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3 Tips for Writing Stellar 2024-2025 Georgia Tech Essays

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Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?

Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.

Feature Image: Wally Gobetz /Flickr

What Are the Georgia Tech Supplement Essay Prompts?

The Georgia Tech application includes a total of two essays . For one of these, you'll choose one of the seven Common App prompts to respond to, and the other is specific to Georgia Tech. Here's the Georgia Tech prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech? (max 300 words)

How to Write the "Why Georgia Tech?" Essay

This prompt is a version of the "why this college?" prompt . Specifically, this prompt is a "why us?" prompt: It's asking you to elaborate on why this college and the major you've chosen are best suited to you and your aspirations. In other words, what about Georgia Tech and the field of study you want to pursue there will help you achieve your future goals?

To answer this question, you'll need to do some research on Georgia Tech and the academic program you're applying to . The easiest way to do this is to go to the Georgia Tech website to get an overview of what's offered by your program, including the kinds of classes, study abroad options, professors, and internship opportunities.

If possible, I suggest visiting the campus to sit in on classes and meet professors so you can get a clearer feel for the academic program as well as the environment at Georgia Tech as a whole.

In your essay, try to pick a specific characteristic to focus on —don't just say you want to attend Georgia Tech because it's prestigious or well-known. Lots of colleges are!

Next, you'll need to know how your education at Georgia Tech will help you after college . For example, you could write about how you think Georgia Tech's cooperative education program will help you gain relevant professional experience and make connections with like-minded peers.

Regardless of what aspects of Georgia Tech and your major you want to write about, make sure to clearly connect the essay back to you and your own interests and goals .

Here are some possible topics you could use for your "Why Georgia Tech?" essay:

• An anecdote relating some sort of positive personal experience you had at Georgia Tech (such as while on a campus tour)
• A positive interaction you had with someone affiliated with Georgia Tech, such as a current student or professor involved with the major you're applying for
• Your excitement about getting to work with a particular faculty member  and how this opportunity will help you further your career goals
• Your enthusiasm for getting to study in a program, major, or minor that's not usually offered at many schools or that has a unique, interesting angle at Georgia Tech
• A special facility or piece of equipment you're looking forward to being able to work in or with that isn't offered on other campuses or is very rare

Georgia Tech Essay Examples + Analysis

We've written two Georgia Tech essay examples to help give you an idea as to what and how you could write your Why Georgia Tech essay. Additionally, we go over what makes them good essays for a Georgia Tech application.

Georgia Tech Essay Example 1

"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to Georgia Tech."

Katrina was a few years older than me and the sister of my best friend, Troy, who'd given me her email address so I could ask any questions I had about her time at Georgia Tech. This was the last line of her response—and by far the most memorable.

Like Katrina, I can't imagine myself not attending Georgia Tech. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I see Georgia Tech as a gateway to not just learning but also professional success. The flexibility of the major would allow me to focus specifically on my passion for reducing the negative effects of climate change and securing access to clean water. As a senior, I plan to take several hydraulics-focused electives.

In addition, through the InVenture Prize, which I hope to participate in at least twice, I'll be able to utilize the knowledge I've gained through my classes, projects, and fieldwork by translating it into a concrete vision—specifically, an invention that will increase the availability of fresh, healthy water for disadvantaged communities.

After graduation, and as a proud Georgia Tech alumnus (ideally with an InVenture Prize), I plan to implement the skills I've gained through my environmental engineering major in the nonprofit sector.

I haven't met Katrina yet, but I feel as though I know her—perhaps it's that shared sense of joy at having discovered the perfect school for the paths we've chosen.

Here's why this Georgia Tech essay works:

• It's got a creative hook that draws you in. This Georgia Tech essay opens with a quotation that immediately makes it feel as though you're reading a compelling story. It then goes on to connect this hook directly to the narrator who "can't imagine … not attending Georgia Tech," ensuring the focus remains on the applicant and not Katrina.
• It mentions specific features of Georgia Tech. The applicant doesn't just write about how prestigious Georgia Tech is but specifically mentions opportunities she's interested in taking advantage of, such as hydraulics courses and the famous InVenture Prize competition.

The mark of a good college essay is an acceptance letter!

Georgia Tech Essay Example 2

Atlanta has been my home all my life, and I've always known that I want to be one of the people who help make it such a wonderful place to live. My dream is to create my own business that makes it easier for other start-up businesses to get up and running. Georgia Tech is my dream school because I know it will give me the absolute best chance of achieving my goals.

The course catalog for Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business makes it clear that all business students receive a top-notch and comprehensive business education no matter what area they choose to focus on. However, what really interests me is Scheller's emphasis on entrepreneurship. I'm so excited to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, like LBAT and study abroad programs that focus on starting a new business, the certificate in entrepreneurship, and the Enterprise Innovation Institute where I hope to collaborate with professors, business leaders, and peers to learn how to create and grow and successful business of my own.

Growing up in Atlanta, learned early that it has many resources for people hoping to go into business, and I know Georgia Tech will help me take advantage of them. Under the school's internship program, I hope to work for a start-up company, learning about what makes some new companies thrive while others fail, and getting on-the-ground experience learning what new companies need to do well and avoid common pitfalls. I'll also use Georgia Tech's extensive connections with local business leaders to continue to expand my business acumen outside the classroom.

I have so many ideas for what I want to do with my career, and I can't wait to attend Georgia Tech to learn the skills I need to make these dreams possible.

• It goes in-depth on what Georgia Tech offers. Like the first essay, this one also gets specific on exactly which parts of the school the writer plans to take advantage of the most. From mentioning the course catalog, specific business programs, and the school's connections with the community, it's clear the writer did her research and knows which of Georgia Tech's resources will be of most value to her.
• It has a clear vision of a career path. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate college, but having a general idea can really help you show the admissions committee how you're going to take advantage of what Georgia Tech offers. In this case, it's the entrepreneurship and business opportunities at the school, which will help the writer start her own business after graduation.

How to Write a Great Georgia Tech Essay: Three Essential Tips

Now that you know the specifics of the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt, here are three key tips to use while writing your essay.

#1: Be Specific and Concise

The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so limited in terms of length, you'll need to make sure you're using the space you have wisely. Don't write super flowery, verbose descriptions or rely on overly vague examples.

Instead, be as specific as you can be so that you're emphasizing only the most important parts of the story you want to tell. Specificity will make your essay more concise and easier to follow.

#2: Show, Don't Tell

You've probably heard this refrain a million times, but it's especially important for college essays: show your experiences, emotions, and perspectives instead of simply telling them to your readers . Doing this will make your Georgia Tech essays sound vibrant and alive rather than dull and boring.

One of the very best ways to catapult your descriptions to a whole new level and to lend a stronger voice to your writing is to use a variety of literary devices , including flashbacks, anecdotes, imagery, and euphemisms.

#3: Polish and Proofread

Before you submit your Georgia Tech essays, make sure to take some time to read them over, edit them, get feedback, and proofread them.

The best way to do this is to start by writing a rough draft. Once finished, put your essay away for a little while—from a couple of days to a week or so depending on the amount of time you have left before college applications are due —and then take it out again.

As you read your essay, mark any areas that are unclear, awkwardly worded, or irrelevant . You should also proofread your essay for any glaring typos and errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Once you've repeated this process a few times, it's time to get a new set of eyes to look it over for you. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor, to read your essay and offer comments and corrections on it.

Doing all of this will ensure that your essay is completely polished by the time you turn it in to Georgia Tech!

What's Next?

If you're reading this, you're likely not only applying to Georgia Tech. Get more tips with our expert guides to the Stanford essays , the Northwestern essay , and the Harvard essay .

Applying through the Common App? Check out this comprehensive list of schools that accept the Common App , and learn more about how to write the Common App essay .

To learn more about Georgia Tech and how to get in, take a look at its admission requirements page .

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Essay 2024-2025

The Georgia Institute of Technology is the southeast’s premier public university oriented towards technology. Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech is consistently ranked in the top 40 national universities. 

Engineering, computer science, and mathematics are among the strongest offerings at Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech is also known for its emphasis on hands-on experience, and the majority of students have internships and/or study abroad.

Georgia Tech is highly selective and admissions officers will look closely at your essays. While drafting their supplemental essay can be daunting, CollegeVine is here to help! Read on for a guide to tackling Georgia Tech’s essay.

Read these Georgia Tech essay examples to inspire your own writing.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompt

Why do you want to study your chosen major and why do you want to study your major at georgia tech (300 words max).

This prompt is both straightforward and challenging, and is essentially a “ Why this major? ” essay. Given the brevity of your answer, you will need to selectively use your background and resume to convincingly describe how Georgia Tech fits into your future. Here’s how to approach this prompt:

1. Describe your interests and background.

The first portion of your response should explain what drew you to your prospective major. A common pitfall students make here is being way too general – try to make your response something that is unique to you and your life experiences. For instance, one applicant might write an anecdote about how they first interacted with the subject. Another might describe a niche within the subject that appeals to them the most. Be sure to include specific details such as people, roles, and events that influenced your decision. Here are two examples of how to start off your essay:

Weak: “For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in civil engineering. I love working with my hands, so engineering has always seemed like a good fit for me. I have also always done well in the relevant classes, like math, physics, and computer science. In addition, I knew I wanted to pursue a subject that would make the world a better place.”

Strong: “As an environmental activist, I firmly believe everyone has a social responsibility to help keep the planet healthy and I am always looking for new ways that I can contribute to this endeavor. In high school, I started the Anti-litter Volunteer Club, where my peers and I picked up trash around our campus and neighboring community. Exploring my passion in college as a civil engineer seemed like the logical next step in developing ways to preserve nature. I am especially passionate about reducing waste by making product packaging out of biodegradable materials.”

This first response is weak for several reasons. The student mentions wanting to work with their hands, but this is much too general as it can apply to any type of engineering and other subjects as well. In contrast, the second response shows, rather than tells, admissions officers that this student has a passion for the environment. The student includes specific details about their past that communicate their desire to engage with civil engineering. 

The first applicant also lists superficial reasons, such as their academic prowess, which can come off as boastful and disingenuous rather than as a passion for the major itself. Instead, efforts you have made to pursue the subject outside of the classroom, like the anti-litter club, provide much better examples of your interest in the subject. Finally, the second applicant introduces a niche in civil engineering that they are especially passionate about. This level of detail lends authenticity to your response, and you can use forward-thinking phrasing to connect to the next portion of your essay. Keep in mind that these examples are just excerpts, and you should elaborate more in this area if word count allows for it.

2. Connect them to your choice of major and resources at Georgia Tech.

After you have established a foundation for your passion for your major, you can delve into how you can continue to develop it at Georgia Tech. This will reaffirm your interest in the school while also providing a realistic path through which you can accomplish your goals. Try to avoid clichés like small classroom size and mention more specific offerings instead, like programs and classes that are unique to Georgia Tech. Here is a weak and strong example of this portion:

Weak: “With the second best undergraduate civil engineering program, Georgia Tech is a leading institution that will provide me the tools to be successful in this field. I look forward to taking engaging classes, including breadth electives, that will expand my knowledge of civil and other types of engineering. I plan on joining clubs like Engineers Without Borders to continue learning outside of the classroom.”

Strong: “Georgia Tech can provide me with ample opportunities to pursue my passion; for instance, I can work on creating a biodegradable takeout box with my peers in the Geotechnical Society, and then implement our prototype design in on-campus dining facilities like Colony Bistro and Bhojanic. I also look forward to attending the Sustainability Banquet to hear from Atlanta’s leaders in sustainability like Dr. Jennifer Hirsch. Her work in grassroots sustainability innovation and use of a cross-cultural lens embody the approach I wish to take in civil engineering.”

The first response makes a common mistake in lauding the school’s accomplishments. Admissions officers are aware of statistics and ranking but want to know what, beyond prestige, makes you interested in this particular major at this particular university. The second prompt achieves this by mentioning specific offerings like the Sustainability Banquet, and a professor’s work that closely aligns with the student’s values. 

Though the first prompt does name a club at Georgia Tec h, the applicant fails to describe how exactly they plan to use this resource. Meanwhile, the strong response mentions a society and provides a hypothetical scenario where they might participate in it. The latter response is a much more effective approach in that it shows, rather than telling, admissions officers how you plan to pursue your major on-campus. Again, keep in mind that these examples are just excerpts, and you should elaborate more in this area if word count allows for it.

3. Explain how Georgia Tech will prepare you for your prospective career/future.

Finally, you should wrap up your response by mentioning how your passion for your major and involvement on Georgia Tech’s campus will culminate in your future. Avoid platitudes about making the world a better place and growing academically and professionally. Instead, tie your conclusion back to the purpose behind your essay and communicate that you want to pursue your passion for this subject beyond your college career.

Weak: “Obtaining a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech will allow me to further my passion for this subject. I look forward to using the skills I learn in my future career.”

Strong: “Embarking on projects like these will provide me with hands-on learning opportunities that will reinforce my commitment to sustainability. A background in civil engineering will provide me with the tools to literally build a better planet, a passion I will continue to pursue beyond my college career.”

While the first response tells readers what the author plans to do, it lacks specific details and the narrative-like quality that will keep admissions officers engaged. In contrast, the second conclusion restates the applicant’s goal of sustainability and their major of choice while providing a future-facing ending. This drums up the correct level of interest within the reader and lends your response closure without making it feel finite.

This prompt is designed to help admissions officers understand your character, background, and how you think. You should never just relist your extracurriculars and coursework. Instead, your essay should show , rather than tell , readers about your interests and make your major and career choices seem both logical and borne out of a genuine passion.

Where to Get Your Georgia Tech Essay Edited

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

Need feedback faster? Get a free, nearly-instantaneous essay review from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Undergraduate Admission

• Application Review Process
• Academic Preparation
• Course Requirements by Major
• Grade Point Average

Personal Essays

• Contribution to Community
• Major Selection
• Institutional Fit

Two essays of 300 words each (max) are required as part of the transfer application. The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.

Essay Questions

Required Essays

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech's Strategic Plan outlines  nine distinct Institute values . Select one and discuss how your past experiences have prepared you to contribute to our community.

What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?

Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:

Demonstrate authenticity.

Brings you to life on paper.

Are excellent in topic, style, and grammar.

Demonstrate thoughtfulness.

Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with  Georgia Tech’s Values . The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

Our Advice for this Portion of the Application

Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays!

Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.

Don’t overthink it. It may not be easy to write about yourself, but just write what you feel most comfortable with.

Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!

In the same way you would not copy directly from any other source you may incorporate into the writing process; you should not copy and paste directly out of any AI platform or submit work that you did not originally create. Instead, approach and consider any interaction with an AI tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Ultimately, we want to read and hear your unique and valuable writing style.

Per Georgia state law and Georgia Tech policy , all admission staff are mandatory reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate authorities. Any statements in written materials, including anywhere in a student’s application or supporting materials, that give admission staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to the Georgia Tech Police Department. Learn more about reporting requirements .

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Georgia Tech Essays 2023-24

Georgia Institute of Technology is a public university in the University System of Georgia , located in Atlanta. As one of the nation’s premier research universities, the Georgia Tech essays form a key part of the school’s admissions process. 

Founded in 1885, the 400-acre Georgia Tech campus is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students. The institution offers majors across 6 colleges and 28 schools focusing on business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences. With an acceptance rate of 18%, Georgia Tech is a highly competitive school, especially compared to other Georgia universities. Ranked #15 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News, Georgia Tech is one of the best colleges in Georgia . 

In this guide, we will walk you through the Georgia Tech essays and application requirements. Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to write the Georgia Tech essays, “why school essay” examples, and gaining acceptance to Georgia Tech!

Georgia Tech Essay Quick Facts:

• Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate: 18%. 
• The Georgia Tech ranking by U.S. news is #15 in Top Public Schools and #44 in Best National Universities. 
• Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App.
• Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max 300 words): Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? This is the only Georgia Tech supplemental essay. 
• Georgia Tech’s Application: Georgia Tech exclusively uses the Common App for first-year admission.  
• Early Action 1 (Georgia students only): October 16th
• Early Action 2 (Non-Georgia students only): November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 4th
• Georgia Tech Essays Tip: Start early on your Common App and Georgia Tech supplemental essays to submit Georgia Tech essays that have good content and writing skills. Don’t write what you think the admission team may want to read; write what you want to say. Take the Georgia Tech supplemental essays seriously. The Why Georgia Tech essay allows the admissions team to get to know you and what you could offer to the diversity of the class. 

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

What are the Georgia Tech supplemental essays requirements?

In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, you are required to complete other Georgia Tech essay prompts. Specifically, there is only one additional Georgia Tech essay: the Why Georgia Tech essay. 

In 300 words, you will answer the following Georgia Tech essay prompts:  Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? 

Besides the Common App personal statement, you have one other shot to impress Georgia Tech admissions with the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Submissions are limited to 300 words. This means it is vital that you plan your Why Georgia Tech essay ahead of time. Use clear and concise language, and get personal with the details you choose to include. You should put your best foot forward given the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate. 

Writing Georgia Tech essays can be intimidating, but the Georgia Tech essay prompts are not trick questions. Craft an honest and original response to the Georgia Tech essay prompts by sharing information not found on your resume and explaining specific reasoning in your Why Georgia Tech essay. You should help the reader understand who you are and why you would fit in at Georgia Tech. Successful Georgia Tech essays answer the why Georgia Tech essay prompts entirely.

Georgia Tech Essays – Personal Statement

The first of the Georgia Tech essays is the Common Application Personal Essay. For this, students will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App. The current Common Application essay prompts are as follows: 

Common App Essay Prompts

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. , how do i write the georgia tech essay.

Nailing the Georgia Tech essays can seem daunting, especially given the limited word count. However, with ample time to prepare, a solid outline, and time to edit and revise, you can write standout Georgia Tech essays. 

Begin your Georgia Tech essays writing process by researching unique aspects of the school and curriculum. That way, you can get a sense of how Georgia Tech will contribute to your overall career goals. You should describe how you hope to develop your interests at Georgia Tech and how the community will help you do so. 

So, spend some time thinking about the Georgia Tech essay prompts. Then, establish a structured outline. This will focus your thoughts and help you write successful Georgia Tech essays.

Why the Georgia Tech essays matter

The admissions team uses your Georgia Tech essays to determine whether you would fit into the campus community. So, your Georgia Tech essays should show that you have thought about your ideal college environment and future goals. The admissions team hopes to enroll a class of diverse, innovative thinkers and problem solvers. So, prove to them how you would contribute to their community in your Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

With a low acceptance rate of 18%, it is even more important that your Georgia Tech essays stand out. Your Georgia Tech essays should capture your accomplishments and goals, highlighting why Georgia Tech is your ideal next step. 

Utilize “show” vs “tell” writing. Your Georgia Tech essays should show readers who you are beyond your academic achievements. To do so, think of stories from your life that capture your identity and values. What have you done that reflects your interests? What examples can you give of your character? Show the admissions team examples that reflect your characteristics rather than simply stating them. Your Georgia Tech essays should paint a clear picture of how and why you would succeed on campus. 

Your readers will assess your Georgia Tech essays for content and quality, so make sure to revise them thoroughly. Brainstorm and draft the Georgia Tech essays well before the Georgia Tech application deadline so you don’t feel rushed. This is particularly important if you are applying by the Early Action Georgia Tech application deadline of October 16th.

For more tips on how to answer the Georgia Tech essay prompts and how to get into Georgia Tech, check out this guide to the Georgia Tech Essays 2022-2023 . It also includes previous Georgia Tech essay prompts. 

Why Georgia Tech Essay

Like many other colleges, Georgia Tech requires a Why Georgia Tech essay. There are not multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so this is the only supplement you will submit. 

Here’s the prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? 

You’ll likely write “why school essays” for many colleges on your list. So, you should understand how to approach the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. The Georgia Tech essay prompts require you to describe why you would like to attend Georgia Tech and how you would contribute to the community. For the Why Georgia Tech essay, you are asked specifically to explain why you want to study your chosen major. To answer these Georgia Tech essay prompts, you should explain how their curriculum, values, and campus environment will help you achieve your academic and career goals. 

Preparing for the Georgia Tech essay prompts

To prepare to write your Why Georgia Tech essay, spend time researching specific aspects of Georgia Tech that align with your goals. As you conduct your college search, you should only apply to schools that meet your needs. Research your schools’ requirements, programs, and offerings. That way, you can submit a well-informed and persuasive application. 

The why Georgia Tech essay is also a “why major essay.” Once again, this is the kind of college essay you’ll likely write for several schools. 

What do you want to major in at Georgia Tech and why? Like choosing a college, choosing a major is a big decision. When choosing your Georgia Tech major, you should consider your academic interests and career goals. In your Georgia Tech essays, talk about what you wish to major in and what makes this subject interesting to you. 

How do I write the Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question?

The Georgia Tech supplemental essays ask you to highlight two things in one 300-word response. First, the Georgia Tech essay prompts you to describe your interest in Georgia Tech. Second, the prompt asks you to discuss why you’ve chosen to pursue your intended major. 

So, how should you approach answering this why school/why major essay? 

The why school essay allows the admissions team to learn more about you and your interests. You should address what you want to major in at Georgia Tech and why. The purpose of your why major essay is to highlight who you are and what you hope to gain from Georgia Tech. Your Georgia Tech essays allow the school to get to know you, assess mutual fit, and understand how you could enrich the Georgia Tech community. 

Your essays are evaluated for content, writing, and grammatical skills. Before submitting your application, you should edit your essay thoroughly, preferably with another set of eyes. Your essays should demonstrate authenticity, self-awareness, and thoughtfulness. You should also show Georgia Tech how you are a good fit for them and how your goals align with their values and mission statement. 

If you are interested in applying to Georgia Tech, make sure to familiarize yourself with their requirements as well as Georgia Tech Why Major essay examples . 

Is the Georgia Tech essay required?

Yes—all students applying to Georgia Tech must complete one of the seven Common App essay prompts as well as the Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question.  

Because the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is highly selective, you should submit an outstanding essay that lets your personality shine through. Make the most of the 300-word limit as you show the admissions team what sets you apart and how you can contribute to the campus community. Your essays should reflect your academic potential as well as who you are as a person. 

Georgia Tech admissions uses a holistic review process, meaning they consider your application taken as a whole—no single requirement will make or break your admissions odds. They consider factors such as academic preparation, standardized tests, contribution to community, personal essays, recommendations, major selection, and institutional fit. Your Georgia Tech supplemental essays should give your readers insight into your academic interests, intellectual curiosity, and unique traits.  

Is the Why Georgia Tech essay important?

Your Georgia Tech supplemental essays may be the single most important part of your application because they are your only opportunity to speak directly to the admissions office. Moreover, the Georgia Tech essays allow you to convince your readers why you are a good fit for the Georgia Tech community. 

The Georgia Tech essay prompts require you to describe specific reasons why you would like to attend Georgia Tech and how you may contribute to their environment.  You are asked to explain why you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech. As you start writing this essay, it can be tough to know where to start.

Before you get into writing your Why Georgia Tech essay, we recommend getting to know more about the school you are applying to. One of the most important things you can do to prepare to write your Why Georgia Tech essay is to spend time researching specific aspects of Georgia Tech that align with your educational and career goals. You should want to be just as good of a fit for the school as it is for you. So, use your passions, interests, and values to your advantage when answering the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt. 

Keep in mind that the Why Georgia Tech essay has a limit of 300 words. It may be helpful to write your initial draft without worrying about the word count. Then, you can edit your draft down to your strongest arguments.

For inspiration on answering the Why Georgia Tech essay prompts, check out this example .

Additional requirements for Georgia Tech application

Beyond the Common Application Personal Essay and Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question, there are other requirements for applying to Georgia Tech. 

The Georgia Tech admission office uses a holistic admission process for first-year applicants. This means that the admissions team considers a multitude of factors when reviewing your application. The process identifies applicants who will benefit from the Georgia Tech learning environment and enrich the overall community. 

The first of many considerations by the admissions office is Academic Preparation . Because Georgia Tech is highly selective, they look for students who have taken the most rigorous curriculum available at their high school, which includes AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment courses. 

As a requirement for admission, Georgia Tech requires these high school credits: 

• English – 4 Units
• Math – 4 Units
• Science – 4 Units
• Social Science – 3 Units
• Foreign Language – 2 Units

Another consideration for undergraduate admission is Standardized Tests. All first-year applicants must submit results of the SAT and/or the ACT to be considered for admission to Georgia Tech. Unlike many other universities, Georgia Tech is not test-optional. 

Georgia Tech also looks for Contribution to Community. This relates to your extracurricular activities and involvement in your communities at school and beyond. Community involvement reflects traits that the admissions team values in the application process, including: 

• Self-motivation
• Personal Responsibility
• Compassion for Others
• Entrepreneurism
• Intellectual Curiosity

If possible, you should try to tie these values and characteristics into your Georgia Tech essays. 

While Recommendations are optional, they are considered in the holistic admissions process if submitted. Georgia Tech accepts one recommendation from your high school counselor and one from a teacher of your choice.

As a part of your Georgia Tech Common Application, you can select a primary and secondary choice major. Georgia Tech admissions considers your Major Selection as an important part of the application review process in order to enroll an academically diverse first-year class. You should provide evidence of your interest in and preparation for the major that you list on your application. This is a key component of your Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

Five Tips for Writing the Georgia Tech Essays

1. start early.

The first step to writing Georgia Tech essays is starting early. Give yourself enough time to develop ideas, draft Georgia Tech essays, and review them for any contextual or grammatical mistakes. Familiarize yourself with the college application requirements, guaranteeing that you are well prepared and write the best Georgia Tech essays. Your essay is an extremely important component of your overall application, so you need time to brainstorm, research, draft, edit, and repeat. 

2. Do your research

Before you start writing your why school essay, you should learn more about Georgia Tech. Spend time researching their values, mission statement, majors, campus setting, and organizations. The best Georgia Tech essays are full of school-specific details. Your Why Georgia Tech essay should show how Georgia Tech meets your needs and how you plan to contribute to the campus community. Prove to the admissions team that you have invested time and energy into finding the best college for you. 

3. Get personal and be specific

The most crucial aspect of a successful essay is authenticity. To write Georgia Tech essays that stand out, write a solid introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Your essay should make the reader want to get to know you better. Write your essay in a way that authentically reflects who you are and helps Georgia Tech understand why you belong on campus. Use detailed anecdotes to help the reader understand what makes you unique. This will make your essay more interesting and fun to read. 

4. Be clear and concise

Clarity counts for more than creativity of vocabulary, so you should focus on quality over quantity. Remember that your Why Georgia Tech essays have word limits, so you must make every word count. Admissions officers can be easily frustrated by a student’s failure to follow directions, which could reflect poorly on you. Keep your essay concise, clear, and focused. 

5. Leave time to review your essays

Georgia Tech supplemental essays are evaluated not only for content, but also for writing style and grammatical skills. When you think you have finished, you should proofread, edit, and make sure you have answered all parts of the Georgia Tech essay prompts before you submit. Additionally, have several trusted sources review your essay for grammatical errors. However, make sure to maintain your own writing style and voice. 

Georgia Tech Essays Takeaways

While your grades and test scores are important components of the application, your essays have the power to help you stand out in the competitive applicant pool, especially the Why Georgia Tech essay. Therefore, use this opportunity to tell the admissions team where you have been, where you are, and where you are heading.  

Most importantly, start early, create an outline, draft your ideas, revise, and proofread. These steps will help you write outstanding Georgia Tech essays that display your background, experiences, ambitions, and personality. So, use the Georgia Tech essay prompts as an opportunity to make a good impression and get you the Georgia Tech acceptance letter you’re looking for. After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of the Georgia Tech admissions process and how to get into Georgia Tech. If you’re interested in attending Georgia Tech, you should check out our guide to the HOPE scholarship , a merit-based scholarship reserved for residents of Georgia, and Georgia Tech’s financial aid information. For more help, you can look at our other CollegeAdvisor resources or schedule an appointment with one of our advisors. Good luck!

This article was written by Bailey Bennett. 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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Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

July 23, 2024

Georgia Tech has always been an excellent university where one could receive a top-notch educational experience. However, it was not always a highly selective institution on the admissions front. In fact, back in the days of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech accepted over two-thirds of those who applied. In 2024, this is a school that only admits 10% of out-of-state applicants (let that sink in a moment…). It’s fair to say that an applicant to Georgia Tech today is playing a completely different ballgame than applicants in 1995, 2005, or even 2015. Even students with nothing lower than an A- on their transcript and an SAT/ACT score above the 95th percentile still need a compelling application in order to have strong odds of becoming a Yellow Jacket. That brings us to the Georgia Tech supplemental essays…

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

Although it only has one general essay prompt, Georgia Tech’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also dishes advice on how to pen a winning essay.

2024-2025 Georgia Tech Essay Question

Why do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech? (300 words)

This is part “Why Us?” and part “Explain Your Major.” Your aim is to seamlessly touch on both topics in a tightly woven 300-word composition. Georgia Tech is very forthcoming in its essay-related advice to applicants. They wisely advise all applicants to demonstrate “authenticity & self-awareness,” “thoughtfulness,” and to “display attention to topic, style, and grammar.”

For the “Explain Your Major” part of the essay, think about what experiences you’ve had—academic or extracurricular, formal or informal—that sparked and/or encouraged your passion or interest. For example, perhaps you had a significant experience within a club, held an internship, attended a summer program, or did a research project on a particular topic in a class at school. Alternatively, perhaps you became fascinated with automotive engineering after helping out at your grandfather’s autobody shop, discovered your affinity for entrepreneurship after starting a small side business, or unearthed a talent for coding via free classes at your local library.

Now, for a deeper dive into the “Why Us” segment, let’s examine the list of common pitfalls followed by a list of characteristics of a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:

Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Georgia Tech’s engineering/business/computer science program is atop the U.S. News rankings, is prestigious, and has a great reputation.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an ideal location for your college experience.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an exciting/cosmopolitan/diverse/culture-filled city.
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g. I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me…).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

How to write a needle-moving “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Demonstrate how your goals align with the school’s mission statement. “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”
• Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities , internship/externship programs, study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.
• Demonstrate how will you be an active, contributing member of the academic community at Georgia Tech.
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Georgia Tech’s campus.
• Note how you will take advantage of Georgia Tech’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Lastly, address why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you. Also, touch on why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech.

Big-picture thoughts on a “Why this Major/College” essay

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. Yet, you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled ten minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar Georgia Tech essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

How important is the essay at this school?

Eight factors are “very important” to the Georgia Tech evaluation process. The Common App and supplemental essays are among them. Additional factors considered “very important” are: rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and the level of the applicant’s demonstrated interest (which a good essay can certainly speak to).

Georgia Tech Admission Essays – Personalized Assistance

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

Looking for additional writing resources? We’ve got you covered:

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

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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