chapman supplemental essay examples

Responding to the Chapman Supplemental Essay Prompts

Written by Ian Brook Fisher on October 24th, 2019

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Chapman University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt short response.

Chapman seeks to enroll a class of students that help create a diverse, dynamic and welcoming campus community. To support this goal, we encourage you to discuss any aspect of your identity. This can include race, unique perspectives, experiences and background, and how those aspects of identity have shaped who you are. We are committed to creating a welcoming university where all of our students can fully participate, reach their potential, and benefit from living, learning, and socializing with people different from themselves. With this in mind, please answer one of the following questions

Our committee would like to hear about a personal experience or lesson that has helped you better understand who you are now and/or appreciate a perspective different from your own. How would you utilize this understanding to contribute to the values and welcoming fabric of our campus community?

Part of the Chapman experience is to help students expand their perspectives. How do you plan to develop yourself during your time at Chapman?

Select-A-Prompt Essay

Fast Facts are a way for us to get to know you. We want to see who you are as a student and as a person! Feel free to be creative, but remember what we’re asking. Just because they’re “fast” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put some thought into your answers.

What is your dream job?

What song should we be listening to while reading your application?

Name one dish you would cook for our admission team.

What is your favorite subject?

What is the top thing on your bucket list?

If Chapman’s admission team came to visit your hometown, what site would you take them to?

What makes you happy?

What is something you have always wanted to learn but never had the chance to?

What can you give a 30-minute presentation on without any preparation?

What are the best words of advice you have received?

Why This College Short Response

Out of the thousands of universities and colleges, what excites you about attending Chapman University specifically?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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Chapman University Admission Essay Writing Guide

Application Guide

Essay examples.

If you're aiming for a scholarship at Chapman University and are pressed for time or unsure how to articulate your thoughts effectively, StudyMoose offers specialized scholarship essay writing services tailored to meet your needs. With a team of experienced writers well-versed in creating essays that align with the unique criteria of schools like Chapman University, StudyMoose can craft a high-quality, customized essay designed to improve your scholarship prospects.

Why Chapman Essay

Students applying for admission to Chapman University must write one supplemental essay. The first three essay questions are based on why you chose the institution and your preferred major. This statement letter aims to let the admission officers know why you see this school as the best choice for you. The first and second essay is about why you chose your preferred Major.

You will have to explain your interest in that field of study and how the college can help you achieve your future aspirations. If you find it difficult to decide on the major to go for, this question will help you express yourself and how Chapman can help you.

Use this essay as an opportunity to explain yourself, your interest, passion, and character traits that reveal who you are, and your leadership skills, talent, or intellectual prowess that makes you the best candidate for the school.

Chapman University Supplemental Essay Prompts

It is widely known that Chapman offers one of the earnest supplemental questions, and students seeking admission into Chapman university are required to answer any of four supplemental questions of not more than 200 words. You can give each your best try using this guide

Prompt 1: Please tell us about your interest in the major you selected

This prompt allows you to express why you choose this Major among the school’s numerous options. Explain why you decided to embark on this journey, what prompted you, how it relates to your career goal, and how Chapman can help you achieve it.

Regardless of whether your reasons are for academic or professional reasons, your rationality should be based on what Chapman is offering. 200 words might seem too small for you to express yourself, but that should not hinder you from giving your best. Make sure your answer is detailed enough to capture your interest in that major and why the school is the best place for you to achieve your goal. Avoid copying other people’s work and be specific.

Prompt 2: For undecided pupils:

Our vibrant liberal arts program at Chapman University fosters intellectual curiosity. It’s fine if you’re not sure what you want to major in, but please tell us about the academic fields that interest you.

This essay topic is for applicants who have difficulty narrowing down their choices, and Chapman has offered a tool to assist them. This question aims to provide admissions personnel with a better understanding of why you are having trouble deciding. It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your competence and strength and undertake a thorough study before responding to the issue. The major goal of this essay is to connect your interests with how the school can assist you in making the best selection possible.

Prompt 3: Why are you interested in Chapman above the thousands of other institutions and colleges?

This is an example of a common “why us” essay. This section is crucial and fascinating. You have only 200 words to describe why you have chosen Chapman. You have the opportunity to thoroughly illustrate how Chapman can assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Do not be brief; tell the admissions officers that you are passionate about the school; do your research and thoughtfully respond to the question, and express what you love about the school, the school attributes that interest you, and the school values that align with yours, as well as how Chapman can assist you. When writing this essay, focus on what you will give to the school and how your contribution will serve to improve the school’s cultural, political, religious, and social well-being. Make sure your essay goes beyond the basics of statistics and facts.

Prompt 4: Choose one of the two prompts provided below.

Student Identity - Each Chapman student has numerous identities that contribute to our community’s diversity. Our committee is interested in hearing about the intersectionality of your identities and how they have influenced your life.

The school wants to learn more about you in 200 words, including what has formed you into the person you are now, your experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. You can discuss your history, previous experience, what you believe in, how it relates to who you are today, and how your distinctiveness might benefit the school.

Student Impact - Growing or transforming your viewpoints is important for the Chapman student experience. What kind of influence do you want to make at Chapman, and what legacy do you leave behind?

In other words, Chapman is merely inquiring about your desire to be remembered. It’s simply a question of what you can provide to the school and how your personality will influence it. What do you enjoy doing? What have you accomplished that you are proud of?

Take a look at how you’ve influenced your present school to assist you to answer that question. This assignment allows you to write about any of your skill sets; it is not restricted to academics or grades; instead, write about a significant component of yourself or your talent and how it will benefit you and the Chapman community.

Application Checklist for Chapman University

For undergraduates:.

• Complete the common application questions as well as the ones for Chapman University.
• Send in your letters of recommendation. You would need at least one from any of your high school teachers
• Send in your official transcripts
• Send in your counselor report. Your high school counselor or official must submit the common application school report form
• Send in any other documents that are required for your program, if any
• Pay your application fees or ask for a waiver

For Master’s degree applications, you would need:

• Your official transcripts
• The results of your standardized tests - GRE/MCAT/PCAT/IELTS/TOEFL (where applicable)
• Minimum of two recommendation letters
• Your resume
• Your statement of Intent.

For international students, you would require:

• English proficiency test scores
• All official academic records for your undergraduate studies.
• How to Write Chapman University Supplemental Essays
• Early preparation

Whatever you require, make sure it is done early; this will allow you to arrange your thoughts and execute them very well.

Write about an important aspect of your life

The key to writing a successful supplemental essay is Genuity. Writing about what you are passionate about and what is important to you is crucial. Do not copy from others or write someone else’s story. The admission officer is interested in knowing more about you, so feel free to be personal. Remember, the best way to stand out is to be yourself.

Answer all questions

Don’t get too carried away and ignore some parts of the questions. Outline the key point you are to write about; this will guide you when you are writing your essays. You only have limited space; keep your answers brief and concise.

Writing format

Ensure to avoid spelling and grammatical errors, and do not use big grammar to avoid misinterpretation. Make sure to use the particular format and font size. Chapman requires your essays to be less than 200. Confirm the word count before you submit.

Proofreading

After you have finished writing your essay, give your essays to your friends, parents, or your teachers to proofread your essay. This will help you rectify any form of errors. You can also log on to our online platform for examples of Chapman University Supplemental Essay samples; this will guide you when writing yours.

Chapman University History

The history of Chapman university began in 1861 during the era of Abraham Lincoln; the school was founded in Woodland, California, as Hesperian College. In 1934, the school was renamed Chapman College, fourteen years after the California Christian College acquired Hesperian College assets. In 1991, Chapman changed its name to Chapman University.

The institution was renamed after the chairman of the board of trustees and benefactor, Charles Clarke Chapman, the mayor of Fullerton, California. The school has been regarded sometimes as a Christian school due to its affiliation with religious organizations. Despite not being a Christian school, the school has had a cordial relationship with churches - The United Church of Christ since 2011 and Disciple's of Christ since the university was founded.

The research university encompasses ten schools and colleges, including Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Fowler School of Engineering, and Fowler School of Law. The private school has a reputation for being in high research activity, and it is classified among R2- Doctoral Universities.

Chapman University, situated on 90 acres of land, gives admission to students from the United States and foreign students. The school has a student capacity of 10,001 undergraduates and postgraduates with 1,117 academic staff and 752 administrative staff.

When you consider that Chapman University is one of the best private research universities, considering that the college is classified among universities with high research activity, thus classified R2, you might have a doubt when writing the essays. Don’t be anxious; we provide you with arrays of Chapman Essay samples, and we also have intelligent experts available to help you write your essay at a cheap price. We wish you the best of luck.

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How to Approach Chapman Supplemental Essays

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Introduction

The Chapman supplemental essays are an integral part of the college application process for prospective students. These essays provide applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives that may not be fully captured in other parts of their application. By carefully crafting these essays, students can effectively demonstrate why they are a strong fit for Chapman University and increase their chances of admission.

One of the key purposes of the Chapman supplemental essays is to give admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual. While your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities provide important information about your academic abilities and involvement, these essays allow you to go beyond the numbers and statistics. They provide insight into your personality, passions, values, and goals – all factors that can influence your potential contributions to the Chapman community.

Moreover, the supplemental essays also serve as a way for you to demonstrate your writing skills and ability to articulate your thoughts effectively. Admissions officers want to see that you can communicate clearly and concisely while expressing yourself authentically. This is why it is crucial to approach these essays with careful thought and attention to detail.

In addition, by taking the time to reflect on your experiences and aspirations through brainstorming and selecting essay topics, you can ensure that your essays truly represent who you are as an individual. This process allows you to delve into meaningful moments or challenges that have shaped you or explore specific areas of interest that align with Chapman's values or programs. It is important to choose topics that not only highlight your strengths but also showcase your personal growth , resilience, or unique perspective.

As you begin structuring and writing your Chapman supplemental essays, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. However, there are some general guidelines that can help make your essays more compelling. Consider starting with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides a clear sense of purpose for your essay. From there, develop your ideas with specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your points and make your essays memorable.

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Brainstorming and Selecting Essay Topics

Brainstorming and selecting essay topics for Chapman supplemental essays can be an exciting yet challenging task. These essays provide applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. To ensure that your essays stand out from the competition, here are some tips to help you brainstorm and select the most compelling essay topics.

• Reflect on Your Personal Journey

Start by reflecting on your personal journey and the experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. Consider significant moments or challenges you have faced, influential people in your life, or any transformative experiences that have had a profound impact on your values and beliefs. This reflection will help you identify potential essay topics that highlight your individuality and demonstrate self-awareness.

• Highlight Your Passions and Interests

Think about your passions and interests outside of academics. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy? Are there any particular subjects or causes that ignite a fire within you? Choosing an essay topic related to your passions will not only allow you to showcase your enthusiasm but also provide insight into what drives you as a person.

• Connect with Chapman's Values

Research Chapman University's mission statement, core values, and academic programs. Consider how these align with your own goals, values, and interests. Look for opportunities to connect your personal experiences or aspirations with what Chapman stands for. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who demonstrate a genuine understanding of the university's culture and show how they would contribute positively to the community.

• Be Authentic

When brainstorming essay topics, it's essential to be authentic and true to yourself. Avoid choosing topics simply because you think they will impress the admissions committee or fit a certain mold of what an ideal applicant should be like. Instead, choose topics that genuinely reflect who you are as an individual and allow your unique voice to shine through in your writing.

• Consider Multiple Perspectives

To make your essays more compelling, try to consider multiple perspectives on a given topic. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and engage with complex ideas. It can also help you avoid writing essays that are too one-dimensional or predictable. By presenting different viewpoints, you can showcase your intellectual curiosity and demonstrate your capacity for empathy and understanding.

• Seek Feedback

Once you have brainstormed several potential essay topics, seek feedback from trusted individuals such as teachers, mentors, or family members. They can provide valuable insights and help you identify which topics resonate the most with your personal story. Additionally, their feedback can help you refine your ideas and ensure that your essays effectively convey your message.

• Choose Topics That Allow for Personal Growth

Lastly, consider selecting essay topics that allow for personal growth and reflection. Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how you have learned from challenges or setbacks and how these experiences have shaped your character. Choosing topics that showcase personal growth will not only make your essays more compelling but also highlight qualities that universities often value in their applicants.

By following these tips, you will be well-equipped to brainstorm and select essay topics that effectively capture who you are as an individual and why Chapman University is the perfect fit for your academic journey. Remember to stay true to yourself, be authentic in your writing, and take the time to craft thoughtful and engaging essays that leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!

Structuring and Writing Effective Essays

When it comes to structuring and writing effective Chapman supplemental essays, there are several key tips to keep in mind. These essays play a crucial role in the admissions process, allowing applicants to showcase their unique qualities and demonstrate why they are a good fit for Chapman University. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essays stand out and increase your chances of admission.

First and foremost, it is important to carefully read and understand the essay prompts provided by Chapman University. Take the time to analyze each prompt and identify what the university is looking for in a response. This will help you tailor your essay to meet their expectations and provide a focused and relevant response.

Once you have a clear understanding of the prompts, brainstorming is an essential step in the essay writing process. Start by making a list of your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the prompts. Consider personal anecdotes or meaningful moments that highlight your character or abilities. This will help you generate ideas for potential essay topics.

Next, narrow down your list of potential topics by selecting those that resonate with you the most. Choose topics that allow you to showcase your unique perspective, passion, or growth. Remember that Chapman University is interested in understanding who you are as an individual beyond your academic achievements. Selecting topics that reflect your personality and values will make your essays more compelling.

Once you have chosen a topic for each essay prompt, it's time to start writing. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that hooks the reader and sets the tone for your essay. This could be an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement related to your chosen topic.

As you move into the body paragraphs of your essay, make sure to provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims or statements. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the reader and make them feel connected to your experiences. Remember to stay focused on addressing the prompt while showcasing your unique qualities and perspectives.

In addition to providing evidence, it is important to reflect on the significance of your experiences or achievements. Chapman University is interested in understanding not only what you have done but also how it has shaped you as an individual. Take the time to explain why these experiences are meaningful to you and how they have influenced your personal growth or future goals.

When structuring your essay, consider using a clear and logical organization. Start with a strong thesis statement that summarizes the main point or argument of your essay. Then, use topic sentences to introduce each new paragraph and provide a smooth transition between ideas. This will help ensure that your essay flows logically and cohesively.

Finally, don't forget to revise and edit your essays before submitting them. Take the time to review for clarity, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

In conclusion, approaching Chapman supplemental essays requires careful thought, planning, and execution. By understanding the purpose of these essays and how they contribute to your overall application, you can effectively showcase your unique qualities and increase your chances of admission to Chapman University. Remember to spend time brainstorming and selecting essay topics that align with your personal experiences and values. Additionally, pay attention to the structure and writing style of your essays, ensuring they are clear, concise, and compelling. By following these tips and guidelines, you can confidently tackle the Chapman supplemental essays and present yourself as a strong candidate for admission. Good luck on your college application journey!

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Common App Schools That Don't Require Extra Essays (2024-25)

Posted in Your College List , Class of 2029

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

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

Click on Continue Reading for the list.

Common App Schools with No Extra Essays (Class of 2029 Edition)

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Home — Application Essay — University — Chapman University

Chapman University Admission Essays

Why chapman university is the perfect fit for me.

After extensive research and self-reflection, I have come to the conclusion that Chapman University is the perfect fit for me. The unique combination of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal growth make Chapman the ideal institution for me to thrive and achieve…

Science, Storytelling, and Social Impact: My Journey to Chapman University

Introduction As I stand at the precipice of my academic journey, ready to embark on the next chapter of my life, my aspirations and passion converge upon Chapman University. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, innovation, and fostering an inclusive community, Chapman resonates…

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion at Chapman University

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, diversity and inclusion have emerged as fundamental pillars of any thriving community. Chapman University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with my own values and experiences. Throughout…

Expanding Minds: A Journey of Community Engagement

As a firm believer in the transformative power of community engagement and service to others, I have always sought opportunities to actively contribute and make a positive impact in my community. Throughout my high school years, I dedicated myself to various volunteer programs, advocacy work,…

Debate: Inspiring Academic Excellence, Creativity, and Community Engagement

One particular experience stands out as a defining moment that showcased my commitment to the values of academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement. This experience not only shaped my character and aspirations but also ignited a passion within me to contribute to a vibrant and…

A Photography Exhibition for Environmental Conservation

During my high school years, I embarked on a creative project that not only allowed me to express myself but also had a profound impact on those around me. It all began with my love for photography and my deep admiration for the beauty of…

Feel the Music: College Admission Essay Sample

The piano is predictable. If I hit the right key, it will play the same note every time, and if I play a song correctly, there will always be harmony. Life is unpredictable and always changing; thus, the piano is a logical safe haven. The…

Diversity Impact: College Admission Essay Sample

At Chapman, I would be eager to be a part of the advancement of the diversity project by contributing my ideas and passions to the People of Color advisory group. People often struggle to fully understand what it is like to be a person who…

Distinct: Film: College Admission Essay Sample

I have known that I wanted to be a filmmaker since the 7th grade. I was taking a class on digital media, and fell in love with visual storytelling. That year, I took what I had learned and created a short film in my backyard…

The Soundtrack of My Life

Chapman University offers a wide range of academic programs, which is why I find it the perfect institution to pursue my education. After a great deal of consideration, I have decided to apply for the Film Production program at the Dodge College of Film and…

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Sample Supplemental Essay for College Admissions: Why This College?

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Most college applicants fail to put adequate time into a supplemental college essay. The Common Application's personal essay allows a student to write a single essay for multiple colleges. The supplemental college essay, however, needs to be different for every application. Thus, it's tempting to dash off a generic and vague piece that can be used at multiple schools, resulting in a  weak essay .

Don't make this mistake. Your "Why This College" essay must be specific, demonstrating a high level of interest in and commitment to this particular school. To better understand how to ace this supplemental essay prompt, let's analyze a sample essay written for Oberlin College .

The essay prompt reads:

"Given your interests, values, and goals, explain why Oberlin College will help you grow (as a student and a person) during your undergraduate years."

Sample Supplemental Essay

I visited 18 colleges over the past year, yet Oberlin is the one place that most spoke to my interests. Early in my college search I learned that I prefer a liberal arts college to a larger university. The collaboration between the faculty and undergraduate students, the sense of community, and the flexible, interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum are all important to me. Also, my high school experience was greatly enriched by the diversity of the student body, and I am impressed by Oberlin’s rich history and its current efforts connected to inclusiveness and equality. To say the least, I’d be proud to say I attended the first coeducational college in the country.

I plan to major in Environmental Studies at Oberlin. After my campus tour , I took some extra time to visit the Adam Joseph Lewis Center. It’s an amazing space and the students I chatted with spoke highly of their professors. I became truly interested in issues of sustainability during my volunteer work in the Hudson River Valley, and everything I’ve learned about Oberlin makes it seem the ideal place for me to continue exploring and building upon those interests. I am also impressed by Oberlin’s Creativity and Leadership Project. I’ve been a bit of an entrepreneur ever since second grade when I made a dollar producing and performing The Runaway Bunny for my extended family. I’m drawn to a program that supports the move from classroom learning to creative hands-on, real-world applications.

Finally, as the rest of my application clearly demonstrates, music is an important part of my life. I’ve been playing the trumpet since fourth grade, and I hope to continue performing and developing my skills throughout college. What better place than Oberlin to do so? With more performances than days in the year and a large group of talented musicians in the Conservatory of Music, Oberlin is an ideal place for exploring my love of both music and the environment.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

To understand the strength of the essay, we must first look at the prompt: the admissions officers at Oberlin want you to "explain why Oberlin College will help you grow." This sounds straightforward, but be careful. You're not being asked to explain how college, in general, will help you grow, nor are you being asked how attending a small liberal arts school will help you grow. The admissions offers want to hear how  Oberlin , in particular, will help you grow, so the essay needs to include specific information about Oberlin College.

A strong "Why This College" essay will make a case for why the school in question is a good fit for the student. The case should be made by connecting facts about the school—unique opportunities, educational values, campus culture, et cetera—with the student's goals, values, and interests.

From the Admissions Desk

"We want to see [in the "Why This School" essay] that students understand the unique educational model at High Point University. We know that students have access to more information than ever before and that most colleges focus on the classroom experience. We want students who desire 25% of their time to be experiential ... who want to grow as people of character with strong values and to fully immerse themselves in our life skills education."

–Kerr Ramsay Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, High Point University

A good way to see if you've responded to the prompt well is to swap out the name of the college you're applying to with the name of any other college. If the essay still makes sense once you do a global replace of the school name, you haven't written a good supplemental essay.

A Critique of the Supplemental Essay

The sample essay certainly succeeds on this front. If we were to substitute "Kenyon College" for "Oberlin College" in the essay, the essay would not make sense. The details in the essay are unique to Oberlin. Demonstrated interest can play a meaningful role in the admissions process, and this applicant has clearly demonstrated that she knows Oberlin well and her interest in the school is sincere.

Let's look at some of the essay's strengths:

• The first paragraph makes several important points. First of all, we learn that the applicant has visited Oberlin. This may not seem like a big deal, but you'd be surprised how many students apply to a large number of colleges based on nothing but the schools' reputations. Also, the student notes that she wants to go to a  liberal arts college , not a larger  university . This information isn't really specific to Oberlin, but it does show that she has thought about the options available to her. The final point in this first paragraph gets more specific—the applicant is familiar with Oberlin and knows the school's socially progressive history.
• The second paragraph is really the heart of this essay—the applicant wants to major in Environmental Studies, and she is clearly impressed with the program at Oberlin. She has visited the Environmental Studies building, and she knows of some of the unique opportunities offered at Oberlin. She has even talked with Oberlin students. This paragraph can't help but make a favorable impression on the admissions folks—the applicant is drawn to Oberlin, and she clearly knows exactly  why  she likes Oberlin.
• The final paragraph adds another important dimension to the application. Not only does the student find the Environmental Studies program attractive, but her love of music makes Oberlin an even better match. Oberlin has a top-rated music conservatory, so the applicant's dual love of music and Environmental Studies makes Oberlin a natural match for her.

Admissions officers can't help but feel that Oberlin is a great match for this applicant. She knows the school well, and her interests and goals line up perfectly with Oberlin's strengths. This short essay will certainly be a positive piece of her application.

A Final Word About Supplemental Essays

The content of your supplemental essay is extremely important, and poor decisions on this front can lead to a weak supplemental essay . But content isn't everything. You also need to focus on the presentation of your ideas. Make sure your essay is entirely free of any grammatical errors, and be sure to avoid common stylistic problems . The admissions officers need to conclude that you are sincerely interested in attending their school and that you are an excellent writer.

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How to Write Your College Admission Essay

College applications have opened up, which means that prospective students are finalizing their paperwork and editing their college essays in hopes of finding their perfect match. 

While this can be a daunting task, it is rewarding nonetheless. Universities and colleges receive many applications a year. So, below are a few tips that could help you make your college essay shine. You will also find words of advice from Garrett Addison, one of Chapman University’s admission counselors .     

1. Start preparing early.

While it’s easy to push off something as intimidating as the college essay, you’ll feel better if you take some time to look over the prompt that’s posted on the university’s website. This will allow you plenty of time to organize your thoughts and plan out what you want the admission officers to read.  

2. Write about something that’s important to you. 

The key to a successful college essay is writing about something important to you and telling a good story. If you’re not interested in the words on the page, the admission reader will be able to tell. Don’t write a story you think they want to read, instead inform them what you want them to know. Focus on your greatest passion, captivating the reader and making them remember you. 

“ Write about something you are really passionate about because your voice will come through much more in it. I have been reading essays for eight years; it is clear to me who is writing because they have to and who writes because they want to,” says Addison. 

You’ll hear this over and over again in life, but being yourself is the best way to stand out. Be honest about what matters to you, and don’t be afraid to get personal. The college admissions committee wants to get to know you and see if you’re a good match for their campus. 

3. Make sure to reflect in your essay.

You can introduce yourself in this essay, summarizing aspects of your life and why they’re important. But you also want to reflect upon your past and how that has shaped your present and future. It’s also important to emphasize how the college will help you achieve your personal or career goals. How will the major you picked influence your dreams? If you are undecided, focus on your passions and what you might like to pursue.

  Some people might say that the best college essays share challenging experiences that may or may not have happy endings, but that’s not always the case. This essay is here to showcase your ambitions and how daily life has steered you in that direction. Whether you have experienced something difficult or not, it is up to you to determine if that experience has influenced your life.   

“It doesn’t have to be super grandiose. Sometimes the story can be about a new passion they stumbled upon. I think students stay stuck in the mindset that it has to be better than everybody else’s story,” says Addison.

  4. Answer all the questions being asked. 

Sometimes it can be easy to get carried away with the story you’re trying to tell and forget to answer part of the question. But if you give yourself enough time to plan out your essay, this won’t be a problem!  

Something to remember is that you shouldn’t just write about your resume or high school transcript. Admissions officers can learn more about that by looking at those documents, so don’t waste the word space on information they can get somewhere else. Additionally, because the essay should be relatively short, you want to be specific and keep it simple so you don’t ramble. Sometimes less is more.

The entire essay was about this deep passion for ketchup, and how they would eat ketchup with every single meal. They used it to pivot it into how they would have that same passion for their future school.

It can be fun to think outside the box to stand out. You can focus on whatever inspires you, whether that be something most people write about or not. But writing something that others focus on is probably not the best option anyway. Likewise, reading Common Application prompts to get inspiration isn’t the best option. College admissions officers have seen that before; they’re looking for something new. If you try too hard to fit your writing into a category, you might lose the piece’s authenticity.  

“There is one essay that I consistently go back to, because it is in equal parts silly, but very true to who the student is. The first sentence was, “I love ketchup.” The entire essay was about this deep passion for ketchup, and how they would eat ketchup with every single meal. They used it to pivot it into how they would have that same passion for their future school. It’s also a really good example that it doesn’t have to be grandiose at all,” says Addison.

5. Write several drafts and check your grammar.

Once you have fitted all the puzzle pieces, you can now focus on proofreading. While nothing is ever “perfect,” grammar and spelling must be as close to perfect as possible. The best way to catch all the minor mistakes is to read the essay aloud. This is also an excellent tactic to make sure that everything flows smoothly. If you’re getting stuck when you read it aloud, then maybe you should rephrase that sentence.

“Structure is important. I’ve read some essays that are one big block of text, which you don’t want to do. My biggest pet peeve is students not capitalizing the word ‘I’,” says Addison.   

6. The more people who read your essay the better. 

While no one else should write the essay for you, it’s essential to get feedback. Sometimes you don’t catch all the little mistakes or places that could be improved if you review your work. Having parents, friends or teachers/tutors read over your essay will help strengthen it. However, make sure that those assisting you are not adding their own words to your paper. Instead, allow them to advise you and offer suggestions. 

Belana Beeck

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University of Southern California 2024-25 Supplemental Essay and Short Questions Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Dec 1

University of Southern California (USC) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Guide

The Requirements: 2 or 3 essays (depending on major selection) of up to 250 words; 2 short-answer lists.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Short Answer , Community

USC Essay Prompts Breakdown

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at usc. please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit).

This is USC’s take on the classic Why essay. In asking how you plan to pursue your interests, admissions is really trying to suss out your core reasons for choosing USC. While college will offer you a wealth of social and professional opportunities, its primary function is academic — and your primary role is as a student. So, what kind of student do you hope to be? Where do you hope your studies will take you? What resources and opportunities does USC offer that will meet your needs and guide you towards your goals?

To answer these questions, set aside an hour or two to pore over the USC website (there’s no hack, you’ve just got to put in the time). Beyond the basic departmental listings, look up information about news and research coming out of your department, the kinds of courses available, the opportunities that other undergrads have had studying in your area of choice. Even if you have a wide array of interests, consider explaining how two to three departments might complement each other or foster your interest in a larger idea or theme. Your ultimate goal is to show that your interest in USC (just like your intellectual curiosity) runs deep!

Describe yourself in three words (25 characters).

Your answers do not need to be so outlandish that admissions needs a thesaurus to look them up, but they should avoid the generalities that so often populate these questions: loyal, kind, smart… you get the idea. We’re sure you are all of these things — and they are lovely qualities to showcase in the stories you tell elsewhere in your other written responses — but these sorts of terms can ring hollow. Think about how different people in your life would describe you. Though this assignment is short, you may need to spend some time wordsmithing different combinations. When the prescribed format is a list, order matters just as much as content, so use every element of the assignment to your advantage!

The following prompts have a 100 character limit:

What is your favorite snack, best movie of all time:, if your life had a theme song, what would it be, dream trip:, what tv show will you binge watch next, which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate, favorite book:, if you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be.

Behold! USC’s attempt at being quirky! You’ve been limited to less than the length of a tweet for each answer, so you’d better make every word (and character) count! These prompts don’t have time for generalities or gentle introductions, so you’ll have to cut straight to the point. The more specific your words are, the more memorable your answers will be. Favorite snack? Don’t just say, “popcorn and Junior Mints.” How about, “A box of junior mints melting over hot popcorn as I watch a horror movie” (72 characters). If you can paint a funny picture or display a knack for wit, take this chance, but don’t force it. You also don’t exactly have to think of this as filling in the blanks, but more as filling in any blanks in your application. Anything that doesn’t feel like it merits a full essay can go here as a tweet, hot take, punchline, or elegantly-worded sentence.

USC Dornsife Applicants: Please provide an essay of no more than 250 words on the topic below. In your response, we encourage you to write about something that you haven’t already discussed elsewhere in your application.

For more information, please click here ., many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. if you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about (250 words).

We at CEA love this question because it’s a unique way of asking applicants: what do you care about and why? What’s important to you? What information do you wish other scholarly minds had access to? Start by making a list. Maybe you’d like to use your ten minutes to speak about media literacy and how we can and should consider what we see online through the lens of the powers that dictate how and when we receive information. Perhaps you’d want to spread the word about the dangers of climate change and the irreversible impact it will have on the planet if we don’t take action swiftly. What keeps you up at night? What kind of positive effect do you want to have on the world? These are the questions you should be asking yourself when brainstorming for this prompt. Bonus points if you can speak to how a USC Dornsife education will prepare you to address this issue head-on in the future! 

USC Viterbi Applicants:

The student body at the usc viterbi school of engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. describe how your contributions to the usc viterbi student body may be distinct from others. please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words).

USC Viterbi School of Engineering wants to accept students who will contribute to diversity on campus. When considering an aspect of your identity or background to expand upon, we recommend choosing one that has had the biggest impact on the way you experience and interact with the world. Ideally, the unique aspect you select should come with a couple anecdotes. Maybe you want to write about your experience as a person living with a disability and how this has shaped your interest in engineering, design, and accessibility. Perhaps you embody #BlackGirlMagic and will bring a fresh perspective to a field in which women of color are underrepresented. Regardless of the part of your identity you choose to address, be specific about how it impacts your worldview and how it will add a distinct perspective to USC Viterbi.

The Engineering Grand Challenges (for USC Viterbi Applicants):

The national academy of engineering (nae) and their 14 grand challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. learn more about the nae grand challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words).

Strong responses to this prompt will showcase self-reflection, care for the greater good, and ambition. Review the fourteen Grand Challenges and see which you connect with the most. Maybe you’re passionate about providing access to clean water, since you know firsthand what it’s like to not have that access in your hometown in Michigan. Perhaps you hope to engineer better medicines in honor of a loved one you lost to illness prematurely. Maybe you’ve always been fascinated with outer space and would jump at the opportunity to engineer new tools of scientific discovery. Make sure to relate your own life experiences and/or interests to the challenges the world is facing and emphasize how you’d like to be part of the solution.

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for USC Essays

College Essay Advisors has over twenty years of experience guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the University of Southern California. We take a holistic approach to these essays and short answers, considering each student’s application package as a whole. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful USC supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

USC asks applicants to write two (2) or three (3) essays, depending on their major selection, and two (2) short answer lists.

The limit is 250 words.

The USC supplemental essays are very important in the admissions process. Admissions officers at USC seek to “enroll a diverse group of students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions, who will enrich each other’s education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out.” These essays offer admissions the opportunity to get to know your values and better understand how you will contribute to the diversity of voices in their campus community. In short, they enable admissions to get to know the person behind the application (a.k.a. you!).

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your USC supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word. Each written response is an opportunity for you to share more information about yourself and your candidacy, so you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not taking advantage. 

Applicants will want to avoid silly grammar mistakes , repeating the prompt in their response, and telling rather than showing (e.g., saying you are determined without giving an example of a time you displayed determination).

When you don’t have a lot of words (or characters) at your disposal, ideas reign supreme. Instead of dedicating time to crafting beautiful transitions, like you would for a 500-word essay, most of your time here should be allotted to brainstorming and finding instances where one word can substitute for two. It’s also wise to think about your application as a whole (imagine the same person reading all of your documents in one sitting!), and offer answers that provide new layers to your submission. 

"Thank you so much for your help throughout this college app writing process, from the first draft to this final revision. Working with you brought me confidence and relieved a lot of stress, both for myself and my parents. I actually received acceptance from USC, which is really exciting since it's one of my reach schools!"

– CEA Student, USC, Class of 2025

"[My son] got accepted into USC!!! Thank you for all of your help with the supplemental essays, Common App personal statement, and activities section. We're incredibly grateful for your support and could not have done it without you and your team at College Essay Advisors."

– CEA Student, USC, Class of 2027

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Chapman University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Chapman University college application essays were written by students accepted at Chapman University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Chapman University

Autobiography rebecca adams, chapman university.

I lived in a small town in northern California for most of my childhood. I attended elementary school, and was involved in pretty much everything -- especially the performing arts. When I was in fifth grade my parents announced that we'd be moving...

A Chance to Create Katrina Barnett

Explain your decision to pursue your particular major.

When I was five I wanted to do everything- dance ballet, sing like Amy Grant and Pat Benatar rolled into one, run a cat kennel, and make movies. My wise mother, Bev, made sure I had an early...

Every Saturday Night Anonymous

I used to sit in my room staring at the wall, hoping for action, drama, comedy, or even romance. I did experience all of these things eventually, but through a screen, not directly. Every Saturday night was always another night at the movies. The...

Cultural Revolution Jacqueline Hudspeth

This is Jane Doe, coming to you live on the scene of Cultural Revolution. And this is the story:

It could have been my father and I listening to The Beatles on our annual car ride to Disneyland or the fact that both my parents were children of...

A Day in the Life... Jacqueline Hudspeth

Anchor (John Factworthy): Good evening and thank you for watching CNN’s nightly report. Now for our new segment “A Day in the Life of…,” where we talk to our viewers about what makes them…well them. Today marked a normal day for most teenagers...

The Outdoors and Life Anonymous

I was practically born on the river. Both of my parents were extreme whitewater raft guides, and they passed on their love of the river and nature in general to me. From a young age, my parents took me rafting on rivers like the San Juan, the...

Feel the Music Anonymous

The piano is predictable. If I hit the right key, it will play the same note every time, and if I play a song correctly, there will always be harmony. Life is unpredictable and always changing; thus, the piano is a logical safe haven. The piano is...

Success Lauren Ann Davis

As I strode into that all-too familiar gym, the memory of last year's defeat was still fresh in my mind. The court loomed ahead, lying smugly as if it were already aware of the game's outcome. The CIF Volleyball Championship poster smirked at us...

Where do I belong? Jeffrey Alexander Nagel

At age 13, I had it all planned out. Having taken my passport from my mother's desk, I prepared to purchase my ticket to freedom from the place I'd been held hostage all those years: Florence, Italy. My mother discovered the theft quickly,...

Black Belts and Black Jazz Shoes: Discovering My Purpose Through Persevering Sara Crossman

I will not stop dancing until each of my toes fall off. I am currently waiting on the sixth toe to take a turn for the worse.

I have an intense relationship with dance. I have been dancing on a competitive team since I was twelve— meaning that I...

Defending Ballet and Beyond Anonymous

I'm not usually one to disrupt a class.

It was a Monday morning in my first-period freshman health seminar. The lights were low, half the class was already asleep, and the 20-year-old television was slowly gearing up to play some low-budget video...

Chapman Essay Mikaela Armstrong

I am dragged to focus on hundreds of voices, the raging determination and instruction of my coach’s yelling, the encouraging cheers of my classmates, the steady affirmation of my teammates, and the screaming silence in my head. They all lead up to...

Diversity Impact Anonymous

At Chapman, I would be eager to be a part of the advancement of the diversity project by contributing my ideas and passions to the People of Color advisory group. People often struggle to fully understand what it is like to be a person who...

Distinct: Film Anonymous

I have known that I wanted to be a filmmaker since the 7th grade. I was taking a class on digital media, and fell in love with visual storytelling. That year, I took what I had learned and created a short film in my backyard with my younger...

Old Soul in a Modern World Tatiana Garnett

I have the soul of a 74 year old grandmother. I used to be ashamed to say it, because what kind of teenager wants to openly admit she enjoys spending time in retirement homes. But, there’s no use in masking the age of my soul any longer. I like...

The Artist Dylan Alexandra Folsom

I walked up to the half-open garage and peered uncertainly into the cluttered space. At this point, I was alone in London, navigating purely by gut and intuition. My voice shook as I rasped out an indication of my presence. As I waited for an...

The Chance to Dance Anonymous

I feel the sweat drip down my neck and soak into the fabric of my bedazzled gown. I clench my fists and inhale deeply, closing my eyes to see the reassuring grin of my choreographer in my mind. Here I stay, tucked securely behind the stage curtain...

Art of My Own Kela Sowell

“Alright, perfect.” I announce, looking down at my camera to peruse through the pictures I had just captured. The model in front of me wore a meticulously curated outfit of my choosing: a muted rainbow of varied sportswear, accompanied by...

Recent Questions about Chapman University

The Question and Answer section for Chapman University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Light emitting polymers

Sorry, we only answer literary questions on this site.

Application personal statement

Sorry, we only work with literary questions on this forum.

In the story “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. who is running the government ?

There really isn't much more to write. Ii's a pretty short story. The party monitors people 24/7. They have the ability to monitor thought process. The only leader we see is this Diana Moon Glampers but she seems to be the head of a branch...

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» How to Apply to Chapman University

The application process differs for first-year and transfer applicants. Additionally, certain programs and departments require a  Creative Supplement  along with your application. Use the links below for step-by-step instructions and deadlines on applying to the university.

Chapman is test optional for most applicants. You can learn more about applying test optional here .

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Application Resources

You can find application details and resources for specific populations on the following pages:

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How to Apply Video

Get a quick overview of the application process in this video:

Policy on Applicants’ Criminal History Question

Application process, enrollment process.

With submission of an enrollment deposit, students will be required to answer the following questions:

• Have you ever been adjudicated guilty or convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime?
• Do you have criminal charges pending against you or are you currently under investigation or indictment?

Depositing students who check “Yes” to either question will be sent a request to provide context and background information regarding their history. This information is not an automatic disqualification of enrollment and will be reviewed by a special committee within two weeks of receiving the information. 

Committee Review Process

The review committee, which will consist of Admission and Dean of Students staff members, will review the student’s response, conduct an individualized assessment and determine whether the criminal background information justifies a revocation of the university’s offer of admission

In performing this review, the committee will consider the gravity of the offense or charge and the potential risk or impact it presents to the university community. This committee will make the final decision about enrollment. 

Any questions can be sent to Marcela Mejia-Martinez, Assistant Vice President of Admission, at either [email protected] or 714-997-6711. 

Don’t Forget to Stay in Touch

You are not alone in the application process. Our Admissions team is happy to help you along the way. Below are some ways you can reach out and stay in touch.

• Request information. Join our interest list to receive university and application updates.
• Introduce yourself to your counselor. They would love to hear from you and can answer many of your questions.
• Visit Chapman.   We offer ways to connect on campus or virtually.

You can also use our program finder to help find which of our 100+ majors/minors is the right one for you.

Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, religion, military status, or veteran’s status in its admissions policies or administration of its educational programs, including scholarship and loan programs, under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Questions, concerns, or complaints may be directed to Colleen Wood, Title IX Coordinator at [email protected] , phone (714) 997-6721, Argyros Forum Room 101, or to the Director, US Department of Education, Washington, DC, 20201.

Note: any questions relating to the admission process should be sent to [email protected]

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Contact Admission

• Email General Admission
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Call us: (714) 997-6711

Text us: (714) 942-5474

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