merrimack college supplemental essays

Merrimack College

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Merrimack College?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Merrimack College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Merrimack College Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Merrimack College's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Merrimack College and build a strong application.

School location: North Andover, MA

Admissions Rate: 74.6%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Merrimack College is 74.6% . For every 100 applicants, 75 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet Merrimack College's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Merrimack College GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.45

The average GPA at Merrimack College is 3.45 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.45, Merrimack College requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.45, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Merrimack College considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

We don't have information about their SAT or ACT score requirements, and so we highly recommend that you contact this school to try to learn more about what they're looking for in an applicant.

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Merrimack College here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee No fee required for domestic applicants
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes First quarter senior grades required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies
• Electives 5

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes August 1 January 1
• Yes November 15 February 15
• Yes November 15 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 315 North Andover, MA 01845-5800
• Phone: (978) 837-5000 x5000
• Fax: (978) 837-5222
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Merrimack College, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Merrimack College.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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MERRIMACK COLLEGE MCQUADE LIBRARY

Eng 1050 - introduction to college writing.

• What type of source do I need?
• Research Skills
• Find Ebooks
• Find Articles
• Evaluate Sources
• Academic Integrity

ENG1050 Research Learning Objectives

Throughout your ENG1050 experience, you will:

• Learn how to identify and locate appropriate information sources suitable for college-level research
• Learn how to develop effective searches to gather information about a topic
• Learn how to think critically about information and evaluate sources

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

1) Review this entire course guide by browsing the blue tabs on the left menu!  There is a lot of helpful information that will assist you through the research process and show you how to use the many resources that McQuade Library provides.  Go through each of the blue tabs on the left side of this page.  Pages have videos and supplemental information to help you learn.

2) Watch these video! Here's a fun potwoon video all about McQuade's Research Center.  It explains how a librarian can help you with your paper.

3) Make a copy of this google doc

Go to File -> Make a Copy

4)  Fill out activity and share it via google docs with both your Professor and a Librarian [email protected] to get credit for completing this exercise. Tip: You may want to  change the font from blue to black so we can clearly see your answers.

This activity is aimed to give you practice searching the library's search tools.  Use the topic you will be researching for your paper and then fill out this activity. 

We don't want this to be a stressful activity!  If you have questions relating to the activity or if you get stuck, please use the chat box to chat with a McQuade Librarian or email librarian Lyena Chavez. 

Online Resources

How can I access McQuade’s Library Resources online?

To access McQuade's online resources, it is best to find resources through the library's website . Here off-campus users will be taken through the library's authentication/proxy system and be asked to enter their Merrimack username and password, the same you would use for MyMack or Blackboard. 

If you have problems contact a librarian by emailing [email protected]   or if open, use the Chat box at the library's homepage or on most research guides.

• Next: Get Started >>
• Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 12:13 PM
• URL: https://libguides.merrimack.edu/ENG1050

How to Write a Supplemental Essay for College Applications

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

Getty Images

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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How to Write the Most Common Supplemental College Essays: A Complete Guide

Note: This post focuses on supplemental essays. If you want advice on the Common App prompts, check out our guide to the Common App essays .

Your grades are in, your test scores have been sent, and recommendation letters have been uploaded…but there’s one last component of your college applications left: the essays. For many students, essays are the final and most daunting hurdle to clear before hitting submit.

Your essays, however, are your opportunity to tell admissions officers how you want them to remember you. Maybe you didn’t do so well on the SAT, or maybe you got a lower grade than you hoped for in Honors Chemistry, but you can’t change your grades or scores.

The essays, however, are entirely in your control. There is so much freedom to tell your story and what makes you unique. Our mission at CollegeVine is to make the essay-writing as stress-free as possible. Read on for our tips and tricks on writing a college essay that will give you the best chance at getting that thick envelope!

Content overview:

• Why this college?
• Why this major?
• Elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience.
• Discuss a community you belong to that has impacted who you are today.
• Crafting the essay
• Avoiding pitfalls

Want to learn more about Supplemental Essays? Check out one of our popular recorded live streams on this topic.

Common Types of College Essays

Colleges will find a hundred different ways to ask a question, but most of the time, the prompt boils down to one of the following common essay themes.

Common Essay #1: Why this college?

Students’ most common mistake on a “Why this college?” essay is lack of specificity; in particular, some students will list attributes that can apply to multiple schools, which is what you want to avoid at all costs.

When it comes to a “Why this college?” essay, you need to discuss qualities and programs specific to that school. It is not enough to merely list or name-drop, however. Instead, talk about why this item is important to you. Here’s how this plays out:

What not to do:

I want to go to the University of Southern California because it is a highly ranked school in Los Angeles. In addition, I like its Cosmic Writers Club, as well as the Incubate USC program. I am especially excited about the abundant film resources.

Why the previous response doesn’t work:

There are many reasons you want to avoid a response like this. Let’s start with the first sentence: replace the school’s name with UCLA and the accuracy doesn’t suffer. What this means is that the sentence is not specific enough to USC. In addition, you never want to state, or even imply, that you’re applying to a school due to prestige or ranking.

The exception for the previous rule is if a school is ranked highly for a specific program of interest. For example, if you want to pursue creative writing and a school has the number one creative writing program in the country, you can mention this because it is a quality specific to that school. A school’s overall prestige, however, should not be mentioned in your essay.

Why else doesn’t this response work? Let’s look at the second sentence. The writer does well to mention specific programs within USC. However, the response fails to discuss why they liked these programs or how they would benefit from having access to them.

What to write instead:

As someone with a lasting love for writing and a blossoming passion for entrepreneurship, I was so excited to find a large urban school like the University of Southern California that would give me the resources to pursue both. From classes with award-winning authors—amongst them Professor T. Boyle, whose environmental fiction works are similar to those I hope to someday publish—to clubs like the Cosmic Writers Club, which unites author hopefuls, USC offers more resources than I could ever exhaust in my journey to publish my first book.

On the business side, USC is known for fostering the type of creativity and innovation needed in pursuing start-ups. In particular, I was so excited to learn of the Incubate USC program, a unique mothership of ideas that nurtures the creativity of students. With the help of this program, I would be able to pursue my growing interest in the world of start-up ventures.

Why the previous response works:

This response not only mentions programs and resources specific to USC, but it shows how the student would take advantage of these opportunities. In addition, this response portrays passion and ambition, infusing elements of the student’s personality while still staying focused on answering the prompt.

Other things to keep in mind:

• The first time you say the school’s name, you should write it out. After that, you can abbreviate.
• Avoid writing what every other applicant is going to write. For example, every NYU applicant is going to mention NYU’s location in New York City. Unless you have a unique twist on this, you should skip it.
• Don’t mention frivolous things like dorms or dining halls. Your reasons for liking a school should be more substantial.
• Do your research. For example, don’t say you’ve always wanted to go to a city if you’re writing an essay for a rural school.
• Do not copy and paste your “Why this college?” essay and simply change the school name. Many non-Harvard admissions officers have received essays from students about why they want to go to Harvard. If your “Why this college?” essay is so general that you can copy and paste it, your reasoning will not impress admissions officers.

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the “Why this college?” essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay #2: Why this major? 

One of the most important things to remember is that admissions officers are not looking for a résumé. This is not to say you can’t discuss your activities and how they culminated a passion for a specific major. The challenge, however, is to use these activities to tell a story rather than a mere list of achievements.

How do you do this? Share your thought processes. Many times it is the thoughts surrounding an activity more than the activity itself that will show the reader your journey to choosing a major.

Other tips:

• Don’t ever say that your reason for choosing a major is money-making potential. If you want to mention life beyond college, then talk about how this major will help you achieve your dreams. If your dream is to produce a feature-length film and a film major will help you get there, say that. But don’t say your dream is to be a rich film producer.
• Undeclared? That’s totally okay. Just be sure to list a couple potential majors, and explain your interest in those. Under no circumstances should you say you have absolutely no idea, as that will make you look like you don’t care. For more tips, see our post on how to write the “Why this major?” essay if you’re undecided .

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the “Why this major?” essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay 3: Elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience.

Is there an activity or work experience in your application that you have more to say about? Maybe there’s a story behind it that you want to tell. Some questions to consider are:

• How did you become interested in this extracurricular?
• What is your role in the activity or work experience?
• Why do you do it?
• Have you experienced growth within the activity over time?

There are endless angles you can pursue here, but your essay should, in short, show your motivation behind participating in a certain activity or job.

What you don’t want to do, however, is simply restate something that’s been said elsewhere. If you have already spotlighted an activity in another essay for a given college, don’t write about the same activity. Your goal here is to share new information and your breadth of experiences.

As with the “Why Major?” prompt, it is more powerful to share a story with the reader rather than to detail the activity itself.

For more tips on writing this essay, see our complete guide to the Extracurricular Activity essay , including a real sample essay.

Common Essay 4: Discuss a community you belong to that has impacted who you are today.

“Community” can mean many things, so there are many possible approaches to this prompt. Some applicants respond with a community they’re linked to through culture, and others through sports or a club.

One thing you can emphasize is personal growth—or other aspects of who you are as a person—that has come from belonging to this community. The majority of the essay should, in fact, center around how being part of this group has changed or impacted who you are as a person.

What to avoid:

• Do not discriminate against other communities in your response.
• Try not to talk about your community in broad terms, but instead focus on your place within this community.
• Avoid using the essay as a chance to complain. If you choose to talk about challenges in a certain community, find a way to give your essay a sense of resolution. This can consist even of talking about how you’ve grown as a person or learned how to confront these obstacles in a productive way.

Writing the Essay

Phase 1: ideation.

Highlights of this section:

• Thinking of an idea
• Portraying individuality
• Staying true to yourself
• General tips and tricks

Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common types of essay prompts, let’s dive into the ideation process. Here are some questions that it’s good to ask yourself when you’re just starting out, particularly when the prompt deviates from the more straightforward archetypes above:

• What makes you unique?
• What is your story?
• Is there something you weren’t able to say in your application that you think admissions officers should know?
• Did you mention something earlier in your application that you want to elaborate on?

Remember that your essays, and application in general, should read like a portfolio in which all components are complementary without being redundant. If the application is like a drawing, then the essays should contribute to creating one coherent image without sketching the same line more than once or leaving gaps in the drawing.

Don’t shy away from being quirky! The more you present yourself as your own unique person, the more likely the admissions officer is to remember you. Take the following cases, for instance:

• A football player who scores a winning touchdown in the last five seconds of the game.
• A football player who knits scarves for residents of a retirement home in his free time.

In the first case, telling this story doesn’t do anything to differentiate this football player from others. However, the second story portrays a unique student with two interests the reader might not otherwise have paired together. Individuality is the goal here.

Of course, don’t exaggerate , lie, or pretend to be someone you’re not. In particular, don’t write something just because you think the admissions officer wants to hear it. They have read enough applications to separate the genuine voices from the insincere. As such, your only job is to put your true self on the page!

Here are some other things to keep in mind while brainstorming college essay topics:

• Narratives will always be more successful because they engage the reader emotionally. They are also an easy way to demonstrate how you’ve changed and grown over time.
• If you have already emphasized something in your application, don’t dedicate an essay to it unless can share an entirely new perspective. When in doubt, choose a new topic.
• Your essay doesn’t have to be about something rare and incredible. You don’t have to have started a company or traveled the world to write a solid essay. In fact, some of the strongest essays have taken a simple, perhaps even everyday occurrence, and portrayed it in a beautiful way that shows a unique way of thinking.
• Be sure to answer all aspects of the prompt while still giving the reader insight into who you are. It’s very easy to speak about some topics in third-person or broad terms (example: “What is your idea of success?”). Don’t do this. Instead, find a way to link the prompt to your own life.

Overall, think of the essays as a way to let the admissions officer get to know you on a personal level. Humanize yourself.

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Phase 2: Crafting the Essay

• Show, don’t tell.
• Perfecting the first and last sentence
• What does the essay say about me?

You have likely heard this next tip a hundred times throughout high school, but it’s vital to writing a strong essay: show, don’t tell . The whole point of essays is to give insight into who you are and how you think. Can you effectively do that if you’re merely listing off things that happened? Nope. Let’s take a lot at two examples:

• An example of telling: The cat ran out the door, and I got scared.
• An example of showing: The doorbell rang, accompanied by the creak of the mailbox as the mailman slipped the day’s envelopes inside. I ran downstairs and threw the door open, knowing today was the day I was going to hear back. My excitement made me oblivious, though, and it wasn’t until I saw a blur of dark fur dash through the open door that I realized my mistake.

The second example takes the facts and turns it into a story. It gives the reader a sense of anticipation as well as a character to identify with and root for. That’s what “show, don’t tell” does for your essay.

Now let’s talk about the two most important parts of your essay: the first sentence and the last sentence.

Your first sentence’s job is to hook the reader. Aim for a first sentence that surprises, even slightly jars, the reader to wake them up and get their full focus on your essay. Here are some examples:

• It wasn’t supposed to be blue.
• Was the car meant to sound like that?

In both cases, the writer has intentionally withheld information, providing just enough to leave the reader wanting to know the rest of the story. What isn’t supposed to be blue? What happens next?

As for the last sentence, its job is to resolve the essay, leaving the reader with a sense of peace and finality. Give the reader one last great impression to remember you by. Here’s an example:

“I’ve learned to hold my failures close; not so close that they burden me, per say, but just

close enough that they can guide me as I journey onward.”

This sentence works because it gives the reader a sense that, though the story continues on in the form of the narrator’s ongoing journey, the story on the page has been resolved. It feels peaceful.

Now then, after you’ve completed your first draft, the next thing you want to do is ask yourself the following question : What three things about me can the reader get from reading this essay? If you’re having trouble answering this question, then the essay needs to share more about you. Otherwise, you’re ready for revision!

Phase 3: Revision

• Careless errors
• Staying under the word limit
• Getting a second opinion

You’ve done the hard work. You came up with a brilliant idea and poured your heart and soul into the writing. Now comes the tedious part: revision.

Most importantly, college essays need to be absolutely devoid of grammatical or spelling mistakes . You don’t want to give your admissions officer the impression that you didn’t care enough to proofread, especially after all of your hard work.

Another aspect that tends to frustrate students is the word limit. If you’ve made it under the word limit, great! If not, here are some methods of cutting down.

• Example: In visiting your campus, it occurred to me that the method with which you schedule your classes is ideal because…
• This can be cut down to: The way you schedule your classes is ideal because…
• Most times phrases such as “I think,” “I believe,” “it seems,” and other similar wording is not necessary and simply takes up extra space. Use your judgement, but generally, these phrases get the boot.
• Keep an eye out for the word “that.” This can almost always be cut.
• If you use a long hyphen (—), no space is needed between words. This will bring your word count down. Don’t get too hyphen happy, though!

If the above tips are not enough to get you below the word limit,  you may need to remove entire paragraphs. If a paragraph does not drive the story forward, or is unnecessary in understanding the progression of the story, you may want to remove it.

Once your essay is mistake-free and below the word limit, your next task is to send it to at least three trusted individuals. Ask them the following questions to guide their suggestions:

• Does it make sense?
• Does it sound like me?
• What does it say about me? (Check that this aligns with what you want it to say about you).

Take note of their responses and decide what changes you want to implement. Be receptive, but remember to stay true to yourself and your vision.

Avoiding Pitfalls:

• Avoid discussion of taboo subjects or things that can be perceived as controversial. Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you don’t want to chance saying something controversial that your reader might disagree with.
• Never appear discriminatory in any way. Colleges tend to be vastly left-wing and progressive.
• Don’t turn in work that isn’t your own. When does accepting another person’s edits become plagiarism? If they are rewriting entire sentences in their own words, it is no longer your own work.
• Avoid clichés! It is okay to write about a common experience (like a sports injury or service trip), but only if you have a unique take on them. Don’t write on a popular topic if you will simply describe the same lesson that everyone else learned.
• Don’t write your essay directly into the application text box or it may not save your work. Write it in a separate document and copy and paste it later. Then, double check that the format is correct.

At the end of the day, your essays should just leave the reader thinking: I want to have a conversation with this student. You want to show that you’re an multifaceted, mature person with an interesting story to tell. At CollegeVine, we’re rooting for you all the way—go get writing!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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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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How to Tackle College-Specific Supplemental Essays

This article discusses college-specific supplemental essays. You can read our guide to acing the Common Application personal essay here!

If you’ve put the finishing touches on your Common Application personal essay, you might be looking ahead to supplements. You also might be absolutely dreading writing them, because why do you have to write so many more essays?

Good news: they don’t have to be so hard! Supplemental essays are typically short in length requirement—you might encounter prompts with word limits ranging from 150 to 400. Many schools require them, and many don’t, so you have some flexibility as to whether or not you’ll be writing extra.

Colleges often use their supplemental essays as a way to find out more about you beyond your grades, scores, and activity list. They are also able to gauge your intent—what you plan to study and why, for instance. So, these essays are your chance to really bring your A-game. Below, find our tips on how.

Make sure your supplement reveals something about you.

Many prompts will ask you to describe an extracurricular activity in which you were involved. It’s easy to pick the most impressive thing you’ve accomplished or the club in which you had the highest leadership position, but make sure that your descriptions also tell us about you! Pick activities that highlight your best qualities. For example, being part of an art club might be something you view as insignificant, but you can actually use that to showcase your organization, attention to detail, and observational skills.

When discussing your activities, write with lively detail.

This shouldn’t read like a resume or a LinkedIn profile—don’t simply list your duties. Paint a vivid picture of a day in your club or sport. If you were involved with the debate team, don’t just tell us that you were responsible for researching and writing arguments—show us what that looked like. Were you up late, scanning sources? What did it feel like to debate your opponent? How does it feel to win?

Try to highlight something that you haven’t yet discussed.

If you already talked about the summer program that inspired you to choose your major in a different essay, now is the time to spice it up. Different parts of your application will showcase different parts of your personality. This means, too, that you don’t always have to discuss an impressive activity. Sometimes, there will be questions about what your favorite movie or book is. Use these to flesh out the image of yourself as a real human with real interests, not just another applicant.

If a school asks you why you want to go there, do your research.

“The programs and opportunities offered at X school are so intriguing to me!” is far too vague—be specific. Admissions officers are seeking students who are passionate about the school. They want to know that you want to be at X school, and they want to know exactly how you’re going to make use of your time there. Take it beyond major and career interest, too—if your school is strong in the health sciences and you’re hoping to pursue a pre-medical track, don’t just say “X school is amazing at health.” Look up professors who lecture in your department. Have they done any research that you’re interested in? Mention that! Or maybe you’re a writer, and one of the English professors wrote a book you love—talk about it. Writing about specific coursework or aspects of the curriculum that appeal to you can be quite effective, too; tell them how excited you’d be to explore the liberal arts through the core curriculum.

We also recommend researching and mentioning school-specific opportunities that you can’t find elsewhere. If the school offers a unique semester-abroad program, for instance, discuss how you wouldn’t be able to pursue that dream at a different college. And finally, talking about campus life can be the icing on the cake. Mention a weird tradition in which you’d love to be involved; describe how you can’t wait to cheer on a sports team and experience that game-day environment.

Approach personalization carefully.

It can be tempting to write one short essay about an extracurricular activity, throw in a sentence about how you’re “excited to pursue X activity at X school”, and then swap out different school names for different applications. But we strongly advise against this. Why? It might be a time-saver, but your lack of effort will show through. You’re much better off doing a bit of research than lazily slapping on one half-hearted sentence. Plus, doing this means you run the risk of accidentally sending an essay with another school’s name in it—if Penn State receives your Pitt essay, you’re definitely not getting in.

Most of all, have fun with it.

Of course, this is much easier said than done. Writing countless essays doesn’t sound fun. But it can be a way to dive deeper, to explore what you’re interested in pursuing at different colleges. It can also be an opportunity to figure out what values and qualities you appreciate most about yourself. Take these supplements as a chance to brag a little. Celebrate yourself and your hard work—you deserve it!

Author: Julianna Chen

Julianna Chen is currently in her second year at Emory University, where she studies creative writing and Chinese. She is the managing editor of Lithium Magazine and a contributing writer for Adolescent.net. When not writing, she is watching a movie or eating a stroopwafel, sometimes both at the same time.

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List of Supplemental Essays Required By Top Colleges

By Michaela • October 31, 2021 • College Application Early Admission

Looking for a quick reference to the essays required by the colleges on your list? Check out our list of supplemental essays required by many of the top colleges students apply to each year. If you need help with these essays schedule a meeting with one of our essay coaches today!

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• Undergraduate Admission /
• Applying to Villanova /
• First-Year Writing Supplement

VILLANOVA FIRST-YEAR WRITING SUPPLEMENTS

The Office of Undergraduate Admission seeks applicants with characteristics that reflect our three core values: Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity) and Caritas (Love). These values define us as Villanovans. They are indelibly printed on our University seal and are a clear indication of our Augustinian identity.

At Villanova, we view our writing supplements as a unique opportunity for students to move beyond the transcript and introduce the individual behind the application. Villanova requires applicants to submit both their Common Application essay and  two short Villanova Writing Supplements . The two supplemental responses must be different from the response shared in the Common Application essay section.

Writing Supplement #1: Villanova Free Choice (2023-24)

For the first Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the four topics below and submit a written response in  about  250 words.

Prompt One: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities? 

Prompt Two: As an Augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.

Prompt Three: In the Villanova community, we learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others? 

Prompt Four: At Villanova, we often say "each of us strengthens all of us." In a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others? 

Writing Supplement #2: Why Villanova? (2023-24)

Prompt: Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and become part of our community? 

Please respond in  about 150 words.

Common Application Essay

Please also submit the essay of your choice from the 2023-24 Common Application Essay Prompts .

Important Note

The Admission Committee expects that each writing supplement be the original work of the applicant, unaided by artificial intelligence. Those found to be submitting writing that is not their own may be denied or have their admission rescinded.

To alleviate the stress and anxiety surrounding the composition of your writing supplements, please consider these tips. We hope they may help guide you as you craft your responses!

Speak Your Truth

Every person has a story to tell. We want to know yours! Your writing supplements are a window into your truest self. Share what makes you unique and express yourself authentically.

This should be fun! Most of your application is largely unchanging. Parts of high school may or may not have gone as planned, but your writing supplements are something you are creating from scratch. When done well, it can show your personality and character. Embrace that!

Make your words count and worry less about counting your words

There are no right or wrong answers.

The questions we craft are done with the intent of getting to know you. There is no magic formula or secret code. We are looking for you to think critically and give us insight to add to your application.

Seriously proofread and proofread seriously

A well-crafted response is usually the product of many revisions. Please review your content and edit your work before you submit it for consideration. You may be surprised to learn how often we come across avoidable typos or grammatical errors. We know you are eager to complete your application, but taking a little extra time to check your work can go a long way!

Ask for a second opinion, not a rewrite

It can be helpful to ask someone to read over your writing to make sure everything makes sense, but also keep in mind that this needs to be your voice. While any suggested improvements can help serve as some guidance, they should not completely change the original content.

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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  

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NEWS & EVENTS

Merrimack college celebrates best of student, campus involvement.

• April 26, 2024
• By: Joseph O'Connell

Over the 2023-24 academic year, Merrimack College’s student organizations, student leaders and Office of Student Affairs staff hosted more than 1,000 events, averaging out to about four every day.

And that commitment to involvement, service and the campus community was once again celebrated at the College’s annual L.E.A.D. Awards on Wednesday, April 24, the Rogers Center for the Arts . More than 500 people attended the event to celebrate the students and organizations that made impactful contributions to the campus and surrounding communities of the past academic year.

“What makes Merrimack truly special is our community and the spirit, talent and dedication of our students,” said Sarah Dionne , associate dean of health and wellness in her opening remarks. “And that’s why we’re gathered here today, to celebrate you and all that you bring to Merrimack and our surrounding communities.”

Warrior Spirit Award

The Warrior Spirit Award is presented to students or student organizations who create a positive impact, add a little boost to Merrimack’s step and are examples of what it means to be a Merrimack Warrior.

Jandeliz Hernandez ’25

Throughout the year, Hernandez organized numerous events at the Unity House, notably the acclaimed Breaking Bread event, which created a safe and inviting environment for student connection. Continuing to grow as a leader and an Orientation Coordinator, her dedication promises continued success in enhancing campus life, inspiring us to build a more inclusive community. 

Blue and Gold Award

This award is presented to the student, organization or program that raised social and/or cultural awareness among the Merrimack community and generated not only awareness, but also conversations on campus.

Association of Latinos Moving Ahead (A.L.M.A.)

Under the leadership of Yasmin Davis A.L.M.A has positively impacted the Merrimack community through successful events such as Rep Your Flag and Loteria to promote cultural awareness. Collaborating with various campus offices and clubs like the Unity House and the Honors program, A.L.M.A. ensures Latinx students feel supported and represented on campus while inviting the broader community to experience Latin culture. 

Outstanding Student Leader Awards

These awards are presented to students who stand out among their peers as those who exemplify enthusiasm in Merrimack College through their attitude, behavior and involvement. They maintain high standards of learning, are involved in a variety of facets of campus life and serve as role models to other students.

Amia J. Meikle ’27

Rory Perretti ’26

Chris Rincon ’25

Donna Swartwout Unsung Hero Award

This award is given to a student leader on campus who is actively involved in student organizations and various offices on campus. They support campus events and encourage others to support and participate in campus events and initiatives.

Loraine Rodriguez ’24

As a Student Government Association senator, Rodriguez is always looking out for her fellow students. She is career-focused and uses her skills and commitment to encourage her classmates to achieve more. She is a champion for inclusion and will make herself uncomfortable for the comfort of others.

Unity Award

This is a new award that recognizes a student that has cultivated awareness of diversity and inclusion on campus through programming, lectures, and informational events.

Jackson Fortune-O’Brien ’24

Fortune-O’Brien is deeply involved in the Merrimack community, engaging in sports, activism and education while showing compassion and empathy for others. He readily takes on challenges and tasks for others, demonstrating his selflessness and willingness to help. 

Father Jim Wenzel Mission Award

This award is given to the students or organizations that best exemplify the Augustinian Catholic values of Merrimack College.

Rebecca Fisher ’24

Her unwavering dedication to serving others reflects her profound sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive difference in young lives. Guided by her faith, Becca’s values permeate every aspect of her life, shaping her relationships and aspirations. 

New Student Organization of the Year

The New Student Organization of the Year Award is presented to an SGA-recognized student organization that was created within the past three academic semesters. This organization has shown considerable initiative and development in its first semester(s) as an organization and has worked hard to not only build a strong interest group, but has also given back considerably to the overall Merrimack community.  

In its third semester, Her Campus has made significant strides as a student organization, overcoming challenges inherent in establishing a new club with multiple focuses. Through the formation of specialized teams for writing, editing, social media, marketing and events, Her Campus efficiently delegated tasks and clarified member responsibilities. They take pride in their cohesive branding and the dedication of their members, who balance writing for Her Campus alongside their academic commitments. 

Joseph P. Daley Award

This award is presented in recognition of outstanding character and unheralded service to the Merrimack College community.

Alex Conte ’24

Conte is an exemplary leader at Merrimack, known for his boundless energy and commitment to teamwork. Engaged in various roles such as SGA, admissions ambassador, musician and athletic events announcer, he consistently gives his all and serves as a dependable mentor. 

Raice Szott ’24

Szott is a standout leader both on Merrimack College’s campus and in the local community, exemplifying the College’s mission of community engagement and support. She initiated the Merrimack College Women’s Hockey Community Service Committee, organizing various volunteer and fundraising efforts to benefit local nonprofits, first responders and the Ellie Fund. 

Unsung Student Organization of the Year

The Unsung Student Organization of the Year Award is presented to an SGA-recognized student organization that has made tremendous strides this year in promoting and expanding its organization’s impact on the campus.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

NSBE has put on many beneficial events for students, ranging from Zoom calls to networking events with SharkNinja. While its focus is on engineering, it actively includes students from all majors. Events like movie nights and conferences in New Jersey have not only provided valuable skills for job searches, but have also enhanced the organization’s leadership capabilities. 

Allen J. Ash Outstanding Service Award

This award is given to the senior or seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to the senior class.

Molly Kueter ’24

Kueter has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to both academics and the Merrimack community, particularly through her involvement in the Austin Scholars program and various campus activities. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, Kueter’s dedication to the Augustinian community remained steadfast, contributing to the success of her class in the Austin Scholars program and maintaining active involvement in related organizations. 

Travis G. Kong Student Leadership Award

This award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Merrimack College community. The award was established by the Senior Class Gift of the Class of 2010 in honor of Travis Kong, a member of their class who passed away during his sophomore year.

Samuel Barresi ’24

Olivia Bourque ’24

Anthony Gentile ’24

Grace McIntyre ’24

Casey Stevenson ’24

Campus-Wide Program of the Year

This award is presented to the student-run program that most successfully developed, promoted, executed and positively impacted the Merrimack community.

Let’s Innovate – 3D Roses Event 

Let’s Innovate distinguished itself by pioneering the first Late-Night Social Programming event, featuring a meticulously planned 3D Roses Event. The group’s effective promotion via Warrior Network, campus flyers and social media yielded impressive attendance and positive feedback, marking it a standout success deserving of recognition.

Student Organization of the Year

This award is given to the student organization that strives to improve in the areas of programming, recruitment, retention, administrative tasks and co-sponsorship with other organizations and offices on campus throughout the year. This organization sets the bar for all other student organizations.

Active Minds  

Active Minds has maintained its prominence on campus through consistent bi-weekly events featuring self-care activities and mental health resources. Its dedicated e-board prioritizes attending SGA meetings for organizational updates, and this year, it expanded its outreach with bi-weekly tabling events, demonstrating its commitment to community support. 

Advisor of the Year

This award is presented to the advisor of an SGA-recognized organization who strives to make an impact on both the organization and its students. 

Connelly Clifford

Clifford’s exceptional dedication as an advisor to Active Minds is evident in her consistent support and adherence to Office of Student Involvement guidelines, ensuring smooth operations within the organization. By actively participating in SGA meetings and providing mentorship to students, she plays a pivotal role in their personal and professional growth, contributing significantly to the success and well-being of Active Minds members. 

William J. Murray, O.S.A. Award

This award is presented to a senior who is a role model for others and who, through his or her lifestyle, emulates Fr. Murray’s concern, open-mindedness and compassion for others and makes a conscious attempt at social and spiritual growth. The award was established by members of the Class of 1983 to honor Fr. Murray, a former vice president for student life at Merrimack.

Harrison Bell ’24

Bell exemplifies true leadership through his unwavering commitment to living a purpose-driven life and uplifting others along the way. With a blend of analytical prowess and a golden heart, he embodies the essence of empathy and dedication. 

Victoria Klimek ’24 

Klimek exemplifies the essence of the William J. Murray Memorial Award through her unwavering commitment to social and spiritual growth, embodying Fr. Murray’s values of concern, open-mindedness and compassion. Her outstanding academic achievements reflect her dedication to knowledge acquisition and its application for the betterment of the community. 

Merrimack Medal

The Merrimack Medal is awarded to the senior who exemplifies outstanding character and achievement of service to their classmates and the Merrimack College community. This is considered the most prestigious non-academic award.

Maxwell Beland ’24

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Admission Policy

Admission to Merrimack College is competitive and selective. We seek to enroll students who are academically prepared and demonstrate the background, interest and willingness to contribute to advancing the Merrimack experience.

When considering applicants for first year admission, the admission committee considers whether the applicant’s secondary school transcript reflects the preparation and performance for the academic program for which they have applied. Merrimack’s Augustinian heritage is reflected in our supportive community and we seek to enroll students who have positively contributed to their school and larger community.

Merrimack is a member of the Common Application. Students may apply online at www.commonapp.org . In addition to the Common Application, applicants must submit copies of all secondary school transcripts, and a secondary school report.  In addition students are encouraged to submit first quarter or trimester grades, and any supplemental documents which may include letters of recommendation or a resume. Test results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Board or the American College Testing Program (ACT) are not required (excluding nursing majors). On the basis of these criteria, the Admission Committee determines the academic strength of candidates in relation to the course of studies for which they have applied.

Merrimack College admits students of any race, creed, color, handicap or disability, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, national ancestry or ethnic origin or any other lawfully protected categories in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admission Requirements

The subject requirements listed below are expressed in terms of secondary school units. A unit represents one academic year of study.

Business Administration, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, health science, mathematics, nursing, physics, and exercise science.

* Mathematics subject matter should include the equivalent of Algebra I, II and Geometry. An additional, advanced mathematics course is required of all Science and Engineering applicants.

**Prospective Engineering students must have three units in the sciences including Physics.

Note: Prospective Nursing students should review the additional admission requirements in the Nursing, B.S. Program of Study page within this academic catalog.

The Admission Committee notifies fall term first year applicants of their admission decision on November 15 for Early Decision candidates, the first week of December for Early Action 1 candidates, the first week of February for Early Action 2 candidates, and on a weekly basis for Rolling Admission candidates once the application has been completed. Spring term candidates are notified on a weekly basis starting in October once the application has been completed.  

The Admission Office accepts first year applications from the Common Application and the Merrimack Application. Additional information concerning our applications are available by contacting the Office of Admission directly. Information requests are also accepted by email at the following address: [email protected] and in the admission section of the Merrimack web site. The web address is: www.merrimack.edu . The Admission fax number is +1-978-837-5133.

Early Decision

Merrimack College offers an Early Decision program for first year applicants who consider Merrimack their first choice college. The deadline for submitting an application under Early Decision is November 1 of their senior year and Early Decision applicants will learn of their admission decision on November 15. Decisions include admission, deferral to the Rolling Admission process and denial of admission.

Students applying under Early Decision should be aware that this is a binding program. If offered admission the student must enroll at Merrimack College and decline all other offers of admission.

Early Action

Merrimack College offers two Early Action program deadlines for first year applicants who consider Merrimack among the colleges at the top of their list and wish to learn of their admission decision early. The deadline for submitting an application under Early Action 1 is November 15 of their senior year. Decisions include admission, deferral to the Rolling Admission process and denial of admission. The deadline for submitting an application under Early Action 2 is January 15 of their senior year. Decisions include admission, deferral to the Rolling Admission process and denial of admission. Both Early Action options are non-binding.

Rolling Admission

Merrimack also offers a Rolling Admission program for first year applicants.  Students may apply at any point that they are ready between September and August 1.  The Rolling Admission decision notification begins on January 1st.  As students complete their application, decisions will be finalized on a weekly basis. Decisions include admission, placement on the waitlist or denial of admission.

Pre-Secondary School Graduation Admission Plan (Early Admission)

Students may be considered for admission after completing their junior year of their secondary school if they demonstrate a consistently superior secondary school academic record. Students must meet all high school graduation requirements as well as the Merrimack College general admission requirements (except in the total number of academic units). In addition to submitting all credentials required for admission, applicants applying under this plan must also submit a recommendation by their high school principal or director of guidance indicating their readiness for admission. An interview will be required for students applying under this plan. Students who qualify for this plan must apply under the Early Action 2 or Rolling Admission deadlines and submit first semester/trimester or first two quarters grades on an official transcript. Decisions include admission, placement on the waitlist or denial of admission.

Confirmation of Enrollment

Admitted students must submit their enrollment deposit no later than May 1 for the fall term or by January 20 for the spring term. Final transcript(s) indicating graduation or General Education Development (GED) test results and Health Forms must be submitted before matriculation. Merrimack also asks that students who have not submitted SAT or ACT test results as part of the admission process submit their scores for institutional research purposes.

Deferral of Admission

Merrimack College offers the option for students who wish to defer the offer for admission for up to one full year. The request for deferral must be submitted in writing to the Office of Admission. The letter must state the reason for the request and the specific term the student plans to enroll. The full enrollment deposit is required of all students who wish to defer enrollment. The student will be contacted by the Office of Admission to re-activate their application for the new term of enrollment. If a student who applied for first year admission attends/matriculates at another institution, the Office of Admission requests additional documents at the time of re-activation to evaluate transfer credits and confirm good standing.

Students who defer their admission will keep the merit scholarship offered during the admission process. However, the FAFSA form must be filed and a new financial aid package will be awarded for the new term of enrollment.

Refund of Deposit

Deposits for entering first year students for the fall semester are refundable until May 1 only. Transfer enrollment deposits are not refundable.

Admission Requirements for GED Candidates

Individuals without a high school diploma who wish to pursue post-secondary education may be admitted to Merrimack College. Candidates for admission must successfully complete the General Educational Development tests (GED) and submit the Official Report of Test Results with their completed application. Test results from the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing Program (ACT) are optional. Candidates who submit their GED test scores are required to follow the same admission procedures as those required of graduating seniors and high school graduates.

Home School Candidates

Merrimack College welcomes applications from students who have chosen homeschooling. In addition to completing the standard admission application, we require that students forward to the Office of Admission the following materials:

• State certificate of completion, or a high school diploma, or the GED
• List of coursework or transcript
• Test results of SAT, SAT II or ACT are optional.
• Admission Interview (highly recommended)
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a parent/teacher and one from a person outside the home - e.g., tutor, employer, minister, priest, etc.) Each candidate will be assessed on an individual basis for college readiness and academic strength.

Change of Status on Admission Applications

Any change of application status must be forwarded to the Office of Admission by the student in writing. Change of major, housing status or other changes will be made only upon written receipt of the request unless otherwise authorized and documented by a member of the admission staff. Internal requests for status change will be made only after the student has forwarded the appropriate documentation to the Office of Admission. Final approval of the request will be determined by the Admission Committee.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Air Force ROTC is a leadership development program that ultimately produces second lieutenants for the United States Air Force. Air Force ROTC is designed to run concurrent with a student’s degree curriculum. Students do not go on to active duty until after they graduate from college, with a four year degree. Although the environment is somewhat fraternal, promoting military structure and culture, it is not a club or activity, but rather, a bona fide academic program, through which scholarships are available.

Merrimack College students may enroll in Air Force ROTC courses at UMass Lowell, through a cross-town agreement between the two schools. The Air Force ROTC program qualifies men and women for a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Two-year, three-year and four-year programs, as well as scholarships, are available. Details, including information on how to enroll Air Force ROTC credited class and lab, can be obtained calling Air Force ROTC Detachment 345, UMass Lowell, at 978-934-2252 or via email [email protected]. Detachment 345’s local web site is www.uml.edu/Dept/AFROTC . Air Force ROTC national web site is www.afrotc.com . Registration for ROTC courses is done via NECCUM cross-registration. Please visit the Merrimack College Registrar’s Office for a NECCUM cross-registration form.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

College credit for International Baccalaureate exams are subject to review. An official IB examination report is required for consideration. Higher Level exams with a score of 5 or better are considered for credit.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Course credit may be granted through the CLEP program, in which students can take an equivalency examination in an academic area instead of a course offered by the college in that area. The examinations are offered by the College Entrance Examination Board and are available in most academic disciplines. Like the Advanced Placement Tests, the CLEP examinations are usually offered to replace courses at the introductory level. CLEP examinations should be taken prior to the start of the student’s junior year, but no later than the start of the student’s senior year. Students seeking further information about the program should be directed to the department chair of the appropriate discipline and/or to the College Registrar. A transfer applicant to the college who has taken CLEP exams is required to have official CLEP score report sent to Merrimack College (code #3525) for potential transfer credit.

Military Training

Merrimack College awards academic credit for military training based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

Merrimack College awards academic credit for workforce training (both government and corporate) based on the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations in the ACE National Guide.   

Advanced Placement (AP)

As a participant in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board, Merrimack College will grant credit to students who present examination scores of at least 3 on Advanced Placement tests offered by the Educational Testing Service. Students who have taken the test should have their official scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Admission Office at Merrimack College (Merrimack College code number: 3525) prior to matriculation. It should be noted that chairs of each academic department establish the number of Merrimack College credits and the advanced placement level for successful students under the Advanced Placement Program.

College Level Courses/Dual Enrollment

Students who elect to take college level courses during high school may have those courses evaluated for transfer of college credit. The student is required to forward to the Merrimack College Office of Admission an official college transcript. It is also necessary for evaluation of such courses, that the student submits a course catalog and/or course syllabi offering course descriptions. With a grade of “C” or better, three credit and four credit courses that are similar in content and scope to courses offered at Merrimack College will be evaluated by a department chairperson for transfer of college credit. “C-” grades are not accepted in transfer.

Early College Program

An example of the College’s efforts to achieve its mission by linking academics, academic support, student transformation, and increasing student accessibility, can be found in Merrimack’s Early College Program.  Merrimack’s Early College Program was launched during the 2017-18 academic year and draws students from Lawrence Public Schools (LPS), including the Abbot Lawrence Academy (ALA), and enrolls some 150 students per term in junior and senior year. Classes are taught on Merrimack’s campus by Merrimack faculty selected by their department chair. These faculty are paired with teachers at the high school to provide full academic support.

Transfer Admission

Students wishing to transfer from another accredited college or university may be considered for admission to Merrimack College. We define a transfer student as any student who has enrolled at college or university or attempted 12 or more college credits after earning a high school diploma or GED.  The transfer applicant must follow these guidelines:

• Completed transfer application and essay through the Common Application or the Merrimack Application.
• College transcript from each college attended. International transfer applicants must submit post-secondary records which are original or certified copies of original documents. These must be translated into English.
• College catalog/course descriptions from each college attended. Course descriptions are needed in order to evaluate and determine appropriate transfer credit. International students are required to submit college catalog/course descriptions translated into English.
• One letter of recommendation from a current professor or advisor or an employer.
• Transfer College Report
• High school/secondary school transcript is required if applicant has completed less than 24 college credits.
• Test results of SAT or ACT are not required.
• A test of English proficiency is required of the applicant for whom English is not his/her native language. An official score report is required.  For a list of approved English language tests please see the Merrimack website at: https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/international/application-process.php
• The applicant must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The student must not be under disciplinary censure and eligible to return to the institution s/he previously attended.
• Transfer credit will be granted for courses having a grade of “C-” or better from each institution(s). The institution(s) must hold accreditation from a major regional accrediting association. These courses also must meet the requirements of the curriculum selected by the applicant and be comparable in content and scope to courses offered by Merrimack College.
• If a student has an earned an Associate’s degree from a two-year college and meets admission requirements, all courses and credits will be accepted in transfer.
• Credit for coursework taken 10 years or more prior to admission is subject to review to determine exactly how the courses will transfer in.
• Internships, cooperative education, courses taken pass/fail, and remedial or developmental courses do not transfer. Transfer credit Advanced Placement (AP) and/or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations will be determined provided the “official” examination score report/s are forwarded directly to the Office of Admission (Merrimack School code number: 3525).
• The grades from other institutions do not enter into the computation of quality grade point average at Merrimack College.
• All credits to be transferred must be identified at the time of application for transfer admission to Merrimack. Merrimack College reserves the right to deny credit for coursework taken by the student prior to admission if it is identified and presented after transfer.
• Admission for transfer applicants currently enrolled at other institutions are made with the condition that courses will be completed successfully. Final and official transcripts of all completed courses must be forwarded to the Office of Admission.
• A transfer credit evaluation of transferable courses is prepared and forwarded to the student at the time of admission. In some instances, the student may be asked to submit more detailed course descriptions or syllabi than that which appears in the catalog of the prior institution(s). Final determination of transferability of courses is made by the Registrar’s Office at Merrimack College in conjunction with the appropriate academic departments.
• Students may transfer up to a maximum of 90 credits from previous college or university coursework.
• Students who transfer from other institutions must complete at least 34 credits at Merrimack College. Please refer to the Merrimack College catalog sections: “Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree” and “Residence Requirements” for more detailed information.
• Applications for admission for transfer students should be submitted by the following deadlines:

Fall Term: August 15 Spring Term: January 6

For fall admission (classes beginning in September) decisions will be sent out on a rolling bases from Mid-February until August. For spring admission (classes beginning in January) admission decisions will be sent out on a rolling basis from mid-October until early January.

Community College Articulation Agreements

Merrimack College has entered into a set of “Transfer Articulation Agreements” with several of the Massachusetts community colleges. Please contact the Office of Admission for more detailed information about these agreements.

International Students

Merrimack College welcomes applications from international students. An international student is a student who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States of America. Such students, according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, “must have successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that normally required of an American applicant seeking admission to the school at the same level.”

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a test of English proficiency. For a list of approved English language tests please see the Merrimack website at: https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/undergraduate/international/application-process.php. Appropriate official transcripts, or certified copies of academic records and their English translations validated by an official public translator, must be forwarded to the Office of Admission. If the international student has completed college/university level coursework, official transcripts (translated into English) for all such coursework is required.

As part of the application process, a Declaration and Certification of Finances and Bank statement must be completed which certifies that sufficient funds are on deposit/available to meet the cost of one year of academic study. A Certificate of Eligibility (form I-20A) will be issued to the student after the student has been admitted.

The completed admission application should be received by the following dates:

Merrimack Senior Citizen Program

The Merrimack College Senior Citizen Program allows any student 62 years of age or older having a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma to audit undergraduate credit courses or to take them for credit, on a space-available basis, at no charge. A total of five courses may be taken for credit and an unlimited number of undergraduate courses may be audited under this policy. Courses taken for credit may serve to meet the requirements for the college’s associate’s and bachelor’s degrees if and when the student matriculates. The Senior Citizen program is not applicable to graduate courses.

Senior citizens will be responsible for paying any fees associated with specific courses, such as laboratory and computer fees. Certain courses may be closed to tuition-free registration because of heavy enrollment, and courses may be cancelled if registration is insufficient. Courses having pre-requisites cannot be taken without first completing the required pre- requisite for credit.

Senior citizens will register with the Registrar’s Office at the scheduled time for this registration, but determination of space will only be confirmed after all Merrimack students have had the opportunity to register.

Course Limitations

A student may register for no more than 32 credits before applying to the school.

Professional Studies Admission

Students who are interested in bachelor degree programs within Professional Studies should refer to  www.merrimack.edu/academics/professional-studies/degree-programs/ for information on application deadlines and application requirements.