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How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University Bloomington — often known as IU — is a large public research university with a reputation of being known as a “ Public Ivy .” Offering a more affordable, yet intensive education, IU is a popular choice among applicants who are looking for a rigorous environment. The school is consistently ranked in the top 100 national universities.

With programs such as the Kelley School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, IU provides students with a wide array of academic opportunity. Beyond coursework, however, the university also boasts an active social life, with a decent portion of its student body participating in Greek life.

IU’s supplemental essay is an important part of the college application process. There is no need to worry — CollegeVine has prepared the following guide to help you tackle this essay.

Indiana University Bloomington Supplemental Essay Prompt

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at indiana university. if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words).

This prompt is essentially a “ Why This Major ?” and “ Why This College? ” essay combined. Readers are looking to understand which of IU’s programs and opportunities you will take advantage of to further your career. First, discuss your academic and career interests and goals; second, explain how Indiana University specifically would help you reach these aspirations.

The first part of this essay should ideally answer the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? This part of the essay should present a cohesive picture of your passion in a specific academic field. Start off with a personal anecdote that showcases your interest in a single course of study or future career.

Keep this introduction concise, yet vivid, grasping the reader’s attention. For example, you could begin with a description of performing the oboe in a dark, packed auditorium on a bright stage at the state symphony, or the immense pride and relief you feel after distributing the school newspaper you and your staff worked on for countless hours.

Next, detail your accomplishments and experience in this field — remember to show more than tell. Provide evidence of your interest through your actions during a research project or an extracurricular activity. For example, instead of saying “I like both science and art,” illustrate the year you spent researching the brain’s ability to store memories through Dali’s paintings, and how this caused you to view the process of recollection as more of an art rather than a hard science, leading to your desire to study both neuroscience and art history. Not only does this show your interest in both fields, it also implies you are curious and innovative.

This paragraph is also a chance to portray your ability to grow and conquer challenges in your given field. So, rather than writing “I won state for Mock Trial,” describe the struggles you overcame and the growth you experienced in your role as president of your school’s mock trial team. By weaving narration throughout the paragraph, you will be able to portray a more authentic and unique story.

Lastly, connect your aspirations to IU. Specificity is key here. Avoid being vague and general with sweeping statements like “Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is perfect for me” or “As a student at IU, I could study abroad.” Vague statements demonstrate a lack of interest and lack of effort. Research and learn about the qualities and programs that make Indiana University unique and special to your needs. What are unique programs or extracurriculars at Indiana University, and what will they teach you? What is a quality of IU that is important to you? Avoid generic responses that could apply to any other university.

If you want to be an investment banker through Kelley, describe the focused skillset you will gain from the school’s investment banking workshop, or the network you will create from the small classes and tight-knit community of the Kelley Business Honors Program. An aspiring global correspondent could describe the IU’s worldly approach towards learning and interning in London through the Media School’s “Summer in London” program.

Your primary goal is to connect your accomplishments and aspirations with the opportunities that await you at IU; however, avoid listing every possible activity you could participate in and stay focused.

• Start with a personal, vivid anecdote conveying your interest in a single field.
• Share a narrative of you overcoming an obstacle in this field; provide evidence of your experience in this interest.
• Describe the essence or quality of a program or activity at IU that would help you grow in this area.

Where to Get Your IU Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your IU 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. 

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Indiana University-Bloomington (IU) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to write an Indiana University supplemental essay? CollegeAdvisor.com ’s guide to the Indiana University application essay will show you exactly how to write an engaging Indiana University supplemental essay and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help crafting your IU application essay, create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272 .

Indiana University Application Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• U.S. News considers Indiana University a more selective university.
• The IU acceptance rate is 80.4%.
• Indiana University is ranked #68 in the U.S. News list of National Universities.

Does Indiana University Require Essays?

Yes. In addition to the Personal Statement that you’ll write for the Common App or Coalition App , you’ll also complete one Indiana University supplement essay. Since there’s only one IU essay prompt, you should do everything you can to make sure your essay stands out. 

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .  

What is Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay?

There is only one school-specific IU essay prompt, which is required for all applicants. There are no additional IU supplemental essays for first-year applicants. Your Indiana University essay should be between 200 and 400 words. 

Indiana University application essays can cover a breadth of topics. Above all, the Indiana University application essay aims to help the admissions team get to know you. The IU essay prompt gives you the freedom to write about the topics that best illustrate who you are and how you will use an education from IU. Take advantage of the Indiana University application essay to maximize your admissions odds. 

How do I Write Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay: Question 1

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration. (400 word maximum)

This IU application essay is a combination of the classic “why college?” and “why major?” prompts. In 400 words, your Indiana University essay should clearly articulate your reasons for applying to Indiana University. It should also show your vision for your time as a Hoosier. 

The IU essay prompt also lets you discuss challenges that have impacted your education. Often, you can integrate these challenges into the narrative of your Indiana University essay since you overcame them in pursuit of your goals. Your IU application essay should focus on connecting your experiences to your future at Indiana University. 

When brainstorming for this IU essay prompt, ask yourself what you want to be when you grow up. Write down your dreams, goals, career interests, academic pursuits, and hobbies. When reading your IU supplemental essay, the admissions team should learn what is important to you and how you would spend your time on their campus.

An effective Why IU supplemental essay will think beyond the IU acceptance rate and Indiana University ranking. When answering this IU essay prompt, don’t just think about IU as a means to an end. Instead, think of this Indiana University application essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the IU community.

Tell a story

In your Indiana University application essay, try to tell a story. Your college essay shouldn’t read like a five-paragraph essay. To draw your reader in, try opening your IU supplemental essay with an anecdote. How can you immediately put the reader in your shoes? Establish an element of mystery? Dramatize your opening? Select a story that shows growth, curiosity, determination, or another positive trait that you’ll highlight in your Indiana University essay. 

In your IU application essay, make sure you include personal details. Whenever you make a claim about yourself in your Indiana University essay, provide examples to support it—show, don’t tell. If you write that you have an entrepreneurial spirit, back it up with a story from your life. If you include that you have a passion for mentoring others, provide a story from a time you mentored someone. IU does not expect that you will be involved in the same activities in college that you were in high school; still, your IU application essay should show the reader your character and skills. 

Be specific

As well as being personal, your Indiana University application essay should be specific. There are many great options for college, and you could succeed at many different schools. So, why do you want to attend IU? In your IU supplemental essay, strive to answer this question: How will the opportunities at IU make your goals a reality? There are countless majors and minors to choose from at Indiana University.  So, what will your educational path look like?

Do your research on reasons to attend IU. What specific classes, research opportunities, professors, clubs, and organizations will you take advantage of? When answering the IU essay prompt, clearly state how you would make the most of the specific opportunities you discuss. Don’t just name-drop professors. 

Writing a personal and specific Indiana University essay will help you stand out amidst thousands of other Indiana University application essays. Don’t write things in your Indiana University application essay that you could write about any other college. Conversely, avoid writing about topics that many students could also discuss in their Indiana University essays. 

Show don’t tell

Throughout your Indiana University essay, show instead of telling. This will help you convey the most interesting and effective story. When discussing a program that sparked your interest in your major when answering the IU essay prompt, paint the picture and help the reader understand your daily work. If you write about an extracurricular activity in your IU application essay, detail how it felt to accomplish something in that activity. Use vivid descriptions instead of just stating the facts.

When answering the IU essay prompt, make sure to clarify the stakes of your story. As you respond to the IU essay prompt, clarify why your interests matter. Why should the reader admit you? In your IU application essay, show the reader why accepting you would make IU a better place. Use your Indiana University application essay to highlight your potential!

Throughout your Indiana University application essay, use self-reflection to tell an authentic story. Discuss what matters to you and why. What values do you prioritize? Your IU supplement essay should emphasize your defining traits. 

In your Indiana University application essay, you should also avoid cliches. Don’t just name a program or extracurricular because it sounds impressive; authenticity will help your application the most. Also, avoid general statements about the school in your Indiana University essay as well as simple emotional appeals. Don’t just compliment the school—instead, discuss what you will bring to IU in your IU supplemental essay. 

Remember to discuss both your skills and IU’s offerings in your Indiana University application essay. College is a two-way street and “fit” is extremely important. So, use your IU supplemental essay to show how you would fit into the IU community.  

Indiana University Application Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Is your Indiana University supplemental essay both specific and personal?
• When discussing challenges, do you explain how you overcame them?
• Do you tell a cohesive and interesting story in your Indiana University essay?
• Did you proofread your IU application essay for grammar and clarity?

Additional Tips for Writing the Indiana University Application Essay

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise your IU application essay! Indiana University admissions has two deadlines : Early Action on November 1, 2021, and Regular Decision on February 1, 2022. 

Before submitting your application, think about how every aspect of it will be perceived by the IU admissions team. Do you tell them as much as you can about who you are? Make sure that your IU supplemental essay paints a clear picture of your goals, motivations, and future plans. Your IU application essay should be consistent with the rest of your application; it should also add details to your profile that the reader doesn’t glean from the rest of your application. 

What is the Acceptance Rate for IU?

The IU acceptance rate is approximately 80%. However, the IU acceptance rate for the Kelley School of Business as a freshman is around 40%. The median GPA for applicants accepted to IU for the fall 2021 class was 3.91, while the median SAT and ACT scores were 1300 and 29, respectively. Read the full list of admissions requirements here . 

Don’t focus too much on the IU acceptance rate. Instead, spend your energy making your Indiana University application essay the best it can be. Since so many factors impact the IU acceptance rate, focus on the ones within your control. 

Want more tips on how to use the IU acceptance rate (and any other school’s rate) to build your school list? Check out our expert’s guides on acceptance rates and rankings . 

Indiana University Application Essay – Final Thoughts

In your IU essay, be unique and original but also genuine and honest. Instead of trying to predict what the admissions team wants to hear, focus on telling your personal story. Do your research on your future major so you can connect yourself with opportunities at IU. Be clear, concise, and specific in your responses to the Indiana University essay prompt; you only get one chance! There is no cookie-cutter IU student, so highlight what makes you stand out. Good luck!

This guide was written by Caroline Marapese , Notre Dame ’22. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Indiana University, click here . Want help crafting your IU University supplemental essay? Create your account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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We’re excited that you’re interested in attending IU Bloomington and are here to help you throughout the application and admissions process.

Use the following step-by-step instructions to learn what you need to do before you start your application , when you are ready to apply , and after you have submitted your application .

International applicants should visit the Office of International Services for information about applying.

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There are two options to choose from, but you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

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Use the Common Application to apply to any of over 900 schools.

Watch our video to see how to apply

To make things as easy as possible, we’ve broken the application process into step-by-step instructions. Watch our video to learn the steps to apply to IU.

Before you apply

Before you begin the application process, learn what you need to do to get ready to apply.

Know our deadlines

The Indiana University Bloomington early action (non-binding) deadline is November 1. This is also the deadline for highest admission and scholarship consideration. Your complete application for admission, including official transcript, essay, and SAT and/or ACT test scores ( if applicable *) must be submitted electronically by November 1 or postmarked on or before November 1 to be considered for the early action (non-binding) deadline. The regular decision deadline is February 1.

See all deadlines

*IU is test-optional. To learn more, please visit go.iu.edu/test-optional .

Review admission standards

Admission to IU is selective, and we consider factors that emphasize academic performance and preparation, such as the level and rigor of your coursework, the individual grades and cumulative GPA you have earned through these courses, your SAT and/or ACT scores ( if applicable ), and the additional insights offered through your application essay.

Review the information in this section to understand IU’s admission standards. You can also view the class profile to see stats on our most recent freshman class.

View the class profile

High school graduation

You must earn a diploma from an accredited high school (or must have completed the Indiana High School Equivalency Diploma) to be eligible for admission consideration. Students who are homeschooled or attend an alternative school should submit credentials that demonstrate equivalent levels of achievement and ability.

Additional information for homeschooled students

Academic preparation

Applicants should complete at least 34 credits of college-preparatory courses, including:

• 8 credits (semesters) of English , such as literature, grammar, or composition
• 7 credits (semesters) of mathematics , including 4 credits of algebra and 2 credits of geometry (or an equivalent 6 credits of integrated algebra and geometry), and 1 credit of precalculus, trigonometry, statistics, finite, or calculus or an alternative course demonstrating advanced math preparation. *NOTE: Discrete mathematics and quantitative reasoning are not approved alternative courses and will not meet the math requirements outlined above.
• 6 credits (semesters) of social sciences , including 2 credits of U.S. history; 2 credits of world history/civilization/geography; and 2 additional credits in government, economics, sociology, history, or similar topics
• 6 credits (semesters) of sciences , including at least 4 credits of laboratory sciences: biology, chemistry, or physics
• 4 credits (semesters) of world languages
• 3 or more credits (semesters) of additional college-preparatory courses ; additional mathematics credits are recommended for students intending to pursue a science degree and additional world language credits are recommended for all students

If your high school does not offer the courses needed to meet one or more of the course requirements noted above, alternative college-preparatory courses may be substituted for those that are not available. Contact your  IU admission counselor  to discuss course substitutions.

When available and appropriate, we encourage students to enroll in a challenging curriculum that includes dual credit,  Advanced Placement (AP) ,  International Baccalaureate (IB) , and/or Advance College Project (ACP) courses.

Grades in academic classes

Your cumulative GPA, as well as the grades you have earned in the 34 courses required for admission, will be an important part of the application review process. If your school computes a weighted GPA and includes this GPA on your transcript, we will consider it as part of our review for both the admission and scholarship processes.

For fall 2022, the middle 50 percent range for GPA for admitted freshmen was 3.72–4.00.

Standardized test scores

IU's  test-optional admissions policy  allows you to choose whether to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review—letting you decide how best to tell your academic story. Research indicates that for most students, high school GPA paired with test scores provides the best prediction of academic success at Indiana University. However, for some students a standardized test score may not show all that they are capable of or tell the full story of their potential.

While you will decide whether your scores will be considered, resources and guidance are available through our office or your personal admission counselor .

We superscore, which means that if you choose to have test scores considered as part of your application review, we'll consider your best test scores. For the SAT, we’ll consider the highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. For the ACT, we’ll combine the highest scores for each subtest from different exams for a new ACT Composite.

Other decision-making factors

As part of our holistic review process, we may consider supplemental information—when provided—such as leadership experience, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, and counselor or teacher recommendations. Please note, however, that letters of recommendation are not required. If you do choose to submit them, we will accept one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation.

Self-reported race or ethnicity information will not be made available to individuals responsible for reviewing admission applications and/or making admission decisions.

Research majors

Before you apply, make sure you spend some time exploring our different schools and 200+ majors .

When you fill out your application, you’ll be asked to choose an intended major.

If you don’t know what you want to major in, that’s okay! IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students. Indiana University promotes academic exploration and encourages students to spend time discovering the path that’s right for them. Exploratory students are supported by Advising & Major Exploration Services , where they receive expert advising to help them find their ideal major and fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn more about being an exploratory student

Learn about Advising & Major Exploration Services

Advising & Major Exploration Services (AMES) supports pre-business, pre-nursing, pre-social work, and exploratory students. As a pre-program student, you’ll work with AMES academic advisors to pursue the requirements for your intended program. As an exploratory student, you'll get expert guidance to help you explore majors and complete the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting major or school.

Learn more about AMES

Learn about direct admission to academic programs

Students who select a major on their application for admission may be eligible for direct admission to that academic program and degree-granting school.

All of IU Bloomington's twelve schools offer direct admission to academic programs. The eligibility requirements for direct admission are different for each school or college. To learn more about direct admission, including how to request review for direct admission, select the school(s) you are interested in:

• College of Arts + Sciences
• Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
• Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies
• Jacobs School of Music
• Kelley School of Business
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
• The Media School
• O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• School of Education
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health
• School of Social Work

Students who are directly admitted to their academic program still have the opportunity to explore and add additional majors and minors, both within and outside of their school or college. They can even change their academic direction as their interests evolve. You will find your perfect combination!

Learn about scholarships

Merit scholarships

IU Academic Scholarships are awarded based on the academic information you provide through your application for admission. The assessment of a student’s academic performance is based on a number of factors, including high school GPA, grades received in coursework required by the Office of Admissions, and rigor and performance in advanced courses (AP, IB, Honors, etc.).

For highest scholarship consideration—including consideration for the IU Academic Scholarships and the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)—you must submit a complete application for admission, including official transcript, IU-specific essay, and self-reported or official test scores ( if applicable ) by November 1 .

Learn more about this scholarship deadline

Additional scholarships

You can also look for additional scholarship opportunities within your community and at your high school.

Get more information about scholarships

Review AP, IB, and other credit guides

IU awards AP and college credit that can help you get a head start on your degree program.

Read more about advanced placement, credit, and exemptions

Calculate any transfer credits

If you took a college class while you were in high school, you might be able to transfer that credit to IU Bloomington.

To be considered for credit at IU, the course you took in high school must be from a regionally accredited institution and must correspond to a course in our curriculum—in content and credit value. You must earn a grade of C or better in the course.

If you are admitted to IU, we will evaluate your transcript(s) and supply you with a detailed Credit Transfer Report showing how previous college coursework will transfer. You can access your Credit Transfer Report via One.IU . Please be aware that it may take four to six weeks to process and evaluate the transcript once it arrives in our office.

Learn more about our Credit Transfer Service

Find Jacobs School of Music requirements

If you’re interested in the Jacobs School of Music, you may apply using Apply IU or the Common Application. After submitting one of these applications, you must also complete the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Please Note:  The deadline to submit the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application is December 1.

Learn more about Jacobs School of Music requirements

When you apply

Find out what to do right before—and right after—you apply.

Submit your complete application

Even though there are two options to choose from, you should submit only one application for admission to IU Bloomington.

You will need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• Apply IU Application
• Common Application
• IU-specific essay : In 200–400 words, you’ll be asked to describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them. Please note that this essay may be used for scholarship consideration. Find more information about completing your essay on our FAQ page .
• The $65 application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .
• Your high school transcript and full senior year schedule (not just fall courses), which must come directly from your high school or may be uploaded and submitted as part of your application.
• SAT and/or ACT scores ( if applicable ). Admission to IU is test-optional . If you took the ACT and/or SAT and would like to have your scores considered, you may share either official or self-reported scores during the application process. If you are offered admission and have self-reported test scores in your application, you must have your official test scores sent from the testing agencies before you can enroll at IU. Your offer of admission and any awarded scholarships that referenced your self-reported scores are contingent on us receiving your official test scores before enrollment. Additionally, the scores we receive from the official testing agencies must match or be higher than the scores you self-reported during the application process.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .

Make sure you read the information on this page and our FAQ page before you get started.

Pay the application fee or request a waiver

When you submit your application, you must pay a $65 nonrefundable application fee.

We accept multiple different fee waiver forms. Please see the different options below. The application fee, or fee waiver request, must be submitted when completing your application.

• If you are submitting the Apply IU Application , you will need to submit a completed ACT , SAT , or NACAC fee waiver form that has been verified by your high school counselor.
• If you are submitting the Common Application , you will need to complete the fee waiver section on your profile and your counselor will need to verify your eligibility.

We will not process your application or make an admission decision until we receive a completed fee waiver or the non-refundable $65 application fee.

If you are a 21st Century Scholar or a Balfour Scholar, the application fee will be waived if you indicate you participate in one of these programs when you complete your application.

Send your test scores (if applicable)

IU's  test-optional admissions policy allows you to choose whether to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review.

If you choose to have your test scores considered, you may share either official or self-reported scores. If you choose to self-report your scores, you can do so on your application. You may also self-report additional scores after submitting your application. If you are offered admission and have self-reported test scores in your application, you must have your official test scores sent from the testing agencies before you can enroll at IU. Your offer of admission and any awarded scholarships that referenced your self-reported scores are contingent on us receiving your official test scores before enrollment. Additionally, the scores we receive from the official testing agencies must match or be higher than the scores you self-reported during the application process.

When you have the testing agencies send your official scores, use the codes listed below for Indiana University Bloomington.

• Our SAT code is 1324.
• Our ACT code is 1210.

Request to have your high school transcript sent

To complete your application for admission, we require an official high school transcript and a full senior year schedule (not just fall courses). The transcript and full senior year schedule may be sent directly from your high school, or uploaded by your counselor as part of your application if you are applying with the Common Application. If your school sends transcripts electronically and the transcript vendor requires an email address for delivery, please use [email protected] . You can also have your transcript mailed to the following address:

Office of Admissions Indiana University Bloomington 940 E. Seventh Street Bloomington, IN 47405

Your offer of admission is contingent upon the successful completion of the academic coursework outlined in your transcript and/or admission application. We expect you to maintain your high level of academic performance. Please note that if you are admitted and choose IU, we will require a copy of your high school transcript with final grades and graduation date as soon as it is available.

Transcripts for college courses taken in high school

If you are enrolled in any college courses in high school, you’ll need to send those transcripts as well. You may be able to earn college credit to IU Bloomington. College transcripts may be mailed to the address above or sent electronically to [email protected] .

Learn more about transferring credits

If you applied by the November 1 early action (non-binding) deadline, you can expect a response by January 15 . If you applied by the February 1 regular decision deadline, you will receive a response by March 15 .

After you apply

To check your application status, you will need to create an IU computing account. Read below for instructions and to learn more about what you can do after you apply.

Create your IU computing account

Seven to ten business days after we receive your application, you should receive an email containing your university ID number. Use your university ID number to create your IU computing account, which you need to check the status of your application. Please note: The computing account is different than the account you created to apply.

Steps to create your IU computing account:

• Open Create My First IU Account in One.IU .
• Read and agree to the Guidelines for Appropriate Usage.
• Enroll in the Passphrase Self-Service Reset System . If you forget your passphrase, this tool will let you reset it yourself without having to visit a UITS Support Center location in person.
• Save or record your account information in a secure place. You will need this information each time you log in to your IU computing account.
• It may take up to 24 hours before you can log in to some services.

What to do if you have forgotten your ID or other information:

• Forgot your 10-digit university ID number? If you are an ACP student, use the Information Recovery Form . All other students should first try the Student Self-Service University Lookup Form . If you still need assistance, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected] . (In order to help you, we will request additional information.)
• Forgot your username? Contact the UITS Support Center .
• Forgot your passphrase? Reset it here .

Please note that if you have previously been enrolled in or participated in a program at any IU campus and were given a 10-digit university ID number and username, you will use the same university ID number and username to access (or set up) your IU computing account.

Check your application status and To Do List

Now that you’ve created your IU computing account, you’ll be able to check the status of your application and view your To Do List in One.IU .

Your To Do List will tell you when our office has received each of your application materials. Please be aware that after your items are received, it may take up to four weeks for them to be updated in your To Do List. Please be patient and check back frequently.

If you receive an email from us asking you to complete your application but you just sent the missing materials, assume that the email was sent before we received your materials or that they have not been processed yet.

To check the status of your application

• Go to Application Status in One.IU and click “Start.”
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see the status of your application.

To find your To Do List

• Go to To Do List in One.IU and click “Start.”
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see your To Do List.

If you have any outstanding items listed, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please send all outstanding To Do List items to our office or contact us if you have questions.

Self-report your scores

If you chose at the point of application to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review, you can self-report your scores by completing the form below.

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Applying to IU Bloomington

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Is IU Bloomington the right fit for you?

IU Bloomington is the heart of the Indiana University family, with our largest campus, our broadest range of degrees and majors, and our most quintessential college experience. Beyond IU Bloomington’s storybook campus and lively, Big Ten college atmosphere is a family-like community, with countless ways to find your place and ample resources and support for any challenge or goal.

IU Bloomington’s unmatched number of academic programs and learning opportunities make it possible to carve out your own unique path to a meaningful career, while genuinely caring and involved faculty and an extensive variety of welcoming student clubs and organizations make it easy to find your place in the larger Hoosier family.

And not to mention: More than half of IU Bloomington students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate without student debt.

More to consider

• 61% of 2022–23 bachelor’s degree recipients at IU Bloomington graduated without student debt.
• Students admitted to IU Bloomington have an average high school GPA of 3.90 (out of 4.0).
• 41% of 2023 freshmen went to high school outside Indiana, and 5% are from outside the U.S.
• All statistics are current as of 2023.

I feel like IU really does a good job of making sure you’re on the track to success by providing different tools, but there’s also enough leeway to have a personal life and to do all the things that you want to do and explore.

Simran Bhandarkar IU Bloomington student

How to apply to IU Bloomington

High school students can apply to IU Bloomington in one of two ways:

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While all these application types are accepted, you should only submit one application. The materials needed and the review process are the same for all applications.

The early action deadline (non-binding) for fall applications is November 1.

The regular admission deadline for fall applications is February 1.

Get a jump start on your essay

All IU Bloomington applicants are required to submit an essay. If you apply using the Common Application, you can use any of the essay prompts provided in the application. If you apply using the Apply IU application, you will need to provide a 200- to 400-word essay using the following prompt:

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them.

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You’ll hear directly from IU Bloomington about whether or not you’ve been accepted. Here’s when you can expect to receive your decision:

• Early action (non-binding) fall applications: January 15
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Consideration for direct admission will be conducted at the point of the initial review for admission to the university. Eligible students will receive notification in their university admission decision. Academic programs that require additional steps or offer a review request/petition process will have unique processes and timelines for direct admission consideration. Students offered direct admission through these processes would receive a separate communication from the school/program.

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For first-year applicants:

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You’ll receive a decision in 4–8 weeks.

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Tips for Writing IU Supplemental Essays: Examples and Advice

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Introduction

The IU supplemental essay is an important component of the application process for prospective students. This essay provides applicants with the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and experiences, as well as demonstrate their alignment with the values and culture of Indiana University. Writing an impressive IU supplemental essay requires careful thought and preparation. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips and guidance on how to craft a compelling essay that will make you stand out from other applicants. Whether you are applying to IU's Kelley School of Business, Jacobs School of Music, or any other program, these tips will help you create a strong essay that effectively communicates your passion and potential. We will also provide examples of successful essays to inspire and guide you in your writing process. By following these tips and utilizing the examples provided, you can confidently tackle the IU supplemental essay and increase your chances of being accepted into your desired program at Indiana University.

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Tips for Writing IU Supplemental Essays

Writing a strong supplemental essay is crucial when applying to Indiana University (IU). This additional essay allows you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and alignment with the values and culture of IU. To help you craft an impressive IU supplemental essay, here are some valuable tips:

1. Understand the Purpose of the IU Supplemental Essay

Before diving into writing your supplemental essay, it's essential to understand its purpose. The IU admissions team uses this essay as an opportunity to learn more about you beyond your academic achievements and test scores. They want to gain insight into your character, values, and potential contributions to the IU community. Therefore, approach this essay as a chance to tell your story and provide a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual.

2. Highlight Your Unique Qualities and Experiences

To stand out among other applicants, emphasize your unique qualities and experiences in your supplemental essay. Reflect on what sets you apart from others and how these qualities have shaped your perspective or influenced your goals. For example, if you have overcome significant challenges or pursued uncommon passions, share those stories in a compelling way. By highlighting what makes you different, you can capture the attention of the admissions committee and leave a lasting impression.

3. Showcase Alignment with IU Values and Culture

Another crucial aspect of writing an effective IU supplemental essay is showcasing how well-aligned you are with the university's values and culture. Research about IU's mission statement, core values, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus initiatives will help you understand what they prioritize in their applicants. Then, demonstrate how your own values align with those of IU by discussing relevant experiences or interests that connect with their ideals. This shows that you have taken the time to get to know the university and have a genuine interest in being part of their community.

4. Be Authentic and Genuine

While it's important to highlight your strengths and alignment with IU, it's equally crucial to be authentic and genuine in your writing. Admissions officers can easily spot insincere or exaggerated claims, so focus on being true to yourself. Share personal anecdotes, reflections, or moments of growth that genuinely impacted you. Your essay should reflect your own voice and personality, allowing the admissions committee to get a sense of who you are as an individual.

5. Craft a Compelling Narrative Structure

To engage readers and make your essay memorable, consider crafting a compelling narrative structure . Instead of simply listing achievements or qualities, weave them into a cohesive story that captures the reader's attention from the beginning. Start with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader and sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Then, develop your ideas through well-structured paragraphs that flow logically from one point to another. Conclude with a strong ending that leaves a lasting impression.

6. Edit and Proofread Carefully

Once you have written your IU supplemental essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing that could distract from your message. Ensure that each sentence contributes to the overall clarity and coherence of your essay. It can be helpful to read your essay aloud or ask someone else to review it for feedback. Taking these extra steps will demonstrate your attention to detail and dedication to submitting a polished piece of writing.

By following these tips, you can write an impressive IU supplemental essay that showcases your unique qualities, aligns with IU values, and captures the attention of the admissions committee. Remember to stay true to yourself throughout the writing process and let your authentic voice shine through in every word you write.

Now that we have explored valuable tips for writing IU supplemental essays, let's dive into an example IU supplemental essay in order to gain further insight into how to apply these tips effectively.

Example IU Supplemental Essay

One of the most effective ways to understand how to write an impressive IU supplemental essay is by examining an example. Let's consider a hypothetical applicant named Sarah who is applying to Indiana University. Sarah's essay focuses on her passion for community service and her dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Sarah begins her essay by providing some background information about herself and her experiences in community service. She explains that she has always been passionate about helping others and that this drive has led her to participate in various volunteer activities throughout high school. She mentions specific organizations she has worked with, such as Habitat for Humanity and the local food bank, highlighting the range of causes she has been involved in.

Next, Sarah delves into one particular experience that had a profound impact on her. She describes how she volunteered at a homeless shelter during a particularly harsh winter, and how witnessing the struggles faced by those without stable housing deeply affected her. Sarah emphasizes how this experience motivated her to take further action and become an advocate for affordable housing initiatives in her community.

In order to showcase alignment with IU values, Sarah connects her passion for community service with specific programs or opportunities offered at Indiana University. She researches IU's commitment to social justice and finds that they have several initiatives focused on addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. Sarah discusses how these programs resonate with her own interests and goals, emphasizing how attending IU would allow her to continue making a difference in these areas.

Furthermore, Sarah highlights other aspects of IU that align with her values and aspirations. She discusses the university's strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, explaining how important it is for her to be part of a campus community that celebrates differences and fosters understanding among students from various backgrounds. She also mentions IU's robust support system for student activism, noting that this would provide her with opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating positive change.

To make her essay even more compelling, Sarah incorporates personal anecdotes and reflections throughout. She shares stories of individuals she has met during her volunteer work, describing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Sarah reflects on how these encounters have shaped her worldview and strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in social justice.

In conclusion, writing IU supplemental essays can be a challenging yet rewarding task for prospective applicants. By understanding the purpose of these essays, highlighting unique qualities and experiences, and showcasing alignment with IU values and culture, applicants can create impressive essays that stand out to the admissions committee. The IU supplemental essay serves as an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion, drive, and fit for the university. It allows them to go beyond their academic achievements and showcase their personal growth, leadership skills, and commitment to making a positive impact on campus. Through well-crafted essays that reflect the applicant's authentic voice and experiences, they can effectively convey why they are a strong candidate for admission to IU. Remember to carefully review and revise your essays before submitting them, ensuring that they are free from grammatical errors and effectively communicate your ideas. With these tips in mind, prospective IU applicants can confidently tackle the supplemental essay portion of their application and increase their chances of being accepted into this prestigious institution. Good luck!

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How to Write a Supplemental Essay for College Applications

Discover tips for tackling writing supplements, and read a sample essay from a current student.

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A supplemental essay gives you an opportunity to tell the admissions committee about something you weren't able to cover in your main essay.

Prospective students are usually aware that they must write an essay as part of the college application process . But they may not know that some schools will ask for additional writing samples such as a supplemental essay.

Avoid These College Application Mistakes

Courtney Rubin and Cole Claybourn July 26, 2023

These writing supplements are usually shorter than the main college essay , but they're no less important, experts say.

"Every word counts in getting your story across," says Deborah Davis, president and founder of Davis Education & Career Consultants LLC, based in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Some colleges ask for just one supplemental essay while others may require several.

For example, Wake Forest University in North Carolina had six additional questions for prospective students to respond to on its 2020 undergraduate admissions application. However, a couple of the questions asked applicants to write lists – for instance, a personal top 10 list – rather than a full paragraph or two.

Supplemental essay prompts come in all shapes and sizes. In some cases, schools let applicants choose from several options. For instance, the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill 's fall 2019-20 application included four prompts – such as "What do you hope will change about the place where you live?" – from which prospective students had to select two.

Davis says two of the most common prompts she's seen are "What do you want to major in?" and "Tell us about a favorite activity."

While word counts for supplemental essays vary, they tend to be limited.

Wake Forest has a 150-word limit for each of its supplements, says Tamara Blocker, the university's senior associate dean of admissions. UNC caps applicants' short answer responses at 250 words each, according to the school's website.

In contrast, The Common Application , a platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once, has a suggested 650-word limit for the main essay and 250 words for others.

These types of written responses are more like vignettes or snapshots, rather than full-blown essays, says Stephen Farmer, vice provost for enrollment and undergraduate admissions at UNC.

"I think – I hope, anyway – that students feel the opportunity maybe in the shorter responses to worry less about form and just be a little more open with us," he says.

To help prospective students familiarize themselves with supplemental essays, U.S. News obtained an example from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Ryan Sheehan from Wallingford, Pennsylvania, wrote the short piece and is a computer science major in the class of 2021.

As part of his application, Sheehan responded to the following prompt: "There is a Quaker saying: 'Let your life speak.' Describe the environment in which you were raised – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – and how it influenced the person you are today."

"As the son of two journalists, I have grown up under a lifelong inquisition: How is your room such a mess? Can you please stop chasing the cat? Will you come down from the tree already? Granted, those are all from this past year, but the point still stands. Like any good journalists, my parents have also always had a propensity for uncovering the truth. On the third night that I had my license, I decided to go to the library to study. Before 15 minutes had passed, I noticed the librarian peering at me through the shelves before quickly averting her eyes and whispering, "He's here," into her phone. Even so, regardless of how many spies they've hired over the years, I have always looked up to my parents immensely. However, I have found my inherited inquisitiveness to be a trait most useful in a place far from the realm of reporting: the robotics lab. After four years of spending almost more time in the lab than at home, I have learned that nothing is more important than asking the right questions. As a programmer, I need to be able to communicate with my builders. Come press time, if I don't interview them properly, our robot will invariably end up as a hunk of unresponsive aluminum. To make a machine, the team must work as one. So although I may be writing source code instead of a breaking story, I am glad I had such nosy parents after all."

Karen Richardson, former dean of undergraduate admissions and enrollment management at Tufts who is now dean of admission at Princeton University in New Jersey, explained why she liked this response: "This is a great essay because, in just 250 words, it shows rather than tells the reader who Ryan is and the things that matter to him. It gives us a sense of his family life and academic interests, and it even shows us he has a sense of humor. As an admissions committee, we learned a lot about Ryan in just one paragraph."

Here are five additional tips from admissions officers to help prospective college students craft strong supplemental essays.

Answer the Question

This may seem obvious, but applicants should carefully read a supplemental essay prompt and make sure they understand what it is asking before answering it, Richardson says.

Prospective students may want to reuse an essay they wrote for another college, but that doesn't always work because supplemental questions tend to be more tailored to an individual institution, she says.

Start With an Outline

Applicants may have their own writing process, but Davis encourages those she works with to create outlines. She says prospective students should brainstorm the personal qualities, skills or experiences they would like to convey in their supplemental essays.

Don't Repeat Yourself

Supplemental essays are a chance for applicants to give more information to an admissions committee to further show why they are a good fit for a school, Davis says. So prospective students should make sure they aren't repeating something that's already been covered in their main essay.

Narrow Your Focus

Probably the biggest mistake applicants make in supplemental essays is choosing a topic that's too big, Farmer says. For example, he says prospective students may attempt to settle a complex political issue in just one paragraph.

"I think it's better to do something small and do it well than to do something big and skate over the surface," he says.

Maintain Your Voice

It's a good idea for applicants to ask another person for editing help, but too much input can be detrimental to an essay, experts say. If lots of people – teachers, parents, peers – read and weigh in on an essay, they can weaken how clearly a student's voice comes through in the writing.

"It's great to read something that sounds like it was written by an 18-year-old and not by a machine," Farmer says, "or by someone who's trying to be prematurely middle-aged."

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Indiana University Undergraduate College Application Essays

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

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College Application Essays accepted by Indiana University

Nine mile nicole e. dipaolo, indiana university.

As is the case with many twelve-year-old sixth graders, I used to be a little self-centered. I was in the middle of puberty, with hormones raging and jumbling my mind in all kinds of ways, and the fact that I was slightly socially awkward and seen...

Willow Tree Anonymous

June 4th 2006

The volunteers in the red shirts direct us to enter our corrals. It's race time. Twenty-three thousand of us cram into our assigned areas and stand shoulder-to-shoulder, no room to move. I know what lies in wait—fifty-four...

A Keyboard in my Crib Anonymous

(Note: This was for an undergraduate transfer application.)

My musical journey began innocently enough, in my infancy, with a toy keyboard placed in my crib as a diversion. Though I would not begin formal instruction on an instrument for several...

Finding Your Animal Totem Brad Boyle

"On Thursday," announced my religion teacher, "we will be going to the zoo to find our animal totems." For those that don’t know, an animal totem represents the Native American belief that each person has a connection to a specific animal. I was...

My Life Jordan Williams

“Jooooorrrrddddannnnn,” my mom screamed with utter fear and panic in her voice. Surprisingly, amongst all of the chaos, her voice was all that I heard. I’m not sure if I was disoriented, bewildered or just in complete shock but at that particular...

Home Away From Home Laith Nasfat Shehadeh

For many of my friends, summer break means swimming at the local pool and hanging out at our downtown movie theater. Yet for me, summer means traveling 6,000 miles to a completely different country, where I speak a completely different language...

Hook, Line and thinker. Dan Schwarz

To many, it may seem farfetched to associate the feeling of being perfectly content with a sport as salty as fishing, but not to me. The way the cork grip of a fishing rod gingerly held between my fingers instills the feeling of being so...

Fingerprints Paris Silverman

Taking my spot in the third seat, I face the coxswain as she commands our boat. As we push off the dock, adrenaline runs through my veins. As my stomach leaps into my throat, hands sweating, I tenuously maintain my grip on the oar. As the “new...

Dealing with Failure in the Floral Business Anonymous

It was an ideal day for a wedding. The sun was shining and was seventy degrees on top of one of downtown Cleveland’s taller rooftops. The airshow was to my right, and the entire span of the Cleveland skyline to my left. The wind died down as we...

From America with Russian Love Fiona Jenna Blumin

A vivacious and carefree four-year-old, I dropped my paintbrush, splattering globs of blue paint all over my t-shirt and classmates nearby. Immediately, my thin lips transformed into an enormous grin. My grandpa, or as we say in Russian, my ...

97% Allegra Mendonsa

97%. That is the survival rate for thyroid cancer. It’s the first thing I looked up after my diagnosis. I felt like something inside me shattered. I told myself I could live with that because, statistically speaking, I would be okay.

However, my...

A Tale of Two Teeth Anonymous

Sweat droplets streamed down my cheeks. It was an odd, balmy April day and my friend Grant and I had just finished an amiable game of street hockey when boredom began to claw at our minds. As the sun started to sink below the horizon, I focused my...

Costumes Emma Sapp

My love for wearing costumes developed as a child. Even today, I’d have to say, I still enjoy wearing them. As the president of the DECA chapter at my school, I get to dress up in pant suits and pearls, while role-playing as a CEO. While my...

Only Time Will Tell Anonymous

I’ll always remember that drive; there was a crisp summer breeze sailing in through my window and the taste of early-morning dew still hung in the air. My heart was beating so fast, I could hardly hear my favorite song, “Sweet Caroline”, blasting...

Beauty Anonymous

Anyone can find beauty in ordinary things: the ivory snow falling outside a foggy window on a January morning, the rainbow that appears after a thunderstorm, or the almost formulaic pink and orange hues of a sunset over the horizon. But these...

More Than a Reflection Morgan Jankowski

There are times when I gaze out of the windows of the South Shore Train and see nothing more than the softened edges of verdant forests and the blurred outlines of monotonous buildings. I watch as the clouds move, change shape, and reform yet...

Camper to Counselor Anonymous

I stood on the platform above Corey Lake at Camp Eberhart, goosebumps slowly forming as my teeth chattered from the cold wind’s touch on my bare skin. My eyes fixated on the dark blue hues and the ripples forming in the water below me. My hands...

Last Place...? Stacy Park

My choir director points at me, whispering, “You’re next.” Those daunting words make me falter back to my chair. As I wait for my turn, my hands start trembling with fear. I immediately slap my wrist hard enough for the choir director to turn...

The Edge Jillian Konikow

A six-year-old girl stands at the edge, unsure about the leap she must take. She is nervous; very aware of the challenge at hand and the expectations she must meet. In the next moment, she finds herself suspended in the air, entering the watery...

Uninvent Your Camera Anonymous

Photos freeze the world in place for just a moment. In the rapidly moving world, it’s refreshing to look at a photo, stop the earth’s spin, and live in the past for a few minutes. Photos are sentiments—souvenirs of a time and place that has...

Packet of Tissue Anonymous

“You are going to a boarding school in Singapore,” said my parents one day.

The decision to send me off to boarding school came as a surprise for my family’s acquaintances. It came as a shock to me --- especially since I did not even know what the...

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The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental College Application Essays (Examples Included)

Learn how to impress admissions committees through any school-specific essay prompt.

(Note: This article can also be found in our free, 110-page comprehensive guide to writing every college essay,  How to Get Into America’s Elite Colleges: The Ultimate Guide . )

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: from outlining to writing.

The 600-word essay

The 500-word essay

The 150–250-word or other very short essay, part 3: types of secondary and supplemental essays.

The “why us” essay

Tell us more about an extracurricular

Design a class/a major

Tell us about your major

Diversity-in-community essay, part 4: frequently asked questions.

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably finished the most challenging part of your college application process, the Common App essay, i.e. personal statement. In that case, major congratulations are in order!

Now it’s time to address the various supplemental or secondary essays that schools like Harvard , Princeton , Yale , Stanford , and many others will ask you to write. Whereas some universities will require you to complete one additional essay, other schools will ask you to complete multiple essays. In addition, the essay lengths will vary from school to school and from prompt to prompt, ranging in length from 25 characters to 650 or more words.

Some students think they should treat their personal statement as the main “essay question” on the test and consider the supplemental essays as “short answer” questions. While it’s true that your personal statement almost always allows you the most space to share an aspect of who you are, it’s important that you treat your supplementals with the same rigor.

Admissions committees use your secondary essays to augment the story they have assembled about you as a candidate from your Common App essay and your recommendations. They are looking for more details that confirm and expand what they know about you, and which neither contradict nor repeat what they’ve already learned from your personal statement.

Let’s replace the “essay question” and “short answer” analogy we hear from students a lot with an interview analogy. Your Common App essay is the initial answer you get to give the interviewer when they say, “Tell me about yourself.” You deliver that with excellent posture and careful word choice. Now, as the interview continues, and the questions become things like, “Why would you like to attend our school?” and “What’s your favorite snack?” and “Can you elaborate more on your favorite extracurricular?” you don’t want to kick off your shoes, slouch in your chair, and develop a sudden drawl as you respond to your interviewer.

Realizing that the supplemental essays are, well, still essays that require outlining, planning, and editing, some students can freeze up. You’ve just completed a mammoth task of squeezing yourself into your personal statement and now you have to write more ?

The good news is that the skills and rhythms you developed while writing your personal statement remain applicable for your supplemental essays. If you haven’t worked through our step-by-step guide to writing your Common App Essay or viewed our college essay examples , go do that now, and you’ll be well prepared for your supplemental essays shortly.

In preparing for your Common App essay, you likely left some material “on the cutting room floor,” so to speak—meaning you probably thought about topics or experiences that moved you but weren’t “the one” for your personal statement. Now is your chance to make use of that excess!

The exercises and prompts we used to prepare for the Common App personal statement can serve as excellent material for addressing the many types of questions that come up in the supplemental essays. The difference is how you’ll apply them to the formats of your supplemental essays, which are generally shorter.

Here’s a general strategy for approaching essays of varying lengths. We’ll tackle examples of the essays themselves by subject matter shortly.

The 650-word essay

In this essay, a college may simply give you a chance to write another Common App-style personal statement.

Let’s take a look at some example prompts from Pitzer College : At Pitzer, five core values distinguish our approach to education: social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement and environmental sustainability. As agents of change, our students utilize these values to create solutions to our world’s challenges. Please answer only ONE of the following prompts (650 words maximum)

Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one of Pitzer’s core values?

Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you.

Pitzer is known for our students’ intellectual and creative activism. If you could work on a cause that is meaningful to you through a project, artistic, academic, or otherwise, what would you do?

Strategies for this essay: It’s the personal statement 2.0—so lather, rinse, repeat! Go through your materials from your Common App essay pre-writing phase, including the list of topics you made originally, and choose the one that almost made the cut for your personal statement. Outline it with the same rigor and attention that you gave the Common App!

This means you’re using your traditional five-paragraph essay tools. You’ll need an intro paragraph with a lede or hook of some sort, a billboard paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You will likely want to follow our personal statement model of linking your essay to at least one anecdote or specific story.

Here’s an example prompt from Rice University : Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500 word limit)

Strategies for this essay: With just 500 words to work with here, we might want to think slightly smaller or more contained than a five-paragraph essay revolving around an anecdote or personal experience. Instead, let’s think in terms of the following units:

A topic or thesis statement that unites the question with your personal experience.

Some evidence, drawing on personal history, that supports the thesis statement.

The one-line zinger that ensures the committee knows you read the question and are answering it.

Here they are again, with examples based on our student Ramya, whom you met during the personal-statement-writing process.

A topic or thesis statement that unites the question with your personal experience

Ramya came up with a number of things that make her uniquely “her,” and which her friends, family, teachers, and counselors would all recognize as her. She’s planning on studying medicine but is a rabid sports fan, loves football and soccer, and is also a loyal friend. Ramya is also Indian American and comes from a small town in California where being Asian doesn’t actually make her a minority. So, while some students might choose to write about race or identity or other things we traditionally think of when thinking of “diversity,” Ramya’s mind doesn’t go there. Instead, she thinks about… Harry Potter. Hold that thought. Here’s what she thought about when asked to consider what made her different:

I grew up in a community full of ambitious people, all of whom were told to be leaders. What makes me unlike them? I’m not the one who stands up at the front of the room to try to run things. I’m the one who makes them run, behind the scenes. In fact, I’m the dependable one, the loyal one...

Ramya's personal experience has shown her that this makes her different.

So, what about Harry Potter? Here’s how Ramya articulates this to her readers:

I was raised on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. As a kid, I remember friends choosing which house they thought they’d be sorted into: brave in Gryffindor, smart in Ravenclaw, ambitious in Slytherin, and… everyone else in Hufflepuff. Rowling says Hufflepuffs are the “loyal and true.” But when friends and I talked about landing up as a badger, it seemed like we were doomed.

Some evidence, drawing on personal history, that supports the thesis statement

Now, just as we used anecdotes and set scenes for readers while writing the personal statement, we want to do something similar here. But we don’t have time for Ramya to walk us through the room where her heart pounded as she revealed herself to be a Hufflepuff. We have to move more efficiently this time, without sacrificing specificity. One way to do that is by writing in a list, as Ramya did here:

Strangely, though, as we got older, it was exactly my Hufflepuff qualities that my friend group seemed to depend on the most. “You might belong in Hufflepuff,” the Sorting Hat sings, “where they are just and loyal.” Hufflepuffs are “patient,” “true,” and “unafraid of toil.” It’s not a thrilling description! No bravery, no promises of ruling the world here. But those words all seemed to describe me. During my junior year, I found my friends turning to me after the loss of a classmate. We needed people to organize an assembly, a memorial, and a charity in the classmate’s name. My school was going through a difficult time, and everyone was trying to contribute in their way. But we were all young and new to grief, which meant we didn’t always know how to get things right. Some people were quick to speak or write about the classmate, believing that someone had to take a leadership role. Others felt uncomfortable and tried to move on past it entirely. I was quiet, as I often am, but when I saw how many ways people were trying to respond, I realized we didn’t need another “leader” to step in. We needed loyal followers and patient workers to follow through on the many initiatives that people were trying to start in the wake of this classmate’s passing.

The one-line zinger that ensures the committee knows you read the question and are answering it

Because many essays are like opening a door to a larger conversation, it can be easy to wander through the door and begin pacing around the interesting room you have discovered on the other side. But don’t forget your manners! At some point you have to make sure you acknowledge that a specific door was opened. Leaving that metaphor before we wring it dry: in plain terms, remember that, unlike in the case of the personal statement, the supplemental essays often ask a specific question that you need to ensure you’ve answered. So make sure your concluding statement or one of your last few lines gets into that. This Rice essay has Ramya musing on what makes her “different” (her Hufflepuff-ness) and has sent her into anecdotal territory, remembering her classmate’s loss. But she has to bring it home, and answer that question specifically, not just introduce the committee to something quirky and distinctive about her. Here’s how she does it:

If there’s one thing I, and the generation of kids who grew up on Rowling’s series, learned from those books, it’s that you need all types of people, represented by all four houses. My personality, as a loyal, heads-down, sometimes quiet Hufflepuff, often made me think of myself as boring when I was younger. But for the past year, I’ve seen how it can be a strength, not just to me, but also to the community I belong to. I am applying to Rice early because it feels like a strong community. From the residential college system to the tight-knit campus, I can see myself giving my best Hufflepuff qualities to my classmates and peers during intramural sports tournaments, late-night study sessions, and more—in the face of both everyday trials and larger, scarier moments in life.

Ramya has done a double-whammy here, telling us not only about what the community gets from her unique qualities, but also slipping in an answer to the “Why Rice” question that she’ll soon have one more chance to respond to in full.

An example prompt from Columbia University : Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)

Strategies for this essay: With a short amount of space to work with, we’re going to need extremely taut and clear sentences. This essay doesn’t need the fancy flourish of anecdotal hooks or ledes; in fact, you can’t back into this essay through narrative. Clarity and direct responses to this kind of question will win you the game. The components of a successful answer to an essay of this length:

A topic sentence that explicitly answers the question that has been asked

Evidence supporting the conclusion (in this case, that neuroscience is the right major for Josh)

A dash of introspection to finish the day

Here’s what Josh, our pianist and soccer player, wrote:

I hope to double-major in neuroscience and behavior and film and media studies at Columbia. Though I may eventually attend medical school, I want to use the liberal arts curriculum at Columbia to explore multiple disciplines as an undergraduate. The combination of neuroscience and film studies might seem surprising to some, but together they pay tribute to the reason I love science at all. My elementary and middle schools didn’t have strong STEM programs, and so my teachers, seeing a student enthusiastic about science, used to put on science documentaries when I’d finished the homework. Watching Stephen Hawking, Oliver Sacks, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, I discovered things that couldn’t have reached me from the textbook. At Columbia, I hope to both take courses that prepare me for a career in neuroscience while also learning documentary filmmaking and production. I hope to intern at least one summer at a production company specializing in science documentaries, and to do a senior project that might eventually see screen time. Whether or not I go on to make films as a career, I know that learning how to communicate complicated ideas to the public will serve me well as a scientist.

Josh’s essay is successful for a number of reasons, but particularly because it not only answers the question (how did you come to your interests), it also specifies the types of classes he’d like to take, summer internships he’d like to pursue, and his eventual goals with both majors. It’s excellent because it’s tailored to Columbia, the asking school; like Ramya’s Rice essay, it serves as an additional mini essay proving Josh’s knowledge of and passion about the school.

Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.

While you can face a number of different types of questions when tackling your secondary and supplemental essays, there are certain prompts and certain genres of prompts that come up again and again. It’s a good idea to be aware of the general types of secondary essays that can come up.

(On the other hand, the University of Chicago is a school that’s famous for coming up with new prompts inspired by its current students each year—a list of current and past questions is available here .)

You’ll notice that many of these secondaries touch on things that you scribbled about way back during your pre-writing phase, while others may ask you to do some thinking about the qualities of the specific college to which you are applying.

We’ve broken down the wild sea of supplemental essays into a few particular types of questions and come up with some strategies with which you can approach the next phase of your application.

The “Why us?” essay

Some colleges will ask you to explain why you’d like to attend their school.

Baylor University : What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (450 words)

Dartmouth College : Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2028, what aspects of the College's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? In short, why Dartmouth? (100 words or fewer)

Yale University : What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Strategies for addressing the “Why us?” essay:

Work backward. Think about what your big dream is—what or who you hope to become—and identify a few specific things about each college you’re applying to, asking yourself how each one of those is going to help you get there.

Provide a “mini-thesis” for each school rather than a general list of qualities that the school meets for you. Anita, our humanities-oriented student, writes that she’s interested in studying history, and includes a tidbit in her “Why Yale” essay from the campus tour she was able to take about how Yale’s architects were so obsessed with the past that they built the campus to look even older than it is. This jives with her own interest and the fact that Yale has one of the best history departments in the country.

Go beyond the website, and be specific. Don’t restate the “About Baylor” section of the Baylor brochure to the admissions committee—they already know why they offer you a great opportunity. Talk about your experiences with the college you’re applying to—did you visit and hear something from a tour guide, admissions officer, student, or professor? If you couldn’t visit, did you do some online research that got you in touch with some of the big themes a tour guide or info session would hit? Is there a particular class you’ve heard of that’s legendary on campus? A tradition at the school? An alumna/alumnus of the college whose work has inspired you?

Here’s an example of a great “Why us?” essay, responding to Yale’s prompt. Our mock trial champion from our Common App personal essay guide, Anita, was admitted to Yale.

I hope to study history or English, and Yale's departments in both are some of the best in the world. I am drawn to the interdisciplinary humanities offerings, including the Directed Studies program and the Humanities major. A writer, I also hope to work on the Yale Daily News or the Globalist. But it isn't just the caliber of academics that draws me to Yale. It's also the sense that the campus itself is comprised of history and knowledge. From Sterling Memorial Library, literally constructed as a cathedral to knowledge, to the buildings the architects poured acid on to make them look older, I felt a sense of almost ancient respect for intellect when I visited.

Anita’s essay is extremely specific, citing history, English, a freshman academic program, a particular major, two campus publications she wants to write for, and two facts she learned on her campus tour (which you could also get from watching a number of YouTube videos or speaking with local alumni or meeting admissions officers at a local college fair, if you’re not able to visit schools). But it’s also successful because it has a thesis that conveys a dual passion: a personal passion for her own academic interests, and a passion for the school. She converges her personal plans with the spirit of Yale, and that shows the admissions officers that she’s a natural fit.

Some colleges will simply ask for you to elaborate further on an extracurricular activity or class you’ve already mentioned on your Common App activities list . This is the only time you should elaborate further on something already in your application.

An example prompt from Brown University : What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Strategies for addressing the extracurricular essay:

Choose an activity that means something to you, or that could benefit from being livened up by your prose. Anita our mock trial champion, chose to write about a wilderness solo. But now would be a good time for her to talk about mock trial—the thing the admissions committee will already know her for, but which now she can add some humanity to, without making it the only thing that defines her.

Don’t write about the same thing you’ve written your Common App Essay on! Josh, who chose piano for his personal statement, will need to pick something else.

Here’s another of Anita’s essays, this one about her mock trial activities. Remember that mock trial is one of Anita’s most obviously impressive activities. She’s nationally competitive, and it will come up in her counselor and teacher recommendations and her national wins will show up on her resumé and lists of awards. But she hasn’t written about it yet. Her job is not to summarize her wins—her recommenders and CV will do that for her—but to tell the admissions committee something they can’t get from other portions of her application.

I spend several Saturdays a semester in front of a room full of people, acting out a story. It is one of the greatest adrenaline rushes I can think of. My role: I am an attorney, for a few hours. My motivation: simple. To win the case.

I’m not in the drama club. I’ve never been on a proper stage. I almost threw up as an eighth-grader at theater camp when I had to improvise a scene. And yet, I thrive as a member of the mock trial team. That’s because when my job is to make sense of a series of arguments, to cross-examine my way to the heart of the trial, and to articulate a clear and powerful closing statement, I am inhabiting my best self. I am Atticus Finch and Clarence Darrow, and, most importantly, me.

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Design a class/major

Some colleges, especially those with a liberal arts foundation, will ask you to come up with a seminar or even reimagine an entire department.

Example prompts:

University of Chicago : Due to a series of clerical errors, there is exactly one typo (an extra letter, a removed letter, or an altered letter) in the name of every department at the University of Chicago. Oops! Describe your new intended major. Why are you interested in it and what courses or areas of focus within it might you want to explore? Potential options include Commuter Science, Bromance Languages and Literatures, Pundamentals: Issues and Texts, Ant History... a full list of unmodified majors ready for your editor’s eye is available here . — Inspired by Josh Kaufman, Class of 2018

University of Notre Dame : During the spring semester, Notre Dame faculty gave 3-Minute Lightning Talks on exciting topics within their fields of expertise. While you don't have a Ph.D. yet, we bet you're developing an expertise in something. If you were giving a Lightning Talk, what topic (academic or not) would you choose? (200 words)

Strategies for this essay: This should be tons of fun—a way of getting to hear you geek out and be creative; it’s a chance for you to show your excitement at the chance to get a broad and varied education. The important thing here is to convey excitement for the reason the college is asking you to do this at all: you’re going to get a chance to study somewhere where your intellectual curiosity is valued.

Here’s Ramya’s answer to an Emory University prompt from a few years back:

If you could create an academic course that is in the Emory University spirit of collaboration, creativity, entrepreneurship and inquiry, what would it be? What impact would the course have on you and your classmates’ educational experience? (500 words)

Why do I love chocolate while my brother gags at the scent of it? Why are some people more attracted to Italian food than Mexican food? Why do we like some foods during the summer, and others during the fall? Can we predict what people might find enjoyable based on their background and attitudes? As an avid foodie, I have always wondered what it is that attracts each person to different tastes.

These are a few of the questions we would answer in my Freshman Seminar class on “Food for Thought.”

We would purchase, cook, and taste foods from all around the world and observe the neurological effects that each has. While there is common knowledge of the basic proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with how a good balance should be struck in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this new class would focus on the subtle differences in types of signals emitted by the brain when different foods are consumed. Students would be exposed to the theory and practice of neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans. We would identify neurotransmitters emitted as a result of the food ingested and study if different parts of the brain “light up” in response to different foods.

Along with creating a brain-food map, students would learn how to use statistically sound methods to study how variables such as a subject’s ethnic background, age, gender, and social attitudes such as open mindedness, correlate with the subject’s likes and dislikes.

This class will also address cultural elements of food. When eating foods from around the world, in order to fully appreciate the dish as a whole, it is important to understand the context surrounding what lands on our plates. We would read short stories or passages and watch excerpts of popular film focused on food from the countries whose cuisine we are testing. Cooking and tasting food together are great ways to bring people together, as seen in many movies such as Ratatouille and The Hundred-Foot Journey.

Not only would this class be informative, but it would also be an engaging, hands-on experience, and would provide freshmen with two valuable experiences during their first year at college—forming community and rethinking their fundamental approaches to academics by introducing them to interdisciplinary thought. “Food for Thought” would expose freshmen to an integrated approach to science while providing a fun environment for freshmen to get to know each other. At the end of the class, all students would have a better understanding of neuroscience as well as an appreciation for different cultures and their unique foods.

Sign us up for Ramya’s class! This is such a vibrant essay for a number of reasons. She’s truly thrown herself into imagining an interdisciplinary topic that converges a fun, light part of her personality—food—with something already on her application—her interest in medicine and neuroscience. She’s also made a few expert moves here, whether consciously or not. By pointing to the “valuable experiences” students need freshman year, she has indicated to the admissions committee that she understands that being a part of Emory involves both community and academics. That’s the kind of person you want on your campus!

Some schools may ask you to apply to a specific professional school or track or having declared a major. Others may ask you to indicate an initial preference. Still others may expect no prior thought about majors.

Cornell University : Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College. (650 words maximum)

Brown University : Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it. (200–250 words)

Strategies for this essay: This is one essay hiding two in it—it’s a “Why us?” essay combined with an essay that wants you to state where you see yourself in 5–10 years.

First, apply the same strategies you did for the “Why us?” essay (specifics!) —go to the website of the undergraduate program or major you’re applying to/indicating interest in, and look at student or alumni profiles. Is there anyone who makes you say, “Yeah, I’d love to do that”? Write about them. Is there a summer program, a particular class, an internship, or anything else associated with this program that attracts you?

Second, talk about where you want to be in 5–10 years. Imagine your dream job and tell the admissions committee how this particular program or major might help you reach it. This is a time when you can and should be specific—because you’re not committing to the story you’re writing down. You’re just demonstrating that you’ve thought about it and have a passion or vocation pulling you in one direction or another.

Here’s an example in response to Brown’s prompt from our student Josh, who isn’t sure what he wants to study. But he’s generally interested in international affairs and global political issues.

I am interested in studying International Relations or East Asian Studies. My mother is Chinese and my father is American. When they met, their two countries could not have been more distant. But today, China and America have to increasingly understand one another, economically, politically, and culturally. I am able to stand at the crossroads of these two countries, and I hope to use my time at Brown to learn Mandarin and to study abroad in China. I am also excited about the East Asian Studies requirement to engage with countries beyond China; learning about migratory patterns and cultural conversations in the region and studying Korea and Japan will help me crystallize my sense of the region.

An essay that asks you what you bring to the college community can seem like it’s asking for you to explain the ways in which you bring “diversity” to the community. You can answer in terms of your identity—gender, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or otherwise—but you do not need to. Really, essays like this are asking for you to identify one way in which you’re different, and the way you make that difference a boon to others around you.

University of Michigan : Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

Duke University : We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you. (250 words maximum)

Strategies for these essays: Go back to your pre-written prompts and think about what you noticed that made you different and unlike your peers. You’re often looking for something intangible to others but tangible to you. Think about what you wrote about your parents or siblings, your hometown or community.

We’ve given you Ramya’s response to this above, but here’s another essay, from Michael responding to the Duke prompt, who wrote about surfing with his grandfather for the personal statement. Though Michael has included his grandfather in his application already, he takes a different angle on him for this optional essay so it does not feel redundant. Especially because this is a non-required answer, that repetition is fine.

I was born and raised in a small town in southern California and attended a big public high school. Here, everyone is racially mixed-up. Black, Asian, Hapa, Hispanic, and other combinations mingle in our loud school hallways. I never had much of a reason to think about my ethnic heritage until recently. My maternal grandfather is Hawaiian, and he married a “haole,” or a white person. My paternal grandparents are white Californians. I look almost entirely white, and I get to move through the world feeling like any old white guy. But when my grandfather got sick and eventually passed away at the end of high school, I became interested in that part of my background.

I learned about the state’s history and the colonial presence that white people had. I also learned how many people in Hawaii now serve in the Armed Forces. This is a complicated history, and one I am interested in exploring more in college. Though I don’t know if I will ever live in Hawaii long-term, I want to study history or anthropology to write about this part of American history, which I never knew about growing up. I think this cultural background could bring something unique to the Duke community. I also think it can contribute to conversations about social justice, which are big in my high school, but which entirely white people sometimes struggle to contribute to. My sense of containing multiple racial identities now will shape me and the school I attend.

Some universities ask for your “short takes” on a number of things, limiting your response to 35 words or so.

Yale University (approximately 35 words each):

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

Yale students embrace the concept of “and” rather than “or,” pursuing arts and sciences, tradition and innovation, defined goals and surprising detours. What is an example of an “and” that you embrace?

Princeton University (50 words each):

What brings you joy?

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

Strategy for these “essays:” Be authentic, original, and don’t overthink it. You might even have someone else read them aloud to you and answer instinctively. This is a chance for you to sound like the you your friends and family know and love. If you’re flexing here, trust us, the admissions officers will roll their eyes. They can smell it.

Recent trends in essay types

Through our work advising students on their college supplemental essays, we’ve noticed a few interesting trends in the types of questions universities prefer to ask over the last few years. Namely, a slow phasing out of questions around adversity or challenges and a greater variety of questions asking students to reflect on themes of diversity and community.

There may be a few reasons behind this shift. For example, students often felt at pains to paint a dramatic story that described their background and how they overcame some form of adversity to get to where they are today. This created an environment where many critics argued that students felt pressured to embellish or even completely fabricate stories of hardship in the hope that adcoms would look favorably upon them and their situation. Many students felt if they didn’t have anything especially challenging to write about, they were at a great disadvantage.

Furthermore, the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action meant that many schools had to revamp their diversity essays as well as how they asked about and handled race in their applications. This caused some schools to reformulate their essay prompts, sometimes even adding more prompts to the application. For instance, schools would ask questions that focus on a student’s upbringing and how it shaped them, the meaning of community and the varying (diverse) communities that have shaped them, or ask students to detail an experience or relationship in which they had to closely interact with someone whose views, background or culture differ markedly from their own.

To see this change in action, let’s look at a few recent prompts as examples.

Vanderbilt University : Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

Northwestern University : We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise?

Strategies for this essay: This is your chance to paint a picture of the range of experiences you’ve had and stand out as an applicant who will add to the dynamism of your future campus community. While it’s perfectly fine to discuss your race or sexual orientation here, it’s important to make the connection between your experiences and how they have shaped the way you connect with others.

Here’s an example response to Vanderbilt’s prompt written by one of our former students.

In my psychology class we discussed synesthesia, a condition in which people experience perceptions that cross between senses. This could mean tasting shapes or feeling sounds or, as one of my classmates put it, hearing colors. It turned out that my classmate Julie had identified as a synesthetic for many years.

When I asked her about it she was adamant that particular sounds were linked with colors. A classic telephone ring, for example, was the color red. As we stood in the hallway someone was drinking from the water fountain. Julie told me this sound was the color green.

I was intrigued by these insights because I tend to assume, as I think many of us do, that my own perceptual experience is the norm. My conversation with Julie reminded me that we never have full access to another person’s experience of the world. While we might agree that we are both looking at a blue sky, are we having the same experience of blue or is this merely culturally conditioned? I find this question both humbling and awe-inspiring.

At the same time, there was a way in which Julie’s experience made sense to me. I realized that I also tend to associate certain sounds with colors. Doing further research, I encountered a theory that everyone is born with synesthesia but that as we grow up our brains become more specialized. I think there’s joy to be found here, and lately I’ve been striving to recapture experiences of sensory overlap.

How much of a “theme” do I need to convey across my Common App personal statement and supplementary essays?

You want to offer one round story about yourself, while also giving the admissions committee an opportunity to discover you anew each time: first in your Common App essay, then in your recommendations, and finally in your supplementary essays. Stating major contradictions or trying to span too much—for example, saying you want to study English, biology, Chinese, and public health—might confuse things. Everyone is more complex and multivalent than they can seem on paper, but remember to keep sounding related notes without ringing the same bell over and over.

Are supplementary essays the place to explain away bad grades or holes in my academic record?

Some schools will give you a chance to elaborate on splotches on your transcript or weak points. If they don’t, remember that you have the chance to engage with your weak spots in any number of these supplementary essays, as long as you write narratively. Say your STEM grades were weak freshman and sophomore year. You might talk about how your middle school didn’t have a strong math or science program and when you switched to a good high school, you weren’t prepared. Then you’d want to explain what you did to improve them and how that taught you a lesson going forward.

It’s important to note, though, that it is rarely the right choice to talk about your bad grades in your essays. More often, you should try to be impressive on your own terms rather than risk seeming defensive.

Many supplemental essays seem to want me to “loosen up.” Is there such thing as going too casual?

Take your cue from the tone of the question. The Pitzer essays we mentioned in this post, for instance, have a serious tone and are basically invitations to write another personal statement. But the short takes, or Stanford’s famous “roommate essay,” are asking you to be creative, and that might mean more casual. But it probably means something more like “sound like you.” In any case, be deliberate and try not to slip too much into generational patois.

I’m applying to the University of California , which asks for 350-word essays, or another school system with short word counts on the essays. Can I use those as supplemental responses? Can I use my supplemental essays for the other schools?

Yes, definitely. It’s always a good idea to reuse your material as much as possible. You don’t have to reinvent yourself for every application. You’re presenting the same self at a slightly different angle based on the questions a given school chooses to ask you.

Always remember, though, that any essays you reuse across schools will probably have to be at least a little bit modified so that they directly answer the question that was asked. The question from the University of California that asks, “What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?” is not the same question as “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences that was particularly meaningful to you.”

That said, your answer might be the same or similar. Your greatest talent or skill might be mock trial or soccer; perhaps you’ve written about mock trial for the extracurricular supplemental essay. The trick now is to make sure you’re answering the “over time” element of the UC question. Your job isn’t just to say you did mock trial and why you liked it; you will also need to explain something about its arc and change in your life over a period of months or years.

(Suggested reading: How to Write Great UC Essays )

I feel like everyone’s extracurricular activities are much more interesting than mine. I struggled to fill out my Common App activities list and now I have to make one sound compelling. Aren’t there some magic bullet points I could hit that they’re looking for?

Unfortunately, no. The whole essay writing process would be so much simpler if that were the case. Different schools will have different reasons for including a question like this on their supplemental applications.

However, it can be helpful to keep a few things in mind.

Your extracurricular activity isn’t “you,” meaning the activity itself doesn’t have to be interesting to adcoms, only you do. You could be really passionate about watching grass grow but the way you “show” that passion to your reader is what will intrigue them about you as a candidate.

Being creative within constraints shows effort and an ability to think outside the box. In this case, your constraint is what you imagine is the typical extracurricular activity you must write about. Adcoms likely get hundreds of applications from students writing about biology club or being on the student council, but do those students’ larger personalities and passion show through their writing? Remember to consider an example or anecdote that sparked your interest in that activity and harness the emotional connection in your writing.

I’m applying to an Ivy League school and having trouble with the ‘Why Us’ essay. I can’t seem to think of a good enough topic – doesn’t everyone want to attend an ivy?

Answering a ‘why us’ essay question for a highly prestigious school can certainly be difficult. Surely, everyone wants to attend a top-tier institution, which makes the answer seem obvious.

It can be helpful to compare your dream school to other top schools. For example, if you’ve got the grades and the talent to gain acceptance to Yale, what makes Yale a more desirable place to study for you than Princeton? Why not a public ivy such as UC Berkeley?

Consider which specific professor, course, or research interest that exists at your dream school that isn’t offered at other ivies. No one institution can offer everything. Most importantly, how will your engagement with that professor, course or research interest add to the campus community? You can cite specifics from a professor’s published work that excite you, noting what you hope to accomplish from working with them. You could also discuss a unique course you hope to take and what you plan to do with what you learn or even a research facility at the school that specializes in a particular interest of yours.

Remember that location is important as well. The cultural and science activities you will have access to will be markedly different in Ithaca, New York from Boston, Massachusetts.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.

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Office of Scholarships

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Selective Scholarship Application

What is the selective scholarship application (ssa).

The Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) is an invitation-only application utilized by a number of departments across the Indiana University Bloomington campus. upon submitting their SSA. To be considered for invitation to the SSA, the student must submit their complete application for admission by the November 1st Early Action deadline.

Upon submitting their SSA, the student's application will be reviewed for select departmental scholarship opportunities by the department that invited the student. Listed below are the participating departments on the Bloomington campus:

• College of Arts + Sciences
• Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design
• Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies
• Kelley School of Business
• Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Scholarship Programs
• O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• The Media School

FAQs about the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)

We know the process of submitting multiple applications at one time can get confusing, so we have gathered some common questions and with answers to help you navigate the SSA from start to finish. 

What is the SSA?

The Selective Scholarship Application is an invitation-only application shared by a number of schools and programs at Indiana University Bloomington to award selective scholarship opportunities to incoming students. Incoming students must have a complete application for admission on file by November 1st in order to be considered for an invitation to complete the SSA. 

How do I access and submit the SSA?

How to access and complete your SSA:

• Create your IU computing account . You will need your 10-digit university ID number provided in your admission email to create this account. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours to activate your account. Do not log in using your guest account.
• Complete the General (Scholarship) Application in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU. The General Application is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships at IU.. It includes a series of questions and one essay, which should take 60–90 minutes to complete. Log in using your IU computing account (IU credentials), then fill out the application and click "Finish and Submit." Please ensure that you answer all questions thoroughly.
• Complete the Selective Scholarship Application in the IU Scholarships task.  Once you have submitted the General Application, you should select "IU Bloomington SSA", fill out the application, then click "Finish and Submit." You must submit the General Application before you can complete your SSA.

Do I need to have my IU computing account before submitting the SSA?

Yes. To access both the General Scholarship Application and SSA, you must first create your IU computing account . 

Please note that you must also submit your General Scholarship Application before you will be able to access and submit your IU Bloomington SSA in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU .

Do I have to be admitted before being considered for SSA eligibility?

Yes. You must be admitted to Indiana University Bloomington before you will be considered for eligibility to apply for scholarships through the SSA. We do not provide SSA materials to students who have not yet been assigned the SSA.

What is the deadline for submitting the SSA?

The Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) has a submission deadline of February 1st at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. This is a hard deadline, so late submissions will not be accepted. 

Who will review my SSA?

If you are selected by a participating school and/or program, you will receive an official invitation to submit the SSA from the Office of Scholarships. The school and/or program you have been invited by and that will be reviewing your application will be listed in this invitation.

How do I upload my file(s) to my SSA?

To submit files to your SSA, you must follow these instructions: 

• Your file must be in either a .pdf or .docx form.
• Commas, apostrophes, and non-alphanumeric characters outside of a-z, A-Z, and 0-9

If your files's name contains any prohibited characters, or it is not in an accepted form, your document will be rejected for uploading. Once you have ensured that your file meets the requirements above, you will be able to upload your file and submit your application.

Can I use the same essay used in my admission application for my SSA essay?

Can i receive invitation to the ssa if i apply test-optional.

Yes. Many of the schools and programs utilizing the SSA plan to offer potential direct admission and scholarship opportunities to students who apply test-optional. For any additional questions or information on SSA invitation and/or selection criteria, students should contact the participating department directly.

I was not invited to the SSA, but my test scores have improved. Can SSA invitation be reconsidered?

All students who meet the November 1 early action (non-binding) deadline will continue to be assessed for additional SSA opportunities based on updated test scores through January 15, at which time all SSA eligibility review stops to ensure adequate time for SSA completion.

Will my SSA be updated with my new higher test scores that I submitted to the Office of Admissions?

Your SSA will contain the most recent admission application information we have on file for you. If you submit updated test scores, your SSA will be updated to reflect the new scores. Once you submit your SSA, your application will continue to update with new test scores; however, we cannot guarantee that the reviewing department will consider any information that is updated after you submit your SSA.

Who do I contact for technical support?

For questions or technical issues related to the SSA, please email the Office of Scholarships at  [email protected] . P lease include your full name, University ID, and a brief description of what technical issue you are experiencing.

*Your 10-digit University ID number can be found in your Admission notification letter and begins with 000 or 200.

Want to be invited to complete the SSA? Students must submit their complete application for admission to IU Bloomington no later than November 1st to be considered for invitation.

Description of the video:

[Upbeat music plays]

[Video: The iconic IU Sample Gates are shown, with landscaped beds or red and white flowers in front. People walk both towards campus and away from the Sample Gates. The IU trident appears over the top of the video image]

[Words appear: What is the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA)?]

[Video: Cut to aerial footage of the IU Fine Arts Plaza with Showalter Fountain shown at center and the IU Auditorium in the background. Students are grouped around the area attending an outdoor event]

Voiceover: The Selective Scholarship Application, or SSA,

[Video: The screen turns white, then red as the video Zooms out to show an image of a laptop computer. The letters SSA appear with a typing indicator on the laptop screen]

Voiceover: is a straightforward application that is used to determine scholarship awards

[Video: The laptop moves to the left. An arrow appears pointing from the laptop to an image of a money sign in a circle over a diploma before disappearing]

Voiceover: offered by specific schools and academic programs at IU.

[Video: The images zoom backwards and disappear. An outline of 3 people’s heads and shoulder appears on the red screen. The IU trident appears on their shirts.]

[Words appear: Admitted students]

Voiceover: Admitted students who meet certain qualifications are invited to complete the SSA.

[Video: The images and words blur and disappear.]

[Words appear: 3 steps]

The SSA doesn't take long to complete in three simple steps.

[Words disappear]

[Words appear: 1 Create your IU computing account]

Voiceover: 1: Create your IU computing account in One.IU.

[Video: The words slide up and a screenshot of the One.IU task “Create My First IU Account” appears below. Cascading white and red bars wipe diagonally from up left to down right. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns red.]

[Words appear: 2 Complete the General Application]

Voiceover: 2: Complete the general application in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU.

[Video: The words slide up and a screenshot of the One.IU task “IU Scholarships: Blackbaud Award Management” appears below.]

Voiceover: Bonus: The general application is also used to find other IU scholarships you might be eligible for.

[Video: Cascading white and red bars wipe diagonally up from down left to up right. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns read]

[Words appear: 3 Submit the IU Bloomington SSA Essay. The words slide up and the laptop computer image appears below. The letters SSA and a typing indicator appear on the laptop screen]

Voiceover: 3: Submit the IU Bloomington SSA essay in the IU Scholarships task in One.IU.

[Video: Cascading circles appear in white and red. The words and icon disappear. The screen turns red. An image of a checklist on a clipboard appears]

Voiceover: Some scholarships require additional materials.

[Vide: A hand holding a pen appears on screen and the video zooms in slightly on the checklist]

Voiceover: Be sure to check your invitation to see if you need to submit anything else.

[Video: White and red bars wipe across screen from right to left. The screen turns red. A white outline of an analog clock appears. The hour and minute hands swipe around the clock]

Voiceover: And that's it.

[Video: The clock blurs and disappears. An image of a dollar sign in a circle behind a diploma appears. White sparkles appear intermittently around it]

Voiceover: It only takes a little time to complete, and then you will be considered for IU scholarships.

[Video: The dollar sign and diploma fly off screen to the right. A calendar icon and clock outline fly on screen from the left and land at center]

Voiceover: The deadline for the SSA is February 1st,

[Words appear: February 1]

Voiceover: but you should complete it as early as possible.

[Video: The words and icon blur and disappear.]

[Words appear: Learn more at scholarships dot Indiana dot e d u]

Voiceover: Learn more about the SSA and other scholarship opportunities on the IU Office of Scholarships website.

[Video: The words break up into letters. Each letter changes size and moves in a different direction before disappearing. The IU trident appears on a white tab at the top of the screen]

[Words appear: Office of Scholarships scholarships dot Indiana dot e d u]

[End of video]

[End of transcript]

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College Essays That Worked: Indiana University

Breathing personality into a Resume

From the first day of high school—and often even earlier—students are told to build a great resume for their college applications. The standard advice is to play a sport, join some clubs, and work your way up to some leadership positions by the time you’re a senior.  

That’s not bad advice, but it’s also not the whole story. Yes, admissions counselors will review your resume to understand your interests, strengths, and the ways you’ve challenged yourself. But they also want to know who you are as a person—and to do that, you can't always let your resume speak for itself

Enter the essay. This is your chance to breathe life [give another dimension? Add a perspective to] into your resume to highlight not just that you played a sport or joined a club, but what it meant to you. What inspired you to do it, and why is it meaningful? These are the questions that Thomas B. answered in his successful college essay.

Student: Thomas B. 

Accepted to: Indiana University, Kelley School of Business (also accepted to Penn State, Michigan State, UConn)

I was eight years old and playing Marco Polo in the pool with my grandfather Rocco when a strange man came into the backyard with his broken weed whacker. My grandfather hopped out of the pool, talked to the man in the driveway, and returned 15 minutes later. “What was that about, Popi?” I asked. He told me that his friend had brought him the weed whacker to fix. Shortly afterwards, another person came to the backyard with a broken lawnmower. The same scenario played out again and again with a variety of backyard equipment arriving: a chainsaw, a power washer, a hedge trimmer, and so on. 

Early on, I realized two things about my grandfather: he can fix anything and, more importantly, he can teach himself anything. Throughout my childhood, I was inspired by my grandfather Rocco’s persistence and independent spirit. Motivated by how my grandfather taught himself how to rebuild an entire lawn mower, I taught myself how to play golf and how to trade stocks—two activities I value and truly enjoy. 

My interest in golf began after I purchased a set of clubs for $25 at a tag sale. I knew golf was a sport I could play my whole life, and I wanted to get involved at a young age. Many people would have hired a coach or taken lessons, but I watched YouTube videos on how to improve my swing and spent many hours at the driving range practicing. The first time I stepped onto an actual golf course wasn’t until high school freshman golf tryouts, but after countless hours of dedication and focus, I became a four-year varsity athlete. I cherish the pride that comes from teaching yourself something; it gives the skill more value and establishes a work ethic many people fail to acquire. 

Similarly, I was always amazed by various aspects of the stock market, but like many people, I assumed it was too complicated for a 14-year-old to get involved in. My interest was sparked when, at my work, I met a stockbroker who shared his unusual career path with me. I began reading Investors Daily and watching Bloomberg News to familiarize myself with the terms, patterns, and cycles of the stock market. Although I was a little nervous, I jumped out of my comfort zone and formalized my new interest by joining the Stocks and Finance Club at my high school. I was one of few students to attend every meeting and took it upon myself to research analytics, data, and unfamiliar concepts. As a senior, I look forward to serving as Vice President of our Club and continuing to build my own portfolio by investing the money I earn from my part-time job.  

The greatest gift my grandfather Rocco has given me is his example. He came to this country at age 18 with $15 in his pocket and no ability to read, write, or understand English. Today at age 87, he has lived the American Dream and is considered successful by anyone’s standards. When I am afraid to try something new or feel defeated by obstacles in my path, I think of my grandfather. I take great pride and strength in his journey and know that if he can accomplish so much, I can too. It is because of his example that I have the drive,  determination, and encouragement to pursue my goals. 

Why It Works

It’s worth noting that the criteria for a great essay does not require an Ivy League admission. Good writing is good writing, and it works just as well for public universities as for private ones. Thomas knew he wanted to attend the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, so he set his sights on crafting an essay that would highlight the interests and skills that show he’s a great fit for his dream school. Here’s what works well in his essay:

1. A Vivid opening Anecdote

Thomas opens his essay with a specific memory from his childhood. Instead of just stating that his grandfather liked to fix things, Thomas puts the reader in his eight-year-old mind. This allows the reader to discover along with Thomas that his grandfather has an interesting and successful side gig.

Starting with a story engages the reader immediately, which is crucial when it comes to college essays: after all, your reader has probably slogged through a pile of essays already and yearns for something interesting. Because we don’t quite know what’s going on at first, the story creates a bit of mystery that the reader wants to solve as they continue.

2. Human Connection Demonstrates empathy

One of the best ways (though not the only one) to help admissions officers see beyond your resume and show them you’re a real human is to highlight a relationship in your life. Thomas does this well by including his relationship with his grandfather as a major theme in his essay. 

This works on several levels. First, Thomas shows the reader pure love and connection with the swimming scene: it’s obvious that they care about each other and enjoy each other’s company. Thomas also talks with admiration about what he has learned from his grandfather, and he paints a compelling picture of Rocco’s journey to the United States. This shows Thomas’s capacity for empathy and gratitude—two important qualities that complete the picture of Thomas as a full person. 

3. BalanceS Humility and Pride, shows Determination

It can be tricky to strike the right tone in a college essay. On one hand, you’re being asked to highlight your successes and essentially convince the reader that you are an amazing person they would love to admit. On the other hand, you don’t want to come off as overconfident or bragging, which can be off-putting.

Thomas does a nice job in this essay of balancing his rightful pride in his accomplishments with a down-to-earth tone. He does this by mentioning times when he didn’t feel confident: his nerves about joining the stock market club at school, and the times he felt afraid or “defeated by obstacles.” This honesty goes a long way to show that Thomas is self-aware about his strengths and weaknesses and is willing to work for his successes—qualities that colleges are definitely interested in, but that don’t show up on a resume.

The Bottom Line

Remember that your college essay is your chance to bring your resume to life. You are much more than a list of activities and accomplishments, so show that! The essay is a great opportunity to focus on the relationships and emotions that make you you. 

If you’d like help with your college essay, we can help! From brainstorming ideas to the final proofread, Veridian Prep tutors demystify the process. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation,

Supplemental Essay Guides

Supplemental essays are additional pieces of writing required by many highly-selective universities, and they can be just as revealing and important as your personal statement. Read on for how-to guides with essay examples & analysis on tackling these essays for some of the most popular colleges and universities.

• Yale University

How to Combine Your College Essay Prompts (To Save 20+ Writing Hours)

I’ve developed a pretty simple, step-by-step process to help you see which essay prompts can overlap. Follow my lead and it may not only save you dozens of hours of writing, it could improve the quality of those essays.

The "Why This College" Essay

Seems pretty natural that a school wants to know why you chose them, right? Read this step-by-step guide on writing the infamous “Why Us” essay.

The "Extracurricular Activity" Essay

In this post, I’ll share some practical tips for how to write about your extracurricular involvement in your college essays.

The "Why X Major" Essay

Tons of colleges require a supplemental essay that asks something like, “Why did you choose your major?”

The Community Essay

These essays are a chance to say: “Here’s how I connect with folks in my community. And if accepted to your college, I’ll probably be active in getting involved with that same community and others on your college campus.”

the Short Answer Questions

Dive into eleven do's and dont's for how to ensure your short answer questions are doing their job of highlighting your genius, your experience, your talents, and your personality.

How to Write the Stanford Roommate Essay

This is a must read for anybody writing the Stanford roommate essay: included is an example essay, a detailed breakdown, helpful tips along the way, and a section on how to revise your essay too.

Sample Supplemental Essay for College Admissions: Why This College?

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

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

The essay prompt reads:

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

Sample Supplemental Essay

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

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

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

Understanding the Essay Prompt

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

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

From the Admissions Desk

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

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

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

A Critique of the Supplemental Essay

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

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

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

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

A Final Word About Supplemental Essays

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

• Sample Weak Supplemental Essay for Duke University
• Common Supplemental Essay Mistakes
• Short Answer Response on Working at Burger King
• Sample Short Answer Essay on Running
• The 2021-22 Common Application Essay Prompts
• Oberlin College: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics
• Reach School in College Admissions
• UC Essay Examples for the Personal Insight Questions
• Addressing Diversity in a College Application Essay
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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

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

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Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bishop’s university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, carnegie mellon university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of mount saint vincent 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, colorado school of mines 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, columbia university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, cornell university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, culver-stockton college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, d’youville university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, dartmouth college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, davidson college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, drexel university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, duke university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, earlham college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, elon university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, emerson college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, emory university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, flagler college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, fordham university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, george mason university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2023-24 essay prompt guide, georgia state university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , georgia tech 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, harvard university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, harvey mudd college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, indiana university bloomington 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, ithaca college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, johns hopkins university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, malone university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, manchester university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 2023-24 essay prompt guide, meredith college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, north park university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, northwestern university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, olin college of engineering 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, st. john’s college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of california 2023-24 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of north carolina (unc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of notre dame 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of san diego 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california (usc) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of texas at austin 2023-24 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington and lee university 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, washington university in st. louis 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, wellesley college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, williams college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide.

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

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

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What are supplemental essays and are they important?

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

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

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

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

How to write supplemental essays

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

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

Tips for writing supplemental essays

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

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

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

2022-23 supplemental essay prompts

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

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

Brown University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Columbia University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

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

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Dartmouth college supplemental essay prompt.

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

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

Duke University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Emory University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Harvard University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

MIT supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Princeton University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

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

What brings you joy? 

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

Stanford University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

UPenn supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Yale University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Supplemental essay examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key takeaways and moving forward

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

Frequently asked questions and answers

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

How important are supplemental essays?

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

How long should supplemental essays be?

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

Do supplemental essays change every year?

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

Are supplemental essays required?

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

Do all colleges have supplemental essays?

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

• December 14, 2022

Supplemental Essay Guide for 2022-23 Prompts

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Don’t Sweat the Supp Stuff: Advice for Crafting Your Supplemental Essay

It can feel daunting to choose what to write about in your college application essays. How do you sum up the complex, dynamic individual you are with such limited space? 

The short answer: You can’t. But that’s OK. 

The goal of your application is not to share every detail of your multifaceted life. Rather, the process allows you to share your story with the admissions committee about what makes you a strong match for the institution. Each piece of the application reveals something about your academic experiences and personal journey that shows us how you might contribute to the Hopkins community. 

In some ways, the essays help tie together the rest of the application. They offer space for you to tell stories that represent the most important parts of your identity, which provide context for other components of the application. 

Let’s zero in on the supplemental essay . 

The supplemental essay portion of the application is specific to each school. Each institution has intentionally crafted a question (or multiple) to help determine whether a student might be a good match. We look for individuals who share Hopkins’ institutional values but will also bring unique experiences and perspectives to the community.  

Below is the supplemental essay prompt for students applying for entry to Hopkins in the fall of 2024:  

Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, religion, community, etc.) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins. This can be a future goal or experience that is either academic, extracurricular, or social. (350-word limit) *

Picture your life in college. What does your community look like? Which aspects of your identity are most important for you to develop and nurture?  

Now jot down some thoughts about experiences or parts of your identity that have had a significant effect on your life. Maybe it’s a hobby you love, a cultural tradition, or an instance when you discovered something new about yourself. 

Once you have a list, think about how each of these will continue to play a role in your college life. Choose one to focus on and spend some time building it out. 

Keep in mind this essay is not an exercise in “tell us everything you know about Hopkins.” While it’s important for the admissions committee to see you’ve done your research and understand what Hopkins has to offer, simply listing what you hope to pursue on campus is only half of the puzzle. Be sure to connect the dots by explaining why you wish to pursue those things, and how they’ll help you remain connected to and grow in your identity. 

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas or crafting your essay, reach out to your school counselor or an English teacher. They can help you brainstorm and ensure your piece is answering the prompt in a meaningful way. 

Happy writing! 

* An important note about the essay: In this essay question, we are looking for how an aspect of your identity or background has contributed to your personal story—your character, values, perspectives, or skills—and how you think it may shape your approach to college as a scholar, leader, or community member.

Please note that the U.S. Supreme Court recently limited the consideration of race in college admissions decisions but specifically permitted consideration of “an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life” so long as the student is “treated based on his or her experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” Therefore, any part of your background, including but not limited to your race, may be discussed in your response to this essay if you so choose, but will be considered by the university based solely on how it has affected your life and your experiences as an individual.

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Personal statement/essay advice?

<p>Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (for example, scientific research) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, share any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles you have encountered in pursuit of your education and how you overcame them. (200-400 words)</p>

<p>Do you want to make this an interesting read, or literally just state everything you want to include?</p>

<p>Here is what I wrote:</p>

<p>As an undergraduate student at Indiana University, I hope to accomplish my goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant by earning an undergraduate accounting degree from the Kelley School of Business. One of my goals while on campus is to live in the Kelley LLC so I can meet people with similar passions for business and accounting. I am an excellent and self-motivated high school student, and I expect this to continue into college. My main academic goals while I am at IU are to enroll in the Hutton Honors College and Kelley Honors programs, along with getting the best grades that I possibly can. I am a very intelligent student, and learn best when surrounded by similarly intelligent people. I want to challenge myself academically, and help other students learn and grow in the process.</p>

<p>In addition to my academic goals of excelling in the classroom, joining Kelley Honors, and joining the Hutton Honors College, I plan to be active in many student activities outside the classroom. I was a First Team All-State doubles player for the Fishers High School tennis team last season, and I plan to play club tennis while at IU. I am also very interested in investing and becoming a better investor, so I plan to join an investment club. In addition to these activities, I plan to do other activities such as intramural sports, and join other student organizations that I could contribute to.</p>

<p>Finally, my career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant, and work at one of the Big Four accounting firms. I understand that the Kelley School of Business is very well respected and nationally recognized for its excellence. It is one of the many reasons why I want to go to IU. I know that I can contribute positively to Kelley, and work with other exceptional students to help each other succeed. These are all of my college goals that I currently have. I am sure that I will make and reach countless others while attending Indiana University. My family and I have been huge IU sports fans for a long time, and I have dreamed about attending IU for as long as I can remember. Please help me fulfill that dream. Thank you for reviewing this application and thank you for your time. </p>

<p>Also, an admissions rep came to my school and said that the essay isn’t a huge part of the admissions decision, but is more important in terms of scholarships. He said that a great essay will not get a poor student in, and you really have to screw up/not write the essay if you are a solid academic candidate.</p>

<p>thank you!</p>

<p>im unsure of my exact major so, do you think saying business is ok?</p>

<p>I am sure saying business would be fine. If you have some idea then you could just pick a major that you think you might choose but I doubt it matters. I think they are mainly just looking for writing skills </p>

<ol> <li><p>If you have even the slightest interest in pursuing Business as a major at IU, then put down Business so you’ll be considered for Direct Admission to Kelley. That is of course if you meet their minimum requirements.</p></li> <li><p>The personal statement quite frankly means VERY little to IU or any other big school with such high acceptance rates, so don’t sweat it. It appears only highly selective Ivy and Liberal Arts schools place a lot of emphasis on the essay these days, and even then it’s hard to tell how much.</p></li> </ol>

<p>If you meet the IU GPA and Test Score requirements, you’ll be lucky if anyone at IU actually reads your statement unless it’s for scholarships or some other “extra” reason beyond admission. If you’ve got good stats, you’re in unless your essay is a total disaster of typos and bad grammar.</p>

<p>Get a 30 ACT an you are in. But save your essay for later because it is good. A little more about “world view” and experience might be good.</p>

<p>sdddddddddddddddddddddd</p>

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Purdue Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

July 26, 2023

Purdue is a school where the non-scary acceptance rate figures are not truly indicative of just how competitive the admissions process actually is. This public land grant research university in Indiana is actually a draw for students from around the world—out-of-staters apply at three times the volume of Hoosier State residents. Highly renowned academic programs in areas such as computer science, engineering, and business are part of the reason that the average enrolled applicant attending Purdue today possesses an SAT of 1300+ and a 3.7 unweighted GPA. This brings us to the topic of the Purdue supplemental essays.

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

In a competitive admissions environment, Purdue’s essay prompts are viewed by the committee as being “important” to the evaluation process. Therefore, it is vital that all Boilermaker applicants dedicate a significant amount of time to these three essays. Below are Purdue University’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing winning essays.

Purdue University Essay Prompt #1 (Required)

1) How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (100 words)

Purdue’s essay may not directly ask the applicant, “Why Us?”, but make no mistake—this is very much a classic “Why Us?” essay. This one is going to require some research and you’ll need to be judicious with your language as the 100-word count can be a bit restrictive.

Examples of items that quality “Why Purdue?” essays touch upon include:

• Firstly, opportunities available through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Purdue has more than 30 study abroad programs .
• The 600 student organizations on campus.
• The Pathmaker Internship Program.
• Numerous combined degree opportunities for ambitious students.

Of course, these are just five out of countless features that could be part of a successful essay. You may also wish to address items like specific courses you are excited about, particular professors, or internship/co-op placements that you would aim to take advantage of.

Purdue Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Essay Prompt #2 (Required)

2) Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (100 words)

Share an authentic story here of why you are interested in your selected discipline. What books have you read on the subject? What documentaries have you watched? Which podcasts have you listened to? What subtopics most intrigue you? Did a teacher excite you about a topic or was it a parent or outside mentor? Do you know where you want to take this knowledge post-bachelor’s degree? Do you aim to one day go on to pursue a graduate/professional degree or is there an occupation you are shooting for right out of undergrad? Include as much detail as possible.

You can structure the narrative of this essay as a soup-to-nuts chronicling of your entire journey toward your discipline of interest (even in limited space) or you could share one or two vignettes that illustrate your burgeoning passion for engineering, history, French, computer science, business, psychology, etc.

Essay Prompt #3 

3): Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words)

This may say “optional” but this essay should be considered mandatory for all serious applicants. Unlike many “optional” essays that may or may not apply to you (e.g. COVID impact, gap in education, gender identity, etc.), just about every applicant has at least one extracurricular or work experience worth elaborating on.

With this prompt, Purdue is not necessarily asking you to write about the activity where you earned the most prestigious awards or held the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your activities in that section of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself which of your entries is crying out for more explanation and detail. Which one is closest to your heart and most representative of your unique passions? Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. For example, you may be a volunteer EMT and have compelling, drama-filled experiences to share.

Alternatively, you may have worked in a local restaurant and learned more about the lives of your undocumented coworkers. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in one of my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the Purdue admissions staff.

Essay Prompt #4 (Required if listing a second major)

4) Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the second choice major you have selected. (Respond in 100 words or fewer.)

See answer #2 re: your first-choice major. You are essentially repeating this process for a different field. However, you probably don’t want to have two completely unrelated majors/career goals. For example, if your first choice was business and your second choice was economics, it’s easy to explain the relationship. If the fields are more disparate (e.g. Dance & Chemical Engineering, be sure to provide a thorough explanation.

How important are the Purdue supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and three supplemental essays) are “important” to the Purdue admissions committee, given the same weight as recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, and first-generation status. This places the essays behind only GPA, standardized test scores, and the rigor of your secondary school record which are designated as “very important” by Purdue.

Purdue Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

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

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How to Write the Rice University Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/24/24

To get into Rice University, you’ll need to write an outstanding supplemental essay to help you stand out. Keep reading to learn how to write a response that will wow the admissions committee. 

A university that offers a world-class academic experience, like Rice University , is one of the top options for many students. While stellar grades and exceptional test scores are undoubtedly essential, they only scratch the surface of your story. 

That’s where your supplemental essays come in. They give you a unique opportunity to reveal the core of who you are, your passions, and the distinctive qualities that set you apart from other applicants. But, where do you start? How many essays do you have to write for your Rice application? What prompts do you have to choose from?

In this article, we’ll outline this year’s prompts and break down exactly how to write the Rice supplemental essays. Let’s get started!

Rice University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Here are the Rice University essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle: 

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. (150 word limit.)

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 word limit)

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:

• The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (500 word limit)
• Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? (500 word limit)

Prompt #4 - School of Architecture

Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? (250-word limit)

Prompt #5 - School of Architecture

Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that has inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects not accommodated by other prompts in the application. (250 word limit)

Prompt #6 - The Box

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you.

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for Rice University

Before you can write compelling essays, it’s important to make sure you understand the nuances of each prompt. In this section, we’ll analyze each one closely, and offer a few tips to help you craft thoughtful and impactful responses that align with Rice’s expectations.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : For this prompt, you’ll be required to reflect on the reasons behind your academic interests. The admissions committee wants to understand why these fields resonate with you, how they align with your goals, and what unique perspectives or experiences you’ll bring to them. 

Before you start writing your response to this prompt, keep these tips in mind:

• Reflect on Your Experiences : Consider moments in your life that sparked your curiosity or influenced your academic interests and aspirations. This reflection will help you convey a genuine and compelling narrative about why these academic fields are significant to you.
• Connect to Future Goals : Whether you envision a specific career path, research interest, or societal impact, clearly articulate how your chosen field aligns with your future goals and ambitions. Admissions officers are interested in understanding not just what you want to study, but also how these studies will contribute to your broader academic and professional journey.
• Show Enthusiasm : Demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and engaging with your chosen fields. Highlight specific courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or unique aspects of Rice’s program that attracted you. Expressing genuine excitement will help convey your motivation and commitment to making the most of the educational opportunities available to you.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #2 : This prompt essentially asks for a "Why Rice University" essay . To write an effective response, you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of the university and articulate how its resources align with your academic and extracurricular interests. 

• Do Your Research : Conduct in-depth research about Rice University, focusing on its academic programs, faculty, research opportunities, and campus culture. Identify specific elements that resonate with you and align with your academic and personal goals. The more detailed and tailored your response, the more compelling your essay will be.
• Connect Personal Experiences : Incorporate personal experiences from high school that directly relate to the resources and characteristics you admire at Rice. Whether it's a particular class, extracurricular activity, or project, illustrating how Rice can build on these experiences adds a personal touch and strengthens your argument for why the university is an ideal fit for your educational journey.
• Be Concise and Specific : Given the 150-word limit, avoid making general statements and instead focus on a few key aspects that truly stand out to you. Use concrete examples and concise language to convey why Rice is uniquely appealing. Make every word count while illustrating your genuine connection to the university.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #3-1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3-1 : This prompt invites you to explore how your life experiences and unique perspectives will contribute to the Residential College System, which is a central aspect of student life at Rice. 

Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of your background, culture, or personal experiences that will contribute positively to the broader Rice community, emphasizing your potential impact on campus culture and engagement within the residential setting.

• Identify Unique Experiences : Begin by reflecting on your own life experiences, cultural background, and unique perspectives. Identify specific aspects of your identity that you believe are valuable and can contribute positively to a communal living environment. Use concrete examples to illustrate how these experiences have shaped your worldview and can enhance the Residential College System.
• Research the Residential College System : Familiarize yourself with Rice’s Residential College System . Understand its cultural traditions, values, and the type of community it aims to foster. Tailor your response to align with these aspects, demonstrating a clear understanding of how your contributions will complement and enrich the existing fabric of the residential colleges.
• Connect Your Perspective to Collaboration : Emphasize how your unique life perspective fosters collaboration and community building. Discuss specific ways you intend to contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment. Be sure to also acknowledge the importance of interaction, shared experiences, and mutual respect among fellow Owls in the Residential College System.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #3-2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3-2 : This Rice supplement essay prompts you to reveal the influences from your background that have shaped your worldview. Beyond providing a narrative of your experiences, focus on extracting life lessons learned and convey how you aspire to leverage these insights as a change agent at Rice University. 

The prompt encourages you to not only share your personal journey but also to connect it explicitly to your vision for contributing to Rice's diverse community of learning and fostering positive change across various spheres.

• Consider Diverse Influences : Take time to evaluate the various elements of your background, such as previous schools, geographic community, religious background, and work experiences. Identify specific instances or aspects that have significantly shaped your perspective. Don’t hesitate to consider both positive and challenging experiences, as they can contribute to a nuanced understanding of your worldview.
• Extract Life Lessons : Go beyond narrating experiences and focus on extracting meaningful life lessons from them. Discuss how these lessons have influenced your values, aspirations, and commitment to positive change. Connecting your experiences to the qualities of a change agent will help you convey a deeper understanding of your personal growth and potential contributions to Rice.
• Relate Back to Rice's Values : Familiarize yourself with Rice University's values and commitment to producing leaders and change agents. Tailor your response to reflect how your unique background perspectives align with these values, showcasing your readiness to actively contribute to Rice's diverse community and further enhance its legacy of producing impactful leaders.

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #4 : This Rice supplement essay prompt asks you to explain why you want to study architecture and, more specifically, your motivations for applying to Rice University's School of Architecture. It will require you to offer insights into your past experiences that have influenced your passion for the field. 

• Highlight Unique Aspects of Rice's School of Architecture : Make sure to delve into the specific features of Rice's School of Architecture that attract you. Whether it's a unique curriculum, faculty members, collaborative projects, or the school's philosophy, demonstrating a deep understanding of what sets Rice apart will strengthen your response.
• Seamlessly I ntegrate Personal Experiences : Rather than listing experiences, seamlessly weave them into your narrative. Discuss specific moments or challenges that ignited your passion for architecture, making sure they are intricately connected to your decision to apply to Rice. 

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #5 + Analysis and Tips 

Analysis of Prompt #5 : This prompt encourages a more personal and nuanced exploration of your motivation to study architecture, allowing you to showcase unique facets of your character and experiences that may not be evident from your academic record alone. 

It specifically directs you to focus on aspects not covered by other prompts in the application. In essence, the admissions committee is looking for a more holistic understanding of your passion for architecture.

• Select Unique Experiences : Choose experiences that truly stand out and have had a profound impact on your interest in architecture. Avoid common or generic narratives, and instead, focus on specific moments or activities that have shaped your perspective in a distinctive way.
• Highlight Your Architectural Values : Showcase how the values or principles you've gained from your non-academic experiences align with the core values of architecture. Whether it's creativity, community engagement, sustainability, or another aspect, linking your personal values to the broader field of architecture will demonstrate a thoughtful and holistic approach to your chosen discipline.

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #6 + Analysis and Tips 

While this isn’t a traditional prompt, this option gives students another chance to showcase their personality, creativity, and interests. Keep these tips in mind for “The Box”:

• Choose an Image Carefully : Select an image that not only visually appeals to you but also holds personal significance, reflecting aspects of your identity, experiences, or values.
• Complement Other Essays : Use “The Box” as a supplementary tool to enhance your narrative. Ensure that the image contributes to, rather than detracts from, the cohesive and comprehensive picture presented in your other required essays.

Examples of Rice University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Now that we’ve discussed how to write the Rice supplemental essay, let’s take a look at a few essay samples that were written by successful applicants. Reviewing these Rice University essay examples can help inspire your own responses. 

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected.”

“I got a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) diagnosis from doctors after I had terrible nausea and stomach discomfort for two years. I looked through every relevant book to understand the connection between physical and mental wellness. I therefore sought an internship at the neighborhood counseling center to increase my understanding of GAD.

Sincerely, I'd like to know how mental health impacts individuals. More than anything else, it intrigues me.

After conducting interviews with registered nurses, certified professional counselors, and psychiatrists, my goal is to earn a Ph.D. and work as a psychology professor. Researching the causes and therapies for mental health issues and adding to the larger body of information to educate and assist future generations seems to be the most exciting thing there is. (129 words)”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay effectively addresses the Rice University essay requirements by weaving a personal struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder into a genuine academic interest in mental health. 

The writer's internship demonstrates practical engagement and aligns with their goal of earning a PhD and becoming a psychology professor. The essay is concise, showcasing a clear and impactful connection between personal experiences and academic pursuits at Rice.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?”

“My academic interests have made undergraduate research opportunities my top priority. Recently, I developed an interest in classical literature. I was on a trip to Greece two summers ago. There, I discovered more about Athens than the religious stories. 

Rice also has an environment that sponsors unrestrained historical curiosity. I can broaden my knowledge by taking the course which teaches the literary culture of the Roman Republic and Greek tragedy. My research interests will improve as Rice University receives a landmark $100 million gift from the Moody Foundation. 

At Rice, I can study abroad. A trip with my colleagues to different countries will strengthen our bond. I recall a similar trip at high school where we went to different countries for literary debates. (126 words)”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay succeeds by aligning the writer's recent interest in classical literature, sparked during a trip to Greece, with specific aspects of Rice University's academic environment. Mentioning courses and a generous donation from the Moody Foundation demonstrates a well-researched understanding of Rice's offerings. 

It also effectively integrates the appeal of studying abroad at Rice, linking it to the writer's high school experience and emphasizing the potential for building meaningful connections with fellow students.

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : "Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?"  

“When I read princess stories as a child, I always preferred fiery breath and sharp teeth to beautiful robes and gallant knights. I dreamed of studying dragons with Ernest Drake while I was growing up and reading his Dragonology handbooks over and over. I have doodled wings and toothy grins in the margins of my middle school and recent math notes. My goals these days involve less winged lizards, but I still draw inspiration from the weird and extraordinary.

Children are given red envelopes with money inside that are embellished with Chinese characters or symbols during Chinese New Year as a lucky charm. There was nothing like the dragons I found curled up on mine from traditional fairy tales. Eastern and Western dragons don't appear to be similar at first. Dragons are associated with flaming destruction and formidable obstacles in the Western world. They stand for the arrival of prosperity and restorative rain in the east. Nonetheless, dragons were thought to be extremely powerful, intelligent, and wealthy in both societies. I frequently find it difficult to reconcile the two parts of my cultural identity as a Chinese American. But I can support the kindness of Chinese dragons with the might of European ones if I embrace the principles I most respect from either viewpoint.

I've drawn more dragons than I want to admit over the years, from digital prints to crayon drawings. I experimented with body form as my drawing abilities developed, pulling influence from animal anatomy; some were constructed like bears, while others were like birds. I started to wonder if dragons could really be living things. As I advanced through school, applying realism to dragons and later other mythical components became a favorite pastime and became increasingly intricate. Whether I was working on the physics of flight, designing a cladogram for dragons, or considering how fire is produced physiologically, I discovered that delving into the science of fantasy improved my comprehension of the fields and inspired me to use science to do the extraordinary. 

The taser, cell phone, and submersible are just a few of the most inventive innovations that owe their origins to science fiction and works by Jules Verne. Refusing to shrink from the impractical or ridiculous, I want to infuse my work with new life and inspire others. I want to explore areas of science fiction that are ripe with technological advancements, like artificial intelligence, but I also want to push myself to explore unfamiliar territory. With the spirit of a dragon, I will at Rice University embrace the customs of whichever residential college I attend. I can broaden my horizons and improve my community while trying out for improv groups, participating in Doerr Institute leadership initiatives, or just screaming along with my roommates on karaoke nights. (467 words)”

Why Essay #3 Worked

The writer cleverly connects their childhood passion for dragons and Chinese New Year traditions to a broader commitment to merging science with fantasy. They express their desire to infuse creativity into science, which also aligns this passion with Rice’s innovative community. 

Making specific references to Rice activities demonstrates their enthusiasm for the university's ethos. This essay effectively blends the writer’s personal experiences with aspirations to contribute to Rice's diverse and impactful academic environment.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

If you found these essays helpful and would like to read a few more samples, check out our extensive supplement essay database.

FAQs: How to Write the Rice University Supplemental Essays

This guide is extensive in that it explains each prompt clearly. In case you have more questions, here are some frequently asked questions on how to write the Rice University supplemental essay.

1. How Many Supplemental Essays Does Rice Have?

Rice University typically requires three supplemental essays as part of the application process.

2. Should I Address Any Weaknesses or Gaps in My Application in the Rice Essay?

Only address weaknesses or gaps in your application if they are significant and relevant. Make sure to provide context and focus on what you've learned or overcome. Keep it concise, maintain a positive tone, and, if possible, use an optional essay section for this purpose.

3. Is There a Specific Format I Should Follow for My Rice Essay?

While Rice doesn’t outline a specific format for its essays, make sure to structure your responses with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure to also pay close attention to the specified word limits for each essay and directly address your chosen prompts.

4. How Can I Make My Supplemental Essay for Rice Stand Out?

To make your Rice supplemental essay stand out, share a specific, personal story that reflects your values, connect it to your academic goals at Rice, and highlight how you can contribute to the university's community. 

Be specific about Rice's programs and culture that appeal to you, show that you've researched the university, and write in an engaging, authentic style. 

Final Thoughts

If you seek to combine an intentional community experience with a top-notch education in a distinctive setting, Rice University is a great choice. Even though the admission process is quite competitive, this guide on how to write the Rice University supplemental essay simplifies your process. Good luck!

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