could be academic, professional, social, and personal, the language of the prompt is guiding you to think about how learning will help you to achieve them. There is a wide array of possible answers to this question, but make sure that your answer foregrounds things that are specific to Carnegie Mellon and the ways in which the university’s offerings are uniquely suited to your goals. The admissions committee wants to know what you intend for your own trajectory of growth, and as such, this prompt is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your curiosity, teachability, and motivation. Do you want to work in the nonprofit or social justice fields? Perhaps a successful college experience entails some sort of community engagement, study abroad, or charity work. Do you want to be a researcher? A successful college experience might include presenting at conferences, conducting an internship or research project with a Carnegie Mellon professor in your field, or taking part in one of Carnegie’s numerous undergraduate research opportunities.

The year is 2035—I imagine myself standing in a bustling innovation hub, surrounded by a team of brilliant engineers, each of us working tirelessly to bring a groundbreaking project to life. As I look around the room, I remember the late nights spent debugging code over my dorm room desk, the animated discussions with professors that spilled over after class, and the moments of breakthrough in the classrooms of Scaife Hall. It was at Carnegie Mellon that I realized the power of collaboration, the thrill of solving complex problems, and the importance of using technology to make a difference in the world.

When I look back as a Carnegie Mellon graduate, the experiences that stand out the most are not the grades I earned, but the way that my peers, professors, and coursework at CMU pushed me to grow and develop as a person and scholar. Success was defined by more than just academic achievements—it was about the relationships I built, the challenges I overcame, and the impact I began to make in the CMU community. Those years shaped me into the leader I am today, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and drive to turn my visions into reality. And as I look toward the future, I know that the foundation laid at Carnegie Mellon will guide me in my journey to innovate, inspire, and lead—in 2035 and beyond.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)*

This space allows for you to share anything about yourself that you believe is important for your candidacy but has not been adequately conveyed in your essays, activities list or through your grades or test scores. Perhaps you’d like to elaborate on an aspect of your application that would require more context to be fully understood. Perhaps you feel as though your test scores or good grades don’t properly convey that you are a hard worker and have overcome personal or academic challenges to achieve your grades. This is also a great opportunity to write about your passion project or involvement in an extracurricular activity that you have not yet had the chance to write about elsewhere in your application. Alternatively, you could show your diverse range of interests by discussing another passion or activity outside of the classroom that would help the admissions committee get a holistic sense of who you are. Whatever you choose to write about, be sure to use this space wisely—you shouldn’t use this space to brag about all of your amazing accomplishments, but rather, highlight a new aspect of who you are or what you devote your time to, or provide more context about something mentioned elsewhere in your application.

At eight years old, I found myself sitting in a parent-teacher conference, my feet barely touching the floor, watching my mother struggle to understand the words coming from my teacher’s mouth. My mother nodded politely, her face tight with concentration, but I could see the confusion in her eyes. When we left the room, she squeezed my hand and asked me to explain what was said. I translated as best as I could, but even at that young age, I knew something important was lost in the process—an understanding, a connection, a shared meaning.

While my transcript and other application materials attest to my love of language and my desire to study Linguistics at CMU, it cannot fully convey the way in which my childhood experience as an immigrant made me passionate about cross-cultural communication. My 3.8 GPA that steadily grew over my four years of high school does not capture the many frustrated nights I spent wrestling with math problems and school essays alone because my parents did not understand the assignments. My improvement wasn’t just about mastering the material; it was about learning how to navigate a system that my parents, despite their best efforts, could not fully engage with.

This self-sufficiency has fueled my determination to succeed and deepened my commitment to studying language and culture at Carnegie Mellon, where I hope to continue exploring how our words shape our world.

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5 Carnegie Mellon Essay Examples

What’s covered:, essay example #1 – computer science, essay example #2 – healthy self-definition, essay example #3 – future business major, essay example #4 – future international relations major.

• Essay Example # 5 – Politics
• Where to Get Your Carnegie Mellon Essay Edited

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a school with both impressive technical programs and outstanding creative programs. Because of the university’s multifaceted academic success and the tremendous opportunities students have after graduation, CMU is highly renowned and boasts a low acceptance rate.

In this post, we will go over essays real students have submitted to Carnegie Mellon. We will also share what each essay did well and where they could be improved to inspire your writing.   Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Carnegie Mellon essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Prompt: Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity, or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieving your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)

7:30 am… As I open my eyes, I look at the pinboard in front of my bed. Written in red block letters are two of the many goals of my life: “Make life better and more independent for the Visually impaired; Inspire kids to explore the field of STEM, making them the future problem solvers.”

9:00 am… Keeping these goals afresh in mind, I freshen up and get ready for the first class of the day, 16-385 Computer Vision, with Professor Ioannis Gkioulekas. As he explains the Applications of Neural Networks in Object identification, a light bulb sparks in my mind: I can modify the head contraption of SPECULUR to identify objects in peripheral vision and alert the wearer via an earpiece using Text to Speech (TTS). 

1:00 pm… After class, I find myself at the CI2CV Lab for Computer Vision, where I brainstorm ways to implement my idea successfully. Frustrated after repeatedly getting bugs in my algorithm, I am surrounded by problem-hungry tartans ready to collaborate with me in no time.

3:00 pm… After lunch, I head off to the Gates and Hillman complex to meet up with Gavin Deiss, an executive board member at Teknowledge, as we discuss ways to open teacher positions for high school students. I propose, “We can include students from AiGoLearning India and teach them a global coding curriculum.”

For me, a successful college learning experience at CMU comprises many things like exploring the unparalleled curriculum, innovative labs, and facilities. However, above all is the resource of people, including my fellow tartans and scholarly professors. The diverse experiences and unique backgrounds they bring cannot be found anywhere else; hence I want to assimilate all the insights I can gather from them, during my time at CMU.

What the Essay Did Well

If you are looking for a way to play with the structure of your essay, this is a great way to go! By describing their ideal day at CMU, we get to see this student’s interests, motivations, aspirations, and drive. Not only that, the essay flows nicely and effortlessly transitions to new ideas by jumping ahead in the schedule.

When students try to employ this schedule-style of an essay they often just discuss their class schedule and maybe an extracurricular activity. This is good, but this student goes above by starting the essay in their dorm and clearly showing us what motivates them with their sticky notes: “ Make life better and more independent for the Visually impaired; Inspire kids to explore the field of STEM, making them the future problem solvers.”  They also include them working at a lab outside of class, which is a nice bridge between their academic and extracurricular interests.

Although they only highlight three opportunities at CMU, the level of detail and elaboration for each one is infinitely more important than a long list of classes and clubs. When they discuss the class, the student incorporates key topics from the class and explains an original idea they develop as a result of being in class. Notice how that’s a bit different than simply name-dropping the course and professor? We also get told about them finding bugs in the algorithm (a common experience that humanizes the student) and we get snippets of a conversation they have at their meeting.

The structure this student chose serves this essay very well until the final paragraph. Breaking from the established pattern of following a daily schedule abruptly disturbs the flow of the essay and makes the ending more mundane than the preceding paragraphs. To fix this, the student should have kept the same style throughout their response.

They don’t need to tell us “ a successful college learning experience at CMU comprises many things like exploring the unparalleled curriculum, innovative labs, and facilities, ” because we saw that in each paragraph. The important aspect of their conclusion is the “ resource of people ,” as they say. This could have been highlighted in a paragraph like this:

“ 8:00pm… Squished between friends from my Biomedical Engineering class and my badminton club on the couch in the common room, I take in the diverse perspectives all coming together to settle the argument of East Coast versus West Coast once and for all. Where else but here would I be a part of such a colorful community?

11:30pm… I drift off to sleep, excited to do it all again tomorrow. “

Prompt: Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)

I will never forget the feeling I had in Kindergarten when I received a failing grade because I couldn’t answer the question “where do you live?” It was a simple question, one that my classmates answered with ease. I was, however, struck by the recounting of my private home life. The 2009 recession left my family homeless and broke, living in the basement of a close friend. While we were fortunate to have somewhere to sleep, my family, especially me, internalized the negative sentiments from everyone we knew at the time. While my Kindergarten teacher didn’t mean any harm, the question reinforced my feeling of inferiority. No matter what I said, there were serious diminutions to my character: being honest about my homelessness or being dishonest about my own circumstances. I ultimately responded with the latter, saying “I don’t know.”

That day, I accepted the failing grade, and this moment became a stepping stone to a now valuable trait: healthy self-definition. Healthy self-definition relies on improving the objective truths of myself and fixing lacking characteristics into better ones. Lying to my Kindergarten teacher wasn’t healthy nor ethical to do, but the action of choosing who I wanted to be sparked the desire for healthy self-definition throughout high school. For example, I redefined myself from a dispassionate pianist to an authentic music producer. I used track and field to redefine my lack of athleticism growing up and eventually became a top-three sophomore 400-meter hurdler at my school. I had extreme social anxiety, so I used the Tech in Music Club to redefine my social ability and practice leadership and public speaking skills. In all weak aspects of my character and identity, I improved and continue to improve through these healthy redefinitions. Like Kindergarten me, I refuse to be defined by my circumstances.

This essay’s main strength is its content. At its core, this essay tells a beautiful story where a student transformed tragic circumstances into tremendous self-growth. That is exactly the kind of student that a university wants to admit!

The prompt here is very open-ended. From the point of view of admissions, it asks “what else do you want to tell us?” To a student, this can be read as “what additional information will help us get to know you and want you ?” This student identified their ability to see weaknesses as opportunities for improvement—which they label “healthy self-definition”—as something CMU would want, then used a specific anecdote to show that ability.

In addition to the content, this student followed a tried-and-true essay structure that allowed for an engaging, yet reflective essay. Opening with an anecdote, looking back on the experience, explaining the broader implications, and then tying the conclusion back to the anecdote is a simple, but effective, structure to use for your essay.

What Could Be Improved 

While the anecdote/reflection structure can facilitate an engaging essay, this student falls flat with their static writing. Essentially, the story is engaging, but the way the student writes it doesn’t do it justice. It’s repetitive, confusing, and a bit boring at times.

For example, in the first paragraph, the following phrases and sentences are all getting at the same idea and could be condensed into one concise sentence:

• “I was, however, struck by the recounting of my private home life.”
• “…my family, especially me, internalized the negative sentiments from everyone we knew at the time…”
• “…the question reinforced my feeling of inferiority…”

With regards to the second paragraph, the student introduces a value that they call “ healthy self-definition. ” When describing “ healthy self-definition, ” the student is simultaneously repetitive and unclear. The current writing requires too much energy on the part of the reader to parse through what is being said. If the student provided a concise definition of “healthy self-definition” before giving the examples from their life, this paragraph would work better. 

With some simple reorganization and more dynamic writing, the paragraph could be as follows:

“That’s when I established a personal value that I now call “healthy self-definition”—of course, it took about a decade for five-year-old me to figure out the name for my value. Healthy self-definition, at its core, means that I take time to identify my weaknesses, then redefine them as strengths. I acknowledge who I am, then find opportunities for improvement. 

I’m a dispassionate pianist, turned authentic music producer. I’m a struggling athlete, turned “top-three Cedar High hurdler.” I used to nervously linger at the back of club meetings, but now I run the very same meetings. No one could dare call me weak when I’m constantly redefining my weaknesses as strengths. Just like Kindergarten me, I will not be defined by my circumstances.”

Prompt: Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words)

In fifth grade, my mother arranged a business for me and some friends. We must support a local business and donate our profits towards a good cause. Three ten-year-old kids, with money borrowed from our parents, purchased handmade crafts and ornaments made by disabled workers to resell. I led the operation. Scheduled for several weekends at a public market square, the commerce commenced. Despite my excitement running my first ever business, as the night arrived and the market awoke from its peaceful slumber, surging stranger anxiety stumped me. With adults swamping the space, my body unconsciously cowered. Embarrassment overwhelmed me, and I stood only able to stare at passing customers with my lips sewn shut. After the first night, three kids on the verge of tears sold two knitted dolls. My mother, sensing a crumbling business as its workers became paralyzed by fear, advised me, “As a leader, your job is to accomplish your goals not by yourself, but with your team.” Though not the typical cheers, my mother’s words roused the leader from within me. Wiping away my tears, I reconvened the team and restrategized. We assigned responsibilities: attracting customers, advertising, and collecting payments. Writing out our sales pitches and practicing with each other, we reunited with the sight of profits. The second weekend started: to every corner of the streets, we asked every possible customer. Our efforts paid off. At the end of that night, we sold out. Next weekend, us businessmen along with our parents went shopping using our profits. Looking at the Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, and model cars neatly wrapped, I proudly dropped the Christmas gifts at the local children’s cancer hospital. My first business endeavor taught me a crucial purpose of entrepreneurship: the ability to strengthen networks of people and make positive social changes.

This essay prompt is the classic “Why This Major?” essay,   which asks you to detail your interest in the field and your professional goals. The writer elaborates on their motivation to pursue entrepreneurship through a fitting anecdote about their first time leading a business.

The author shares genuine reasons that make entrepreneurship exciting to them, such as developing leadership skills and making positive social change. These are authentic reasons for pursuing their major that stay away from the superficial motives for pursuing a major such as money or prestige.

Additionally, throughout this entire essay the writer keeps their audience captivated by employing strong use of imagery. It almost feels as if one is right in the middle of the market with the writer as they struggle to navigate the chaos of the market. The line “Embarrassment overwhelmed me, and I stood only able to stare at passing customers with my lips sewn shut” makes the reader feel just as anxious as the author is in the moment. And it feels even better to the reader when the author sells out the entire stock of crafts and ornaments the following night and donates the money to charity. 

As the essay progresses, it’s hard not to wonder what is going to happen next, and the story strings together very nicely, despite having a limited word count. By the end of the essay, the reader has a better understanding of why this student has chosen to pursue entrepreneurship, because they have shared an exciting lived experience that captures the ups and downs of a fast-paced, turbulent major.

All in all, this essay was well written and the author’s point came across well. However, a few items could be slightly improved, including a few syntax errors, poor transition statements and slight thematic inconsistency. 

The second sentence of this essay “We must support a local business and donate our profits towards a good cause” appears a bit out of place and may be better suited in quotes as the mother appears to be speaking these lines. Alternatively, the writer could have rephrased to something like “We were tasked with supporting a local business…”

Similarly, in the last sentence, the author says their motivation for pursuing entrepreneurship is the “ability to strengthen networks of people,” when it may have been more succinct and less clunky to say something along the lines of “the ability to bring people together.”

Another area of improvement for the essay comes in the middle, when the author’s mother “roused the leader” within them. The author could have expanded on why their mother’s words roused them to overcome the daunting obstacle, but instead missed the opportunity to explain why they felt inspired to continue selling ornaments at the marketplace. The author may have even suggested that by overcoming their challenges at the market, they would accomplish their ultimate goal of donating their profits to charity, highlighting their sense of altruism.

The final sentence even states that the author intends to pursue entrepreneurship to make a positive social impact. However, in a thematic sense, this idea is not consistently present throughout the essay. If the author were to include more details about their desire and motivation to donate their profits to charity throughout the essay, this point would have been much more understandable.

Finally, the essay is hard to follow because it’s only one paragraph. The flow would’ve been improved if the author broke the essay up into a few shorter paragraphs.

At 8 years old, I learned that Democrats were donkeys and Republicans were elephants. By 11, I had decided which one I wanted to be. By 14, I discovered I didn’t have to be an elephant or a donkey—the political world was not black and white, but instead multifaceted with many moving parts. As I explored programming through high school, I learned how politics and computer science could be intertwined to enact change exponentially. For the Congressional App Challenge, I developed the winning app, which allows parents to sustainably trade outgrown children’s clothing. Everything in this process, from surveying real families with this need to perfecting the front end design, showed me how coding could easily be geared toward social progress. 

Beyond programming, interning for a state non-profit encouraging Muslims to participate in politics showed me the real potential of computational politics. Big data analysis was a common skill I utilized when encouraging people to vote in the 2022 general election. What furthered my interest was attending a Kode With Klossy event in New York City: I not only spent the day workshopping with Swift and iOS app development, but also heard the stories of activist Sofia Ongele, a pioneer for young women in STEM. 

Discussing sanctions and China’s Uyghur Muslim crisis with U.S. Representative Jim McGovern was my first look into the workings of international conflict resolution. The power systems behind diplomacy became a point of fascination for me. Whether it was marching miles chanting “No Justice, No Peace” in June 2020 or debating as Elizabeth Warren in my ninth grade mock democratic primary, I have taken every stride to involve myself politically. Majoring in international relations and politics and minoring in science, technology and society at Carnegie Mellon is the next step in furthering my involvement.

This essay is another great example of the “Why This Major?” archetype. The author shares why the intersection of technology and politics is the perfect fit for her, through her unique experiences and background.

The introduction is a captivating one, which follows her evolving understanding of politics. Starting with a simplistic view of “Democrats as donkeys and Republicans as elephants” at a young age, the writer matures and recognizes the complexity of the political landscape as she enters high school. This progression implicitly showcases her thoughtfulness and willingness to challenge existing beliefs which are critical to any career in politics and international relations.

Additionally, the essay adeptly integrates the realms of computer science and politics. The author provides a unique combination of academic interests that most applicants would otherwise shy away from. The writer’s successful development of an app for the Congressional App Challenge exemplifies her ability to utilize coding for social progress. By mentioning the process of surveying real families and refining the front-end design, the writer illustrates her comprehensive approach and shows how coding can be harnessed as a tool for enacting positive social change.

Finally, the author provides more unique experiences that reveal her true passions for politics and technology. She references her experiences during the 2022 election and Kode With Klossy events which each relied on bringing together both her academic interests. In the final paragraph, the author provides even more evidence to her experience in the political realm which drive home the point about her interest in her major as well as show accomplishments in a specific area which are hard to come by for most students.

From initial impressions, this essay is great at providing sufficient evidence as to why this author is pursuing international relations and politics with a minor in technology. However, one suggestion for this author, and general advice for any applicant, is not to fall into the trap of simply recapitulating all of one’s resume in an essay. This author has unfortunately used most of the 300 word count to list out her experiences and qualifications, but misses out on key opportunities to expand upon how these experiences have shaped her perspective and developed her interests over time.

In general, there is a lack of reflection on the lessons learned from the various experiences mentioned. While the writer describes her involvement in protests, debates, and internships, there is limited discussion of the personal growth and insights gained from these activities. The author has experiences including “ winning the Congressional App Challenge, to marching miles chanting ‘No Justice, No Peace’ in June 2020 or debating as Elizabeth Warren in [her] ninth grade mock democratic primary,” which could all be powerful standalone experiences for a 300-word essay. Adding a reflective element to the essay would provide a deeper understanding of the writer’s development and demonstrate their ability to learn from their experiences.

For example, the author could remove a few activities from her essay and  expand upon the experience of winning the Congressional App Challenge, discussing her thought process and emotions during the development of the app, or the impact it had based on feedback from families.  Here’s an example of an excerpt that would’ve made this section stronger:

“I decided to use the app for myself to clear out the bags of my younger brother’s baby clothes in the basement. A young immigrant mother responded to my post, saying that she hadn’t been able to afford properly-fitting baby clothes for her toddler son. A week after she picked up the bags, the mother returned with her giggly son in his ‘new’ clothing. The mother was full of gratitude, and I was just as grateful for this experience as it showed me the direct impact coding could have on improving real lives and making social progress.”

By incorporating specific examples and adding reflective elements, the essay would become more compelling, allowing the reader to better understand the writer’s experiences and their personal growth. These adjustments would enhance the overall quality of the essay and provide a vivid and engaging narrative.

Essay Example #5 – Politics

At Carnegie Mellon, I see myself defining a college experience in which I can widen my career goals in politics and learn from real-world experiences. D.C. is where I hope to work following college, as there is no place better than our capitol to explore the inner workings of decision-making in government. Through CMU’s Washington Semester Program (WSP), I aim to intern with a member of Congress to expand my understanding of the legislative process and gain experience in the nation’s center of politics. This orientation into Washington and chance to meet leaders and alumni at top think tanks would allow me to connect with all the working parts of public policy, encapsulating everything I wish to take from college. 

Immersing myself in the relevant and multifaceted courses at the Institute of Politics and Strategy is how I plan to take my learning to the next step at CMU. Electives like “Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea to Reality” and “In the News” intrigue me; they tie in law and journalism with politics, contextualizing it in a realistic and applicable sphere. 

I hope to conduct research to delve deeper into what I’m passionate about and ripen my goal of effecting change. Under esteemed criminologist and public policy expert Professor Daniel Nagin, I see an opportunity to conduct actionable research on race and incarceration. I want to discuss the disparities in Pennsylvania’s fast growing prison populations itself and develop my paper “Slavery is Flourishing Under the U.S. Prison System.”

Expanding my learning doesn’t end with academics, however. I am eager to explore the diverse community at CMU, and start a cultural literary magazine for all students to share their lived experiences about their heritage through art, writing, and overall self-expression.

This prompt is basically the “ Why This College? ” essay presented in a different way. The goals of the prompt are the same, however: it’s asking you what makes CMU the perfect school for you, and how you will make the most of its resources to have a successful education.

This student clearly has an interest in politics, detailing specifics such as their hopes to pursue an internship, undertake course work, and do research to further their education. They show that they’ve done their research on why CMU is a fit for them, by mentioning unique resources at the college.

Furthermore, the author does a great job of providing additional information as to why they would like to pursue the activities they’ve researched. They explain how CMU’s WSP will teach them about the legislative process, how their classes will tie in law and journalism, and how their research will deepen their understanding of race and incarceration. Providing this level of detail helps admissions officers understand what this student values and is hoping to learn through their education at CMU.

Writing-wise, the student also makes sure to use varied sentence structure and smooth transitions, making the essay easy to read.

The objective of this essay is two-fold: 1) what do you hope to accomplish in your undergraduate degree program, and 2) how CMU is uniquely equipped to help you realize your goals.

The essay does a great job in answering question #1, but could do more to address the latter. We know why the student is interested in the resources they mention, but we don’t know how those things will help them reach their overarching academic and career goals. 

In fact, we don’t even know what those overarching goals are: does this student want to become a political journalist, politician, or something else? It’s okay if you’re undecided, but you should at least share some potential options, rather than simply saying that you’re interested in a broad field (like “politics”), which feels unfocused.

The student should also move the section about CMU’s program in D.C. to later in the essay, as having it right at the beginning makes it seem like they’re more interested in spending time in D.C. than on CMU’s campus in Pittsburgh.

Additionally, the final paragraph, about the student’s hope to start a cultural literary magazine,  feels unrelated to the rest of the essay, which is focused on their political interests. If they wanted to include this detail, they should’ve introduced it earlier, to give themselves time to connect it to their other ideas.

Where to Get Your Carnegie Mellon Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Carnegie Mellon essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Master of Software Engineering Programs

Software and societal systems department, miranda on moscow rules.

By Jen Potter

Eduardo Miranda , Associate Teaching Professor in the Institute for Software Research (ISR), Masters of Software Engineering (MSE) Programs, presented his research on evidence-based agile at the XP 2022 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in mid-June.

Considered the premier Agile software development conference that combines research and practice, XP brings together Agile researchers, practitioners, thought leaders, coaches, and trainers to present and discuss recent innovation, research results, experiences, challenges, and trends.

The theme of this year's conference was Agile in the Era of Hybrid Work . Participants were asked to explore how agile methods — which have traditionally favored small, co-located teams, and emphasized face-to-face interactions — have successfully scaled up to serve large and distributed projects as we face new challenges in the era of hybrid work environments.

Miranda's presentation  “ MoSCoW Rules: A quantitative expos é ,”  [pdf] is an analysis of the ability of the MoSCoW method to deliver all features in the categories of Must Have, Should Have, and Could Have, using the Monte Carlo simulation. Miranda's analysis shows that under the MoSCoW rules, a team should be able to deliver all of the Must Have features for underestimations of up to 100% with very high probability. The conclusions reached are important for developers as well as for project sponsors as it allows both parties to know how much faith they should place in commitments made about project deliverables.

• Accomplishments
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Moscow to build driverless tram network as part of big autonomous transport push

The initiative appears to be part of a larger move towards autonomous transport of several other modes, including mainline network trains and robotic taxis, or “robotaxis”.

Driverless trams may be launched in testing mode in Moscow from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023.

Liksutov, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport, made the announcement at the discussion Robots in the City: The Future of Megacities with Autonomous Transport, held by the Noôdome community in Moscow.

Liksutov outlines that, in terms of legislation, everything is done to ensure that driverless transport appears as quickly as possible…

As far as driverless transport is concerned, Moscow primarily relies on the rail public transport. Moscow together with Yandex work on the driverless tram project, planned to be tested since 2022 – at first, at depots, later at nights, and finally – with passengers. 80 percent of tram lines are already segregated from other road users.