jmu supplemental essays 2022 23

James Madison University | JMU

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James Madison University | JMU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

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.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Supplemental Essay Prompts by College (2022-2023)

Many colleges require applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to the Common App essay. These essays vary in topics and range in length from just a few sentences (or 100-300 characters) to 650 words. These prompts can change from year to year. For your convenience, I have compiled the 2022-2023 supplements for a majority of the top 50 Colleges, according to the US News Report. Note that “optional” doesn’t mean “optional” these days—it is highly suggested, if not expected that you complete these essays to demonstrate genuine interest in the school. I look forward to helping your college applicant craft standout supplemental essays.  

Amherst College

Barnard College

Bates College

Boston college.

Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University

Brown University

Bryn mawr college.

Bucknell University California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

Carleton College

Carnegie mellon university, claremont mckenna college, colby college, colgate university, college of william and mary.

  Columbia University  

Cornell Universit

Dartmouth College

Davidson college, duke university, elon university, emerson college, emory university, franklin and marshall college, george washington university, georgetown university, hamilton college, harvard university, harvey mudd college, haverford college, indiana university (bloomington), johns hopkins university, kenyon college, lafayette college, lehigh university, middlebury college, massachusetts institute of technology (mit).

  New York University  

The New School

Northeastern university, northwestern university, oberlin college, pepperdine university, pomona college, princeton university, sarah lawrence college, scripps college, skidmore college, smith college, stanford university, swarthmore college, syracuse university, tufts university, tulane university, university of chicago, university of miami, university of michigan, university of north carolina (chapel hill), university of notre dame, university of pennsylvania, university of southern california (usc), university of vermont, university of virginia, university of wisconsin (madison), vanderbilt university, vassar college, villanova university, wake forest university, wellesley college, wesleyan university, williams college, yale university.

Does Amherst College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes • At Amherst we know that identity is more than checkboxes. If you would like to share more about your identity, background, family, culture or community, please tell us more here. (Maximum: 175 words) • Please briefly elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience of particular significance to you. (Maximum: 175 words) • If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project: (Optional) (50-75 words)     

Barnard College  

Does Barnard College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes • What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the college would be a good match for you? (300 words) • At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words) • At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words)  

Does Bates College have Supplemental Essays?   No  

Does Boston College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  Respond to one of the following prompts (400 words) Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it? •  In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America-- a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue. •  At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person? •  Socrates stated that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you. •  Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together-- and why?  

Boston University

Does Boston University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words) •  Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider.  

Bowdoin College

Does Bowdoin College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  How did you first learn about Bowdoin? (Limit 140 characters.) •  Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. (250 words) To be at home in all lands and all ages; to count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend; to gain a standard for the appreciation of others' work and the criticism of your own; to carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; to make hosts of friends...who are to be leaders in all walks of life; to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life. Which line from the Offer resonates most with you? -    Optional: The Offer represents Bowdoin’s values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you. (250 words) -    Optional: Navigating Through Differences Bowdoin believes that only through building a more diverse and inclusive campus community will the College best prepare graduates to be contributing and useful citizens of the world. (250 words)  

Brandeis University

Does Brandeis University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (250 words) •  What excites you the most about being an international student at Brandeis University? (250 words)  

Does Brown University College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

• Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (250 words) •  (200-250 words) Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words) •  Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)  

Does Bryn Mawr College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  As you prepare to join a new college community, reflect on your role as a community member throughout the past four years. What legacy do you hope to leave behind? • Why are you interested in Bryn Mawr?  

Bucknell University

Does Bucknell University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major, should you opt to list one. (250 words)  

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)  

Does CalTech have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Because of the rigorous core course curriculum, Caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore. If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? (Select from List) •  Why did you choose that area of interest?  (200 words) •  At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity.  What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? •  STEM experience/activity #1* (200 words) •  STEM experience/activity #2* (200 words) •  The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars, but Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to 3D printing dorm decor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? * (250 words) •  The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. How do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world? * (250 words) •  Optional Short Answers: We know, we know … you see optional and start to wonder if we mean it. But in this section, we truly do! See these as completely optional opportunities to show us more of your personality.  Optional. We promise. If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below. (150 words) •  When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speedcubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby and why does it bring you joy? (100 words) •  Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 words) •  Have you had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (such as limited course selection or disruptions) not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here. (150 words) •  Some Caltech applicants engage in STEM competitions locally, nationally, and internationally (such as AIME, Science Olympiad, International Science Olympiads.) If you have received any STEM honors or awards, list them here (and scores, if applicable). (200 words)

Does Carleton College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Please share your thoughts on one (1) of the following prompts (in no more than 300 words) of what these Carleton values look like to you: 1. I am empowered by individuals who… OR 2. I value community because… OR 3. I want to better my world by… •  Do you want to share more with us? If so, use this space to fill any gaps you think would assist us in reviewing your application. (Optional, no more than 250 words)

Does Carnegie Mellon University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  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) •  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) •  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)  

Does Claremont McKenna College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Why do you want to attend CMC? (150-250 words) •  One of the hallmarks of a CMC education is the first-year humanities program that all students take in their first year at the College. The program has two components: the Freshman Humanities Seminar (FHS) and the Freshman Writing Seminar (FWS). While each FHS and FWS seminar has a distinctive approach in terms of texts and topics, their pairing gives first-year students a shared academic experience in small, writing-intensive courses that foster critical thinking about a wide range of important issues. FHS introduces first-year students to some of the crucial questions that human beings face with relation to society and the world. Individual sections are taught by faculty from a range of departments. Past and current topics include: 1. Democracy and Leadership 2. Women in Science 3. Unconventional Thinking FWS, taught by faculty from the literature department, develops students’ abilities in written and oral communication at the college level. Past and current topics include: 1. Art of the Personal Essay 2. Blackness in American Cinema 3. Post-Apocalyptic Humanity For the purpose of this essay prompt, pick one FHS or FWS seminar to study at CMC. What part of your personal experience—or your desire to know more about an area outside of your experience—best explains your seminar choice?" (250 words)

Does Colby College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Colgate University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Does Colgate University have Supplemental Essays? Yes Colgate offers applicants the opportunity to lend depth to their application through optional supplemental writing prompts. •    Question 1: A great institution is diverse. It brings students of different socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and religions to campus. Colgate recognizes this and exposes students to a rich variety of perspectives and backgrounds in their educational and social experiences. Tell us in 150-200 words how you have prepared to immerse yourself in a community such as this or how you look forward to growing as a result of your experience at Colgate. •    Question 2: Colgate cultivates a skilled and engaged student body. Through their achievements, our students reflect the University’s reputation as a great place to pursue one’s academic interests. Tell us in 150-200 words about an academic or personal experience that highlights your skill and potential as a Colgate student. •    Question 3: The academic community at Colgate is shaped by the unique talents, character, and personality of each student. Please finish each sentence in 75 characters or less so we can learn more about you. I am fascinated by… I want to learn all I can about… My favorite book is… My role model is… In the future, I hope to … One thing I would change is… I wish… I am most challenged by… In 5 years, I…

Does College of William and Mary have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? What aren’t we seeing elsewhere in your application? We know nobody fits neatly into approximately 500 words, but you can provide us with some suggestion of the type of person you are.  Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy. (500 words)

Columbia University

Does Columbia University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words) •  We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words) •  A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (2oo words) •  Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words) •  Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words) • In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words)

Cornell University

Does Cornell University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Each college has a particular prompt. See here for details.

Does Dartmouth College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? (Please respond in 100 words or fewer) •  “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words. Required of all applicants. Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words: •  Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact? •  What excites you? •  In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba ’14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made? •  Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about? •  “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Does Davidson College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  There are just under 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College (250-300 words) •  Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc. (250-300 words).

Does Duke University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you?  If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250-word limit) We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application.  Four optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. Please select 0 – 2 optional essay topics. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.) •  We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience.  In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself. •  We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? •  What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good? •  Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Does Elon University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes (all five required)

Prompt 1: We’re in your hometown. Where should we go and what should we do? Tell us about your hometown. Our admissions counselors may even take your suggestions when they are in the area! (50 words)   Prompt 2: What three emojis/GIFs do you use most often? Why? OK, we know not everyone uses emojis or GIFs – so if you don’t, tell us which three you would choose if you did! (30 words)   Prompt 3: You are a superhero. What are your powers? Be imaginative. What would you do with the powers you choose? (30 words)   Prompt 4: Name three songs from your perfect playlist.   Prompt 5: Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let the admissions committee know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Who are your top 5 characters? Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments. Love to stream; what are you watching? You could even list your top five college tours – as long as Elon is #1! Explain why these are your top 5. (250 words)

Does Emerson College   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief. (100-200 words) •    Much of the work that students do at Emerson College is a form of storytelling. If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why? Please be brief. (100-200 words) OR •    At its best, how does community benefit the individual, the whole, or both?  

Does Emory University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. Answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words. •  When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true? •  If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why? •  Share about a time when you were awestruck. •  Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Does Franklin and Marshall College   have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does George Washington University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Respond to one of the following prompts (500 words): • At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why? • The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Does Georgetown University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Indicate any special talents or skills you possess. (250 words) •  Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (Half a page) •  As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced) Additional Georgetown University School-Specific Prompts. (Each school-specific prompt should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced)

Does Hamilton College have Supplemental Essays? No

Does Harvard University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words) •  Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (150 words) •  You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics: – Unusual circumstances in your life – Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities – What you would want your future college roommate to know about you – An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you – How you hope to use your college education – A list of books you have read during the past twelve months – The Harvard College Honor code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty. – The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission? – Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do? – Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates. •    For International Students: What specific plan do you have, if any, for using the education you hope to receive? (0-50 words)

Does Harvey Mudd College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

“Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry •    How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words) •    Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words or less)

Does Haverford College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•   Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you think the environment at Haverford, including the framework of the Honor Code, would foster your continued intellectual growth? (250 words) •  Please tell us what motivated you to apply to Haverford and what excites you most as you imagine your Haverford experience. (150 words)

Does Indiana University (Bloomington) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

• Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration. (4oo words)  

Does Johns Hopkins University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•   Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (400 words)  

Does Kenyon College have Supplemental Essays? No

Does Lafayette College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why do you see yourself at Lafayette? (200 words)

Does Lehigh University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

​ •    How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (150 words) A compelling characteristic of Lehigh’s community is that our students want to be actively engaged in their learning, their community, and the world. Our students look to make a difference and have a real-world impact. We expect our community to challenge your viewpoint, your naturalized assumptions, and the way that you see the world around you. In the words of Lehigh’s President, John Simon, “The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has shaken our nation, and brought into harsh relief the life-threatening, systemic racial injustice that affects the lives of so many every day. Members of our community are angry and fearful, and we will support them...We need to make Lehigh University an actively anti-racist institution. By this, we mean actively speaking out and addressing acts of racism, racist comments, racist practices, policies and procedures. •    What would you want to be different in your own country or community to respond to issues of inequality, inequity, or injustice? (300 words)

Accepts Common App: Yes Common App Essay required? Yes Does Middlebury College have Supplemental Essays? No  

Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    250 words each: o    Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? o    Pick what field of study at MIT appeals to you the most right now, and tell us more about why this field of study appeals to you. o    We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. o    At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. o    Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?

New York University

Does New York University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience. We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.

Does The New School have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  If you could choose a social issue to impact or change, what would you choose? When addressing this prompt, imagine how your studies and experiences at The New School could help you affect change. (400 words) •  What specific aspects of The New School’s academic programs or community drew you to apply? Please pay particular attention within your essay to the college, program, and/or campus to which you have applied. (400 words)

Does Northeastern University have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Northwestern University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. (3oo words)

Does Oberlin College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Pepperdine University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus? (5oo words)

Does Pomona College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

The Pomona-specific essay prompts for those applying for Fall 2023 admission include an academic interest statement (max. 150 words); a short-response essay (max. 150 words); and a longer-response essay (max. 250 words). (1) Academic Interest Statement: What do you love about the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions. (2) Short-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 150 words or less: o    At Pomona, we celebrate and identify with the number 47. Share with us one of your quirky personal, family, or community traditions and why you hold on to it. o    What item are you excited to bring with you to college? o    Describe a time when you felt empowered or on top of the world? (3) Longer-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 250 words or less: o    In the past few years, is there something you have changed your mind about? Why? o    Reflecting on a community that you are part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona? o    What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize?

Does Princeton University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Activities: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences that was particularly meaningful to you. (Response required in about 200 words.) Please respond to each question in an essay of about 250 words: 1.)    At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? 2.)    Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. 3.)    Please respond to each question in 75 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself! What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? What brings you joy? What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Does Sarah Lawrence College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Optional: We know that there may be elements of who you are as a person and student that you may not feel are conveyed fully in the other sections of this application. If you wish to showcase a little more about your particular interest in Sarah Lawrence College, please respond to one of the prompts below. •    Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: director-playwright-sound designer, environmentalist-photographer, journalist-linguist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you’ve brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence. •    Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions and answer them during semester-long projects. In 250-500 words, thoughtfully respond to a prompt of your own creation. •    Sarah Lawrence College’s community places strong value in inclusion and diversity. In 250-500 words, tell us about what you value in a community and how your perspective, lived experiences, or beliefs might contribute to your College community. •    In her 2019 commencement address, Maggie Haberman ’96 told the graduating class “My time at Sarah Lawrence helped me understand the importance of patience, of assuming good faith in others, and of finding truth.” In 250 – 500 words, tell us about a time you spoke your own truth or found the importance in one of the values Maggie describes.

Does Scripps College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? (200 words)

Does Skidmore College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Smith College have Supplemental Essays?   No

•    The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 words) •    Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (250 words) •    Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (250 words) •    50 words each: o    What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? o    How did you spend your last two summers? o    What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? o    Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. o    Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford.

Does Swarthmore College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    250 words each: o    Swarthmore students’ worldviews are often forged by their prior experiences and exposure to ideas and values. Our students are often mentored, supported, and developed by their immediate context—in their neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community? o    We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk—inside or outside of the classroom. How has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger? o    Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?

Does Syracuse University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive and respectful campus community? (250 words)

Does Tufts University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and 5-Year Tufts/NEC Combined Degree answer the following two questions: •    Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, “Why Tufts?” (100-150 words) Now we’d like to know a little more about you. Please respond to one of the following three questions. (200-250 words): •    It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity? •    How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today? •    Where are you on your journey of engaging with or fighting for social justice? Applicants to the BFA or 5-Year BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree at the SMFA at Tufts answer the following two questions: •    Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? Why SMFA at Tufts? (100-150 words) •    B) Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world.  What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work? (200-250 words)

Does Tulane University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. (5oo words) •    (Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here.) •    If you would like to elaborate on one of your activities, you may do so briefly here. (250 words)

Does University of Chicago have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Question 1 (Required) •    How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago. Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one) Essay Option 1 •    Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory. Essay Option 2 •    What advice would a wisdom tooth have? Essay Option 3 •    You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time? For other options, see University of Chicago website

Does University of Miami have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    The University of Miami's official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. (25o words) •    Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

Does University of Michigan have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and describe that community and your place within it. (3oo words) •    Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (55o words)

Does University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Choose two of the following prompts to respond to in 200-250 words: 1.    Describe an aspect of your identity and how this has shaped your life experiences or impacted your daily interactions with others? 2.    Describe a peer who is making a difference in your school or community. What actions has that peer taken? How has their work made a difference in your life? 3.    If you could change one thing to better your community, what would it be? Please explain. 4.    Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said “We are nothing without our history.” Her words are memorialized on the Northside Neighborhood Freedom Fighters monument. How does history shape who you are? Fill-in-the-blank responses You’ll complete all of the following fill-in-the-blank responses in 25 words each: 1.) One family, friend, or school tradition I cherish: 2.) If I had an extra hour in every day, I would spend it: 3.) If I could travel anywhere, near or far, past, present or future, I would go: 4.) The last time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I: 5.) People who meet me are most likely to notice, and least likely to notice:

Does University of Notre Dame have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

The University of Notre Dame Writing Supplement consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to one of four questions you select from a list of options provided. In total, you will write two (2) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay. Required Question: •    Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? Additional Prompts (You choose 1): •    People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are? •    Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in. •    If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it? •    What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

Does University of Pennsylvania have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words) •    How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words) •    Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? (300-450 words)

Does University of Southern California (USC) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words) Describe yourself in three words (25 characters). 1. 2. 3. The following prompts have a 100 character limit: What is your favorite snack? Best movie of all time: Dream job: 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?

Does University of Vermont have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

You may submit a response to ONE of the following prompts. •     (Optional) 500 words- Respond to one of the following prompts. o    Why UVM? o    Established in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, VT, Ben and Jerry’s is synonymous with the ice cream business. The company’s success and unique brand identity are due in part to their one-of-a-kind flavors. Which Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? o    Whether they are constructing a robot, a stronger sense of community or an identity, UVM students are builders. What would you like to build? o    At UVM, learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms. From student-led organizations, to internships and study abroad experiences, UVM students are encouraged to pursue knowledge in all environments. Describe a time when you’ve learned in a non-traditional setting. o    Communities and organizations are stronger when they value diversity of thought. How do you create meaningful connections or conversations with others when they express opinions that differ from your own?

Does University of Virginia have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    The first prompt is still tied to the UVA school or college the student selects. We want students to answer the prompt in around 100 words. As always, the boxes on the Common App allow students to go a bit over, so we don’t expect students to write exactly 100 words. Students will then write responses to two prompts out of eleven options in about 50 words each. Again, the Common App boxes allow students to go a little over the stated limit. Some of these are old favorites and some are new. •    What’s your favorite word and why? •    We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks? •    About what topic could you speak for an hour? •    Take us to your happy place. •    You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that? •    What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money? •    What website is the internet missing? •    After a challenging experience, how do you recharge? •    Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself. •    UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message? •    Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or generous listener.

Does University of Wisconsin (Madison) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (650 words)

Does Vanderbilt University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Answer one of the prompts in approximately 250 words: •    Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you. •    Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

Does Vassar College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Please select and respond to one of the following prompts in 300 words or less: •    At Vassar, we aim to foster an inclusive community through our philosophy of engaged pluralism. Engaged pluralism is rooted in “the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.” In short, we believe it’s our differences that make us stronger. Tell us a little bit about what makes you unique and what you hope to add to our community. •    Vassar is a diverse community that inspires positive change through open inquiry, deep dives into society’s most difficult challenges, and collaborative problem solving. We care deeply about one another, the communities that have forged us, and the community we build together on campus. Tell us more about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped who you are.

Does Villanova University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Essay #1: 250 words- Respond to one of the following prompts. o    St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities? o    What is the truest thing that you know? o    One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance. o    In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others? o    Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve. Essay #2: Why Nova? (2022-23) •    Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and become part of our community? (150 words)

Does Wake Forest University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

1. List five books you have read that intrigued you. (Spaces have been left for you to include each book’s title and author and mark whether the selection was required or not required.) 2. Explain how a text you’ve read – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or literature of any kind – has helped you to understand the world’s complexity. (150 words) 3. Tell us more about the topic that most engages your intellectual curiosity. (150 words) 4. Give us your top ten list. (Theme)

Does Wellesley College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    When choosing a college community, you are choosing a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. Generations of inspiring women have thrived in the Wellesley community, and we want to know what aspects of this community inspire you to consider Wellesley. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but the “Wellesley 100” is a good place to start. Visit The Wellesley 100 and let us know, in two well-developed paragraphs, which two items most attract, inspire, or energize you and why. (Not-so-secret tip: The “why” matters to us.) (400 words)

Does Wesleyan University College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Williams College have Supplemental Essays? No

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who are interested in submitting an example of their written work have the option of sharing an academic paper completed within the last year, ideally 3-5 pages in length. The paper does not need to be graded, and can be creative or analytical. Please do not submit lab reports. If submitting this optional paper, please include a description of the assignment or prompt.

Does Yale University have Supplemental Essays? No

Why Yale? •    Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided. •    Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer) •    What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer) Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete the questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received. Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words): •    What inspires you? (200 characters or fewer) •    Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters or fewer) •    You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called? (200 characters or fewer) •    What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters or fewer) Essays Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. •    Yale carries out its mission “through the free exchange of ideas in an ethical, interdependent, and diverse community.” Reflect on a time when you exchanged ideas about an important issue with someone holding an opposing view. How did the experience lead you either to change your opinion or to sharpen your reasons for holding onto it? •    Reflect on a time when you have worked to enhance a community to which you feel connected. Why have these efforts been meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

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2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

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"We share this news in January because it’s when some schools begin conversations about college options. It’s a time for learning, reflecting, and planning. That’s where the prompts can be useful: in helping students understand the aspects of their lives that colleges are curious about." Scott Anderson, Senior Director, Common App

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Common App launches the 2024–2025 application season with over 1,100 colleges and universities

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Highly-selective colleges and universities often require supplemental application materials. These materials help further personalize the admissions process so that each college’s admissions committee has the information it needs to select a vibrant and diverse incoming class. 

In this article, we will look at 10 supplemental essay prompts from top colleges and universities for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Once you get a better sense of what to expect from a supplemental essay prompt, we will outline key strategies for answering these prompts, as well as provide practical writing tips to help you get started.

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What are supplemental essays and are they important?

Each college has its own sets of values and criteria that it looks for in applicants. This is why determining college fit is so important. By carefully researching each school on your college list and having several clear and compelling reasons for wanting to attend, you will increase your overall chances of admission.    

One way that colleges gauge whether or not a student would be a good fit for their university is by posing unique supplemental essay prompts. This is why knowing how to write a supplemental essay is so important. Most colleges with supplemental essays will have applicants write the “why this college” essay . 

Many selective colleges will require additional supplemental essays as well. In some cases, you will need to prepare an additional five essays per school, so give yourself plenty of time to complete each essay thoughtfully, write multiple drafts, seek out feedback, and proofread. The college application process can feel overwhelming at times, so make sure you brainstorm ways to stay organized during the college application process . 

Although the style and content of the actual prompts can vary greatly, at the core these prompts have one thing in common: They are designed to get to know who you are as a person, what your values are, and whether you demonstrate compatibility with the university’s overall mission. 

How to write supplemental essays

If you’re looking for supplemental essay tips, you’ve come to the right place! In this section, we will discuss how to write a good supplemental essay, by providing several key application essay tips. 

To start, it’s important to remember that the process of writing supplemental essays is similar to the process of writing a successful personal statement . Review components of a strong personal statement to give yourself a fresh perspective before beginning your supplemental essays.

Tips for writing supplemental essays

Supplemental essays are typically pretty brief. This is why it’s important to learn how to write concisely and powerfully. Having very few words to respond does not mean that you should prepare your responses casually or that your responses shouldn’t include lots of details. Rather, approach each word limit creatively. Whether you have 50 words, 200 words, or 500 words, try to use each sentence and detail to your advantage. One of the best ways to do this is to begin by freewriting. Write down everything that comes to mind. Take time to fully flush out your ideas. Then review what you’ve written and see what feels most important. These are the details you will want to highlight in your response.

Some colleges will require three to five additional essays. Maybe even more! This is why it’s important to be prepared and plan ahead. Supplemental essays are an important part of your college application and they require a lot of time and effort. While some supplemental essay prompts may be similar between schools, in general, you want to avoid recycling your college essays. Admissions officers can tell when a student is tweaking an existing essay to fit a prompt.

While some essay prompts are required, others are optional. In general, try to answer each prompt thoughtfully and creatively. After all, it’s no secret that college admissions are highly competitive so it’s great to give your application “an edge” whenever possible. That said, there are times when you should pass on writing an optional essay. If you’re not sure whether or not you should submit an essay for an optional prompt, begin by drafting a response. Then ask yourself if the essay feels forced or genuine. Does the essay convey something new about you that isn’t included in the rest of your application? If the question doesn’t seem to apply to you and you are genuinely unsure what to contribute, you should probably skip that particular essay. After all, no one wants to read an uninspired essay that doesn’t contribute to your overall application.

2022-23 supplemental essay prompts

As mentioned, supplemental essay prompts can vary significantly. Some prompts ask you to respond in 50 words while other prompts ask you to respond in 500 words. Some prompts focus on academics while others ask you to reflect carefully on your cultural upbringing or life philosophies. Still, other prompts will ask you to introduce who you are as a person or discuss something that you enjoy.

Just as supplemental essay prompts vary in style, your responses will also vary. Some prompts will require you to be thoughtful and serious, while other prompts may encourage you to be humorous or creative. It all depends.

Brown University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Brown University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

Columbia University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Columbia University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list of 75 words, 1 list of 125 words, 3 essays of 200 words each, and 1 short answer of 35 words. One of their supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

For the following questions, we ask that you list each individual response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. No explanatory text or formatting is needed. (For example, it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.)  

List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

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Dartmouth college supplemental essay prompt.

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Dartmouth College requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words. 

Duke University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Duke University requires at least one supplemental essay, with the option to submit an additional two supplemental essays. One of the optional supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Emory University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Emory University requires two supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Emory If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Harvard University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Harvard University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

MIT supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, MIT requires five supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.

Princeton University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Princeton University requires three supplemental essays and three short responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

Please respond to each question in 75 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

What brings you joy? 

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Stanford University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Stanford University requires three supplemental essays and five short answer responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

How did you spend your last two summers? (50-word limit)

UPenn supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, UPenn requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows: 

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)

Yale University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Yale University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list; 6 short answer questions; 1 additional short essay of 400 words. One of the short answer prompts is as follows:

Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters or fewer)

Supplemental essay examples

One of the best ways to prepare your supplemental essay responses is to look at successful past examples. In this section, we will look at three examples and explain why each response is successful. 

This first example was submitted as a part of Harvard’s college application. This essay is in response to the prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words).

Feet moving, eyes up, every shot back, chants the silent mantra in my head. The ball becomes a beacon of neon green as I dart forward and backward, shuffling from corner to far corner of the court, determined not to let a single point escape me. With bated breath, I swing my racquet upwards and outwards and it catches the ball just in time to propel it, spinning, over the net. My heart soars as my grinning teammates cheer from the sidelines. While I greatly value the endurance, tenacity, and persistence that I have developed while playing tennis throughout the last four years, I will always most cherish the bonds that I have created and maintained each year with my team.

This essay uses rich, descriptive language to evoke a clear sense of movement and place. The first paragraph shows a creative and expert control of language, whereas the second paragraph uses straightforward language to highlight key characteristics. Overall, this response is creative, well-balanced, and uses each word to its advantage. 

Source: https://www.collegeadvisor.com/essay-guides/harvard-university-essay-examples-and-why-they-worked/  

This essay was submitted as a part of an MIT college application. The supplemental essay prompt that it addresses is: Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

We were moving away from my home of thirteen years to go miles and miles away, from my whole life. Worst of all: away from New York City – the only place in the world worth knowing – or so I thought. The town might as well have been called “Miniscule Ville”. I resented every second of it. The real shocking thing to me was almost that anything existed outside of New York City. NYC is a world of its own, with its own pulses and lifeblood. I still think it’s a great place, and I’ll likely at least visit it someday, but right now, I want to visit everywhere. My move humbled me. I began to love nature walks, the friendly camaraderie of the small town, and saw a world I never imagined. I thought I knew it all just because I lived in New York. Here was a great place, hidden from view. I loved experiencing that new world, learning local history, and most of all, learning the life stories of my new neighbors, each one of whom had a fascinating life. My greatest dream is to be a journalist, covering other countries, and learning about new worlds and neighbors. My old perspective feels so limited. If I can share global stories, I can open up my perspective, and I can share those stories with a thousand homes so readers can learn about other perspectives as well. The world is full of different lives. Everywhere is somebody’s home.

This essay covers a lot of material; most impressively, it shows a shift in perspective and its effect on the student’s lived experience. It also clearly explains the student’s academic and professional goals. The tone of this essay is both confident and humble. It demonstrates who this student is as a person, what their goals are, and what they value.  

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/mit-supplemental-essay-examples  

This essay was submitted as a part of a Duke college application. The essay addresses the prompt: What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Most teachers who taught me talked a big game about wanting students to engage in debate, or “dialectic” as they called it, and to challenge their ideas. In my experience, most of this was a fabrication. The best essay grades and participation marks were found through parroting what was dictated from on high. Did the teacher think such-and-such is the “correct” interpretation of a novel? You did, too, or you lost points. None of that was true for Ms. Jackie Winters. The first essay I sent her came back with the note, “This doesn’t sound like you; it sounds like me.” I asked her about the note, and this initiated a marvelous learning environment, in which I grew faster than I ever have in any other class. Discussions were lively, and the more I presented my authentic views, the more I was respected. My grades were dependent on being backed up by rhetoric, sources, and logic, not by compliance. Due to this engagement, this was the most enjoyable English literature class I had, and I feel like my viewpoints were challenged. I learned to question my ideas and dig into a text for the best results. Best of all, I was putting in more and more effort to find good, quality sources to back up my arguments. I was held to a high standard and shown respect, and I believe that those qualities made for the best learning environment possible

This essay clearly shows a shift in perspective and the effects it had on this student’s ability to think, speak, and write critically. Structurally, this essay uses an anecdote to introduce and contextualize a topic, but the essay itself isn’t overly narrative. Rather, the student explains, in detail, how this teacher’s encouragement and guidance have influenced their willingness and ability to engage with the source material and academic discourse.

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/duke-supplemental-essay-examples  

Key takeaways and moving forward

Supplemental essays are an important part of your college applications. In fact, they are a key factor in what college admissions officers look for in an applicant . Highly-selective colleges and universities use supplemental essays to further personalize the college admissions process. After all, thousands of qualified students apply to Ivy League institutions each year and only a small fraction are admitted. Supplemental essays allow you to share more about who you are as a person and as a student. Use each prompt as an opportunity to add something new to your college application. If you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance throughout this process, reach out to learn more about our services .

Frequently asked questions and answers

Still have questions about supplemental essays and the effects they have on college applications? Review the following frequently asked questions and answers for further insight on supplemental essays. 

How important are supplemental essays?

Supplemental essays are an incredibly important part of your college applications and should be properly prioritized. If a college didn’t care about your response, they wouldn’t ask you in the first place. Put plenty of time and care into your responses. Write several drafts, seek out feedback, and always proofread.

How long should supplemental essays be?

Always follow directions. Colleges will specify how long each supplemental essay should be, usually right after the prompt itself. Depending on the college, and the prompt, a supplemental essay’s word count may range anywhere from 50 to 500 words.

Do supplemental essays change every year?

It all depends on the college. Colleges often reuse past prompts, but there are no guarantees. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and make a list of supplemental essay prompts early on in the college application process.

Are supplemental essays required?

Sometimes colleges will have both required and optional supplemental essays. That said, the essay prompts are clearly labeled. In short, each college will specify whether supplemental essays are required. 

Do all colleges have supplemental essays?

No, not all colleges have supplemental essays. Highly-selective colleges, however, often require at least one additional essay.

• December 14, 2022

Supplemental Essay Guide for 2022-23 Prompts

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

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

Acceptance Rate

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• Liberal Arts (59)

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

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, carnegie mellon university (cmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, clemson university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, coastal carolina university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of charleston 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, colorado school of mines 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, columbia university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, cornell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, culver-stockton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, d’youville university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, dartmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, davidson college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, dickinson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, drexel university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, duke university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, earlham college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, elon university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emerson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emory university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, flagler college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, fordham university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, george mason university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2024-25 essay prompt guide, georgia state university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , georgia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, hamilton college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hampshire college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvard university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvey mudd college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, ithaca college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, johns hopkins university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, manchester university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, meredith college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north park university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, northwestern university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, olin college of engineering 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, penn state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, roger williams university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint anselm college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, seattle university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, spelman college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, st. john’s college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, stevens institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university (tcu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, unc wilmington 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of california (uc) 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois chicago (uic) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts lowell 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of mississippi (ole miss) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of mount saint vincent 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina (unc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of notre dame 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of rochester 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of san diego 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california 2024-25 supplemental essay and short questions guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington and lee university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, washington university in st. louis 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wellesley college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide.

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Common App Schools That Don't Require Extra Essays (2022-23)

There are many colleges and universities that use the Common Application but do not require any additional essays or writing supplements as part of their application process. This can make the application process more straightforward and less time-consuming for students. Some of these schools include American University, University of Delaware, Georgia State University, Howard University, and University of Vermont, among others. However, it's important to note that even if a school doesn't require additional essays, they may still require other application materials such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Here is a list of Common App Schools that do not require supplemental essays for the 2022-23 application cycle:

1. American University

2. Amherst College

3. Babson College

4. Baldwin Wallace University

5. Barnard College

6. Baylor University

7. Binghamton University

8. Boston College

9. Boston University

10. Bowdoin College

11. Brigham Young University

12. Brown University

13. Bucknell University

14. California Institute of Technology

15. Carnegie Mellon University

16. Case Western Reserve University

17. Claremont McKenna College

18. Colgate University

19. College of Charleston

20. College of the Holy Cross

21. College of William and Mary

22. Colorado College

23. Columbia University

24. Cornell College

25. Cornell University

26. Dartmouth College

27. Davidson College

28. Denison University

29. DePauw University

30. Dickinson College

31. Drew University

32. Drexel University

33. Duke University

34. Elon University

35. Emory University

36. Fordham University

37. Franklin & Marshall College

38. Furman University

39. George Mason University

40. George Washington University

41. Georgetown University

42. Georgia Institute of Technology

43. Gettysburg College

44. Gonzaga University

45. Grinnell College

46. Hamilton College

47. Hampshire College

48. Harvey Mudd College

49. Haverford College

50. High Point University

51. Hobart and William Smith Colleges

52. Hofstra University

53. Howard University

54. Illinois Wesleyan University

55. Indiana University Bloomington

56. Iona College

57. Iowa State University

58. Ithaca College

59. James Madison University

60. Johns Hopkins University

61. Juniata College

62. Kalamazoo College

63. Kenyon College

64. Lafayette College

65. Lake Forest College

66. Lehigh University

67. Lewis & Clark College

68. Louisiana State University

69. Loyola Marymount University

70. Loyola University Chicago

71. Loyola University Maryland

72. Macalester College

73. Marquette University

74. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

75. Miami University - Oxford

76. Michigan State University

77. Middlebury College

78. Mills College

79. Muhlenberg College

80. New College of Florida

81. New York University

82. Northeastern University

83. Northwestern University

84. Oberlin College

85. Occidental College

86. Ohio State University

87. Ohio University

88. Ohio Wesleyan University

89. Oregon State University

90. Pace University

91. Pennsylvania State University

92. Pepperdine University

93. Pitzer College

94. Pomona College

95. Princeton University

96. Providence College

97. Purdue University

98. Quinnipiac University

99. Reed College

100. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

101. Rhodes College

102. Rice University

103. Richmond, The American International University in London

104. Rochester Institute of Technology

105. Rollins College

106. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

107. Saint Louis University

108. Saint Mary's College of California

109. San Diego State University

110. Santa Clara University

111. Sarah Lawrence College

112. Scripps College

113. Sewanee: The University of the South

114. Siena College

115. Skidmore College

116. Smith College

117. Southern Methodist University

118. Southwestern University

In conclusion, applying to colleges can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process, but knowing which schools don't require extra essays can save you a lot of time and effort. The Common App is widely used by colleges and universities, and this list of schools that don't require extra essays for the 2022-23 application cycle can be helpful for students who want to streamline their application process. However, it's important to keep in mind that even if a school doesn't require extra essays, it's still important to put in effort into your application and showcase your strengths and unique qualities.

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University of Miami 2022-23 Supplemental Essay

Looks like it's the same as last year's supplement, and the year before.

it's a short essay -- 250 words -- based on a bird and a hurricane (Florida imagery). The only real difficulty it might present is if you've written your Common App essay around the same topic -- overcoming hardship. So if you're applying to U Miami, be sure you don't use up your Resilience Essay Quotient in the Common App essay. Here goes, from their website:

If applying for Spring or Fall 2023, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words or less in response to the following prompt.

The University of Miami's official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

There might be another surge of applications to U Miami -- a private university -- now that Gov. deSantis has required Florida's public universities to "survey" your political views every year, to make sure students are not being indoctrinated. In other words, Big Brother really is watching now. ~XO EssayLiz

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Vologda Oblast (Russia)

Vologda Oblast, located in north central European Soviet Russia , consists of 145,700 km² and a population of 1,269,568 in 2002. The region con­sists of many marshes, lakes, streams, and extensive forests, and has long winters and poor soil. The chief towns are Vologda, the capital, Cherepovets, and Veliki Ustyug. Because of the many forests and the severe winters, which make settlement in the region unpopular, this territory has been used ex­tensively for exile by the Soviets. Thousands of Mennonites were exiled to this region 1925-1940 and many perished. During the last years some moved from here to warmer climates.

Bibliography

Fast, G. Im Schatten des Todes : erlebnisbericht aus Sowjetrussland Im Schatten des Todes, 2nd ed. Winnipeg, 1956.

Harder, Hans. In Wológdas weißen Wäldern : ein Buch aus dem bolschewistischen Bann. Altona-Elbe: Hans Harder Verlag, 1930.

Rempel, J. Der Sowjethölle entronnen : eigne Erlebnisse eines jungen Christen im heutigen Russland. Kassel: J. C. Onken, 1935.

Cite This Article

Krahn, Cornelius. "Vologda Oblast (Russia)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online . 1959. Web. 4 Sep 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Vologda_Oblast_(Russia)&oldid=85852 .

Krahn, Cornelius. (1959). Vologda Oblast (Russia). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online . Retrieved 4 September 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Vologda_Oblast_(Russia)&oldid=85852 .

Adapted by permission of Herald Press , Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mennonite Encyclopedia , Vol. 4, p. 848. All rights reserved.

©1996-2024 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.

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Vologda Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Vologda oblast: Vologda .

Vologda Oblast - Overview

Vologda Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, part of the North-Western Federal District. Vologda is the capital city of the region.

The population of Vologda Oblast is about 1,139,500 (2022), the area - 144,527 sq. km.

Vologda oblast flag

Vologda oblast coat of arms.

Vologda oblast map, Russia

Vologda oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

20 November, 2021 / Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda .

26 January, 2021 / Ferapontov Monastery - a unique sight of the Russian North .

17 January, 2021 / Summer in Veliky Ustyug - the birthplace of Father Frost .

8 January, 2021 / The Galsky Estate in Cherepovets .

8 December, 2020 / The Brianchaninovs' Estate in Vologda Oblast .

More posts..

History of Vologda Oblast

In the 5th-7th centuries AD, the development of this territory by the Slavic population began, which entailed the assimilation of the local Finno-Ugric tribes. The first Slavic colonists of the Vologda region were the Krivichi. In 862, the town of Beloozero was founded. This area became the arena of rivalry between the Novgorodians, who founded the towns of Veliky Ustyug, Vologda, Totma, and the Vladimir princes, who gradually subdued the region.

In 1207, this region was included in the Rostov principality, from which, in 1238, the Belozersk principality was separated. In the era of civil strife, the region was again the arena of rivalry between the Novgorod Republic, Tver and Moscow principalities. In 1273, the Tver prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavich plundered and burned Vologda. In 1352, the plague killed most of the population of Beloozero and the town itself was moved to the southern shore of Beloye Lake.

In 1389, after the Battle of Kulikovo, the Belozersk principality became part of the Moscow principality. In the 14th century, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was established. In the 15th century, the Belozersky Kremlin was built. The Vologda region (mainly Velikiy Ustyug) became a foothold for Moscow expansion to the north-east and east, to the territory of Ugra (1465), Perm Territory (1472) and Vyatka (1489).

Since 1567, for three and a half years, Ivan IV often lived in Vologda, watching the construction of the fortress and the stone cathedral. The Vologda lands were of great importance in the policy of Ivan IV. A number of northern towns were included in the oprichnina. A significant place in the plans of Ivan the Terrible was occupied by Vologda, which was a kind of “gateway” to the White Sea, the Trans-Urals, Western Siberia, and Europe.

More Historical Facts…

In 1612, during the Time of Troubles, Vologda was again plundered, a lot of churches and other buildings were burned. In the 16th-17th centuries, Vologda occupied a special place in the establishment of trade relations with foreign countries. Being a convenient transit point, it attracted the attention of Dutch, English merchants.

At the turn of the 17th-18th centuries, Peter the Great paid special attention to the lands of the Russian North. He repeatedly stayed in Vologda, in the house of the Dutch merchant Gutman. In the 19th century, this stone building became the house museum of Peter I. Today, the exposition of the museum includes his clothes (caftan, pants-culottes) and posthumous mask, A. Menshikov’s cup, numerous items that characterize the era of Peter the Great.

The construction of St. Petersburg and the development of trade on the Baltic Sea significantly reduced the importance of Vologda, leaving the town away from new trade routes. In the 18th century, the Vologda gubernia (province) was created.

Most of the towns of the present Vologda region was formed during the Catherine’s administrative reform: Vytegra in 1773, Kirillov in 1776, Cherepovets in 1777, Gryazovets, Kadnikov and Nikolsk in 1780. The absence of large-scale construction of modern buildings and large enterprises has allowed them to preserve the historical appearance and spirit of the past epochs. Today, in many towns of the region, whole blocks of wooden houses decorated with carvings have survived. Some small towns are recognized as historical monuments of national importance.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the development of lacework began. Vologda lace enjoyed great popularity, its fame quickly crossed the borders of Russia. The products of the Vologda lace-makers were highly appreciated at the Paris, Brussels and other international exhibitions.

With the opening of the shipping channels, which linked important economic centers of the country, trade moved from Vologda to Rybinsk. The significance of Vologda as a commercial center decreased. The turning point to the new economic recovery happened in the 1860s. The construction of railways, the emergence of the steam fleet had a significant impact on the development of the Vologda region.

In 1872, a railway communication between Vologda and Yaroslavl was opened, in 1898 - with Arkhangelsk, in 1905 - with St. Petersburg and Vyatka. The city, lying on the banks of the navigable river, was also in the center of the intersection of important railroads. In 1881, the first dairy factory in the Russian Empire was opened in the region. Quite quickly, the brand “Vologda butter” gained great popularity.

In 1918, for 5 months, Vologda became the “diplomatic capital of Russia,” a place where embassies and missions of the 11 largest countries of the world were located. September 23, 1937, Vologda oblast was formed in its present borders.

During the Second World War, military operations were not conducted in the territory of the Vologda region. That’s why the local monuments of the cultural and historical heritage were not damaged or destroyed.

In 1955, Cherepovets became a major center for the production of cast iron on the basis of rich deposits of iron ores of the Kola Peninsula. Also the largest chemical enterprise in the country producing fertilizers was opened in Cherepovets.

This powerful industry, built in Cherepovets after the war, helped the Vologda region, even in times of crisis, to remain one of the most prosperous territories in Russia. Today, every fifth ton of Russian rolled metal is produced in Cherepovets. JSC “PhosAgro-Cherepovets” is the largest producer of phosphorus-containing fertilizers, phosphoric and sulfuric acids in Europe.

Landscapes of Vologda Oblast - the Russian North

Golden autumn in Vologda Oblast

Author: Sergey Zubov

Summer in the Vologda region

Author: Michail Gordeev

Russian dacha in the Vologda region

Author: Leonid Mach

Vologda Oblast - Features

Vologda Oblast is located in the northeast of the East European Plain. The climate is moderately continental with long, moderately cold winters and relatively short warm summers. The average temperature in January is about minus 12 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 17 degrees Celsius.

This region is rich in water resources. There are about 4,000 lakes. In the south-west there are the Sheksna and the Rybinsk reservoirs, in the west - the lakes of Beloye, Kubenskoye and Vozhe. Onega Lake in the north of the region is connected with the Volga by the Volga-Baltic waterway.

The main natural resources are timber and fresh water. Also there are deposits of peat, salt and mineral water. About 12% of the territory is covered with swamps.

The largest cities and towns of Vologda Oblast are Cherepovets (309,400), Vologda (306,600), Sokol (35,700), Veliky Ustyug (30,800).

This region is an important transport hub of Russia connecting the European part of the country with the Urals and Siberia. The federal highway M8 “Kholmogory” (Moscow-Yaroslavl-Vologda-Arkhangelsk) passes through the territory of Vologda oblast.

The rich history of the Vologda region, as well as the high degree of preservation of historical monuments and even historical towns contribute to the development of tourism.

Vologda Oblast - Economy

The main branch of local industry is ferrous metallurgy. The commodity structure is determined primarily by the production of industrial giants - enterprises of ferrous metallurgy, chemistry, mechanical engineering, woodworking: Severstal, Cherepovets Steel Rolling Plant, Cherepovets Metalwork Plant, PhosAgro-Cherepovets, Vologda Bearing Plant, Sokol Woodworking Plant.

The leading branch of agriculture is dairy farming. The region exports significant amounts of grocery goods: milk, poultry, meat, the famous Vologda butter of the Vologda Dairy Plant.

Some traditional artistic crafts have survived to this day: the Vologda lace, the largest center of lacework in Russia - Snezhinka enterprise; unique crafts of Veliky Ustyug - Shamogodskaya carved birch bark and silvering.

Vologda Oblast scenery

Harvesting of hay in Vologda Oblast

Author: Vladimir Shchipin

Country life in the Vologda region

Author: Antushev Vladimir

Church in Vologda Oblast

Author: Alexander Lukin

Tourism in Vologda Oblast

Vologda Oblast has a rich cultural and historical heritage. On the territory of the region there are more than 700 historical and cultural monuments. Most of the tourists visit Vologda, Kirillov district and Cherepovets. Vologda is one of the main centers of wooden architecture of Russia, distinguished by its style diversity - from classicism to modernity.

The Ferapontov Monastery with frescoes of Dionysius is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ensemble of the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery is on the State list of especially valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation and is one of the most visited places by tourists.

There are interesting urban ensembles in Vologda, Belozersk, Kirillov, Ferapontovo, Totma (which has its own school of church architecture), and Ustyuzhna.

Cherepovets is the birthplace of the artist V.V. Vereshchagin and his brother N.V. Vereshchagin, who invented the recipe of famous Vologda butter. There is a museum in their former estate. Near Cherepovets there is a museum of the poet Igor Severyanin, and in Nikolsky - the house of the poet Nikolai Rubtsov.

The natural attractions of the Vologda region include Darwin State Reserve, the national park “Russian North” in Kirillov district. Hunting and fishing tourism is also popular, there is a good base for the development of so-called rural tourism.

Other places of interest include the town of Vytegra (Onega petroglyphs), the villages of Sizma and Nyuksenitsa (ancient spiritual rites), Ustye - the center of boat craftsmanship, Gryazovets - an old merchant town with estates and parks, Tarnoga - famous for the production of honey, Veliky Ustyug - the birthplace of Father Frost.

The Vologda region as a part of the Russian North managed to preserve a significant number of monuments of the ethnic heritage of the Russian people (songs, legends, epics, chronicles).

Vologda oblast of Russia photos

Old churches of the vologda region.

Orthodox church in Vologda Oblast

Author: Kolcow Oleg

Cathedral in the Vologda region

Author: Kuzovkov N.

Pictures of Vologda Oblast

Totma - a small town in Vologda Oblast

Author: Aleck Sander

Author: Alexandr Popov

Monastery in Vologda Oblast

Author: Roberto Ribotta

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