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Babson College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Babson College 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements:  One essay of 500 words; one essay of 250 words (or a video submission instead)

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically. (500 words maximum)

There’s only one trick to generating a straightforward explanation of your academic interests: be honest. Don’t waste time trying to think of what admissions “wants” you to say! Try to tell a story about your choices and intended area of study. How can you use your life experiences to reveal something about what you value and what excites you intellectually? The essays that stick with us are the ones that jump off the page with concrete descriptions from real life. What interests you and why? Connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion; how have you gone about learning more about your subject of interest? Finally, connect your interest to Babson, specifically. Spend about a half hour doing some research on the school’s website to identify courses, clubs, or other aspects of the campus and city that will enrich your education and experience there as a student. 

We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website. Please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the Admission Committee.

A defining element of the babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from babson’s collaborative community. (250 words maximum).

Odds are that this isn’t the first Diversity Essay prompt you’ve come across this year—even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly use the word. If it is, however, please read on. Babson wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to a collaborative university community, so tell admissions about what makes you you and how you will engage with others on campus. Think about times when people have been intrigued by or curious about your identity, skillset, or background. Maybe your mom was the first female VP at the brokerage she works for, and you want to follow in her footsteps, breaking ground for women in the finance industry. Perhaps you lived abroad for a few years, which imbued you with a uniquely international perspective on the American economy, and you hope to explore that topic with your roommates. What do you hope to share with others about your lived experience? How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college years? Show admissions that you’re eager to contribute to their inclusive campus community. Bonus points if you can reference a specific component of the Babson experience (think clubs, classes, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to show you’ve done your due diligence.

If you decide to record a video instead of writing an essay, make sure you write an outline so you don’t waste 15 seconds with “ums” and “uhs”! Everyone is different; maybe a list of bullets is enough for you or maybe you want to write an entire script and have your sibling hold it up for you like a cue card. You can record in either landscape or portrait mode, just make sure your entire face is visible in the frame and that you look tidy, but no need to go full glam or to do a full-body shot. Just be your natural self! 

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Babson College Essay Prompts

• Why Us - Example 1
• Extracurricular - Example 2

Read our complete Application Guide for Babson College.

Introduction.

Babson College asks for a pair of essays, only one of which is required. The mandatory essay is a Why Us prompt, but has the unique twist that you may submit a video example instead of the more standard written statement. This is a departure from the norm but makes sense in the context of Babson’s focus on business and entrepreneurship.

The “optional” prompt is on an extracurricular you participate in, or a job you have held. It is technically optional, but we still suggest answering it. Each piece of information you send to a school is another way they can evaluate you, and gives admissions officers a better idea of how you will fit at their institution. “Optional” essay prompts, therefore, should always be answered if possible.

We’ll give you an example of each Babson essay from a previous Ivy Scholars student, and tell you what, exactly, Babson is looking for in these essays.

Why Babson - Example

Your moment has arrived. Share with us the moments or experiences that have led you to apply to Babson College (500 words maximum). We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website.

“Welcome to Wendy’s! May I take your order?”

I’m sure the fast food patrons were equal parts amused and befuddled by the sight of an 11-year-old wearing an oversized headset at the drive-thru window. Formative years spent cleaning counters, coordinating kitchen timers, upselling at every opportunity, and welcoming each customer with a big smile at my father’s local Wendy’s franchise gave me an appetite for entrepreneurship and spicy nuggets alike.

While my experience in the service industry has taught me broadly applicable skills, I have never been more thankful for my grease-stained childhood than two years ago when I was working on my school’s yearbook. When I learned in late October that the yearbook club was in danger of  insolvency, I knew it was time put on my metaphorical Wendy’s uniform. In place of cold-selling ad spots to bored cashiers, I approached the pitch manager and asked: “Do you still have your yearbook?” Through personal questions like this one, I translated my experience upselling Baconators to Meal Deals into growing small-scale ads into hundred-dollar ad buys. Using the sales tricks I’d picked up in the service industry and my patent “Welcome to Wendy’s” smile, I closed deal upon deal, and earned the title of Yearbook Marketing Director. Who knew fries and drinks had so much in common with yearbooks?

Later that year, one of my upperclassmen teammates noticed my business aptitude, and recommended me for Atlas Scholars, a three-year, hands-on business mentorship program. Through this extraordinary opportunity, I have acquired invaluable communication and public speaking skills, and learned much about the business landscape from company executives and representatives; Atlas opened my eyes to the wide world of business beyond Frostys and senior pictures, and gave me skills and knowledge that I am eager to further develop in college.

Not only does Babson offer the same focus on professional and leadership development, constant teamwork training, and unrelenting friendly competition as Atlas, but the university’s ample career and networking opportunities will enable me to situate my business acumen in a context that will propel me toward a successful business career. Through unique events like the Diverse Leaders Program sponsored and run by Blackstone, I will be able to start building an executive level network as an undergraduate. Furthermore, I am incredibly excited to explore diversity in the classroom through the Global Business Management concentration, taking full advantage of Management Consulting Field Experience (MCFE) with an international company.

Babson’s emphasis on community service is also a major draw. Through programs like Service Immersion, I will be able to learn not only how to run a profitable company, but also how to give back to the very communities that supported me through my professional journey.

Why Babson - Analysis

At 500 words, this prompt is quite long to talk about nothing but Babson, and the question itself implies that they want more from your response than that. They aren’t asking merely why you applied to Babson, but what led you to apply to Babson, which is subtly different.

Babson is a school which focuses entirely on business and entrepreneurship, thus this essay can be seen as asking “why business” as much as it is asking “why Babson.” In the example above, the author clearly shows how they came to be infatuated with business, and how studying at Babson is a natural continuation of their current interests.

Thus, this question can be thought of as two essays in one. First, you should explain your passion for business, and how it came to be. Second, you should show how this passion naturally leads you to Babson, and how Babson in particular will let you achieve your dreams in business.

In the example above, the author tracks their development and growth in business, from working in their family’s franchise, to mastering the art of sales through the yearbook, to their exposure to the broader world of business through an internship. This shows a natural growth; a progression of their involvement with and interest in business. The author then transitions to discussing Babson itself, bringing in examples of how the curriculum and programs offered by the school will enable them to more fully explore the world of business, and take their passions to their logical conclusions.

This essay focuses primarily on the academic aspect of Babson, and this is the best approach. While there are many enjoyable extracurriculars at Babson, those are not the main draw of the school, the business education is. Thus your essay should focus primarily on how you want to explore business through Babson.

The Video Response

You have the option, in place of an essay, to submit a video explaining what has led you to apply to Babson. This video should be the same sort of sales pitch, but will necessarily be far briefer than an essay can be. This may be a good option for you if you are far more confident in your speaking skills than your writing.

This video is a sales pitch: why Babson is right for you, and why you are right for Babson. It will need to be more focused than the essay, due to the shorter length, but can be more personal, tailored to fit your individual style and diction. Play to your strengths as both a speaker and salesman when composing this video.

Whichever option you choose, the goal is the same: to let Babson know why you are interested in business, and why you want to pursue that interest at Babson specifically.

Extracurricular - Example

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

As Leading Scholar at my internship with Atlas, my primary role was to secure the legacy of the Atlas Scholars program through recruiting and mentoring. When I asked teachers at my school for leads on diligent and enthusiastic students, Sarah’s AP Seminar teacher singled her out in a heartbeat. When I approached her, Sarah asked insightful questions about the program, showing exactly the attentiveness and dedication I was looking for.

I called the director, telling her that Sarah was the embodiment of an Atlas Scholar: thirsty for knowledge, a team player, and a natural leader. She would not only be a great addition to the program, but a prime representative to continue the legacy of Atlas Scholars. To support my argument, I reminded the director that I myself had a lot at stake in pushing for Sarah’s acceptance. While my own tenacity had brought me to the Leading Scholar position, I still had to demonstrate my ability to correctly judge the character of others.

The director decided to give her a chance, and I was unsurprised when she excelled in the program, and became the Leading Scholar in her year. My role in Sarah’s success reminded me that leadership is far more than just giving orders and passing judgements; I have never felt more like a leader than when I worked to secure not just my legacy, but that of my organization.

Extracurricular - Analysis

The other essay Babson asks for is optional, but we still recommend completing it, as the more the school knows about you, the better they will be able to judge you as an applicant. The prompt is very open, asking you to elaborate on an extracurricular activity. You should take this opportunity to tell admissions officers something they would not otherwise know about you, especially if you can demonstrate leadership.

The one thing you shouldn’t do is write about an extracurricular which is the main focus of another of your essays. Telling admissions officers the same information twice squanders a valuable opportunity to give them deeper insight into who you are and what you’ve accomplished. If you are limited in terms of the number of activities you participated in, then the essay should focus on a new aspect of an activity.

In the example above, the author discusses an internship they were a part of. This does two things to advance their candidacy. First, it shows how they have involved themself with business before this point. Second, it details a time they demonstrated leadership. 

Babson cares deeply about leadership, noting it as one of the most important qualities they look for when evaluating students. This essay is your best opportunity to show off your leadership experience, especially if you haven’t held official titles.

Leadership doesn’t just come from being the president of a club, but from showing initiative and taking the lead in an activity. In the example above, the author has a leadership position, and then uses that to try and better the organization as a whole. While the essay still discusses the extracurricular, the focus is on how the author demonstrated leadership.

While leadership does not have to be the focus of this essay, if you have a chance to demonstrate your leadership potential, we encourage you to take it. Whatever you choose to write about, you should pick a value to express in this essay, rather than merely discussing what you have done dryly.

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Babson Supplemental Essay 2023-24

Babson college supplemental essays 2023-24.

Do you have your heart set on attending Babson College ? Well then, your Babson supplemental essay will be a critical part of your application. In this article, we will provide a breakdown of the Babson College essay prompts. We will also provide tips for how to write your Babson College supplemental essays so that they stand out from the thousands of applications Babson receives each year.

But what draws so many applicants to this school? Babson College, located just outside of Boston, is known for raising the next generation of entrepreneurs. Therefore, this private undergraduate institution mainly attracts students interested in business. An emphasis on career development and networking allows Babson graduates to have above-average earning potential and impactful careers. However, getting into Babson is not easy.

Indeed, Babson College admissions are competitive. This is. in part, due to the Babson College ranking. According to several sources, including Forbes and U.S. News, Babson College provides one of the best liberal arts educations in the country. Indeed, there are 24 Babson college majors. So while all students come to Babson with some interest in business, these concentrations give space for students to explore the intersection of business with other fields, such as environmental sustainability or visual arts. 

As you can see, a Babson education offers its students great opportunities. So, if you’re more in love with Babson than ever, your essays are crucial to gaining admission. But, before we get into how to write the Babson essays, let’s check out some “at a glance” facts about this unique college. 

Babson College Admissions: Quick Facts

Babson college quick facts.

Babson College Acceptance Rate:  22%– According to U.S. News , Babson College ranks #1 in Entrepreneurship, and its acceptance rate places it among the most selective colleges in the nation.  

Babson College Essay Requirements:

• 1 (~500 word) Why Major/Why Babson essay OR a 1-minute video on the same topic
• 1 (~250 word) diversity essay

Babson College Application:  Students must submit their Babson College application through the  Common Application . Make sure to have all of your Babson College supplemental essays and other  required application materials  ready when applying. 

Babson College Application Deadlines:

• Early Decision I/ Early Action: November 15 
• Early Decision II: January 2 
• Regular Decision: January 2

Babson Supplemental Essay Tip:  Start early! There are multiple Babson supplemental essays, so having time to brainstorm, draft, and edit them well is critical in order to impress admissions at this competitive college.

Does Babson College have supplemental essays?

Yes — there are two Babson College supplemental essays. In general, supplemental essays are additional essays that colleges ask for to provide more details about your unique interest in the school.  Each school has different supplemental essay requirements . However, there are a few common supplemental essay topics that you’ll likely see in various college applications. The most common are the  “Why School” and “Why Major” essays.

For the first of your two required Babson College supplemental essays, you will need to combine a Why Babson essay and Why Major essay into one 500-word response. You also have the option to submit a one-minute video that answers the prompt, in lieu of an essay. 

The second of the Babson College supplemental essays asks applicants to share more of their identity and background. Essentially, this is a diversity essay. In this essay, Admissions wants to learn more about what has shaped you–and, most importantly, how you will bring your unique experiences to campus.

In the next section, we will break down all the Babson essay requirements in greater detail, including these Babson College essay prompts. 

Babson College Essay Requirements

In total, you must submit three Babson College essays. The first of these essays is the personal statement. Your personal statement is an essay that introduces critical aspect(s) of yourself to the admissions committee. You can submit the same personal statement to all of the colleges you apply to via the Common App . Applicants may choose one of the seven Babson College essay prompts for the personal statement. Check them out here . 

In addition to the Common App personal statement, you must submit two Babson College supplemental essays. 

Babson College Supplemental Essay #1: Why Babson Essay/Why Major Essay

Here is the first of the two Babson College supplemental essay prompts:

Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

The babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. tell us about your interest in this area of study and in babson specifically. (500 words maximum) we invite you to submit your answer in either essay or video format. if you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to youtube or another video hosting website. please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the admission committee..

Let’s discuss what this Babson essay is looking for. As we shared above, schools often want to know why you wish to attend their institution as well as why you want to study your intended major. In this 500-word essay, Babson College wants you to do both. 

Specifically, this Why Major essay asks applicants to shed light on their interest in entrepreneurship and business since that is Babson’s special focus.Additionally, as a Why Babson essay, admissions asks why you hope to study at the school. Responses to this prompt need to be specific. Now is the time to research programs, internships, professors, or any other opportunities only found at Babson. Be sure to mention what most interests you about studying at Babson.

This Babson College essay prompt is unique in that you can respond in written or video format. The video option offers the advantage of allowing those who express themselves verbally to shine. Regardless of the format you choose (whether the written or video option), you must answer the prompt fully.

Babson College Supplemental Essay #2: Diversity Essay

Now, let’s look at the second of the Babson College supplemental essay prompts:

Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

A defining element of the babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from babson’s collaborative community. (250 words maximum).

This Babson supplemental essay is a version of the diversity essay, another common topic for college essays. Keep in mind that diversity is a broad term. Beyond referring to race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and other common dimensions of diversity, the term can also refer to any lived experience. For example, maybe you were the only female in a house full of men, or perhaps you lived in 13 countries as a child. In this sense, every person has many dimensions of diversity in their lived experience.

At Babson, diversity and inclusion are valued. As such, this Babson supplemental essay seeks to gather more information not only about your ability to be self-reflective of your experiences but also about how you will use those experiences to contribute to Babson’s inclusive, collaborative spirit.

Next, we will dive further into tips for writing your Babson supplemental essays. 

How to write the Babson supplemental essays

Now that we have broken down the Babson College essay prompts, let’s take a closer look at how to write the Babson supplemental essays. Here are some tips for writing successful Babson essays:

Four Tips for Writing Babson College Essays

1. start early.

As we stated, there are three Babson essays you will need to complete – your personal statement and two Babson supplemental essays. Starting early is critical. Normally, essay prompts are released by August 1. However, you can begin brainstorming even before the prompts are released. Think about life experiences and personality traits that are central to who you are. In August, begin to work on your essay drafts. You will likely need several drafts of each essay and time in between writing them to give yourself breaks. These pauses within the drafting process can often provide greater clarity for final edits. 

2. Choose a written or video format

For one of your Babson supplemental essays, you have the option to submit a 1-minute video that encapsulates your response to the prompt. If you choose the video option, be sure to spend time drafting a script and planning out how and where you will film your video. Though the video may seem like the easier option, it presents different challenges such as ensuring you come across as positive and professional in your speech. Be sure to provide specific examples and details in your response to the question, just as you would in your essay.

3. Answer the whole prompt

The Babson College essay prompts are unique in that they ask multiple questions in one prompt. As we mentioned, the first of your Babson supplemental essays is a Why Major essay and a Why Babson essay. Be sure you answer both of the prompt’s questions clearly in your response. Look for specific details you can highlight in your Why Babson essay. Perhaps you want to highlight which of the 24 Babson college majors, also known as concentrations, interest you.  

In the second of your Babson supplemental essays, you must discuss an aspect of your identity that is important to you along with how it will inform your engagement with Babson’s campus culture. Reflect deeply on your life experiences before responding to your Babson College essay prompts.

4. Highlight Babson values

One of the unstated but underlying goals of the Babson supplemental essay prompts is to see how aligned you are with Babson’s values . To be successful in demonstrating that you understand them, familiarize yourself with the school’s standards. What does Babson mean when they say they value integrity, collaboration, diversity, innovation, and excellence? How do you align with these values? When choosing topics for your Babson supplemental essays, consider which of your experiences can most strongly demonstrate these principles.

If you follow these tips for writing your Babson supplemental essays, you will be off to a strong start in overcoming the low Babson College acceptance rate.

Are the Babson essays optional?

No, none of the Babson essays are optional. You must submit your personal statement and your two Babson College supplemental essays to have a complete application.

While none of the essays are optional, you do have the choice to submit a video instead of the first Babson supplemental essay. If you choose to do so, make sure your video responds fully to the prompt and provides details and examples to flesh out your arguments. Prepare well for filming your video– make sure it is easy to see and hear you throughout.

You also have the option of applying to Babson early or regular decision. Within the early options, you may apply Early Decision I or Early Action by November 15. Keep in mind that Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning that you are committing to attending Babson if they admit you. If you decide you need more time to work on your essays, consider applying Early Decision II or Regular Decision by January 2. This will allow you more time to develop a strong application. To learn more about application deadlines, including the benefits or disadvantages of each type, check out this article .

So, we’ve established that the Babson supplemental essays are not optional and have reviewed the deadlines for submission. But, just how big of a role do these essays play in admissions decisions? Let’s check out their importance when it comes to gaining acceptance to Babson. 

Does Babson College care about essays?

Yes! Babson cares deeply about essays for many reasons. Each year Babson receives thousands of applications but only admits 20% of applicants. As such, the Babson College acceptance rate is quite competitive. To distinguish between candidates who have similar academic records, Babson admissions officers use the essays and other factors to determine a candidate’s fit. This is part of Babson’s holistic approach to admissions, which takes many factors into account when evaluating a candidate. Through the Why Babson essay, admissions officers can tell how interested you are in Babson specifically. 

Additionally, Babson is first and foremost a liberal arts college. As such, Babson very much values the way that students think and express themselves, as this is a key part of a liberal arts education. In turn, the Babson essays are important in showing Babson admissions officers your critical thinking and writing capabilities. 

Lastly, Babson values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through the final Babson essay, you have the opportunity to express a part of your identity that may not be evident elsewhere on your application. By taking the time to write a reflective essay, you will convey how much you value this central part of Babson’s culture.

For these reasons and more, Babson College cares deeply about your essays. Take the time to make the most of each of your Babson essays. For some extra guidance, here are some writing tips that Babson provides.

How can I make my Babson College essays stand out?

Now that you know how important your Babson supplemental essays are, you might be wondering how you can make them stand out. In this section, we will provide specific tips for how to respond to the Babson College essay prompts:

Three Tips for Making Your Essay Stand Out

1. write a hook.

Since Babson College admissions officers must read thousands of essays, one way to make sure your essay stands out is to start off with a hook. A hook is a literary term for an opening that captures the reader’s attention. Hooks can take many forms. Perhaps you start with a bit of dialogue, a vivid description of a scene, a thought-provoking question, or an unexpected idea. If you aren’t sure whether your hook is captivating, ask friends to read it and tell you if the opening makes them want to keep reading your essay.

2. Edit well

Speaking of support from others, make sure you get guidance throughout the editing process. Some writers say that editing is the heart of writing since it is through editing that you refine your voice and message. When you edit, consider the four Cs: 

• Is it clear? Do my ideas flow and make logical sense? Are any details missing that would help make my story clearer? 
• Is it grammatically correct? A grammatically correct essay demonstrates your writing abilities as well as the care you took to write a strong Babson supplemental essay.
• Is it concise? Being concise is critical for a few reasons. First, you have limited space in each of your Babson supplemental essays. By removing nonessential words or phrases, you make more space for important ideas. Secondly, a concise essay is easier to follow. When sentences are too wordy, they can easily lose the reader’s attention. Read your writing out loud to see if each sentence can be read in a single breath. If you have to pause to take a breath while reading, your sentence is probably too long. 
• Is it compelling? To answer this question with a confident “yes,” you will need to get a second or third opinion. Ask your reader to be honest about whether the essay topic and style make it interesting to read. If not, maybe you need to play with the essay format, sentence structures, or hook.

3. Be authentic

When answering the Babson college essay prompts, you should think about what topics are most important and relevant to you. Do not worry about what admissions officers want to hear, or what you think sounds impressive. Babson admissions officers admit that some of their favorite essays are the simplest ones that express a seemingly mundane activity or interest with great detail. By being yourself, you have a greater chance of telling an interesting story.

When writing your Babson supplemental essays, the best approach to take is one that allows you to be yourself. After all, these essays are an opportunity to share more about your unique skills, experiences, and values. By showcasing your personality, your essay is bound to stand out.

Babson College Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

Getting into Babson College is not an easy feat. However, with effort and support, you can write Babson supplemental essays that propel your application to the top of the pile. By now, we have covered many aspects of writing good Babson supplemental essays. 

Here are 5 key takeaways you should keep in mind:

Babson College Essays Takeaways

1. the babson supplemental essays are a very important part of your application.

Since the Babson College ranking makes it a very competitive school, your essays are the place to set yourself apart from other candidates.

2. There are two Babson supplemental essays you must write, in addition to your personal statement

Make sure you read the Babson College essay prompts carefully and answer every part of the prompt. Keep in mind that the Why Babson essay is also a Why Major essay – so make a case for which of the Babson College majors really draws you to the school.

3. You can submit a video for one of your Babson supplemental essays

Instead of writing a 500-word response, you can submit a video for your first Babson supplemental essay. Ensure that your 1-minute video is concise, compelling, and showcases your personality.

4. Take time to edit your Babson supplemental essays well

A well-edited essay that is clear, grammatically correct, concise, and compelling will be easier and more interesting to read. Make sure that you submit error-free essays.

5. Be yourself

Your Babson supplemental essays are the space to showcase who you are. While you want to highlight aspects of Babson that made you want to apply, you should also make sure you are writing about experiences that matter to you. And most definitely write in your own voice. 

Use these 5 takeaways to write Babson supplemental essays that stand out from the rest. Remember that writing essays is best done with support. Always seek help from a trusted individual, like a teacher, friend, or CollegeAdvisor admissions specialist. These individuals can help make sure you are answering the prompt fully and in a compelling manner.

Take the time to write Babson supplemental essays that showcase your voice and unique lived experiences. In time, you’ll reap the benefits of your honest hard work, whether you end up at Babson or another fantastic university. Good luck!

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

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College Essays That Worked: See Examples

U.S. News & World Report

July 13, 2023, 8:00 PM

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Many college applications require a personal essay, which can be daunting for students to write.

But a few simple tips, some introspection and insight into what admissions officers are looking for can help ease the pressure. U.S. News has compiled several college essay examples that helped students get into school. Shared by admissions staff or referenced from admissions websites, these essays stand out, they say, because the student voices shine, helping the school get to know the applicants.

“Students can get caught in the trap of overthinking it and write the essay that’s going to impress the admissions committee,” says Andrew Strickler, dean of admission and financial aid at Connecticut College . “The best essays, the ones that really pop, are the ones that come across as authentic and you really hear the student’s voice.”

The essay gives schools a feel for how a student writes, but it’s the content of the essay that matters most, admissions professionals say. In other words, while it’s important to showcase sound grammar and writing, it’s even more important to showcase your character and personality.

“I care more about their stories than if it is a perfect five paragraph essay,” David Graves, interim director of admissions at the University of Georgia , wrote in an email.

Many schools give students a wide range of topics to choose from, which experts say can be beneficial in helping students find their voice.

While you want your voice to be apparent, it’s wise to be aware of your tone, says Allen Koh, CEO of Cardinal Education, an admissions consulting company that works with students to craft and revise their college essays. The goal of the essay is to make a strong case for why you’re different from all the other applicants, not necessarily why you’re better, he adds.

“You have to pass the genuine likability test. Sometimes kids are so busy trying to brag or tell their story that they’re forgetting they have to sound like a likable person. That’s a very simple test, but it’s really important.”

Good essays tend to be “positively emotional,” he says. It’s best to avoid using sarcasm because it tends to fail on college essays.

Any humor used “really has to be a very positive, witty humor, not sarcastic,” which he says can be hard to pick up on in an essay.

The Perils of Using AI for Essays

Choosing the right tone can be a challenge for many students, but admissions pros encourage them not to take shortcuts to completing their essay.

Though some college professors have embraced artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in their classrooms, Strickler says he’s begun to stress in recent talks with high school audiences the importance of original work and avoiding the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to craft college essays. While it might produce a technically well-written essay and save time, your unique voice will be stripped away, and it may leave a bad impression on admissions offices as well as prevent them from truly getting to know you, he says.

Instead, Graves says, start early and take time to write it yourself, then “actually read it out loud to someone … to listen to the rhythm and words as they are ‘read.'”

[ READ: How Colleges Choose Which Students to Admit. ]

Each spring on his admissions blog , Graves shares an enrolling student’s essay and why it was strong. The essay excerpted below, shared with the permission of the University of Georgia, uses descriptive word choice and gives the admissions office deep insight into the student’s life, their love for writing and their connection to their family, Graves says.

It was chosen as an example “to show our applicant pool how to express themselves through similes, sensory language (words that capture the senses of the reader), and emotion,” Graves wrote on the blog.

Here’s how the essay opened:

If you asked me what object I’d save in a burning fire, I’d save my notebook. My notebook isn’t just any notebook, it’s bubble gum pink with purple tie dye swirls, and has gold coil binding it together. But more importantly, it’s the key that unlocked my superpower, sending me soaring into the sky, flying high above any problems that could ever catch me. However, my notebook is simply the key. My real power rests in the depths of my mind, in my passion for writing. But to know how my powers came to be (not from a spider or a special rock), I must travel back to the first spark.

Four years ago, I wrote my first 6-word memoir in my eighth-grade rhetoric class. Inspired by my father’s recently diagnosed terminal illness, I wrote “Take his words, don’t take him”. It was as if all the energy of my powers surged into six meaningful words meant to honor the man that I would soon lose to a villain known as ALS. This was the first time I felt my writing. Three years ago, my dad’s disease severely progressed. The ALS seized his ability to speak and locked it in a tower with no key. The only way we could communicate was with an old spiral notebook. …

The essay counted down each year (“three years ago,” “two years ago,” etc.) and concluded with this paragraph:

One month ago, I needed my powers more than ever before. I needed them to convey who I truly am for the chance at the future of my dreams as a writer. Except this time, I didn’t need the key because my powers grew into fruition. Instead, I opened my laptop only to type out one sentence… “If you asked me what object to save in a burning fire, I’d save my notebook.”

This style of storytelling, which shows not just the triumph at the end but also the conflict, struggle and evolution in between, makes for great essays, Koh says.

“The student also used an intriguing timeline (counting down years and month) to tell their story, and showed how she had grown,” Graves says.

This next essay, by an anonymous writer and shared on Connecticut College ‘s admissions page , “manages to capture multiple aspects of the writer’s personality, while not becoming overly cluttered or confusing,” writes Susanna Matthews, associate director of admission at the school.

Every person who truly knows me believes that I was born in the wrong century. They call me “an old soul” because I’m a collector, attracted to books, antiques, vinyl records and anything from the 80’s. But they also think I am unique in other ways. I believe it is because of the meaningful connections to my two languages and two cultures.

When we moved into our first American house, I was excited to decorate my new room. The first thing I knew I needed was a place to organize my most cherished possessions I have collected throughout my life. I searched and finally found a bookshelf with twenty-five thick sections that I could build and organize alphabetically … Each shelf holds important objects from different parts of my life. …

These books are a strong connection to my Brazilian heritage. They also remind me of the time when I was growing up in Brazil, as a member of a large Italian-Brazilian family.

The writer continues on, describing the types of books on each shelf, from Harry Potter to books used to learn English. They describe the bottom of the bookshelf housing some of their most prized possessions, like an old typewriter their grandfather gave them. They wonder about the words it has crafted and stories it has told.

As I grab my favorite Elvis vinyl to play, I can only wonder about the next chapter of my life. I look forward to adding new books, new friends, and a wide variety of experiences to my bookshelf.

“By placing one subject (the bookshelf) at the center of the piece, it lends some flexibility to layer in much more detail than if they had tried to discuss a few different interests in the essay,” Matthews writes. “You learn a lot about the person, in a way that isn’t in your face — a great thing when trying to write a personal essay.”

[ Read: The Common App: Everything You Need to Know. ]

Some colleges require a supplemental essay in addition to the personal statement. Typically, admissions pros note, these essays are shorter and focus on answering a specific question posed by the college.

The University of Chicago in Illinois allows students to submit essay prompts as inspiration for the admissions office and gives students some latitude in how they answer them. Essay prompts range from questions about the school itself to asking students to pick a question from a song title or lyric and give their best shot at answering it.

“We think of them as an opportunity for students to tell us about themselves, their tastes, and their ambitions,” the school’s admissions website reads. “They can be approached with utter seriousness, complete fancy, or something in between.”

While the University of Chicago says there is no strict word limit on its supplemental essays, other schools prefer brevity. For example, Stanford University in California asks students to answer several short questions, with a 50-word limit, in addition to answering three essay questions in 100 to 250 words.

Georgia asks for a school-specific supplemental essay that’s 200-300 words in addition to a 250- to 650-word personal essay.

“Sometimes a shorter essay response is not as polished an essay, but instead is a more casual, more relaxed essay,” Graves says. “In addition, sometimes a student needs to get to the point or be concise, and this helps see if they can give us their story without overdoing it.”

Other schools allow for a little more creativity in how the supplemental essay questions are answered. Babson College in Massachusetts, for example, gives students a 500-word limit to answer a prompt, or they can choose to submit a one-minute video about why they chose to apply to the school.

One student, Gabrielle Alias, chose to film a “day-in-the-life” video , which she narrated to answer the prompt, “Who Am I?”

“Visiting campus twice, I know I could see myself as one of the many interesting, innovative, and enticing students that come out of Babson,” she says in the video. “But who am I you ask? I am a student. I am a reader. I am a researcher. I am a music lover. … I am Gabrielle Alias and I am excited for who I will be as a graduate of Babson.”

An essay by Babson student Bessie Shiroki, seen below, describes her experience in the school’s admissions office and how she immediately felt comfortable.

I immediately smiled at the sight of my favorite board game. Babsonopoly. I love the combination of strategy and luck in this traditional family pastime. Seeing this on the wall in the admissions office gave me immediate comfort; I knew I was home.

Shiroki describes what she felt set Babson College apart from other schools, such as being surrounded by “sophisticated and mature individuals” and a tight-knit, entrepreneurial environment that would help her reach her career goals.

It is natural for me to be in a small class where more than one language is spoken. I am accustomed to discussions with diverse viewpoints, open minds, and where differences are seen as advantages. I embrace my cultural uniqueness, and I will add my voice to the community. I can’t imagine not continuing this in college.

She notes that as she toured the campus and saw students studying, she could see herself as one of them, feeding off of their studious and entrepreneurial energy. She mentions that Babson’s Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship class got her attention immediately and she saw it as a launch pad for a future that included running a business.

Babson recognizes the potential of their students, and FME is a great way for young entrepreneurs like me to find our place in the business world and learn from our mistakes. I am capable of this challenge and will conquer it with tenacity. I will bring my dedication, commitment, and innovative skills to Babson College.

Now it’s my turn to pass go and collect my Babson acceptance letter. I’ve found my next challenge.

Babson College offers several tips for what make good essays, including a strong “hook” to engage the reader from the start and a topic that allows you to share something that’s not as obvious on your application.

When it comes to writing a college admissions essay — whether personal or supplemental — experts advise students to follow these rules:

— Find your voice.

— Write about a topic that matters to you.

— Share your personality.

— Express yourself.

— Proofread extensively.

With both traditional essays and supplemental essays, Koh says it’s best to write long and work with someone you trust to edit it down. Teachers, friends and parents can all be helpful proofreaders, but experts note that the student voice should remain intact.

A good editor can help edit a long essay to keep the main message but with fewer words. “If I see 400 words, I know I’m a dozen drafts away from getting it to 650,” he says. “If I see 1200 words, we might just be one or two away. It’s at least going to be a shorter haul.”

Strickler encourages students not to stress too much over the essay or put unnecessary weight on it as part of their college application . While a strong essay helps, he says, it doesn’t make or break an application.

“There’s this sense that you write the most amazing essay and it gets you over the top because it opens the door to the pathway to the Magic Kingdom,” he says. “But it’s just one piece of a myriad of pieces that allow us to get to know a particular student and help us figure out if they’re a good fit and how they’re going to contribute to our community.”

Searching for a college? Get our complete rankings of Best Colleges.

More from U.S. News

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College Essays That Worked: See Examples originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 07/14/23: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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How to Ace the 23/24 Babson College Supplemental Essay

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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

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

Babson College is known for being all about business, and their essay prompts are no exception! They want to know about who you are and why you have chosen to apply to their college. Two supplemental essays may seem like a lot, but each one is an opportunity to show them why you would be a great addition to their school. So, settle in and let’s find out how you can nail each Babson supplemental essay right on the head!

A brief introduction to Babson College

Babson College is known for their emphasis on teaching students to be great entrepreneurs. Babson knows that entrepreneurial skills are not just something that people are born with, but that need to be learned and built over time. They know the importance of having skills in not just business, but in all facets of the world. Entrepreneurship is about being innovative, creative, and willing to try new ideas. In addition to the entrepreneurial degrees and opportunities they offer, they are also heavily invested in educating their students through the liberal arts and science. 

Do your Babson research first!

Before starting your first Babson supplemental essay, give yourself some time to explore the Babson website . Colleges try to give students a vivid picture of their school through their website because they know it’s how most students learn about them. If possible, it’s always a great idea to try and tour a college before you apply. Tours are free and a great way to find out what’s out there. If you can’t find the time or money to take a face-to-face tour, Babson College offers an engaging virtual tour as well! 

Supplemental essay prompt #1

#1: The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically. (500 words maximum)

We invite you to submit your answer in either essay OR video format. If you choose to submit a video, please limit your response to a 1-minute video, which can be submitted via a shared link to YouTube or another video hosting website. Please ensure your video is set to public and is accessible to the Admission Committee.

Babson isn’t trying to pull any tricks with this prompt. They really just want to get to know you . However, there are two questions to this prompt. So, let’s also break your answer into two parts. 

The first thing they want to know is why you are interested in the fields of study they have to offer. This question shouldn’t be difficult for you to answer. Start by writing out a simple answer. Maybe you’ve just always been interested in business, or you love entrepreneurship because your mom or dad runs their own company, or any number of other great reasons!  

Once you know your simple answer, you can begin to expand a bit. Connect your interest in this field to a larger picture, or future goal that you have. Remember, you don’t need to have a long elaborate answer for this question in order to get accepted by Babson, but what you do need is to be genuine. The goal is for them to get to know you! 

As for part two of this prompt, Babson wants to know why you specifically would like to study at their school. Maybe it’s a specific professor or program they offer that drew you to Babson. The key with this question is again to connect why Babson is the school for you. Try not to just rattle off facts about the university. They already know all about themselves. They want to know now why you have chosen them. Lots of schools offer similar academic interests, so it’s important for a school to know that there is a reason you have specifically chosen them.

You do have a 500 word limit for this prompt. Don’t let the word count get to your head. Write out what you want to say and then edit it down if needed. You might be able to do a lot more in 500 words than you think.

Supplemental essay prompt #2 

#2:  A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson’s collaborative community. (250 words maximum)

From this prompt, Babson wants to better understand how you and your experiences will fit in and contribute to their campus. So, let’s also break this prompt into two parts. 

First, what is your background? What lived experiences or viewpoints do you have? Take a few minutes to jot down some ideas and ask yourself the questions below:

• Have you always lived in the same place? 
• What is your family life like? 
• Have you ever struggled academically?
• Is there a certain religion or set of beliefs that you try to live your life by?
• Do you have any opinions or thoughts about modern issues that society faces?

There really is an unlimited amount of questions you could ask yourself, so take a minute to think of some on your own as well. 

The second part to answering this prompt requires you to have an idea of what values and beliefs Babson holds. Take some time exploring Babson’s website. Read about their history and their values. College websites usually try to be very transparent about the values their campus encompasses. 

Once you feel like you have a good feel for Babson, you should be able to draw lines between how their values and your experiences and background connect. Remember their original question, which was how you and your experiences will fit into their campus. You’ll likely find that there is a lot you could talk about, but the key here is talking about what is relevant to the prompt!

You only have 250 words to answer this prompt. So, like we said above, try writing your first draft without a word count and then begin to narrow things down, as that will likely yield a more thorough and genuine answer.

More college application essay help

If you feel like you still need some more guidance with your college application essays, we can help. Check out this guide to creating a college video respons e. Whether you want to know how to write a more engaging essay , just want some extra tips , or even want answers to questions like how many colleges you should apply to , we have you covered! Good luck and don’t forget we’re always here!

Frequently asked questions about Babson’s supplemental essay

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Babson College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically.

Diversity Short Response

A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson‘s collaborative community.

Late Enrollment Short Response

If you have indicated interest in the January Enrollment option, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this option and what you might choose to do in the fall. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through January Enrollment over Fall Enrollment.

Common App Personal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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