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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompts

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

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

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

A brief introduction to Babson College

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

Do your Babson research first!

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

Supplemental essay prompt #1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplemental essay prompt #2 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More college application essay help

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

Frequently asked questions about Babson’s supplemental essay

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Babson Supplemental Essay 2023-24

Babson college supplemental essays 2023-24.

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

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

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

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

Babson College Admissions: Quick Facts

Babson college quick facts.

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

Babson College Essay Requirements:

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

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

Babson College Application Deadlines:

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

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

Does Babson College have supplemental essays?

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

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

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

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

Babson College Essay Requirements

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

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

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

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

Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

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

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

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

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

Babson College Supplemental Essay #2: Diversity Essay

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

Babson College Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

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

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

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

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

How to write the Babson supplemental essays

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

Four Tips for Writing Babson College Essays

1. start early.

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

2. Choose a written or video format

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

3. Answer the whole prompt

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

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

4. Highlight Babson values

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

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

Are the Babson essays optional?

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

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

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

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

Does Babson College care about essays?

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

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

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

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

How can I make my Babson College essays stand out?

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

Three Tips for Making Your Essay Stand Out

1. write a hook.

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

2. Edit well

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

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

3. Be authentic

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

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

Babson College Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

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

Here are 5 key takeaways you should keep in mind:

Babson College Essays Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Take time to edit your Babson supplemental essays well

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

5. Be yourself

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

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

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

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

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Babson College Essay Prompts

• Why Us - Example 1
• Extracurricular - Example 2

Read our complete Application Guide for Babson College.

Introduction.

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

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

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

Why Babson - Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Babson - Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

The Video Response

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

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

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

Extracurricular - Example

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

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

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

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

Extracurricular - Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write a perfect "why this college" essay.

College Essays

Did you think you were all done pouring out your blood, sweat, and tears in written form for your personal statement , only to be faced with the "why this college?" supplemental essay? This question might seem simple but is in fact a crucial and potentially tricky part of many college applications. What exactly is the "why us?" essay trying to understand about you? And how do you answer this question without falling into its many pitfalls or making any rookie mistakes?

In this article, I'll explain why colleges want you to be able to explain why you are applying. I'll also discuss how to generate and brainstorm topics for this question and how to make yourself sound sincere and committed. Finally, we'll go over some "why this school?" essay do s and don't s.

This article is pretty detailed, so here's a brief overview of what we'll be covering:

Why Do Colleges Want You to Write a "Why Us?" Essay?

Two types of "why this college" essay prompts, step 1: research the school, step 2: brainstorm potential essay topics, step 3: nail the execution, example of a great "why this college" essay.

College admissions officers have to read an incredible amount of student work to put together a winning class, so trust me when I say that everything they ask you to write is meaningful and important .

The purpose of the "why us?" essay goes two ways. On one hand, seeing how you answer this question gives admissions officers a sense of whether you know and value their school .

On the other hand, having to verbalize why you are applying gives you the chance to think about what you want to get out of your college experience  and whether your target schools fit your goals and aspirations.

What Colleges Get Out Of Reading Your "Why This College?" Essay

Colleges want to check three things when they read this essay.

First, they want to see that you have a sense of what makes this college different and special.

• Do you know something about the school's mission, history, or values?
• Have you thought about the school's specific approach to learning?
• Are you comfortable with the school's traditions and the overall feel of student life here?

Second, they want proof that you will be a good fit for the school.

• Where do your interests lie? Do they correspond to this school's strengths?
• Is there something about you that meshes well with some aspect of the school?
• How will you contribute to college life? How will you make your mark on campus?

And third, they want to see that this school will, in turn, be a good fit for you.

• What do you want to get out of college? Will this college be able to provide that? Will this school contribute to your future success?
• What will you take advantage of on campus (e.g., academic programs, volunteer or travel opportunities, internships, or student organizations)?
• Will you succeed academically? Does this school provide the right rigor and pace for your ideal learning environment?

What You Get Out Of Writing Your "Why This College?" Essay

Throughout this process of articulating your answers to the questions above, you will also benefit in a couple of key ways:

It Lets You Build Excitement about the School

Finding specific programs and opportunities at schools you are already happy about will give you a grounded sense of direction for when you start school . At the same time, by describing what is great about schools that are low on your list, you'll likely boost your enthusiasm for these colleges and keep yourself from feeling that they're nothing more than lackluster fallbacks.

It Helps You Ensure That You're Making the Right Choice

Writing the "why us?" essay can act as a moment of clarity. It's possible that you won't be able to come up with any reasons for applying to a particular school. If further research fails to reveal any appealing characteristics that fit with your goals and interests, this school is likely not for you.

At the end of your four years, you want to feel like this, so take your "Why This College?" essay to heart.

The "why this college?" essay is best thought of as a back-and-forth between you and the college . This means that your essay will really be answering two separate, albeit related, questions:

• "Why us?": This is where you explain what makes the school special in your eyes, what attracted you to it, and what you think you'll get out of your experience there.
• "Why you?": This is the part where you talk about why you'll fit in at the school; what qualities, skills, talents, or abilities you'll contribute to student life; and how your future will be impacted by the school and its opportunities.

Colleges usually use one of these approaches to frame this essay , meaning that your essay will lean heavier toward whichever question is favored in the prompt. For example, if the prompt is all about "why us?" you'll want to put your main focus on praising the school. If the prompt instead is mostly configured as "why you?" you'll want to dwell at length on your fit and potential.

It's good to remember that these two prompts are simply two sides of the same coin. Your reasons for wanting to apply to a particular school can be made to fit either of these questions.

For instance, say you really want the chance to learn from the world-famous Professor X. A "why us?" essay might dwell on how amazing an opportunity studying with him would be for you, and how he anchors the Telepathy department.

Meanwhile, a "why you?" essay would point out that your own academic telepathy credentials and future career goals make you an ideal student to learn from Professor X, a renowned master of the field.

Next up, I'll show you some real-life examples of what these two different approaches to the same prompt look like.

Clarifying why you want to study with a particular professor in a specific department can demonstrate to college admissions staff that you've done your research on the school.

"Why Us?" Prompts

• Why [this college]?
• Why are you interested in [this college]?
• Why is [this college] a good choice for you?
• What do you like best about [this college]?
• Why do you want to attend [this college]?

Below are some examples of actual "why us?" college essay prompts:

• Colorado College : "Describe how your personal experiences with a particular community make you a student who would benefit from Colorado College’s Block Plan."
• Tufts University : " I am applying to Tufts because… "
• Tulane University : "Describe why you are interested in joining the Tulane community. Consider your experiences, talents, and values to illustrate what you would contribute to the Tulane community if admitted." (via the Common App )
• University of Michigan : "Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?"
• Wellesley College : " When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but it's a good place to start. Visit the Wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or celebrate what you would bring to our community. Have fun! Use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why. "

In a "why us?" essay, focus on the specific aspects of the school that appeal to you and how you will flourish because of those offerings.

"Why You?" Prompts

• Why are you a good match or fit for us?
• What are your interests, and how will you pursue them at [this college]?
• What do you want to study, and how will that correspond to our program?
• What or how will you contribute?
• Why you at [this college]?
• Why are you applying to [this college]?

Here are some examples of the "why you?" version of the college essay:

• Babson College : " A defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to how you will contribute to and learn from Babson's collaborative community. "
• Bowdoin College : "Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's 'The Offer of the College.' ... Which line from the Offer resonates most with you? Optional: The Offer represents Bowdoin's values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you." (via the Common App )

In a "why you?" essay, focus on how your values, interests, and motivations align with the school's offerings and how you'll contribute to campus life.

No matter how the prompt is worded, this essay is a give-and-take of what you and the college have to offer each other. Your job is to quickly zoom in on your main points and use both precision and detail to sound sincere, excited, and authentic.

How do you effectively explain the benefits you see this particular school providing for you and the contributions you will bring to the table as a student there? And how can you do this best using the small amount of space that you have (usually just one to two paragraphs)?

In this section, we'll go through the process of writing the "Why This College?" essay, step-by-step. First, I'll talk about the prep work you'll need to do. Next, we'll go through how to brainstorm good topics (and touch on what topics to avoid). I'll give you some tips on transforming your ideas and research into an actual essay. Finally, I'll take apart an actual "why us?" essay to show you why and how it works.

Before you can write about a school, you'll need to know specific things that make it stand out and appeal to you and your interests . So where do you look for these? And how do you find the details that will speak to you? Here are some ways you can learn more about a school.

In-Person Campus Visits

If you're going on college tours , you've got the perfect opportunity to gather information about the school. Bring a notepad and write down the following:

• Your tour guide's name
• One to two funny, surprising, or enthusiastic things your guide said about the school
• Any unusual features of the campus, such as buildings, sculptures, layout, history, or traditions

Try to also connect with students or faculty while you're there. If you visit a class, note which class it is and who teaches it. See whether you can briefly chat with a student (e.g., in the class you visit, around campus, or in a dining hall), and ask what they like most about the school or what has been most surprising about being there.

Don't forget to write down the answer! Trust me, you'll forget it otherwise—especially if you do this on multiple college visits.

Virtual Campus Visits

If you can't visit a campus in person, the next best thing is an online tour , either from the school's own website or from other websites, such as YOUniversityTV , CampusTours , or YouTube (search "[School Name] + tour").

You can also connect with students without visiting the campus in person . Some admissions websites list contact information for currently enrolled students you can email to ask one or two questions about what their experience of the school has been like.

Or if you know what department, sport, or activity you're interested in, you can ask the admissions office to put you in touch with a student who is involved with that particular interest.

If you can't visit a campus in person, request a video chat with admissions staff, a current student, or a faculty member to get a better sense of specific topics you might write about in your essay.

Alumni Interview

If you have an interview , ask your interviewer questions about their experience at the school and about what going to that school has done for them since graduation. As always, take notes!

College Fairs

If you have a chance to go to a college fair where your ideal college has representatives, don't just attend and pick up a brochure. Instead, e ngage the representatives in conversation, and ask them about what they think makes the school unique .  Jot down notes on any interesting details they tell you.

The College's Own Materials

Colleges publish lots and lots of different admissions materials—and all of these will be useful for your research. Here are some suggestions for what you can use. (You should be able to find all of the following resources online.)

Brochures and Course Catalogs

Read the mission statement of the school; does its educational philosophy align with yours? You should also read through its catalogs. Are there any programs, classes, departments, or activities that seem tailor-made for you in some way?

Pro Tip: These interesting features you find should be unusual in some way or different from what other schools offer. For example, being fascinated with the English department isn't going to cut it unless you can discuss its unusual focus, its world-renowned professors, or the different way it structures the major that appeals to you specifically.

Alumni Magazine

Are any professors highlighted? Does their research speak to you or connect with a project you did in high school or for an extracurricular?

Sometimes alumni magazines will highlight a college's new focus or new expansion. Does the construction of a new engineering school relate to your intended major? There might also be some columns or letters written by alumni who talk about what going to this particular school has meant to them. What stands out about their experiences?

School or Campus Newspaper

Students write about the hot issues of the day, which means that the articles will be about the best and worst things on campus . It'll also give you insight into student life, opportunities that are available to students, activities you can do off campus, and so on.

The College's Social Media

Your ideal school is most likely on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and other social media. Follow the school to see what it's posting about.  Are there any exciting new campus developments? Professors in the news? Interesting events, clubs, or activities?

The Internet

Wikipedia is a great resource for learning basic details about a college's history, traditions, and values. I also recommend looking for forums on College Confidential that specifically deal with the school you're researching.

Another option is to search on Google for interesting phrases, such as "What students really think about [School Name]" or "[School Name] student forum." This will help you get detailed points of view, comments about specific programs or courses, and insight into real student life.

So what should you do now that you've completed a bunch of research? Answer: use it to develop connection points between you and your dream school. These connections will be the skeleton of your "why this college?" essay.

Find the Gems in Your Research

You have on hand all kinds of information, from your own personal experiences on campus and your conversations with people affiliated with your ideal school to what you've learned from campus publications and tidbits gleaned from the web.

Now, it's time to sift through all of your notes to find the three to five things that really speak to you. Link what you've learned about the school to how you can plug into this school's life, approach, and environment. That way, no matter whether your school's prompt is more heavily focused on the "why us?" or "why you?" part of the give-and-take, you'll have an entry point into the essay.

But what should these three to five things be? What should you keep in mind when you're looking for the gem that will become your topic?

Here are some words of wisdom from Calvin Wise , director of recruitment and former associate director of admissions at Johns Hopkins University (emphasis mine):

" Focus on what makes us unique and why that interests you. Do your research, and articulate a multidimensional connection to the specific college or university. We do not want broad statements (the brick pathways and historic buildings are beautiful) or a rehash of the information on our website (College X offers a strong liberal arts curriculum). All institutions have similarities. We want you to talk about our differences. "

Time to find that diamond, amethyst, opal, tourmaline, or amber in the rough.

Check Your Gems for Color and Clarity

When I say "check your gems," I mean make sure that each of the three to five things you've found is something your ideal school has that other schools don't have.

This something should be seen from your own perspective. The point isn't to generically praise the school but instead to go into detail about why it's so great for you that they have this thing.

This something you find should be meaningful to the school and specific to you. For example, if you focus on academics (e.g., courses, instructors, opportunities, or educational philosophy), find a way to link them either to your previous work or to your future aspirations.

This something should not be shallow and nonspecific. Want to live in a city? Every city has more than one college in it. Find a way to explain why this specific college in this specific city calls to you. Like pretty architecture? Many schools are beautiful, so dwell on why this particular place feels unlike any other. Like good weather, beach, skiing, or some other geographical attribute? There are many schools located near these places, and they know that people enjoy sunbathing. Either build a deeper connection or skip these as reasons.

Convert Your Gems into Essay Topics

Every "why this college?" essay is going to answer both the "why us?" and the "why you?" parts of the back-and-forth equation. But depending on which way your target school has worded its prompt, you'll lean more heavily on that part . This is why I'm going to split this brainstorming into two parts—to go with the "why us?" and "why you?" types of questions.

Of course, since they are both sides of the same coin, you can always easily flip each of these ideas around to have it work well for the other type of prompt . For example, a "why us?" essay might talk about how interesting the XYZ interdisciplinary project is and how it fits well with your senior project.

By contrast, a "why you?" essay would take the same idea but flip it to say that you've learned through your senior project how you deeply value an interdisciplinary approach to academics, making you a great fit for this school and its commitment to such work, as evidenced by project XYZ.

Describing how project XYZ demonstrates your investment in a particular course of study that then happens to align with a specific program at the university is an effective approach to the "why you?" essay.

Possible "Why Us?" Topics

• How a particular program of study, internship requirement, or volunteer connection will help further your specific career goals .
• The school's interesting approach to your future major (if you know what that will be) or a major that combines several disciplines that appeal to you and fit with your current academic work and interests.
• How the school handles financial aid and the infrastructure setup for low-income students and what that means for you in terms of opening doors.
• A story about how you became interested in the school (if you learned about it in an interesting way). For example, did the institution host a high school contest you took part in? Did you attend an art exhibit or stage performance there that you enjoyed and that your own artistic work aligns with?
• How you overcame an initial disinterest in the school (be sure to minimize this first negative impression). Did you do more research? Interact with someone on campus? Learn about the school's commitment to the community? Learn about interesting research being done there?
• A positive interaction you had with current students, faculty, or staff, as long as this is more than just, "Everyone I met was really nice."
• An experience you had while on a campus tour. Was there a super-passionate tour guide? Any information that surprised you? Did something happen to transform your idea about the school or campus life (in a good way)?
• Interesting interdisciplinary work going on at the university and how that connects with your academic interests, career goals, or previous high school work.
• The history of the school —but only if it's meaningful to you in some way. Has the school always been committed to fostering minority, first-generation, or immigrant students? Was it founded by someone you admire? Did it take an unpopular (but, to you, morally correct) stance at some crucial moment in history?
• An amazing professor you can't wait to learn from. Is there a chemistry professor whose current research meshes with a science fair project you did? A professor who's a renowned scholar on your favorite literary or artistic period or genre? A professor whose book on economics finally made you understand the most recent financial crisis?
• A class that sounds fascinating , especially if it's in a field you want to major in.
• A facility or piece of equipment you can't wait to work in or with  and that doesn't exist in many other places. Is there a specialty library with rare medieval manuscripts? Is there an observatory?
• A required curriculum that appeals to you because it provides a solid grounding in the classics, shakes up the traditional canon, connects all the students on campus in one intellectual project, or is taught in a unique way.

If the school can boast a cutting-edge laboratory where you dream of conducting research, that would be a strong focus for a "Why Us?" essay.

Possible "Why You?" Topics

• Do you want to continue a project you worked on in high school? Talk about how or where in the current course, club, and program offerings this work would fit in. Why will you be a good addition to the team?
• Have you always been involved in a community service project that's already being done on campus? Write about integrating life on campus with events in the surrounding community.
• Do you plan to keep performing in the arts, playing music, working on the newspaper, or engaging in something else you were seriously committed to in high school? Discuss how excited you are to join that existing organization.
• Are you the perfect person to take advantage of an internship program (e.g., because you have already worked in this field, were exposed to it through your parents, or have completed academic work that gives you some experience with it)?
• Are you the ideal candidate for a study abroad opportunity (e.g., because you can speak the language of the country, it's a place where you've worked or studied before, or your career goals are international in some respect)?
• Are you a stand-out match for an undergraduate research project (e.g., because you'll major in this field, you've always wanted to work with this professor, or you want to pursue research as a career option)?
• Is there something you were deeply involved with that doesn't currently exist on campus? Offer to start a club for it. And I mean a club; you aren't going to magically create a new academic department or even a new academic course, so don't try offering that. If you do write about this, make double (and even triple) sure that the school doesn't already have a club, course, or program for this interest.
• What are some of the programs or activities you plan to get involved with on campus , and what unique qualities will you bring to them?
• Make this a mini version of a personal statement you never wrote.  Use this essay as another chance to show a few more of the skills, talents, or passions that don't appear in your actual college essay. What's the runner-up interest that you didn't write about? What opportunity, program, or offering at the school lines up with it?

One way to impress admissions staff in a "Why You?" essay is to discuss your fascination with a particular topic in a specific discipline, such as kinetic sculpture, and how you want to pursue that passion (e.g., as a studio art major).

Possible Topics for a College That's Not Your First Choice

• If you're writing about a school you're not completely psyched about, one way to sidestep the issue is to focus on what getting this degree will do for you in the future . How do you see yourself changing existing systems, helping others, or otherwise succeeding?
• Alternatively, discuss what the school values academically, socially, environmentally, or philosophically and how this connects with what you also care about . Does it have a vegan, organic, and cruelty-free cafeteria? A relationship with a local farm or garden? De-emphasized fraternity involvement? Strong commitment to environmental issues? Lots of opportunities to contribute to the community surrounding the school? Active inclusion and a sense of belonging for various underrepresented groups?
• Try to find at least one or two features you're excited about for each of the schools on your list. If you can't think of a single reason why this would be a good place for you to go, maybe you shouldn't be applying there!

Topics to Avoid in Your Essay

• Don't write about general characteristics, such as a school's location (or the weather in that location), reputation, or student body size. For example, anyone applying to the Webb Institute , which has just about 100 students , should by all means talk about having a preference for tiny, close-knit communities. By contrast, schools in sunny climates know that people enjoy good weather, but if you can't connect the outdoors with the college itself, think of something else to say.
• Don't talk about your sports fandom. Saying, "I can see myself in crimson and white/blue and orange/[some color] and [some other color]" is both overused and not a persuasive reason for wanting to go to a particular college. After all, you could cheer for a team without going to the school! Unless you're an athlete, you're an aspiring mascot performer, or you have a truly one-of-a-kind story to tell about your link to the team, opt for a different track.
• Don't copy descriptions from the college's website to tell admissions officers how great their institution is. They don't want to hear praise; they want to hear how you connect with their school. So if something on the college brochure speaks to you, explain why this specific detail matters to you and how your past experiences, academic work, extracurricular interests, or hobbies relate to that detail.
• Don't use college rankings as a reason you want to go to a school. Of course prestige matters, but schools that are ranked right next to each other on the list are at about the same level of prestige. What makes you choose one over the other?
• If you decide to write about a future major, don't just talk about what you want to study and why . Make sure that you also explain why you want to study this thing at this particular school . What do they do differently from other colleges?
• Don't wax poetic about the school's pretty campus. "From the moment I stepped on your campus, I knew it was the place for me" is another cliché—and another way to say basically nothing about why you actually want to go to this particular school. Lots of schools are pretty, and many are pretty in the exact same way.

Pop quiz: This pretty gothic building is on what college campus? Yes, that's right—it could be anywhere.

When you've put together the ideas that will make up your answer to the "why us?" question, it's time to build them into a memorable essay. Here are some tips for doing that successfully:

• Jump right in. The essay is short, so there's no need for an introduction or conclusion. Spend the first paragraph delving into your best one or two reasons for applying. Then, use the second paragraph to go into slightly less detail about reasons 2 (or 3) through 5.
• To thine own self be true. Write in your own voice, and be sincere about what you're saying. Believe me—the reader can tell when you mean it and when you're just blathering!
• Details, details, details. Show the school that you've done your research. Are there any classes, professors, clubs, or activities you're excited about at the school? Be specific (e.g., "I'm fascinated by the work Dr. Jenny Johnson has done with interactive sound installations").
• If you plan on attending if admitted, say so. Colleges care about the numbers of acceptances deeply, so it might help to know you're a sure thing. But don't write this if you don't mean it!
• Don't cut and paste the same essay for every school. At least once, you'll most likely forget to change the school name or some other telling detail. You also don't want to have too much vague, cookie-cutter reasoning, or else you'll start to sound bland and forgettable.

For more tips, check out our step-by-step essay-writing advice .

Avoid cookie-cutter responses to "why this college?" essay prompts. Instead, provide an essay that's personalized to that particular institution.

At this point, it'll be helpful to take a look at a "why us?" essay that works and figure out what the author did to create a meaningful answer to this challenging question.

Here is a "Why Tufts?" essay from James Gregoire '19 for Tufts University :

It was on my official visit with the cross country team that I realized Tufts was the perfect school for me. Our topics of conversation ranged from Asian geography to efficient movement patterns, and everyone spoke enthusiastically about what they were involved in on campus. I really related with the guys I met, and I think they represent the passion that Tufts' students have. I can pursue my dream of being a successful entrepreneur by joining the Tufts Entrepreneurs Society, pursuing an Entrepreneurial Leadership minor, and taking part in an up-and-coming computer science program.

Here are some of the main reasons this essay is so effective:

• Interaction with current students. James writes about hanging out with the cross-country team and sounds excited about meeting them.
• "I'm a great fit." He uses the conversation with the cross-country team members to talk about his own good fit here ("I really related with the guys I met").
• Why the school is special. James also uses the conversation as a way to show that he enjoys the variety of opportunities Tufts offers (their fun conversation covers Asian geography, movement patterns, and other things they "were involved with on campus").
• Taking advantage of this specialness. James doesn't just list things Tufts offers but also explains which of them are of specific value to him. He's interested in being an entrepreneur, so the Tufts Entrepreneurs Society and the Entrepreneurial Leadership courses appeal to him.
• Awareness of what the school is up to. Finally, James shows that he's aware of the latest Tufts developments when he mentions the new computer science program.

The Bottom Line: Writing a Great "Why This College?" Essay

• Proof that you understand what makes this college different and special
• Evidence that you'll be a good fit at this school
• Evidence that this college will, in turn, be a good fit for you

The prompt may be phrased in one of two ways: "Why us?" or "Why you?" But these are sides of the same coin and will be addressed in your essay regardless of the prompt style.

Writing the perfect "why this school?" essay requires you to first research the specific qualities and characteristics of this school that appeal to you. You can find this information by doing any or all of the following:

• Visiting campuses in person or virtually to interact with current students and faculty
• Posing questions to your college interviewer or to representatives at college fairs
• Reading the college's own materials , such as its brochures, official website, alumni magazine, campus newspaper, and social media
• Looking at other websites that talk about the school

To find a topic to write about for your essay, find the three to five things that really speak to you about the school , and then link each of them to yourself, your interests, your goals, or your strengths.

Avoid using clichés that could be true for any school, such as architecture, geography, weather, or sports fandom. Instead, focus on the details that differentiate your intended school from all the others .

What's Next?

Are you also working on your personal statement? If you're using the Common App, check out our complete breakdown of the Common App prompts and learn how to pick the best prompt for you .

If you're applying to a University of California school, we've got an in-depth article on how to write effective UC personal statements .

And if you're submitting ApplyTexas applications, read our helpful guide on how to approach the many different ApplyTexas essay prompts .

Struggling with the college application process as a whole? Our expert guides teach you how to ask for recommendations , how to write about extracurriculars , and how to research colleges .

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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Permanent Link: https://blogs.babson.edu/graduate/2018/08/24/5-tips-for-nailing-your-graduate-school-essay/

Graduate Blog / Graduate Admissions

5 tips for nailing your graduate school essay.

By Johanna Beers | August 24, 2018

When applying for graduate school, the essay is a great way to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Johanna Beers , associate director of Graduate Admissions, at Babson College gives an insider perspective on what makes a graduate school essay that will set you apart.

Find your story

In the application process, the essay is a key opportunity to round out the admissions committee’s understanding of who you really are. Your résumé and recommendation focus on your professional life, and your test scores and transcripts focus on your academics, but the essay is where we get to know you. This is a chance to share your values, what your goals are, and why you are specifically interested in pursuing a graduate degree at our college. While you are forming a picture of what life might be like as a student, the essay helps us to picture you as a member of the community.

Find the “X” factor

Every graduate school you will be applying to is different. They all have unique offerings and mindsets of what a graduate degree means. When you are writing your essay, make sure you understand what makes that specific school unique. It can be tempting to copy and paste an essay from another school that is similar, but resist the temptation. For example, at Babson, one of the essay prompts asks about “entrepreneurs of all kinds,” understanding what that means in the context of Babson will be vital to a great essay. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a graduate school essay, each one needs to be personalized and tailored to the specific school and program.

Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

This may sound obvious, but never forget the final review of your essay. This is crucial to catch any last mistakes, like using the wrong school name, or using a word in the wrong context that spell check did not catch. Something as simple as using the word “university” vs. “college” can turn off an admissions counselor and come off as careless. Sometimes it is the little things!

Take ‘optional’ literally

Most schools have an optional essay, and some people may tell you that you should always complete it. We do not believe that is the case. The optional essay should be for explaining anything in your professional or academic offerings that needs additional information. Is there a gap in your résumé? Did you have a year in undergraduate that did not go particularly well? This is the place where you can give context to anything that might stand out. If you do not have anything of that nature, do not force yourself to write the optional essay. Just because it is there, does not mean that you need it.

Be authentic

We know there is a lot of pressure around the essay to hit all the important topics: leadership, teamwork, professional development, and others, but do not just tell us what we want to hear. We want to hear a story about you, a story that only you can tell. Trying to write to what you think we want to hear does not come off as authentic. We want to make sure that the details do not get in the way of your personality. We should be able to know who you are from the story of your essay.

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Tagged Babson MBA , Babson MSA , Babson MSEL , Babson MSF , Blended Learning MBA , Choosing an MBA , Evening MBA , One Year MBA , Two-Year MBA

Babson College Admissions Essay Examples

Year after year we are inundated with the same question: can we see some college essay examples? Although we do not share our clients’ work in order protect their privacy, we are happy to share some of the successful college essay examples provided by admissions committees across the country. So, without further ado, please find four successful personal statements submitted to Babson College below:

Demi Chu ’20

“…everyone believes the world’s greatest lie.” A boy asked, “What’s the world’s greatest lie?” “It’s that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie” –The Alchemist.

I was in Mr. Franklin’s World Literature class as he brought Paulo Coelho’s words to life. For me, there was no one point in which my life became controlled by fate. Instead I believed my life was shaped by my ethnicity and the world I grew up in. Mr. Franklin prompted me to take control of my life rather than let fate, and the world’s greatest lie, control who I am.

I had believed fate was the only thing that could explain the near impossibility of my parents falling in love. My dad from Taiwan and my mother from Korea, they traveled separately to Australia to learn English. Neither’s English was very good, but they met and found common ground speaking Japanese. A few years later, my mom was wondering what to call her next baby and “Demi” stood out, mainly because Demi has no “l,” “n,” or “f,” so it was easy for both my parents to pronounce.

Demi fits me in so many other ways too. Demi represents how my Korean and Taiwanese sides meet in the middle of the American culture in which I study. As I learned how others saw me, it seemed impossible to find a definite answer for who I am. Half did not mean one foot in two cultures; it meant each foot stepping quickly over the hot coals of each culture; I never fit in anywhere.

In Korea, I am often made aware that I am not Korean “enough.” While shopping, store clerks seem to intuitively understand I am not entirely Korean—speaking English to me or turning to my mom to answer questions I had asked. I speak fluent Korean and wondered what “gave me away” as a foreigner; looking in the mirror, I suspected my undyed black hair in a sea of trendy brown hair was the culprit. Surprisingly, once I dyed my hair, I was more accepted as Korean.

Yet, the minute I started to find my bearings in the Korean half of my life, my grasp of the other eluded me. When I returned to Taiwan where jet black hair is fashionable, people negatively viewed my lightly colored hair—leading to the surreal feeling of being treated as an outsider in my hometown. Even my fluent Mandarin was not enough to shake the assumptions of some. Demi, cutting across two cultures, left me with two seemingly incompatible halves.

Eventually, doodling helped me understand how artificial boundaries are. I saw how my creativity often went beyond borders, something instinctive inside me that resisted limitations. During my summer internship with the Bach Institute, a Taipei-based music conservatory, my ability to cross cultures through art found expression in the commemorative T-shirt I designed for performers of the Chelsea Music Festival to mark their trip to Taipei. Uniting the imagery of Taipei and New York in my design allowed me to explore how the cultural forces of Taiwan, Korea, and my American education have shaped my creative expression.​

Growing up between two borders in a world in which everyone else tried to define who I am, Demi has come to represent the whole of me; two sides that may not always be in harmony, but the tension inherent in my identity has empowered me to assert my independence. Mr. Franklin’s speech reminded me that half of life is where you come from and the other half is finding who you want to become. When Mr. Franklin finished reading, I realized that I’m the writer of my story—someone who does not believe the world’s greatest lie.

Angellica Diaz ’20

My mother was 15 years old when I was born.

My father has been in prison since my first birthday. He is not coming home.

When I was younger, I would go on the long drive with my father’s family to visit him. At first, I enjoyed the two hour long rides; they were adventures. Soon enough, however, those two hours began to feel like two years—I did not want to see him anymore. I did not want to deal with the awkwardness of pretending to be a family and ignoring the fact that he had killed another human being. He was the hero in their stories, but from my mother’s tears, I knew soon enough he was much less than the courageous hero they made him out to be.

My father’s family could not accept that I wanted to be as far away from their world of ignorance and verbal abuse as possible. I put up walls to keep them out. It seemed everyone did what they thought was best for me, but never once did they ask how I felt. Eventually, I decided I did not want to exhaust myself trying to care for my identity against their expectations. I closed myself off from the world in order to save myself from drowning in the confusion, manipulation, and emotional drama I battled every day.

Over time, this became too difficult. The mental torture of feeling lost in my own mind was worse than what awaited outside of the walls. This past September, I faced one of the tallest and widest walls: my name. For nearly 17 years, I lived with my father’s name—“Reyes.” I was Angellica Reyes. I am now Angellica Diaz. More aware of my past and the realities of my life, I chose to sever off the only connection to my father I had left, his name. I was now the “villain” of his family’s stories. Yet, I believed this action would finally release me from my walls because it would erase my past. I wanted to forget that I had wasted 17 years shutting myself away. All my life I had believed I found strength in silence and reservation. Now, I am deeply ashamed that it took me 17 years to realize vulnerability is the truest measure of our strength and character.

I regret my silence.

I understand now that a name can not fix the void I have created for myself. I know these walls will hold me for years to come, but today I acknowledge that I will always be a product of the past. What matters is I am still searching for that place that exists free from the walls. Today, I do not allow spite or hate to faze me or my visions for the world. I am grounded and balanced. From living in the shadow of ignorance I am now driven to change the lives of others, to inspire with peace and compassion. I am fighting hunger and food waste in my community, I will soon start teaching yoga classes to underprivileged children, and I hope to start a healthy lifestyle education program at my local youth center.

My confidence stems from the understanding that as an active agent, the world I envision is the world that will be. I am still breaking through a world blocked behind walls but no longer do I wait for the world to change. Every day I challenge my family’s categorization of my place in the world.

Today, I will not wait for anyone’s approval. I am not coming home.

Oussama Ouadani ’20

Massachusetts.

My name is Oussama. Yes, it is pronounced Osama. Growing up with this name, especially post 9-11, was not easy. Although it’s spelled differently, the reaction produced is still the same. I will always remember the painful first days of every new school year, but I particularly recall my first day of eighth grade. I dreaded morning attendance. As the teacher moved down her roster, past the L’s and the M’s, my heart thumped furiously. With the O’s looming closer, I wanted to grow smaller. When she got to my name, she paused for what seemed like an eternity. A look of confusion crossed her face, and then her mouth writhed in a feeble attempt to say my name: Oussama Ouadani. I meekly mumbled a “here.” Shocked, all of the students swiveled in their seats to gawk at me, and a few muffled snickers arose from the edges of the class. Eyes probed my Algerian features, and I sat with cheeks ablaze, wondering what they made of me. I remember going home and crying, wishing that I had a “normal” name, or at the least, a middle name I could use. It became so unbearable that I even questioned my parents’ choice to name me Oussama. Looking back, I realize that these awkward days of school have revealed a great deal to me about human nature.

My name in Arabic means the lion, the brave. To others, I’ve found out, it may mean a whole host of things. I work at Staples, where I wear a name badge that openly states who I am. I get different reactions to it each day. Some people get nervous as a result of my nametag. They glance at it surreptitiously, and then delicately look back at me. Some people are more blatant about it and stare, shamelessly, at my nametag. Some question it, curious about its pronunciation and its roots. Some try to sympathize with the troubles my name has brought me. But then there are those, a very select few, who simply call me “Oussama.” Even though it is such a basic form of respect, it always catches me off guard. It makes me feel normal. I don’t want people to be afraid of my name, or falsely sympathize with me. I simply wish to be me.

Although my name has been an object of hardship, it has also been my greatest teacher. It has put me in positions characterized by emotions ranging from irritation to humiliation. However, I believe these situations have served as the catalyst for my growth in character, and as result, I am a more resilient person. The fact that I no longer want to change my name proves this. My name also acts as a portal through which I can empathize with others. I grasp what it means to truly respect someone, to the core, so they feel important. I appreciate what it means to feel ostracized. I know what it’s like to be shamed by others, and how it feels to reject your own name, your sole identifier, your individuality. Being laughed at has taught me not to laugh at others. Being shunned has taught me to open my arms to others. Being pitied, I’ve learned not to pity others. I try my best to consider the struggles of others, and why their actions and words may be the product of a storied past. I sympathize with the shy, the loud, and the attention seekers. It has allowed me to acknowledge that potentially everyone has a secret fear or personal struggle that I might not know about. My name is an integral component of who I am, for not only does it reflect my cultural heritage and lend me a visionary quality, but it also represents an eternal gift from my parents.

Zachary Sheehan ’20

Christmas has always made me happy. The mountains are glossed by snow as the nearby branches hang low from the weight of the recent blizzard. The smell of fresh Maine pine trees and burning wood fill the crisp air. My family decorates the tree humming along to James Taylor’s Christmas album. But above all else, at the focal point of every Sheehan Christmas, is my favorite Christmas movie,  It’s A Wonderful Life .

The movie follows the life of George Bailey, who, after many years of selflessness runs into a financial crisis. As George begins to act out, family and friends ask God to help him through his tough times. In response, God sends an angel named Clarence to sort out the issue. George asks to see a world in which he was never born to which Clarence reluctantly obliges. In this new George-less world, George witnesses a dreary, alternative universe in which all of his family and friends lead miserable lives. Seeing this allows George to see how important his life actually is and he begs God to let him live again. The story is meant to show people what is truly meaningful in life—that, whether they realize it or not, one person’s actions can cause a positive ripple effect in the lives of so many.

To say this movie is my personal Bible is an understatement.  It’s A Wonderful Life  has been the centerpiece of many dinner conversations and family gatherings. I try to bring it up as often as possible because it gives me an appreciation for the lives of those around me. Each person’s life touches so many, and when that person isn’t around, there’s an awful hole that can’t be filled.

Certainly there are other influences in my life, but none have quite affected my definition of what it means to live well. I have the choice to be an integral part of everyone’s life. The movie particularly made me curious about people’s passions and caused me to do a lot of self-reflection. I couldn’t remember the last time I asked the people closest to me what it was that made them happiest; I couldn’t tell you their favorite things, or much about their personal lives. These were some of the most important people in my life and I couldn’t even understand why they were the way they were. There’s a difference between knowing someone on the surface and truly knowing who they are.  It’s A Wonderful Life  encouraged me to delve into the lives of those around me.

There’s a line from another great movie,  Patch Adams , that says: “Our job is to improve the quality of life, not just delay death.” The message resonates well with what  It’s A Wonderful Life  did for me. It’s easy to get caught up in our personal lives and not worry about the surrounding world. But what’s easy is not always what’s best. My biggest fear is to have the opposite effect that George Bailey had—If I were to not be a part of the world, that nobody’s life would be different. So I’ve dedicated my life to making sure that every day I seek to improve the quality of life of those around me.

Every person I’ve met, every relationship I’ve had, every hello I’ve said, my actions stem from the lessons I’ve learned in  It’s A Wonderful Life . I now realize that I can have a serious impact on the lives of those around me. I’m more curious, I’m more engaging, I’m more positive in my relationships with other people all because of a two hour and fifteen minute Christmas movie. Every year, as the snow begins to fall, as the temperature drops, as I set up my family’s nativity scene, I can’t help but feel excitement knowing that it’s time to watch  It’s A Wonderful Life  again, the movie that changed my life.

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How to best appeal to Babson College? Answered

This might be one of my dream schools. I plan on visiting it during the summer, doesn't look so pretty but it is considered one of the best schools in the US for my intended major, entrepreneurship. I definitely need to get a better idea of the campus scene before I commit too much to one college. Currently, CV chancer says I have a 66% of admission, but I really want to have this almost guaranteed as an option when deciding which college to attend.

It's too late to change certain things like extracurriculars/grades, so I would like to know specifically which factors Babson looks at the most, and the qualities it looks for in the ideal candidate. I know being entrepreneurial is certainly important, and I'm working on that as well as holding more leadership positions/playing a bigger role in my extracurricular clubs.

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Besides entrepreneurship, Babson values students who have a commitment to sustainability and can think outside the box through innovation. Demonstrating that you are intellectually well-rounded and enjoy interdisciplinary learning can also help.

The College Essay Guy, who is a CollegeVine partner, has a guide to the Babson College supplemental essays that can help you tailor your application to this hub of entrepreneurship. I wish you the best of luck!

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How to Apply to Babson

Babson shapes entrepreneurs of all kinds to make a difference in the world. Whether you’re an international student , a transfer student , or a homeschool student , the Babson application process is simple and straightforward. We're with you every step of the way.

Learn more about how to apply to Babson, standardized testing requirements, and admission criteria . And, join the #1 school for entrepreneurship today. Babson has adopted a Test-Optional Policy.

For all first-year and transfer applicants, your first step will be to fill out and submit an application. Both first-year and transfer applicants can do so through the Common Application.

APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES

Early Decision I Early Action

For students applying Early Decision I or Early Action

Financial Aid

Early Decision II Regular Decision

For students applying Early Decision II or Regular Decision

The binding Early Decision plans offered are for students who have decided that Babson is their first choice. If accepted, students agree to enroll at Babson and withdraw all other applications. The notification dates for Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) are well in advance of Babson’s Regular Decision notification dates. Students applying Early Decision to Babson are eligible to apply to other colleges’ nonbinding early admission programs. Because of the strength of our ED pools, some qualified students not admitted through the ED plans may be deferred to the Regular Decision (RD) round; however, students denied during the ED processes are not eligible to reapply.

• Application Deadline: ED I November 1*, ED II January 2
• Notification: ED I by mid-December, ED II by mid-February
• Deposit due: ED I January 15, EDII March 15

*Early Decision candidates who have not completed the Common Application Early Decision Agreement are required to complete the   Early Decision Agreement (pdf)

Babson’s nonbinding Early Action (EA) plan is designed for applicants who view Babson as one of their top choices. Students admitted through EA can enjoy the remainder of their senior year exploring Babson more in depth and have until May 1 to make their college choice. EA applicants are eligible to apply to other colleges’ early admission programs. Qualified students not admitted to Babson through the EA plan may be deferred to the Regular Decision round for reconsideration; however, students denied during the EA process are not eligible to reapply.

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Notification: By January 1
• Deposit due: May 1

Regular Decision gives applicants more time both to complete their application, as well as strengthen their application with senior-year extracurricular achievements or improved academic performance. Admitted students learn of their decisions by mid-March and have until May 1 to make their decision.

• Application Deadline: January 2
• Notification: By mid-March

Application Process and Requirements

Babson’s evaluation criteria ensures that all applicants are considered in a contextual and holistic way. While the greatest focus is placed on your four-year performance, we also look at your writing ability , standardized test scores, and leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm.

The admission process at Babson is highly competitive. For the Class of 2027 , we received close to 8,000 applications. On average, admitted students had high school grades between A- and B+ and earned SAT scores from 1430-1510 (this range represents the middle 50% of admitted students’ averages).

At Babson, we take pride in our extensive and holistic evaluation of all applications for admission. While the greatest focus is placed on a student's four-year performance at the secondary level, the following factors are carefully considered in our evaluation process:

• Academic performance
• Rigor of coursework  (accelerated, honors, AP/International Baccalaureate, etc.)
• Academic motivation , including interest in learning and a willingness to challenge oneself
• Performance on  standardized tests (SAT I or ACT; TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers); Babson has adopted a Test-Optional Policy for first-year applicants
• Writing ability  ( two writing supplement questions​ )
• Involvement  in activities and/or work experience
• Leadership , creativity, and enthusiasm
• Interviews  with an admission counselor or student admission intern are available but not required; interviews are evaluative and candidates’ written evaluations will be added to their files for use in the selection process.

The academic environment at Babson is a rigorous one, and we look for students who have best prepared themselves for success at the college level. Most admitted students have carried four to five courses per year in the five major academic subject areas: English, mathematics, social science, laboratory science, and foreign language.

Additionally, we highly recommend pursuing mathematics through pre-calculus at a minimum.

Students who matriculate to Babson will be required to submit a final high school transcript, GED, or equivalent indicating successful completion of high school in good academic standing.

Looking for More Information?

How to Make Your Application Shine

To help you prepare your application materials, we’ve pulled together our best advice.

Reapplying to Babson

Applicants who are not admitted as first-year students are encouraged to apply as a transfer applicant. Eligible transfer applicants need to have completed at least one semester of study before the transfer application deadline.

All students applying for transfer admission are required to submit the following materials:

• Completed transfer application
• Official transcripts (both a college transcript and a final high school transcript)
• The College Official's Report
• Letter of recommendation from a college professor
• Mid-semester grade report
• Application fee

Please  check with us to see if we still have your official test scores on file; if we do, you do not need to resubmit them. Babson College holds records for two years. If you applied more than two years ago, you must resubmit all required application materials.

Applicants who were not offered admission or chose not to enroll at Babson and have not enrolled at another postsecondary institution may also reapply for admission. Students should send a letter or e-mail indicating their intent to reapply and verifying that we still have your previous application materials.  Students should also submit new essays and a new letter of recommendation.

Information for Counselors

The Office of Undergraduate Admission recognizes the importance of partnering with our high school colleagues.

Babson has two application deadlines: 

November 1: Early Decision I and Early Action January 2: Early Decision II and Regular Decision 

Babson College accepts the Common Application .

Documents sent via Parchment or Scoir will be accepted for students using either application. While we prefer to receive documents electronically, hard copies may be submitted by:

Fax: 781-239-4006

Mail: Babson College Lunder Admission Center 231 Forest Street Babson Park, MA 02457

At Babson College, we’re committed to making it  affordable  for students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them during their undergraduate experience and beyond. We offer  need-based aid  and  merit-based aid  and maintain a need-blind admission process for all U.S. and Canadian applicants. For international students applying for the need-based  Global Scholarship , the admission and scholarship decisions are made together.​​

You May Also Be Interested In:

How to Use Acceptance Rate and Class Profile to Guide Your College Search

How to Write a College Essay: The Personal Statement and Writing Supplement

Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges. Apply to Babson Today.

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Fill out the Request Information form below to connect with us. This will ensure that you learn about the academic experience, hear stories from our current students, and receive important announcements during the admission process … just to name a few.

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Scenes from Rocket Pitch

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Three minutes. Three slides. It’s simple yet exhilarating. It’s fast and frenzied. And, it’s a Babson rite of passage for many student and alumni entrepreneurs. 

It’s Rocket Pitch . For more than 20 years, the signature event of The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship has provided entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to pitch their endeavors and collect real-time feedback, ideas, and connections. It’s a proven process to improve pitches and fuel ventures. 

BABSON MAGAZINE : Read the complete Spring 2024 issue .

Rocket Pitch this year featured 56 entrepreneurs representing 51 ventures presenting simultaneously in four rooms over three hectic hours. For presenters and attendees, it’s a fast-paced exchange of ideas.

Flip through the slideshow below, as we go behind the scenes to illustrate the buzz of excitement and inspiration that boosts Rocket Pitch. 

The Setting » 4 Rooms

Olin Hall is abuzz with activity long before the first pitch at 5:10 p.m. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff members register then make their way to one of four rooms, each dedicated to a different industry: Consumer Products & Services, Education & Sustainability, Tech & Mobile, and Fashion, Pets & Food. This year, for the first time, first-year students in Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship are required to attend, introducing them to this hallmark Babson experience and the Blank Center. Over the next three hours, attendees will rush from room to room in a rapid succession of entrepreneurial activity. 

The Pitch » 3 Minutes

Babson’s hallmark Entrepreneurial Thought & Action ® comes to life as rapid-fire pitches begin simultaneously in all four rooms. Presenters have been honing their pitches, incorporating feedback from bullpen sessions with the Blank Center and Babson’s acclaimed Speech Center . Now, it’s showtime, and each entrepreneur has just three minutes and three slides to make their pressure-packed pitch pop. The presenters this year include 27 undergraduate students, 20 MBA students, four MSEL students, and two MSBA students, as well as three recent alumni.

The Feedback » 5 Minutes

After the pitches, the magic begins, as the audience of peers, mentors, and other startup supporters has five minutes to share real-time feedback on the venture and the pitch, offering praise and constructive criticism. No questions are allowed, and presenters cannot respond in order to hone the entrepreneurial leadership skill of listening. There are just two minutes before the next pitches begin, so if you’re switching rooms, move fast. The whirlwind experience repeats over and over, as dozens of entrepreneurs make their pitches and absorb the reaction. In the end, entrepreneurs gain valuable feedback, important connections, and, sometimes, even a potential investor. 

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Tagged Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership , Entrepreneurship Education , Graduate , Student Life , Undergraduate , Babson Magazine

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