smith college supplemental essay 2022 23

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Smith College Supplemental Essay: Tips and Examples

By Eric Eng

If you’re thinking about applying to Smith College, you’ll need to prepare for and work on the Smith College supplemental essay prompts. As one of the top private liberal arts colleges in the country and a leading women’s college, Smith attracts a lot of applications each year. To find the best candidates, the Smith College admissions team carefully reviews all the applications, including the supplemental essays.

With a competitive acceptance rate of 20%, many students want to know how to increase their chances of getting in. While having a strong academic background is important, the Smith supplemental essays are where you can really stand out . These essays give you the chance to show how you think, what you care about, and how you might thrive at Smith. In short, your essays play a big role in the success of your application.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the Smith essay prompts and what the college is hoping to see in your responses. We’ll also share some tips to help you write strong supplemental essays that can improve your application.

• What Are the Smith College Supplemental Essay Prompts ?
• How to Answer the Smith College Supplemental Essay Prompts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the smith college supplemental essay prompts.

Smith College requires applicants to submit an additional supplemental essay as part of the application process. This is on top of your Common Application or Coalition Application essay, so you’ll be writing two essays for Smith.

The first essay will depend on the application platform you choose. If you go with the Common Application, you’ll have a variety of prompts that invite you to tell personal stories—ranging from how you’ve shown resilience to how you’ve overcome challenges. These prompts are designed to let you share the experiences and ideas that have shaped who you are. We provide a detailed discussion on how to answer the Common App prompt in a separate blog .

Moreover, if you apply through the Coalition App, the essay prompts allow you to share your unique experiences and goals in your college application. They encourage you to consider your personal growth, challenges, and achievements. Topics usually include overcoming obstacles, contributing to your community, exploring your interests, and showing resilience. The Coalition App essay prompts let you highlight what makes you unique and what you can bring to a college community.

Unlike the essay prompts offered through the Coalition or Common Application, the specific supplemental essay prompt allows you to highlight why you’re a great fit for Smith College and how you’ll contribute to its lively and inclusive campus community.

For this essay, you won’t have a selection of prompts to choose from—everyone will respond to the same prompt. Lastly, you must respond to this prompt in not more than 250 words. 

Smith has a unique housing system where students of all class years live together in 41 different houses. With their Residential Curriculum , students will become critically aware global neighbors, exploring their self-identity by living in a community, engaging in reflection, and challenging their own beliefs.

What personal experiences, background, or abilities would you bring to this residential environment to share with your neighbors, and what would you hope your neighbors would share with you?

How to Answer the Smith College Supplemental Essay Prompt

Of the two Smith essays, this one likely requires the most research into what Smith College has to offer, especially when it comes to understanding the school’s values and unique residential system. Before tackling this second essay, it’s a good idea to think about how your personal experiences connect with what the Smith College admissions team values.

This essay can also be seen as an opportunity to discuss cultural diversity, as it encourages you to reflect on what makes you unique and how those differences will enrich the Smith College community.

1. Understand Smith College’s Residential Curriculum.

To respond effectively to this Smith College supplemental essay prompt, it’s important to understand the college’s residential curriculum. Smith offers a vibrant student community across 41 unique residential houses that encourage communal living and cultural exchange. Most students live on campus for all four years unless they study off-campus. The goal of these communities is to balance personal independence with respect for others.

Smith’s residential houses promote both formal and informal connections. The residence halls also have a curriculum designed to support academic success and global learning.

Smith’s residence education model, called Compass, guides the learning within these houses. It’s based on Smith’s core values and student development theory which focus on critical awareness, social responsibility, and engagement.

Smith College is eager to learn about your individuality and worldview through your experiences, background, and abilities, which ties closely to the theme of diversity. This is your chance to show how your unique perspective can enrich the community and how you connect with others.

Since the prompt emphasizes “neighbors,” it’s important to focus on the idea of community—whether that’s embracing differences, serving those around you, or contributing in other meaningful ways.

You’re being asked to reflect on the parts of your identity, skills, and personality that will influence how you engage with Smith’s residential campus community. Admissions officers want to understand how you’ll enhance the experiences of your future neighbors and what you hope to gain from living in a diverse and close-knit environment. 

The Smith College supplemental essay is your opportunity to highlight how you can contribute to a communal space while also demonstrating your openness to learning from others.

To brainstorm ideas for your essay, consider these questions:

• What personal experiences or aspects of your identity (such as your culture, family background, hobbies, or talents) might shape your role in a residential community?
• How have you contributed to your community in the past? How could those contributions translate to a college campus or dorm environment?
• What specific values or qualities do you want your living space to reflect?
• What are you eager to learn from others who come from different backgrounds or have different interests than you?
• How do you imagine building meaningful relationships with your neighbors?

2. Be specific and personal.

As with any supplemental essay, it’s important to be specific and personal. Share details about your life that influence how you interact with others. This could include aspects of your identity like ethnicity, race, culture, religion, socioeconomic background, gender and sexual orientation, hometown, illness or disability, or even your interests and hobbies.

Think about how your experiences or abilities related to one of these aspects can enrich the lives of those around you. Reflect on how you’ve contributed to your community before, or how you plan to contribute in the future. Then, consider what you hope to learn from your peers—remember, engagement is a two-way street, so be sure to address this part of the prompt too.

Here’s a good Smith College supplemental essay example:

“I’ve always believed that music has the power to connect people. Growing up in a West African household, Saturday mornings were filled with the rhythmic beats of drums and the melodies of traditional songs that my family would sing together. I want to bring this sense of joy and connection to my life at Smith by organizing music nights where we can share the sounds that remind us of home. I can already picture us gathered around, playing instruments, singing, and dancing to the tunes that hold special meaning in our lives. But more than that, I hope my neighbors will share their own musical traditions with me—whether it’s teaching me a new song, introducing me to a different instrument, or showing me a dance that I can learn and enjoy together with them.”

This example provides a clear image of how the student plans to enrich the residential community by sharing their cultural traditions and memories. It also emphasizes their eagerness to learn from others, promoting a genuine sense of exchange. The use of music as a way to connect adds a personal and relatable touch, making the story both engaging and memorable.

In contrast, here’s a bad Smith College supplemental essay example:

“In the Smith dorms, I plan to bring a welcoming spirit and be there for others whenever they need support. I’ve always been the kind of person others can rely on, and I hope my neighbors will see me as someone they can turn to when they need a listening ear. I’m also excited about meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning from their unique experiences as we share our stories. Living with others who have different perspectives will be a great opportunity to grow together. Building genuine connections with my neighbors is key to fostering a strong community where everyone feels valued and supported.”

This example is quite general and doesn’t reveal much about the student’s unique background or personality. While it touches on a desire to help others and learn from peers, it lacks specific details that would show how the student plans to actively engage with the community. It’s a bit too broad and could be written by anyone without offering any real personal insight or depth.

To make your response stand out, it’s important to be intentional and reflective when describing how your personal background and skills will contribute to the residential community at Smith. This approach will help demonstrate to admissions officers that you’re prepared to be an active, engaged, and open-minded member of the campus, ready to contribute to the vibrant culture of the college.

3. Show, don’t just tell.

“Show, don’t just tell” means that instead of just stating your qualities or passions, you should provide vivid examples or stories that bring these qualities to life. For instance, rather than writing, “I’m passionate about helping others,” you could describe a specific event where you volunteered at a local shelter.

You might say, “Last summer, I spent every Saturday at a local shelter, organizing food drives and sitting down to listen to the stories of the people we served. One afternoon, after helping a family find housing, I realized that this was more than just volunteering—it was about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. That moment strengthened my commitment to social work.”

This approach allows the reader to see your passion in action. It makes your essay more engaging and memorable.

4. Edit and proofread.

Taking the time to refine your essay is essential. Make sure it’s clear of any grammatical mistakes, awkward sentences, or confusing thoughts. It can be incredibly helpful to have someone you trust to read through your work and offer their feedback.

What is Smith College’ acceptance rate in 2024?

For the 2024 admission cycle, Smith College acceptance rate stands at 20%. This marks a slight decrease from previous years which reflects the increasing competitiveness of the admissions process. Smith received a significant number of applications, with nearly 9,900 students applying and only about 1,974 being admitted.

What are Smith College GPA requirements?

Smith College does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for admission, but successful applicants typically have a strong academic record. The average high school GPA for admitted students is generally around 4.0 on a 4.0 scale which means that most successful applicants have predominantly A grades in their coursework.

Does Smith College care about essays?

Yes, Smith College definitely values supplemental essays as an important part of the admissions process. These essays help the admissions team get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. Smith takes a holistic approach, looking at your background, interests, and experiences to see how you align with the college’s values.

Is Smith College a good school?

Is Smith College a good school? Yes, Smith College is highly regarded, especially for students seeking a rigorous liberal arts education at a women’s college. As one of the Seven Sisters Colleges, it’s known for strong academics , vibrant campus life, and a commitment to empowering women. In 2024, Smith had a 20% acceptance rate, making it quite selective. Admitted students typically have an average GPA of around 4.0, with SAT scores between 1390 and 1510. Smith offers a wide range of majors, strong faculty, and a unique house system that creates a close-knit community.

Smith College has a holistic process for evaluating your college application. This means that everything in your portfolio will be weighed accordingly—some factors may have more weight than others, but everything that you submit will be looked into and considered. This is why your Smith College supplemental essay should reflect who you are as a person and as a student, showing aspects of you that you have you have not shown yet.

Consider this when preparing for and writing your essay:

• You will submit two essays—one for the Common or Coalition Application, and the other is a supplemental essay responding to a specific prompt provided by Smith College.
• Your Smith College supplemental essay should be specific while being able to showcase your ability to socialize and show your authentic self to the people around you.
• Smith has a unique residential curriculum. You should incorporate this in your prompt as the Smith College admissions team would want to see the impact you’d bring to the community.
• If you still need help, we recommend contacting a college admissions consultant . They can help you prepare all your supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission to your dream school.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Smith College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Additional info essay.

Smith has a unique housing system, where students of all class years live together in 41 different houses. With our Residential Curriculum, students will become critically aware global neighbors, exploring their self-identity by living in community, engaging in reflection and challenging their own beliefs. What personal experiences, background or abilities would you bring to this residential environment to share with your neighbors and what would you hope your neighbors would share with you?*

Common App Personal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smith Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Smith supplemental essays .

If you’re considering applying to Smith, you’ll need to tackle the Smith essays. Smith College stands out as one of the premier private liberal arts colleges in the nation and a top women’s college . Consequently, Smith Admissions reviews numerous applications and Smith College supplemental essays annually to identify the best candidates for admission.

Located in the vibrant town of Northampton, Massachusetts, Smith is a model for academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Established in 1871 , Smith has consistently upheld its commitment to providing an exceptional liberal arts education to women , fostering a community where diverse perspectives thrive.

With Smith’s low acceptance rate, many students are eager to understand the key to gaining admission to this esteemed institution. Beyond seeing a strong academic record, Smith Admissions is looking to your Smith supplemental essays to learn how you think and what you care about. Your Smith College supplemental essays help demonstrate your values, perspectives, and potential for success at Smith, which can significantly impact the success of your application .

This guide to the Smith supplemental essays will explore the Smith essays and walk you through Smith essay prompts. We will also provide you with Smith requirements beyond the Smith essays. That way, you’ll have the tools you need to write stellar Smith essays and submit the strongest Smith application possible.

Are you ready to learn how to get into Smith by crafting strong Smith College supplemental essays? If so, let’s get started!

Smith College: Quick Facts

Smith college admissions quick facts.

• Smith College Acceptance Rate: 23% – while Smith College’s acceptance rate is higher than other top universities, U.S. News still considers Smith College a selective school. 
• 1 (~650 word) personal statement essay
• 1 (~250 word) cultural diversity essay
• Smith College Application: Smith accepts both the Common Application and Coalition Application . Students will complete the Common Application Essay or Coalition Application Essay depending on which type of application they submit. All students will complete the same cultural diversity essay.
• Early Decision I: November 15 
• Early Decision II: January 1
• Regular Decision: January 15
• Smith College Essay Tip: The Smith supplemental essays are a required part of the Smith application. As you brainstorm topics for your Smith supplemental essays, consider how they play into your overall application narrative . Think about how your personal statement essay and cultural diversity essay can complement each other. And be sure to avoid repeating details or topics! 

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

Does Smith have supplemental essays?

Yes, Smith College requires applicants to submit one additional supplemental essay as part of the application process. This is in addition to your Common Application essay or Coalition Application essay, meaning you’ll be writing a total of two Smith supplemental essays.

Smith essays are crucial in providing the Smith College admissions committee with a comprehensive understanding of each applicant. This is especially true when it comes to unique qualities beyond your academic achievements and standardized test scores. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the Smith essay prompts and what Smith is looking for in your application essays. We’ll also offer tips for writing your Smith supplemental essays to ensure they strengthen your Smith application.

How many essays does Smith require?

As previously stated, there are two Smith essays that students will need to complete. To write effective Smith College supplemental essays, students must approach them with thoughtfulness and precision, recognizing the opportunity to offer a unique perspective into their lives.

The first of the two Smith essays depends on which application platform students choose to use to apply. If applying through the Common Application, candidates can respond to various Smith essay prompts that focus on personal narratives, from reflections on resilience to triumphs over challenges. These Smith essay prompts allow students to share stories and ideas defining their journey.

Smith College Essays – Common Application Essay Prompts

1. some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story., 2. the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, 7. share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

Similarly, if students apply using the Coalition Application, they will have a similar selection of Smith essay prompts to choose from. Whether you want to reflect on your moments of personal growth or unravel the layers of your academic passion, the Smith essay prompts in the Coalition Application allow you to share your unique story. 

Smith College Essays – Coalition Application Essay Prompts :

1. tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it., 2. what interests or excites you how does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future, 3. describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. what were the challenges what were the rewards, 4. has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned how did you respond what did you learn, 5. what success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced what advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience, 6. submit an essay on a topic of your choice..

The Smith essay prompts offered through the Common/Coalition Application are broad and focus mainly on you as an individual. However, the second of the two Smith essays is specific to Smith College and dives deeper into the unique residential houses curriculum.

Smith supplemental essay prompt

As previously shared, Smith College requires students to write two Smith supplemental essays, and the second of the two Smith supplemental essays is specific to Smith College. Compared to the Smith essay prompts offered between the Coalition/Common Application, this essay prompt provides an opportunity to showcase your fit for Smith College and your potential contribution to the vibrant and inclusive residential community.

For this essay, you don’t have the option of choosing between various Smith essay prompts. Therefore, all students will respond to the same prompt for the second of their Smith supplemental essays.

Smith College Essays – Cultural Diversity Essay Prompt

Smith has a unique housing system, where students of all class years live together in 41 different houses. with our residential curriculum, students will become critically aware global neighbors, exploring their self-identity by living in community, engaging in reflection and challenging their own beliefs., what personal experiences, background or abilities would you bring to this residential environment to share with your neighbors and what would you hope your neighbors would share with you*.

Out of your two Smith essays, this one probably demands the most research on Smith College offerings. Specifically, the importance of understanding the institution’s values and the distinctive features of its residential system . Therefore, before completing the second of the two Smith essays, students should explore how their personal experiences align with Smith’s values.

This essay can be considered an essay about cultural diversity because it forces applicants to consider qualities that make them different and how those differences will contribute to the Smith College community. If this Smith-specific essay seems daunting, don’t worry! In the next sections, we will dive deeper into the Smith residential curriculum and how to effectively respond to this Smith supplemental essay. 

Smith residential curriculum

To respond to this Smith supplemental essay, students must have an understanding of one of Smith’s pride and joys: their residential curriculum. Smith College offers a diverse student community within 41 unique residential houses . These residential houses create environments that reflect communal living and cultural exchange. Traditional undergraduates are generally expected to reside on campus for four years unless engaged in off-campus studies. The philosophy of these residential communities revolves around finding a delicate balance between individual independence and a mindful consideration for the rights and well-being of fellow residents.

Beyond serving as living spaces, the residential houses at Smith play a crucial role in promoting both formal and informal interactions, allowing residents to form connections and build friendships. In addition to providing a way for social connection, the residence hall network has developed a residential curriculum to promote academic success and global learning.

The Smith College residence education model, known as Compass , serves as a guiding framework for the learning experience within Smith College houses. Influenced by Smith’s institutional and divisional core values and student development theory, the model was carefully crafted to address the identified needs of residential students while offering meaningful learning opportunities. This is embodied in the residential curriculum’s three goals: critical awareness, social responsibility, and engagement.

How to write a Smith supplemental essay

Out of the various Smith essay prompts, the Smith supplemental essay regarding the residential curriculum may be the most difficult. To write the Smith supplemental essay regarding Smith College’s unique housing system and the residential curriculum, students must craft an essay reflecting their understanding of the college’s values and commitment to contributing positively to the residential community.

To help you get started, here are some key topics to tackle when writing your Smith College supplemental essay. (While we have provided a general framework for your essay, the order in which you include these topics is entirely up to you!) 

Understanding the Residential Curriculum

Demonstrate your understanding of and genuine interest in the residential curriculum, such as becoming critically aware of global neighbors, exploring self-identity in a communal setting, engaging in reflection, and challenging personal beliefs. Rather than regurgitating information you’ve found on their website, consider how you’ll embody or engage with these elements of their residential life. You should briefly acknowledge why you are drawn to this type of living community and/or why it is important to you.

Personal Experiences and Background

Share specific personal experiences or qualities that you believe would enhance the residential environment at Smith College. Discuss relevant cultural, educational, or community experiences that have shaped your perspective and values. For example, if you have engaged in community service, international travel, or leadership roles, elaborate on how these experiences have influenced your understanding of global citizenship and community living.

Contribution to the Community

Express how you envision bringing your unique qualities to the Smith College community. This could include your commitment to fostering open dialogue, promoting diversity and inclusion, or participating in community-building activities. Emphasize how your background has prepared you to contribute positively to the residential curriculum’s critical awareness and self-reflection goals.

Hopes for Exchange

Articulate what you hope to learn from your neighbors and the broader residential community. This could involve an openness to diverse perspectives, a desire to engage in meaningful conversations, or a willingness to be challenged in your beliefs. Highlight the importance of mutual learning and growth within shared living experiences.

Summarize your commitment to actively participate in and contribute to Smith College’s unique residential community. Reiterate your enthusiasm for being a part of a community that values critical awareness, self-reflection, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

By addressing the prompt in this way, you’ll effectively demonstrate your understanding of Smith College’s values and your readiness to engage in and enrich the residential experience.

Does Smith care about essays?

If you’re wondering if Smith College cares about the Smith College supplemental essays, the answer is yes! Smith College takes pride in its comprehensive admissions process, recognizing that academic excellence extends beyond grades alone. This holistic approach emphasizes elements such as your background, major interests, and the opportunities that have shaped you. Smith supplemental essays are pivotal in conveying these aspects beyond test scores and GPAs.

The significance placed on Smith College supplemental essays underscores the college’s deliberate effort to identify individuals who align with its core values of academic excellence, innovation, and a dedication to societal impact. Smith essays allow applicants to share their narratives, experiences, and aspirations. They give the Smith College admissions committee a deeper understanding of each candidate’s unique qualities and perspectives.

Therefore, the creation of impactful Smith College supplemental essays is crucial. Your Smith essays go beyond showcasing writing skills. They serve as a window into your character, illustrating your commitment to contributing to Smith College’s academic and innovative community. In the words of Smith College’s educational mission , “At Smith, your individual exploration and education come first.” Your Smith College supplemental essays are vital in showcasing how you embody this commitment to exploration and education to Smith Admissions.

Other Smith College application requirements

Embarking on the journey to join the vibrant community at Smith College involves a thorough understanding of the Smith requirements that extend beyond the Smith supplemental essays. At Smith, the admission criteria and Smith requirements reflect the institution’s values, emphasizing a student’s curiosity and dedication to contributing positively to the world. The college assesses applicants’ capacity to excel in the classroom and enhance the broader community when making admission decisions.

Beyond Smith College supplemental essays, Smith College evaluates applicants holistically, considering various facets of their academic and extracurricular pursuits. The key components considered include:

The academic transcript provides a comprehensive overview of an applicant’s high school performance. Smith values students who challenge themselves academically and recommends taking the highest-level courses their high school offers. To better prepare for admission to Smith College, prospective students are strongly encouraged to take a challenging course load in high school. By taking these rigorous courses, applicants demonstrate academic readiness and align themselves with Smith’s commitment to fostering intellectually curious and globally engaged individuals.

Recommendations

Letters of recommendation offer insights into an applicant’s character, work ethic, and potential contributions to the Smith community. Smith requires a counselor recommendation along with two teacher evaluations.

Test Scores

While Smith College accepts ACT/SAT submissions, it’s important to know that Smith College has embraced a test-optional policy since 2009, recognizing that standardized test scores cannot accurately encapsulate an applicant’s potential. Instead, the emphasis is on factors that delve into an individual’s character, experiences, and potential contributions to the Smith community.

For a more comprehensive look at the application process, check out this guide on How to Get into Smith!

Smith Supplemental Essays: 5 Essay Tips

As one of the top colleges in the northeast and nation, Smith College offers students a top-tier education. In this guide to the Smith supplemental essays, we shared how to get into Smith College by crafting strong Smith supplemental essays. As you embark on the journey of composing your Smith College supplemental essays, consider the following five tips to ensure your reflections and experiences shine through:

Smith College Supplemental Essays Tips

1. understand smith’s values.

Familiarize yourself with Smith College’s mission, values, and the unique aspects of its residential system. Tailor your responses in your Smith supplemental essays to align with these principles, demonstrating a genuine connection to the college’s ethos.

2. Personalize Your Narrative

Your experiences are unique, and Smith values individual perspectives. Share personal anecdotes, reflections, or challenges that have shaped you in your Smith supplemental essays. Personalizing your narrative adds depth to your Smith essays and helps the admissions committee understand who you are beyond your academic achievements.

3. Connect to the Residential Curriculum

Clearly articulate how your background, experiences, or skills align with the residential curriculum’s goals within your Smith essays. Showcase your commitment to becoming a critically aware global neighbor, engaging in self-reflection, and challenging your own beliefs within the communal living context at Smith.

4. Show Your Contribution to Community

Emphasize how you plan to contribute to the Smith College community within your Smith supplemental essays. Whether through your cultural insights, leadership experiences, or a commitment to inclusivity, highlight how you will actively participate in and enhance the vibrant residential atmosphere.

5. Be Genuine and Reflective

Authenticity is key when writing your Smith supplemental essays. Be sincere in your Smith essays, and take the time to reflect on your experiences and values. Share genuine insights into who you are, what drives you, and how you envision your role within the Smith College community.

By incorporating these tips into your Smith supplemental essays, you’ll present a compelling case for admission to Smith College. Additionally, you’ll demonstrate your readiness to actively contribute to the dynamic and inclusive community that defines the Smith experience. For more information on how to write college essays, check out these CollegeAdvisor resources that discuss How to Write Better Essays , College Essay Topics , and How to Start a Personal Statement . Best of luck in your writing journey!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins . 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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Supplemental Essay Prompts by College (2022-2023)

Many colleges require applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to the Common App essay. These essays vary in topics and range in length from just a few sentences (or 100-300 characters) to 650 words. These prompts can change from year to year. For your convenience, I have compiled the 2022-2023 supplements for a majority of the top 50 Colleges, according to the US News Report. Note that “optional” doesn’t mean “optional” these days—it is highly suggested, if not expected that you complete these essays to demonstrate genuine interest in the school. I look forward to helping your college applicant craft standout supplemental essays.  

Amherst College

Barnard College

Bates College

Boston college.

Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University

Brown University

Bryn mawr college.

Bucknell University California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

Carleton College

Carnegie mellon university, claremont mckenna college, colby college, colgate university, college of william and mary.

  Columbia University  

Cornell Universit

Dartmouth College

Davidson college, duke university, elon university, emerson college, emory university, franklin and marshall college, george washington university, georgetown university, hamilton college, harvard university, harvey mudd college, haverford college, indiana university (bloomington), johns hopkins university, kenyon college, lafayette college, lehigh university, middlebury college, massachusetts institute of technology (mit).

  New York University  

The New School

Northeastern university, northwestern university, oberlin college, pepperdine university, pomona college, princeton university, sarah lawrence college, scripps college, skidmore college, smith college, stanford university, swarthmore college, syracuse university, tufts university, tulane university, university of chicago, university of miami, university of michigan, university of north carolina (chapel hill), university of notre dame, university of pennsylvania, university of southern california (usc), university of vermont, university of virginia, university of wisconsin (madison), vanderbilt university, vassar college, villanova university, wake forest university, wellesley college, wesleyan university, williams college, yale university.

Does Amherst College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes • At Amherst we know that identity is more than checkboxes. If you would like to share more about your identity, background, family, culture or community, please tell us more here. (Maximum: 175 words) • Please briefly elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience of particular significance to you. (Maximum: 175 words) • If you have engaged in significant research in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, social sciences or humanities that was undertaken independently of your high school curriculum, please provide a brief description of the research project: (Optional) (50-75 words)     

Barnard College  

Does Barnard College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes • What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the college would be a good match for you? (300 words) • At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words) • At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words)  

Does Bates College have Supplemental Essays?   No  

Does Boston College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  Respond to one of the following prompts (400 words) Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it? •  In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America-- a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue. •  At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person? •  Socrates stated that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you. •  Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together-- and why?  

Boston University

Does Boston University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words) •  Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider.  

Bowdoin College

Does Bowdoin College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes •  How did you first learn about Bowdoin? (Limit 140 characters.) •  Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. (250 words) To be at home in all lands and all ages; to count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend; to gain a standard for the appreciation of others' work and the criticism of your own; to carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; to make hosts of friends...who are to be leaders in all walks of life; to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life. 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. (250 words) -    Optional: Navigating Through Differences Bowdoin believes that only through building a more diverse and inclusive campus community will the College best prepare graduates to be contributing and useful citizens of the world. (250 words)  

Brandeis University

Does Brandeis University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (250 words) •  What excites you the most about being an international student at Brandeis University? (250 words)  

Does Brown University College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

• Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (250 words) •  (200-250 words) Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words) •  Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)  

Does Bryn Mawr College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  As you prepare to join a new college community, reflect on your role as a community member throughout the past four years. What legacy do you hope to leave behind? • Why are you interested in Bryn Mawr?  

Bucknell University

Does Bucknell University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major, should you opt to list one. (250 words)  

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)  

Does CalTech have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Because of the rigorous core course curriculum, Caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore. If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? (Select from List) •  Why did you choose that area of interest?  (200 words) •  At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity.  What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? •  STEM experience/activity #1* (200 words) •  STEM experience/activity #2* (200 words) •  The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars, but Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to 3D printing dorm decor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? * (250 words) •  The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. How do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world? * (250 words) •  Optional Short Answers: We know, we know … you see optional and start to wonder if we mean it. But in this section, we truly do! See these as completely optional opportunities to show us more of your personality.  Optional. We promise. If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below. (150 words) •  When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speedcubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby and why does it bring you joy? (100 words) •  Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 words) •  Have you had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (such as limited course selection or disruptions) not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here. (150 words) •  Some Caltech applicants engage in STEM competitions locally, nationally, and internationally (such as AIME, Science Olympiad, International Science Olympiads.) If you have received any STEM honors or awards, list them here (and scores, if applicable). (200 words)

Does Carleton College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Please share your thoughts on one (1) of the following prompts (in no more than 300 words) of what these Carleton values look like to you: 1. I am empowered by individuals who… OR 2. I value community because… OR 3. I want to better my world by… •  Do you want to share more with us? If so, use this space to fill any gaps you think would assist us in reviewing your application. (Optional, no more than 250 words)

Does Carnegie Mellon University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words) •  Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words) •  Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)  

Does Claremont McKenna College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Why do you want to attend CMC? (150-250 words) •  One of the hallmarks of a CMC education is the first-year humanities program that all students take in their first year at the College. The program has two components: the Freshman Humanities Seminar (FHS) and the Freshman Writing Seminar (FWS). While each FHS and FWS seminar has a distinctive approach in terms of texts and topics, their pairing gives first-year students a shared academic experience in small, writing-intensive courses that foster critical thinking about a wide range of important issues. FHS introduces first-year students to some of the crucial questions that human beings face with relation to society and the world. Individual sections are taught by faculty from a range of departments. Past and current topics include: 1. Democracy and Leadership 2. Women in Science 3. Unconventional Thinking FWS, taught by faculty from the literature department, develops students’ abilities in written and oral communication at the college level. Past and current topics include: 1. Art of the Personal Essay 2. Blackness in American Cinema 3. Post-Apocalyptic Humanity For the purpose of this essay prompt, pick one FHS or FWS seminar to study at CMC. What part of your personal experience—or your desire to know more about an area outside of your experience—best explains your seminar choice?" (250 words)

Does Colby College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Colgate University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Does Colgate University have Supplemental Essays? Yes Colgate offers applicants the opportunity to lend depth to their application through optional supplemental writing prompts. •    Question 1: A great institution is diverse. It brings students of different socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and religions to campus. Colgate recognizes this and exposes students to a rich variety of perspectives and backgrounds in their educational and social experiences. Tell us in 150-200 words how you have prepared to immerse yourself in a community such as this or how you look forward to growing as a result of your experience at Colgate. •    Question 2: Colgate cultivates a skilled and engaged student body. Through their achievements, our students reflect the University’s reputation as a great place to pursue one’s academic interests. Tell us in 150-200 words about an academic or personal experience that highlights your skill and potential as a Colgate student. •    Question 3: The academic community at Colgate is shaped by the unique talents, character, and personality of each student. Please finish each sentence in 75 characters or less so we can learn more about you. I am fascinated by… I want to learn all I can about… My favorite book is… My role model is… In the future, I hope to … One thing I would change is… I wish… I am most challenged by… In 5 years, I…

Does College of William and Mary have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? What aren’t we seeing elsewhere in your application? We know nobody fits neatly into approximately 500 words, but you can provide us with some suggestion of the type of person you are.  Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy. (500 words)

Columbia University

Does Columbia University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words) •  We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words) •  A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (2oo words) •  Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words) •  Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words) • In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words)

Cornell University

Does Cornell University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Each college has a particular prompt. See here for details.

Does Dartmouth College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Dartmouth celebrates the ways in which its profound sense of place informs its profound sense of purpose. As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2027, what aspects of the College’s academic program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? In short, Why Dartmouth? (Please respond in 100 words or fewer) •  “Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words. Required of all applicants. Please choose one of the following prompts and respond in 200-250 words: •  Labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta recommended a life of purpose. “We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things,” she said. “That is what we are put on the earth for.” In what ways do you hope to make—or are you making—an impact? •  What excites you? •  In The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba ’14 reflects on constructing a windmill from recycled materials to power electrical appliances in his family’s Malawian house: “If you want to make it, all you have to do is try.” What drives you to create and what do you hope to make or have you made? •  Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Geisel of Dartmouth’s Class of 1925, wrote, “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” What do you wonder and think about? •  “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. How does this quote apply to your life experiences?

Does Davidson College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  There are just under 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College (250-300 words) •  Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc. (250-300 words).

Does Duke University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you?  If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250-word limit) We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application.  Four optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. Please select 0 – 2 optional essay topics. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.) •  We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience.  In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself. •  We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? •  What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good? •  Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Does Elon University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes (all five required)

Prompt 1: We’re in your hometown. Where should we go and what should we do? Tell us about your hometown. Our admissions counselors may even take your suggestions when they are in the area! (50 words)   Prompt 2: What three emojis/GIFs do you use most often? Why? OK, we know not everyone uses emojis or GIFs – so if you don’t, tell us which three you would choose if you did! (30 words)   Prompt 3: You are a superhero. What are your powers? Be imaginative. What would you do with the powers you choose? (30 words)   Prompt 4: Name three songs from your perfect playlist.   Prompt 5: Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let the admissions committee know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and give us a glimpse of who you are. Be creative! You may choose any theme for your top 5. Do you love cooking? List your top 5 recipes. Are you enthusiastic about anime? Who are your top 5 characters? Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments. Love to stream; what are you watching? You could even list your top five college tours – as long as Elon is #1! Explain why these are your top 5. (250 words)

Does Emerson College   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief. (100-200 words) •    Much of the work that students do at Emerson College is a form of storytelling. If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why? Please be brief. (100-200 words) OR •    At its best, how does community benefit the individual, the whole, or both?  

Does Emory University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. Answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words. •  When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true? •  If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why? •  Share about a time when you were awestruck. •  Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Does Franklin and Marshall College   have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does George Washington University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Respond to one of the following prompts (500 words): • At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why? • The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Does Georgetown University   have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Indicate any special talents or skills you possess. (250 words) •  Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (Half a page) •  As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced) Additional Georgetown University School-Specific Prompts. (Each school-specific prompt should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced)

Does Hamilton College have Supplemental Essays? No

Does Harvard University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words) •  Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (150 words) •  You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics: – Unusual circumstances in your life – Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities – What you would want your future college roommate to know about you – An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you – How you hope to use your college education – A list of books you have read during the past twelve months – The Harvard College Honor code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty. – The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission? – Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do? – Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates. •    For International Students: What specific plan do you have, if any, for using the education you hope to receive? (0-50 words)

Does Harvey Mudd College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

“Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry •    How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words) •    Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words or less)

Does Haverford College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•   Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you think the environment at Haverford, including the framework of the Honor Code, would foster your continued intellectual growth? (250 words) •  Please tell us what motivated you to apply to Haverford and what excites you most as you imagine your Haverford experience. (150 words)

Does Indiana University (Bloomington) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

• Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration. (4oo words)  

Does Johns Hopkins University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•   Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (400 words)  

Does Kenyon College have Supplemental Essays? No

Does Lafayette College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why do you see yourself at Lafayette? (200 words)

Does Lehigh University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

​ •    How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? (150 words) A compelling characteristic of Lehigh’s community is that our students want to be actively engaged in their learning, their community, and the world. Our students look to make a difference and have a real-world impact. We expect our community to challenge your viewpoint, your naturalized assumptions, and the way that you see the world around you. In the words of Lehigh’s President, John Simon, “The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has shaken our nation, and brought into harsh relief the life-threatening, systemic racial injustice that affects the lives of so many every day. Members of our community are angry and fearful, and we will support them...We need to make Lehigh University an actively anti-racist institution. By this, we mean actively speaking out and addressing acts of racism, racist comments, racist practices, policies and procedures. •    What would you want to be different in your own country or community to respond to issues of inequality, inequity, or injustice? (300 words)

Accepts Common App: Yes Common App Essay required? Yes Does Middlebury College have Supplemental Essays? No  

Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    250 words each: o    Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? o    Pick what field of study at MIT appeals to you the most right now, and tell us more about why this field of study appeals to you. o    We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. o    At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. o    Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?

New York University

Does New York University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience. We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.

Does The New School have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  If you could choose a social issue to impact or change, what would you choose? When addressing this prompt, imagine how your studies and experiences at The New School could help you affect change. (400 words) •  What specific aspects of The New School’s academic programs or community drew you to apply? Please pay particular attention within your essay to the college, program, and/or campus to which you have applied. (400 words)

Does Northeastern University have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Northwestern University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•  Help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. (3oo words)

Does Oberlin College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Pepperdine University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus? (5oo words)

Does Pomona College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

The Pomona-specific essay prompts for those applying for Fall 2023 admission include an academic interest statement (max. 150 words); a short-response essay (max. 150 words); and a longer-response essay (max. 250 words). (1) Academic Interest Statement: What do you love about the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions. (2) Short-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 150 words or less: o    At Pomona, we celebrate and identify with the number 47. Share with us one of your quirky personal, family, or community traditions and why you hold on to it. o    What item are you excited to bring with you to college? o    Describe a time when you felt empowered or on top of the world? (3) Longer-Response Essay: choose to respond to one of the following three prompts in 250 words or less: o    In the past few years, is there something you have changed your mind about? Why? o    Reflecting on a community that you are part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona? o    What strength or quality do you have that most people might not see or recognize?

Does Princeton University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Activities: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences that was particularly meaningful to you. (Response required in about 200 words.) Please respond to each question in an essay of about 250 words: 1.)    At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? 2.)    Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. 3.)    Please respond to each question in 75 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself! What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? What brings you joy? What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Does Sarah Lawrence College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Optional: We know that there may be elements of who you are as a person and student that you may not feel are conveyed fully in the other sections of this application. If you wish to showcase a little more about your particular interest in Sarah Lawrence College, please respond to one of the prompts below. •    Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: director-playwright-sound designer, environmentalist-photographer, journalist-linguist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you’ve brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence. •    Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions and answer them during semester-long projects. In 250-500 words, thoughtfully respond to a prompt of your own creation. •    Sarah Lawrence College’s community places strong value in inclusion and diversity. In 250-500 words, tell us about what you value in a community and how your perspective, lived experiences, or beliefs might contribute to your College community. •    In her 2019 commencement address, Maggie Haberman ’96 told the graduating class “My time at Sarah Lawrence helped me understand the importance of patience, of assuming good faith in others, and of finding truth.” In 250 – 500 words, tell us about a time you spoke your own truth or found the importance in one of the values Maggie describes.

Does Scripps College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? (200 words)

Does Skidmore College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Smith College have Supplemental Essays?   No

•    The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 words) •    Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (250 words) •    Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (250 words) •    50 words each: o    What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? o    How did you spend your last two summers? o    What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? o    Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. o    Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford.

Does Swarthmore College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    250 words each: o    Swarthmore students’ worldviews are often forged by their prior experiences and exposure to ideas and values. Our students are often mentored, supported, and developed by their immediate context—in their neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community? o    We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk—inside or outside of the classroom. How has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger? o    Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?

Does Syracuse University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive and respectful campus community? (250 words)

Does Tufts University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and 5-Year Tufts/NEC Combined Degree answer the following two questions: •    Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, “Why Tufts?” (100-150 words) Now we’d like to know a little more about you. Please respond to one of the following three questions. (200-250 words): •    It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity? •    How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today? •    Where are you on your journey of engaging with or fighting for social justice? Applicants to the BFA or 5-Year BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree at the SMFA at Tufts answer the following two questions: •    Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? Why SMFA at Tufts? (100-150 words) •    B) Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world.  What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work? (200-250 words)

Does Tulane University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University. (5oo words) •    (Tulane values the lessons gained from pursuing an education alongside a student body that represents a wide range of experiences and perspectives and is reflective of our multicultural world. If you would like to share a perspective related to your family, cultural group, sexual or gender identity, religious group, or some other aspect that has shaped your identity, please do so here.) •    If you would like to elaborate on one of your activities, you may do so briefly here. (250 words)

Does University of Chicago have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Question 1 (Required) •    How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago. Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one) Essay Option 1 •    Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory. Essay Option 2 •    What advice would a wisdom tooth have? Essay Option 3 •    You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time? For other options, see University of Chicago website

Does University of Miami have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    The University of Miami's official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. (25o words) •    Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

Does University of Michigan have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong and describe that community and your place within it. (3oo words) •    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? (55o words)

Does University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Choose two of the following prompts to respond to in 200-250 words: 1.    Describe an aspect of your identity and how this has shaped your life experiences or impacted your daily interactions with others? 2.    Describe a peer who is making a difference in your school or community. What actions has that peer taken? How has their work made a difference in your life? 3.    If you could change one thing to better your community, what would it be? Please explain. 4.    Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said “We are nothing without our history.” Her words are memorialized on the Northside Neighborhood Freedom Fighters monument. How does history shape who you are? Fill-in-the-blank responses You’ll complete all of the following fill-in-the-blank responses in 25 words each: 1.) One family, friend, or school tradition I cherish: 2.) If I had an extra hour in every day, I would spend it: 3.) If I could travel anywhere, near or far, past, present or future, I would go: 4.) The last time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I: 5.) People who meet me are most likely to notice, and least likely to notice:

Does University of Notre Dame have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

The University of Notre Dame Writing Supplement consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to one of four questions you select from a list of options provided. In total, you will write two (2) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay. Required Question: •    Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? Additional Prompts (You choose 1): •    People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are? •    Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in. •    If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it? •    What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

Does University of Pennsylvania have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words) •    How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words) •    Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? (300-450 words)

Does University of Southern California (USC) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words) Describe yourself in three words (25 characters). 1. 2. 3. The following prompts have a 100 character limit: What is your favorite snack? Best movie of all time: Dream job: If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Dream trip: What TV show will you binge watch next? Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? Favorite book: If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

Does University of Vermont have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

You may submit a response to ONE of the following prompts. •     (Optional) 500 words- Respond to one of the following prompts. o    Why UVM? o    Established in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, VT, Ben and Jerry’s is synonymous with the ice cream business. The company’s success and unique brand identity are due in part to their one-of-a-kind flavors. Which Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? o    Whether they are constructing a robot, a stronger sense of community or an identity, UVM students are builders. What would you like to build? o    At UVM, learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms. From student-led organizations, to internships and study abroad experiences, UVM students are encouraged to pursue knowledge in all environments. Describe a time when you’ve learned in a non-traditional setting. o    Communities and organizations are stronger when they value diversity of thought. How do you create meaningful connections or conversations with others when they express opinions that differ from your own?

Does University of Virginia have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    The first prompt is still tied to the UVA school or college the student selects. We want students to answer the prompt in around 100 words. As always, the boxes on the Common App allow students to go a bit over, so we don’t expect students to write exactly 100 words. Students will then write responses to two prompts out of eleven options in about 50 words each. Again, the Common App boxes allow students to go a little over the stated limit. Some of these are old favorites and some are new. •    What’s your favorite word and why? •    We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks? •    About what topic could you speak for an hour? •    Take us to your happy place. •    You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that? •    What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money? •    What website is the internet missing? •    After a challenging experience, how do you recharge? •    Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself. •    UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message? •    Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or generous listener.

Does University of Wisconsin (Madison) have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (650 words)

Does Vanderbilt University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Answer one of the prompts in approximately 250 words: •    Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you. •    Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

Does Vassar College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Please select and respond to one of the following prompts in 300 words or less: •    At Vassar, we aim to foster an inclusive community through our philosophy of engaged pluralism. Engaged pluralism is rooted in “the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.” In short, we believe it’s our differences that make us stronger. Tell us a little bit about what makes you unique and what you hope to add to our community. •    Vassar is a diverse community that inspires positive change through open inquiry, deep dives into society’s most difficult challenges, and collaborative problem solving. We care deeply about one another, the communities that have forged us, and the community we build together on campus. Tell us more about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped who you are.

Does Villanova University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

Essay #1: 250 words- Respond to one of the following prompts. o    St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities? o    What is the truest thing that you know? o    One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance. o    In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others? o    Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve. Essay #2: Why Nova? (2022-23) •    Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and become part of our community? (150 words)

Does Wake Forest University have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

1. List five books you have read that intrigued you. (Spaces have been left for you to include each book’s title and author and mark whether the selection was required or not required.) 2. Explain how a text you’ve read – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or literature of any kind – has helped you to understand the world’s complexity. (150 words) 3. Tell us more about the topic that most engages your intellectual curiosity. (150 words) 4. Give us your top ten list. (Theme)

Does Wellesley College have Supplemental Essays?   Yes

•    When choosing a college community, you are choosing a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. Generations of inspiring women have thrived in the Wellesley community, and we want to know what aspects of this community inspire you to consider Wellesley. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but the “Wellesley 100” is a good place to start. Visit The Wellesley 100 and let us know, in two well-developed paragraphs, which two items most attract, inspire, or energize you and why. (Not-so-secret tip: The “why” matters to us.) (400 words)

Does Wesleyan University College have Supplemental Essays?   No

Does Williams College have Supplemental Essays? No

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who are interested in submitting an example of their written work have the option of sharing an academic paper completed within the last year, ideally 3-5 pages in length. The paper does not need to be graded, and can be creative or analytical. Please do not submit lab reports. If submitting this optional paper, please include a description of the assignment or prompt.

Does Yale University have Supplemental Essays? No

Why Yale? •    Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided. •    Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer) •    What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer) Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete the questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received. Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words): •    What inspires you? (200 characters or fewer) •    Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters or fewer) •    You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called? (200 characters or fewer) •    What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters or fewer) Essays Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. •    Yale carries out its mission “through the free exchange of ideas in an ethical, interdependent, and diverse community.” Reflect on a time when you exchanged ideas about an important issue with someone holding an opposing view. How did the experience lead you either to change your opinion or to sharpen your reasons for holding onto it? •    Reflect on a time when you have worked to enhance a community to which you feel connected. Why have these efforts been meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

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Supplemental Essays 2022-2023: The Ultimate Master List

InGenius Prep

August 23, 2022

Supplemental Essay Prompts 2022-2023: The Ultimate Master List

You're probably applying to a wide range of colleges, all of which have their own unique prompts for the supplemental essay prompts 2022-2023 . If you're starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of essays that await you, you're not alone.

Luckily, we have compiled a guide to the  supplemental essay prompts 2022-2023  from over 115 colleges to help you keep track of it all. Now you don't have to go searching all over the Common App! With every prompt in one place, you'll be able to stay organized and on top of your work during application season.

Download Every Supplemental Prompt Here!

Remember, your  college supplemental essays  are an integral part of your application. Colleges select their prompts carefully, and use your essays to determine whether you're a good fit for their school. Make sure you stay organized and start writing your  supplemental essay prompts 2022-2023  early. Submission deadlines will come sooner than you think, so start looking at the prompts now!

Tags : supplemental essays , college essays , supplemental essay prompts , college essay prompts , Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

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A Record-Breaking Admission Season

News of Note

Smith’s newest class was chosen from the largest applicant pool in the college’s history

Published March 28, 2023

Members of the Smith College class of 2027—who began receiving their acceptance letters last week—already have one notable distinction to their credit: They were chosen from the largest and most diverse applicant pool in Smith’s history.

According to Joanna May, vice president for enrollment, Smith received 9,868 applications for the class of 2027, reflecting a 36 percent increase over last year. Also of note: a 51 percent increase in international students, a 43 percent increase in students of color, and a 40 percent bump in students applying from outside of the Northeast and New England regions.

Smith’s admit rate—a measure of the college’s selectivity—dropped to 19 percent, which is down from 23 percent in 2022 and 30 percent in 2021.

“We are thrilled with the diversity of the applicant pool as well as the number of students interested in attending Smith,” May said.

She added, “We were impressed not only with the academic talent and extracurricular passions of the admitted class, but also with each student's distinctive fit with Smith. They showed qualities common in all Smithies—intellectual curiosity, confidence, a commitment to social justice, deep commitment to their communities, broad and inclusive worldviews, and great capacity for leadership.” 

Some of the increase in applications can be attributed to factors like reshaping the college’s financial aid program, May said. “Last year, we eliminated loans from financial aid packages and replaced them with grants from the college,” she said. “We are one of a small number of schools who meet students’ full need and do so without loans, and we were the first women’s college to take that step.”

When announcing the no-loans policy last fall, Smith College President Kathleen McCartney noted, “Eliminating loans from financial aid packages will enable Smith to recruit and enroll the best students, regardless of family resources, and enable future alums to begin their careers or continue their studies with their debts greatly reduced or eliminated.”

This was also the first year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that Office of Admission staff resumed travel within the United States and met with potential applicants and their families in a variety of in-person events and virtual programs, May said. Though international travel has not resumed at pre-pandemic levels, the admission office has increased its virtual outreach to international populations. In addition, Smith joined several new joint travel groups with other colleges, visiting Florida with Bates, Oberlin, Occidental, and Davidson colleges and leading virtual presentations with Brandeis and Boston universities, as well as the University of Vermont and Bates, Spelman and Scripps colleges.

Conversations during on-the-road encounters with prospective students gave admission staff the opportunity to convey more about Smith’s distinctive characteristics, including the open curriculum, the natural beauty of the campus, the new Neilson Library, outstanding research facilities, and Smith’s own origin story as a women’s college. “We have a unique story to tell,” May said.

Likewise, new initiatives and policy changes to make a Smith education more accessible to all eligible students, along with efforts to streamline the application process, resonated with prospective students.

Specifically, Smith eliminated the requirement that students respond to the college’s separate supplemental questions that asked for short essay responses. Applicants are still required to submit one essay through the Common or Coalition Application. To make the financial aid application process more accessible for families, the college eliminated the Smith Application for Financial Aid and now requires only the FAFSA and CSS Profile, which are required by most private colleges.

Smith is looking forward to its new partnership with QuestBridge , a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving low-income students to financial aid and scholarships at highly selective colleges, May said. The class of 2028 will include the first group of students admitted through the program.

This year, the college expects to enroll 630 new students. Admitted students have until May 1 to respond to Smith’s offers of admission to the class of 2027. Until then, the admission office hosts on-campus events, inviting accepted students and their families to the college, so they may meet current students, tour the campus, connect with faculty and administrators, and learn about all that Smith has to offer. 

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

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

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What are supplemental essays and are they important?

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

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

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

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

How to write supplemental essays

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

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

Tips for writing supplemental essays

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

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

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

2022-23 supplemental essay prompts

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

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

Brown University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Columbia University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

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

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Dartmouth college supplemental essay prompt.

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

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

Duke University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Emory University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Harvard University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

MIT supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Princeton University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

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

What brings you joy? 

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

Stanford University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

UPenn supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Yale University supplemental essay prompt

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

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

Supplemental essay examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key takeaways and moving forward

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

Frequently asked questions and answers

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

How important are supplemental essays?

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

How long should supplemental essays be?

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

Do supplemental essays change every year?

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

Are supplemental essays required?

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

Do all colleges have supplemental essays?

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

• December 14, 2022

Supplemental Essay Guide for 2022-23 Prompts

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

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

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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(nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

North Park University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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How to Get Into Smith College: Admissions Stats + Tips

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How hard is it to get into smith college, average academic profile of accepted smith college students, what is smith college looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into smith college.

Since fielding its first class of 14 students in 1875, Smith College has grown into one of the largest and most respected women’s colleges in the country. Smith offers all the advantages of a small, top-tier liberal arts college, however, its inclusion in the Five College Consortium provides benefits commonly associated with much larger schools. Through the consortium, Smith students are given access to everything from libraries to classes at four other colleges in western Massachusetts: Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

Smith’s admissions process is demanding. The college received 5,249 applicants for its Class of 2025 and accepted just 1,917 students, resulting in an approximate overall acceptance rate of 36% . Smith has an early decision admissions process through which 441 students applied to its Class of 2025 and the college accepted 285 applicants—an early decision acceptance rate of roughly 64% . 

Smith College’s acceptance rate is low, but your chances are determined by the strength of your profile. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator uses factors like GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities to help you better understand your odds of admission and provide tips to improve your profile. 

The average high school GPA of Smith’s Class of 2025 is 4.0 .

The middle 50% SAT score range of Smith’s Class of 2025 is 1350-1490 . The middle 50% ACT score range is 31-34 .

Smith students are commonly among the strongest students in their high schools—72% of Smith’s Class of 2025 graduated in the top tenth of their class. 

It takes more than great grades and outstanding test scores to wow admissions officials at highly selective schools like Smith, nearly every applicant has those. Rather, schools like Smith use holistic admissions when fielding their classes and judge each applicant on their high school program, performance, experiences, and future potential. 

Smith provides its students with a great deal of control over their education—Smith has no distribution requirements and students design their curricula under the guidance of an advisor. A Smith education is founded on “essential capacities,” which are:

• The ability to draw upon and convey knowledge
• The ability to engage across differences in place, culture, and time
• Creativity, curiosity, and innovation
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Resilience and resourcefulness
• Self-awareness as a learner

A student who is able to demonstrate these “essential capacities,” how they’ve developed them along their education path, and how they’ve guided their lives both inside and outside of the classroom will have taken a strong step to show how they fit at Smith. 

How Smith College Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Smith College considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Recommendation letters

These factors are “important” :

• Extracurricular activities 

These are “considered” :

• Test scores
• First generation 
• Racial/ethnic status 
• Volunteer work 
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered” :

• Geographical location
• State residence 
• Religious affiliation
• Applicant interest

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 4.0 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Smith highly values academic success. The college considers both GPA and course rigor as “very important” to admissions. It also views class rank as “important.” The average high school GPA of Smith’s Class of 2025 is 4.0 and 67% of the class graduated high school with a 4.0.

To submit a competitive application to Smith, you’ll need a high school transcript containing all, or almost all, As in the most challenging coursework available. Applicants at highly ranked schools like Smith have commonly completed between five and 12 AP classes . 

Top-tier colleges use a tool known as the Academic Index to aid in admissions decisions. Academic Index summarizes your entire academic performance with a single number. If your Academic Index fails to meet Smith’s standards, you risk being viewed as academically unqualified and your application not being given serious consideration. 

If your GPA is below Smith’s high standards, there is still time to raise it. Check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re further along in your high school career, it’s harder to increase your GPA—earning higher test scores is the best strategy to improve your Academic Index. 

2. Write engaging essays

After clearing Smith’s academic hurdles, the essay is one of the best places for you to set yourself apart from other applicants. Smith considers essays “very important” to admissions decisions and their quirky writing supplement is designed so that you can have some fun and let your personality shine through. 

The prompt on Smith’s 2021-2022 writing supplement is: 

Music means so many things to so many people. It can bring us joy, inspire us, validate us or heal us. Please tell us about a song or piece of music that is particularly meaningful to you and why. Please include the name of the song/piece and the artist. (50-200 words) 

A strong college essay is written in your voice and highlights your personality, character, and strengths—so don’t pretend Mozart is your jam if you’re a card-carrying member of the Beyhive. Winning essays also show why you fit at a school and how a school will benefit from you being on campus. For Smith-specific essay advice, check out our article, “ How to Write the Smith College Supplemental Essay 2021-2022 .”

3. Cultivate one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Extracurricular activities provide an avenue to show Smith your interests and accomplishments outside of the classroom, aspects of your life not easily captured on other parts of your college application. A highly developed interest, known as a “ spike ,” and one or two impressive extracurriculars on your profile will help you stand out from other applicants and boost your odds of acceptance. 

Some extracurricular activities carry more weight with colleges than others. The four tiers of extracurriculars offer good insight into how colleges value your activities outside of the classroom:

• Tier 1 activities mark you as a significant member in your field or activity. These are the most influential and rarest extracurriculars and they demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, and merit. Tier 1 activities include winning a notable national award and attending a renowned merit-based summer program.
• Tier 2 extracurriculars demonstrate great achievement, leadership, and merit but fail to meet the prominence and rarity of those in Tier 1, and subsequently carry less weight. Tier 2 activities include earning state-level recognition in athletics or music, winning a regional competition, and holding a leadership position like student body president. 
• Tier 3 extracurricular activities demonstrate participation more than prestige. These activities hold less value than those in the higher tiers and include holding a minor leadership position in a club and playing a varsity sport. 
• Tier 4 activities are the most common and least impactful to college admissions, demonstrating interest but not distinction. Tier 4 extracurriculars include participating in a club, general volunteer work, or an after-school job.  

 4. The right recommendations 

Recommendations are a “very important” part of Smith admissions and the college requires you to submit three: one from your counselor and two from your teachers. Your counselor recommendation frames you in the context of your school, while your teacher recommendations speak to you in a classroom setting. 

In most years, Smith’s student-to-faculty ratio hovers near 9:1 and students are expected to work closely with their teachers; consequently, the opinion of your high school’s staff carries a lot of weight. The teachers who write your recommendation should know you well and be able to speak to your strengths and potential as a student. The nine rules for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers provide a good guide for navigating the recommendation letter process. 

5. Ace your interview

An interview is optional at Smith, but it’s worth noting that the college considers it “important” and serious Smith applicants will want to schedule one. Due to COVID-19, the college is not currently scheduling in-person interviews, rather they’re all being conducted virtually. 

Interviews are an awesome opportunity to interact person-to-person with an admissions officer and give you a chance to show off your personality and ask questions. Make sure you put your best foot forward by being prepared for your interview —knowing what to expect, how to dress, and what questions you’ll likely need to answer .

6. Apply Early Decision

Smith College has three admissions tracks: early decision I (ED 1), early decision II (ED II), and regular decision (RD). Applying early decision can give you a significant admissions advantage. Smith’s early decision acceptance rate of approximately 64% is substantially higher than its overall acceptance rate of roughly 36% . 

Applying early decision is not without its drawbacks, however—most notably, by applying ED I or II, you’re committing to attend Smith if accepted. Early decision is best for students who’ve carefully considered their college options (academically, financially, and socially) and have concluded, without a shadow of a doubt, that Smith is where they want to attend.  

How to Apply to Smith College

Application Requirements

Smith College accepts the Common Application and Coalition Application. Other application requirements include:

• Secondary school report
• Mid-year report
• Smith writing supplement  
• Counselor recommendation 
• Two teacher recommendations 

Other optional materials include: 

• SAT/ACT scores
• Art supplement

Learn more about Smith College

Interested in learning more about Smith College? Check out these other informative articles: 

• What Does it Cost to Attend Smith College?
• Open Curriculum Schools: 11 Colleges That Allow Students to Direct Their Own Learning
• What is the Five College Consortium?

Want to know your chances at Smith? Calculate your chances for free right now .

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Smith Class of 2027 Official Thread

i read on their website that they were expecting around 7000 applications and the acceptance rate to drop to 23% more or less

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University of Miami 2022-23 Supplemental Essay

Looks like it's the same as last year's supplement, and the year before.

it's a short essay -- 250 words -- based on a bird and a hurricane (Florida imagery). The only real difficulty it might present is if you've written your Common App essay around the same topic -- overcoming hardship. So if you're applying to U Miami, be sure you don't use up your Resilience Essay Quotient in the Common App essay. Here goes, from their website:

If applying for Spring or Fall 2023, you will be required to submit a supplemental essay of 250 words or less in response to the following prompt.

The University of Miami's official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals?

There might be another surge of applications to U Miami -- a private university -- now that Gov. deSantis has required Florida's public universities to "survey" your political views every year, to make sure students are not being indoctrinated. In other words, Big Brother really is watching now. ~XO EssayLiz

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