This table lists the official 2026-27 supplemental essay prompts for the 180 colleges we cover — the same verified prompt set our school-by-school guides and essay scorer use. Prompt text is the college's exact wording. Limits show the maximum allowed.
Many colleges ask different questions depending on your program, honors track, or which option you pick. The label above each prompt says when it applies (for example “Optional”, “Option A”, or “Engineering”); each school's strategy guide explains which ones you need and how to answer them. Always confirm the final prompts inside your Common App or school application.
- 489prompts
- 180colleges
- 39require no supplemental essay
- Last updated October 13, 2026
| College & prompt | Limit |
|---|---|
| American University | |
| Optional — Changemaker / PassionAmerican University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Elaborate on a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you're excited. | up to 250 words |
| Honors Applicants — Creative WorkTell us about a piece of creative work (e.g. artwork, music, literature, film, etc.) that has influenced the way you view the world and why. | up to 300 words |
| Honors Applicants — Ideal Honors CourseIf you could design the ideal Honors course, what would it be and what would you want to learn from it? Why does this topic interest you? | up to 300 words |
| Honors Applicants — Intellectual RiskIn our program description, we say, "Propelled by curiosity and a desire to take risks, our students endeavor to push the bounds of the known and the knowable throughout their academic journeys." What does intellectual risk mean to you, and why/how does the opportunity to take that risk excite you? | up to 300 words |
| Amherst College | |
| Option A — Curiosity QuoteWhat does curiosity mean to you? How do you experience curiosity in your own life? | up to 350 words |
| Option A — Diversity QuoteIn what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world? | up to 350 words |
| Option A — Viewpoint QuoteTell us about a time that you engaged with a viewpoint different from your own. How did you enter that engagement, and what did you learn about yourself from it? | up to 350 words |
| Arizona State University | |
| Barrett Honors College — Primary Essay (choose 1 of 3, Barrett applicants only)Choose ONE: (1) What is a question you find yourself returning to repeatedly? How does your pursuit of an answer, or even just the persistence of the question itself, suggest you are a strong fit for Barrett? (2) Tell us about a time when something did not go according to plan. Focus less on the outcome and more on how the ways you responded in the moment suggest you are a strong fit for Barrett. (3) What is an object that connects you to your family or community, and how or why does it do this? How does this connection make you a strong fit for Barrett? | up to 500 words |
| Auburn University | |
| Honors College Essay 1 — Goals & Fit (Honors applicants)Describe your academic and/or professional goals and the experiences that have shaped them. How will your participation in the Honors College at Auburn University further your education, help you pursue these goals, and prepare you for your next steps? | up to 600 words |
| Honors College Essay 2 — Choose 1 of 3 (Honors applicants)Choose ONE: (A) Describe a material object of personal significance and its influence on who you are becoming. (B) Describe an activity that puts you in a state of "flow" and what it reveals about you. (C) Share a meaningful quote and how it reflects your values and shaped your perspective. | up to 600 words |
| Babson College | |
| Prompt 1 — Interest in Studying Business (essay or 1-min video)The Babson education prepares students to think and act entrepreneurially, preparing them for careers across a variety of industries including business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in studying business, including any relevant experience you have or what your career aspirations are, and how you feel Babson can help prepare you to make an impact in your chosen field of business. (500 words maximum) You may submit your answer as an essay or a 1-minute video. | up to 500 words |
| Prompt 2 — Equitable & Inclusive CommunityA defining element of the Babson experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and interests. Please share something about your background, lived experiences, or viewpoint(s) that speaks to: (1) your commitment to promoting access, connection, or understanding across differences; and/or (2) how you will contribute to and learn from Babson's collaborative community. (250 words maximum) | up to 250 words |
| January Enrollment Applicants OnlyIf you have indicated interest in the January Enrollment option, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this option and what you might choose to do in the fall. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through January Enrollment over Fall Enrollment. | up to 200 words |
| Babson Begin: London Applicants OnlyIf you have indicated interest in Babson Begin: London, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this unique first-semester abroad program. Please note if you would prefer to enroll at Babson through Babson Begin: London over January Enrollment or Fall Enrollment. | up to 200 words |
| Bard College | |
| Optional — "Why Bard?" (encouraged)Why Bard? | up to 250 words |
| Barnard College | |
| Bold QuestionAt Barnard, inquiry starts with asking bold questions about the world. What is one bold question on your mind and what about it piques your curiosity? | up to 50 words |
| A Woman Who Brings People Together — LessonBarnard College is shaped by trailblazing women with a multitude of perspectives. Think of a woman - historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant - whose views or approach to problem-solving differ from your own, but who excels at bringing people together. What lesson from her approach would shape how you show up at Barnard both inside and outside of the classroom? | up to 250 words |
| (SP)² Science Pathways OptionalDiscuss your interest in science research and career goals for (SP)² program consideration. | up to 300 words |
| Baylor University | |
| Why Baylor EssayWhat are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? | up to 450 words |
| Boston College | |
| Essay 1 — Tradition (choose 1 of 4)Strong communities are sustained by traditions. Boston College's annual calendar is marked with both long-standing and newer traditions that help shape our community. Tell us about a meaningful tradition in your family or community. Why is it important to you, and how does it bring people together or strengthen the bonds of those who participate? | up to 400 words |
| Essay 2 — Conversation Partner (choose 1 of 4)The late BC theology professor, Father Michael Himes, argued that a university is not a place to which you go, but instead, a "rigorous and sustained conversation about the great questions of human existence, among the widest possible circle of the best possible conversation partners." Who has been your most meaningful conversation partner, and what profound questions have you considered together? | up to 400 words |
| Essay 3 — Single Story (choose 1 of 4)In her July 2009 Ted Talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a "single story" through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them? | up to 400 words |
| Essay 4 — Add a Fourth "Be" (choose 1 of 4)Boston College's Jesuit mission highlights "the three Be's": be attentive, be reflective, be loving – core to Jesuit education (see A Pocket Guide to Jesuit Education). If you could add a fourth "Be," what would it be and why? How would this new value support your personal development and enrich the BC community? | up to 400 words |
| Essay 5 — HCE Applicants OnlyOne goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them? | up to 400 words |
| Boston University | |
| Main Essay — What Excites You About BUWhat about being a student at BU most excites you? | up to 300 words |
| KHC Essay 1 — A Question on Your MindKilachand Honors College (KHC) offers an interdisciplinary Core Curriculum focused on great thinkers and big questions. What is a question that has been on your mind lately? Why does it captivate you? | up to 250 words |
| KHC Essay 2 — Leadership VisionDescribe your vision for how you will develop into a more thoughtful leader during your time at BU. | up to 250 words |
| Bowdoin College | |
| Optional — The Offer of the College ReflectionBased on Bowdoin's "The Offer of the College" (written in 1906 by President William DeWitt Hyde), which represents Bowdoin's values, you have the option to reflect on any line of The Offer and how it has meaning to you. Which line from The Offer resonates most with you? | up to 250 words |
| Optional — Navigating DifferencesBowdoin believes that its broadly diverse and inclusive campus community prepares graduates to be contributing and useful citizens of the world. Every graduate of this institution should be confident in their preparation to be able to navigate through differences and in all sorts of situations. A Bowdoin education does not guarantee these skills, but it does impart a set of tools necessary to bravely enter unfamiliar conditions with the confidence to deal effectively with ambiguity. If you wish, you may share anything about the unique experiences and perspectives that you would bring with you to the Bowdoin campus and community or an experience you have had that required you to navigate across or through difference. | up to 250 words |
| Brigham Young University | |
| Prompt 1 — Engaging InterestDescribe a topic, idea, or experience that you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. What have you done to learn more or engage further in the topic, idea or experience? What resources do you use to learn more? | 1,500 characters |
| Prompt 2 — Community NeedsHave you become aware of significant needs in your family, school, and/or community? Please explain how you have worked toward meeting those needs. | 1,500 characters |
| Prompt 3 — Overcoming ShortfallBriefly describe a time that your efforts have fallen short, a goal was not accomplished, or an aspiration was not achieved (500 character limit). What steps did you take to recover from this defeat? What resources did you use? How and why are you different today? (1500 character limit) | 2,000 characters |
| Prompt 4 — Rich & Varied Environment / Your StoryWe strive to create a rich and varied educational environment through admitting students with a wide range of: Goals, Interests, Skills and talents, Life experiences, Perspectives, Cultures. Tell us your story. What will you contribute to our university community? Be specific. | 1,500 characters |
| Prompt 5 — Learning by Study and by FaithA BYU education will be spiritually strengthening. BYU students have a unique opportunity to seek learning by study and by faith. Describe the reasons you want to learn in an environment like this. | 1,500 characters |
| Brown University | |
| Open Curriculum — Paxson Characteristics"There is something distinctive about Brown students. It is a blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humility. A commitment to collaboration. An openness to new ideas and perspectives. A desire to make the world better. And it is resilience: the ability to recover and thrive after experiencing difficulties." From President Christina Paxson's 2025 Convocation Address. How will you use these characteristics or others to shape your approach to the Open Curriculum? | up to 250 words |
| Growing Up & ContributionStudents entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. | up to 250 words |
| Teach a ClassIf you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? | up to 150 words |
| Something That Brings You JoyBrown 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. | up to 150 words |
| PLME — Why Medicine?Why medicine? | up to 250 words |
| PLME — Why PLME?Why PLME? | up to 250 words |
| PLME — What Will Make You a Great DoctorTell us something about yourself, beyond your interest in medicine, that you think will make you a great doctor. | up to 250 words |
| Brown | RISD Dual DegreeThe Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD's experimental, immersive art and design program and Brown's wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Reflect on how you might integrate or synthesize content, approaches, and methods from these two distinct learning experiences. Additionally, how might you contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work? | up to 650 words |
| Bryn Mawr College | |
| Writing Supplement — Authentic SelvesBryn Mawr students bring their authentic selves to campus. What do you know about yourself to be true—and what in your background or experience led you to that truth? | up to 500 words |
| Bucknell University | |
| Why Bucknell?Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s). | up to 250 words |
| California Institute of Technology | |
| STEM Academic Interest — WhyWhy did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected "other", what topics are you interested in pursuing? | up to 200 words |
| Scholarly Character — Collaboration (choose 1 of 2)Tell us about a time your learning in STEM was shaped by another person or group — either because you needed help, offered help, changed your thinking through collaboration, or contributed to someone else's understanding. What did that experience teach you about learning and working with others? | up to 200 words |
| Scholarly Character — Process (choose 1 of 2)Tell us about a time your approach to a STEM problem, concept, or project mattered as much as the outcome. How did you work through uncertainty or persist creatively in tackling the problem? What would you still defend about your process, regardless of the outcome? | up to 200 words |
| Scientific Drive — Learning / Rabbit Hole (choose 2 of 3)Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like. | up to 200 words |
| Scientific Drive — Pursuing (choose 2 of 3)Tell us about a STEM question, problem, idea, or project that has held your attention over time. What drew you to it, how have you pursued it, and what do you still want to understand? | up to 200 words |
| Scientific Drive — Making (choose 2 of 3)Tell us about something you created, tested, repaired, modeled, coded, built, or redesigned. What problem were you trying to solve and what did the process reveal to you? | up to 200 words |
| Fun Question — Contribution to CommunityCaltech students bring more than academic ability to the communities they join. What is something you would be excited to do, share, teach, make, start, or contribute as part of the Caltech community? | up to 150 words |
| Optional — Academic Context / Readiness (optional)Caltech cares about context. Is there anything about your academic preparation, coursework, school context, or learning experiences that would help us better understand your readiness for Caltech? | up to 150 words |
| Carleton College | |
| No general supplemental essay for 2026-27 — the prompts below are optional or apply only to specific programs. | |
| Optional — Anything Missing?Anything missing? 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. | up to 250 words |
| Carnegie Mellon University | |
| Why This MajorMost 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? | up to 300 words |
| Successful College ExperienceMany 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? | up to 300 words |
| Highlight Your ApplicationConsider 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). | up to 300 words |
| Claremont McKenna College | |
| Why CMC?CMC's mission is to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. With this mission in mind, please explain why you want to attend Claremont McKenna College. | up to 250 words |
| Open Academy — Changing a ViewpointA critical part of fulfilling our mission is living out the commitments of CMC's Open Academy: Freedom of Expression, Viewpoint Diversity, and Constructive Dialogue. We want to learn more about your commitment to listening and learning from others with different viewpoints, perspectives, and life experiences from your own. Describe a time when engaging with someone about a specific topic resulted in you changing your attitude, belief, or behavior, or you changed the belief or behavior of someone else. What was the change that occurred for you, and what facilitated that change? What did you learn from that experience, and how has it informed how you engage with others? | up to 250 words |
| Clemson University | |
| Honors College Essay 1 — Academic Interests & Goals (Honors applicants only)Tell us about your academic interests and professional goals (to the extent that you have identified them at this point). What experiences, talents, accomplishments, and/or characteristics inspired and contributed to these goals? What avenues have you explored to learn more about this or to gain experience in this area to date? | up to 650 words |
| Colgate University | |
| Optional 1 — Benefits of a Diverse CommunityOn Colgate's campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 250 words or less, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience. | up to 250 words |
| Optional 2 — What Inspires YouColgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 250 words or less what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate. | up to 250 words |
| Colorado College | |
| Supplemental Essay — Deep Focus / Block Plan (optional)One of the benefits of Colorado College's Block Plan is the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in a single subject for 3.5 weeks. We see this as the luxury of focus. Tell us about a time when you experienced this kind of deep focus in an academic or extracurricular setting. What were you doing, and how did it turn out? | up to 300 words |
| Colorado School of Mines | |
| Periodic Table Element — Who Are You?What element on the periodic table best represents you and why? | up to 250 words |
| Why Oredigger?Why do you want to be an Oredigger? Share what you want to study, your planned involvement, and what excites you about the Mines experience. | up to 250 words |
| Columbia University | |
| List — Intellectual DevelopmentList the titles of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. | up to 100 words |
| Lived Experience & ContributionTell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment. | up to 150 words |
| DisagreementAt Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction. | up to 150 words |
| AdversityIn college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result. | up to 150 words |
| Why ColumbiaWhy are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. | up to 150 words |
| Preferred Areas of Study — College / EngineeringWhat attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College/Columbia Engineering? | up to 150 words |
| Dual BA — Trinity College Dublin / Sciences PoDescribe why the Dual BA Program is the right fit for your academic goals, including details on why you have indicated your chosen academic track for years one and two at Trinity and your anticipated major at Columbia. How will your intended areas of study at Trinity and Columbia complement one another? Please also describe why you are a good fit for the Dual BA Program: How have your previous academic experiences prepared you for the Dual BA Program? Please be as specific as possible. | up to 1,000 words |
| School of General Studies — Nontraditional StudentTell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University. Successful essays should identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student. The admissions committee is particularly interested in situations in your life from which you have learned and grown. | up to 2,000 words |
| Connecticut College | |
| Optional — Who You Are & What You BringDeveloping a strong, equitable and inclusive community is important to us at Connecticut College. After all, camels live and work together in herds. In 150 words or less, please tell us a little more about who you are and what you will bring to the Conn community to help us grow into the best version of ourselves. You may choose to include details about how your background, identity, challenges, and lived experiences have shaped your accomplishments and potential contributions. Any format is acceptable. You can write a few sentences, one run-on sentence or even a bullet-point list. | up to 150 words |
| Cornell University | |
| Common Essay — CommunityWe all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you've been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. | up to 350 words |
| Arts & Sciences — Intellectual PassionAt the College of Arts & Sciences, your education is yours to shape. Describe an intellectual passion, question, or idea that has captured your attention — whether it emerges from your studies or extends beyond your coursework. What specific aspects of our liberal arts curriculum would you draw on to explore and connect your varied interests? | up to 650 words |
| Engineering — Why EngineeringFundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? | up to 200 words |
| Engineering — Why Cornell DuffieldWhy do you think you would love to study at Cornell Duffield Engineering? | up to 200 words |
| Engineering Short — What Brings You JoyWhat brings you joy? | up to 100 words |
| Engineering Short — Contribution & VoiceWhat do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Duffield Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring? | up to 100 words |
| Engineering Short — Meaningful ActivityWhat is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you. | up to 100 words |
| Engineering Short — Meaningful AwardWhat is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you. | up to 100 words |
| SC Johnson Business (Dyson or Nolan Hotel) — What Kind of Business StudentWhat kind of business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). | up to 650 words |
| ILR — Topics & Issues You Care AboutUsing your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. | up to 650 words |
| Human Ecology — CHE Mission & ImpactThe College of Human Ecology prepares students to respond to human needs through an education organized around the interconnected issues that profoundly affect individuals, communities, and the institutions that shape our lives. Think about an extracurricular/community engagement/work experience that most closely connects you to the CHE mission and your intended choice of major. Tell us what that experience taught you about your broader community and its needs, and the impact you can make. How will your intended CHE major help you make that impact? | up to 550 words |
| CALS — Interest in Your MajorWhat interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice. | up to 350 words |
| CALS — Why Cornell CALSWhat draws you to Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)? Reflect on the learning, community, or impact opportunities that matter most to you, and share how they align with Cornell CALS as you currently understand it. | up to 350 words |
| Brooks School of Public Policy — Interest in PolicyDiscuss your interest in pursuing a major in policy at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and what draws you to this field of study. You are encouraged to consider including details related to your personal experiences, values, academic influences, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your perspective and future goals. | up to 650 words |
| AAP: Architecture (B.Arch) — Interests & ArchitectureDescribe how your interests connect to architecture. Include an example of a creative project, design experience, or personal passion that sparked your interest in pursuing a 5-year professional degree in architecture. Reflect on how this experience shaped your understanding of the field and your motivation to study architecture. | up to 650 words |
| AAP: Art (BFA) — Artist StatementSubmit an artist statement describing your creative interests and practice. Address how your work reflects your artistic voice, influences, and process, and how studying art at Cornell AAP would support and expand your practice. (You will also be prompted to upload a copy to your Slideroom portal.) | up to 650 words |
| AAP: Urban & Regional Studies (URS) — Interest in URSDescribe your interest in urban and regional studies. Discuss experiences, ideas, or issues that have shaped your interest in cities, communities, and regional systems, and explain how URS at Cornell aligns with your academic and career goals. | up to 650 words |
| Dartmouth College | |
| Why Dartmouth?As you seek admission to Dartmouth's Class of 2031, what aspects of the college's academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you? | up to 100 words |
| Personal — EnvironmentThere is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today. | up to 250 words |
| Personal — Introduce Yourself"Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself. | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option A — What Excites YouWhat excites you? | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option B — Purpose & ImpactLabor 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 already making—an impact? Why? How? | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option C — Insight from ReadingIn an Instagram post, best-selling British author Matt Haig cheered the impact of reading. "A good novel is the best invention humans have ever created for imagining other lives," he wrote. How have you experienced such insight from reading? What did you read and how did it alter the way you understand yourself and others? | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option D — DialogueThe social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees have been the focus of Dame Jane Goodall's research for decades. Her understanding of animal behavior prompted the English primatologist to see a lesson for human communities as well: "Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don't believe is right." Channel Dame Goodall: Tell us about a moment when you engaged in a difficult conversation or encountered someone with an opinion or perspective that was different from your own. How did you find common ground? | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option E — Nerdy SideCelebrate your nerdy side. | up to 250 words |
| Q3 Option F — Difference"It's not easy being green…" was the frequent refrain of Kermit the Frog. How has difference been a part of your life, and how have you embraced it as part of your identity, outlook, or sense of purpose? | up to 250 words |
| Davidson College | |
| Why DavidsonThere are just under 2,600 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College? | up to 300 words |
| Intellectual CuriosityDavidson 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. | up to 300 words |
| Drexel University | |
| No general supplemental essay for 2026-27 — the prompts below are optional or apply only to specific programs. | |
| Architecture / Music Industry SupplementReflect on your experiences, personal characteristics, and unique traits that have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities associated with your chosen major. How have these things shaped your goals, aspirations, and potential contributions to your field of study? | ~500 words |
| Duke University | |
| Why Duke?What is your impression of Duke as a university and community, and why do you believe it is a good match for your goals, values, and interests? If there is something specific that attracts you to our academic offerings in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences or the Pratt School of Engineering, or to our co-curricular opportunities, feel free to include that, too. | up to 250 words |
| CommunitiesWe all belong to communities defined by place, faith, family, culture, interests or shared experience. Tell us about a community that has shaped who you are, any way it has set you apart, and what you've learned from being part of it that you hope to bring to Duke. | up to 250 words |
| Optional — Viewpoints & ExperiencesWe believe a wide range of viewpoints and experiences is essential to maintaining Duke's vibrant living and learning community. Please share anything in this context that might help us better understand you and your potential contributions to Duke. | up to 250 words |
| Optional — Difference of OpinionMeaningful dialogue often involves respectful disagreement. Provide an example of a difference of opinion you've had with someone you care about. What did you learn from it? | up to 250 words |
| Optional — Something You Are Excited AboutWhat's the last thing that you've been really excited about? | up to 250 words |
| Duke Kunshan ApplicantsWhy do you think Duke Kunshan University is a good match for you? And what special qualities do you feel you could bring to Duke Kunshan University? | up to 200 words |
| Gap Year PlansPlease describe your gap year plans as you currently are considering them. By responding to this prompt, you are not committing to taking a gap year. | up to 250 words |
| Elon University | |
| Prompt 1 — What Caught Your Eye at ElonWhat at Elon has caught your eye - programs, opportunities, or experiences you can't wait to try? | up to 150 words |
| Prompt 2 — IdentityWhat aspect of your identity do you find most meaningful, and why? | up to 200 words |
| Prompt 3 — Perfect Playlist (three songs)Name three songs from your perfect playlist. We look forward to creating a Spotify playlist for the incoming class. | up to 60 words |
| Prompt 4 — Your Top 5Tell us your top 5. Take this opportunity to let Elon Admissions know more about you. Your top 5 should be something unique to you and will 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? Name your top 5 characters. Do you watch or participate in a lot of athletic events? Name your top 5 moments. Explain why these are your top 5. | up to 150 words |
| Emory University | |
| Academic InterestWhat academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why? | up to 200 words |
| Community BuildingEmory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better. | up to 150 words |
| Cultural AwarenessReflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. | up to 150 words |
| Service to HumanityEmory University's core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission. | up to 150 words |
| Navigating DisagreementIn a scholarly community, differing ideas often collide before they converge. How do you personally navigate disagreement in a way that promotes progress and deepens meaningful dialogue? | up to 150 words |
| Florida State University | |
| Honors Signature Course (Honors applicants only)Many FSU Honors students pursue double majors — often in completely different fields — to enrich their academic experience. If you could choose two majors offered at FSU from different departments, what would they be and why? Design an Honors Signature Course that explores a topic or issue at the intersection of these two majors. Name the course and provide a brief (2-3 sentence) description for the website. Describe in detail what is important for you that students gain from the class and suggest a campus resource, faculty member or organization to enhance their learning experience. | up to 350 words |
| Fordham University | |
| Option 1 — New York City (optional, choose 1 of 3)Our motto is "New York is my campus, Fordham is my school." New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City? | up to 300 words |
| Option 2 — Message to Your Younger Self (optional, choose 1 of 3)At Fordham, we have a tradition of having our graduating seniors send a message to their younger selves. What will the future "you" tell the "you" of today about what you accomplished as a Fordham student? | up to 300 words |
| Option 3 — Active Citizen & Personal Growth (optional, choose 1 of 3)At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?). | up to 300 words |
| George Washington University | |
| Option 1 — History-Changer (optional but strongly encouraged, choose 1 of 2)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? | up to 500 words |
| Option 2 — Civil Discourse (optional but strongly encouraged, choose 1 of 2)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? | up to 500 words |
| UHP Essay 1 — Interdisciplinary (required for Honors Program)With small classes and a dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program (UHP) embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. Within the UHP, students take classes in many different academic fields (philosophy, science, history, art, social science, etc.) and hone their critical thinking skills. Explain why, as a member of the UHP, you would value the opportunity to engage with topics outside your major field(s) of study. | up to 500 words |
| UHP Essay 2 — Community (required for Honors Program)The UHP represents a community of scholars at GW. First-year UHP students live and take classes together on the Mount Vernon Campus. Upper-level UHP students remain connected to our community for the remainder of their time at GW through courses, faculty mentoring, advising, research, an optional Foggy Bottom housing opportunity, and our many co-curricular/social activities. How do you see yourself contributing to and/or benefiting from this community as a member of the UHP? | up to 500 words |
| Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute (required for Cisneros applicants)At the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, community is central to our approach to leadership. Therefore, Cisneros Scholars are selected as a cohort that navigates their four years at GW together. How would you contribute to a sense of comunidad in your cohort if you were selected as a Cisneros Scholar? | up to 500 words |
| Georgetown University | |
| Most Involved ActivityBriefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. | ~250 words |
| Personal/Creative EssayAs Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents. | up to 650 words |
| Different Viewpoints — What You LearnedIn all our lives, we interact with people who hold different viewpoints than our own. Describe such an event you experienced. What did you learn from the experience? | ~250 words |
| College of Arts & Sciences (single-spaced)Founded in 1789, the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences is committed to the Jesuit traditions of an integrated education and of productive research in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Describe your interest in studying in the College of Arts & Sciences. Applicants interested in the sciences, mathematics, or languages are encouraged to make specific reference to their choice of major. | ~1 page |
| McDonough School of Business (single-spaced)Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business provides graduates with essential global, ethical, analytical, financial, and diverse perspectives on the economies of our nation and the world. Describe your primary motivations for studying business at Georgetown University. | ~1 page |
| Walsh School of Foreign Service (single-spaced)Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future in global service. | ~1 page |
| Berkley School of Nursing (single-spaced)Georgetown University's Berkley School of Nursing is committed to the formation of ethical, empathetic, and transformational nursing leaders. Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying Nursing at Georgetown University. | ~1 page |
| McCourt School of Public Policy (single-spaced)For nearly 50 years, Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy has equipped leaders and changemakers with the interdisciplinary skills to address local, national, and global policy problems. Undergraduate public policy students at Georgetown will have the unique opportunity to live and study on two campuses, spending their first two years immersed on the Hilltop, before completing the second half of their time at Georgetown on the Capitol Campus, immersed in the policy world. Describe your primary motivations for studying public policy at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies toward a future related to public service. | ~1 page |
| Environment & Sustainability / Earth CommonsThrough this joint program between the College of Arts & Sciences and the Earth Commons, you'll explore theories and practical skills in the classroom, in the field, and around the world, and put it all together to make a difference. Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world. | ~500 words |
| School of Health (single-spaced)Georgetown University's School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science. | ~1 page |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | |
| Why This Major at Georgia TechWhy do you want to study your chosen major, and why do you want to study that major at Georgia Tech? | up to 300 words |
| Gonzaga University | |
| Short Answer — Commitment to ValuesA Gonzaga education promotes dedication to human dignity, social justice, diversity, global engagement, solidarity with the vulnerable, and environmental stewardship. Reflecting on these values, how have you shown your commitment to standing for and with others in your actions? | 5-10 sentences / 300 words |
| Nursing Applicants Only — Why NursingWhat experiences have led you to choose the field of nursing? Why do you believe nursing is a good career path for you? | 5-10 sentences |
| Grinnell College | |
| Optional — Background & Common GoodHow might your background, respect for the lived experiences of others, and/or eagerness to be exposed to new perspectives equip you to thrive at Grinnell and serve the common good? | up to 450 words |
| Hamilton College | |
| Hamilton Supplemental — OptionalAt Hamilton, we each bring different backgrounds and perspectives, and we teach one another about the world through our individual and shared experiences. What would you like us to know about you and your interest in Hamilton? | up to 350 words |
| Hampton University | |
| "Character Matters" (video-essay prompt / written draft)Character Matters at Hampton University: Describe what exhibiting good character means to you and provide specific examples of demonstrated behavior in this regard. | up to 500 words |
| Harvard University | |
| Diversity & ContributionHarvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? | up to 150 words |
| Disagreement & DialogueDescribe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? | up to 150 words |
| Extracurricular ActivitiesBriefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. | up to 150 words |
| Future AspirationsHow do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? | up to 150 words |
| Roommate InsightTop 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. | up to 150 words |
| Harvey Mudd College | |
| Experience/Community to Problems & ImpactThe problems that Harvey Mudd College students hope to tackle are shaped by their experiences, values, and communities. Through our intentionally interdisciplinary curriculum and our mission to develop "a clear understanding of the impact of their work," Mudders develop the skills needed to address these complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. Share how an experience you've had or community you belong to has shaped the kinds of problems you want to solve and the impact you want to make. | up to 500 words |
| Asking for HelpNo one succeeds alone, and at Harvey Mudd College, no one expects you to. In and out of the classroom, HMC students are encouraged to embrace challenges, collaborate with one another, and ask for support when they need it. Describe a time when asking for help made a difference in your work or wellbeing. What led you to reach out, and what did you take away from the experience? | up to 250 words |
| Haverford College | |
| Supplement 1 — CuriosityTell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you hope to engage with this topic or issue at Haverford? | up to 200 words |
| Supplement 2 — Values & Honor CodeWe have highlighted for you some of the values that shape the Haverford community. What are some of the values you seek in your next community? How do Haverford's values, as demonstrated through our Honor Code, resonate with you? | up to 200 words |
| Howard University | |
| Optional — Diversity & Lived ExperienceDiversity of all kinds is important to enriching the educational experience at Howard University. Please share with us anything in your background or lived experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at Howard. | up to 500 words |
| Optional — Why MajorPlease describe the major you intend to study and how you hope to use your Howard education to support you in achieving your passions and goals. Please address your first-choice and second-choice major selections. | up to 500 words |
| Ithaca College | |
| Why This Major / ProgramWe want to support your success. In a short response, please tell us why you picked this academic major or program. | up to 200 words |
| Johns Hopkins University | |
| Bridge Builders — Engaging Across DifferencesAt Johns Hopkins, community is built through dialogue, collaboration, and a willingness to engage across differences. Whether on campus or in the broader world, community depends on bridge builders who can listen to differing perspectives, challenge their own assumptions, or work together toward shared goals. Drawing on your own experiences, what have you learned about engaging across differences and how has it shaped the way you think about building bridges, enhancing community, and working with others? | up to 350 words |
| Lafayette College | |
| Why Lafayette?Students identify Lafayette College as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. | up to 200 words |
| Lehigh University | |
| Prompt 1 — How You Found Lehigh + Why You AppliedHow did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply? | up to 200 words |
| Prompt 2 — CelebrationAt Lehigh, we believe in pausing to celebrate the good—meaningful moments that bring joy, pride or motivation. What’s something great happening in your life right now? It could be an accomplishment, a personal win (big or small) or something you're genuinely excited about. If it matters to you, we'd love to hear about it. | up to 200 words |
| Louisiana State University | |
| Ogden Honors College Essay (Ogden applicants)In a paragraph of no more than seven sentences, describe yourself and your current goals. Be creative and informative, and do not simply repeat what was listed in other areas of your application. Think carefully about what motivates you, what qualities of character you contribute to the world, what life experiences you've had, what makes you a unique human person. | up to 7 sentences |
| Loyola Marymount University | |
| Optional — Why LMU / Why Your MajorShare with us why you are interested in LMU and/or why you chose your specific area of study or major. | up to 500 words |
| Macalester College | |
| Optional 1 — Urban LocationMacalester is one of the few highly selective liberal arts colleges located in the heart of a metropolitan area. Identify one way Macalester's location in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul would enhance your academic, social, or community experience. | up to 300 words |
| Optional 2 — Mission & CommunityFour values guide Macalester's mission: academic distinction, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Guided by these values, Macalester is a learning environment that affirms different identities and experiences and prepares graduates to work toward a more just and peaceful world. In what ways do your lived experiences, perspectives, or hopes for your college education connect with Macalester's mission and community? | up to 300 words |
| Optional 3 — Academic Record ContextHas there been a significant change in your grades at any point during your academic journey? Please use this space to provide relevant context we should consider when reviewing your academic record. | up to 300 words |
| Marquette University | |
| Doctor of Physical Therapy Applicants OnlyIf you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. | up to 500 words |
| Master of Athletic Training Applicants OnlyIf you wish to be considered for the Master of Athletic Training program, please share why you are interested in athletic training as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. | up to 500 words |
| Doctor of Occupational Therapy Applicants OnlyIf you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. | up to 500 words |
| Master of Speech-Language Pathology Applicants OnlyIf you wish to be considered for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, please share why you are interested in speech-language pathology as a profession and what experiences have led you to this interest. | up to 500 words |
| Miami University | |
| Honors College Short Essays (Honors applicants, opt-in)Miami University Honors College short essays — why you want the Honors community, how it supports your goals, and an idea for your culminating Honors Senior Project. (Verify exact prompts and limits in the Common App.) | up to 400 words |
| MIT | |
| Field of StudyWhat field of study appeals to you the most right now? Reflect on what has led you to this interest. | up to 200 words |
| Educational JourneyWhile some reach their goals following well-trodden paths, others blaze their own trails achieving the unexpected. In what ways have you done something different than what was expected in your educational journey? | up to 200 words |
| Problems & CollaboratorsReflect on how your personal and academic experiences have influenced the types of problems you would want to tackle with an MIT education, and who you would like to work on those problems with. | up to 200 words |
| Unexpected ChallengeHow did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn't expect? What did you learn from it? | up to 200 words |
| Additional Information (optional, open-ended)There is one final, open-ended, additional-information text box where you can tell us anything else you think we really ought to know. | up to 300 words |
| Morehouse College | |
| Optional — LeadershipShare about a time you held a leadership role. Explain what you learned about yourself and others in this experience. | up to 250 words |
| Optional — DependenceWho in your life is depending on you? What are they depending on you for? | up to 250 words |
| Mount Holyoke College | |
| Writing Supplement — Choose 1 of 3 (optional)Choose ONE: (A) What unique characteristic about Mount Holyoke makes you interested in attending? (B) Tell us about the context in which you have grown up, what forms your aspirations and how your community has shaped your outlook. (C) What do you find fascinating? Choose a person, place, concept, idea, or theory and tell us why! | up to 400 words |
| New York University | |
| Bridge Builder (optional)We are looking for students who want to be bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay: Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn—about yourself, the other person, or the world? Tell us about an experience you've had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts? Tell us about someone you've observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise? | up to 250 words |
| MLK Scholars — Beloved Community (optional)In under 250 words, please share how you have demonstrated your commitment to the legacy of Dr. King's ideals of "Beloved Community" as evidenced through academic achievement, research, or service. | up to 250 words |
| North Carolina State University | |
| All Applicants P1 — Why Major 1 + Why NC StateExplain why you selected the first choice academic program above and why you are interested in studying this at NC State. | up to 250 words |
| All Applicants P2 — Why Major 2 + Why NC StateExplain why you selected the second choice academic program above and why you are interested in studying this at NC State. | up to 250 words |
| Honors Program — Curiosity to ActionThink about a time when your curiosity led you to not just learn, but to act. How did you learn more, and what tangible steps did you take as a result of what you learned? What insights about yourself, others, or the world did you take away from this process of learning and doing? | up to 600 words |
| Northeastern University | |
| No general supplemental essay for 2026-27 — the prompts below are optional or apply only to specific programs. | |
| CAMD Personal Statement — Encouraged for Arts, Media & Design applicantsSubmit a Personal Statement (500-word limit) supporting your creative portfolio for the College of Arts, Media and Design. | up to 500 words |
| Northwestern University | |
| Background & Identity — RequiredWe want to be sure we're considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background (your identity, your school setting, your community, your household, etc.) have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern's community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise? | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Paint the RockPainting "The Rock" is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call "Purple Pride"), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why? | under 200 words |
| Optional — Interdisciplinary DreamNorthwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators? | under 200 words |
| Optional — Community & BelongingCommunity and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus. | under 200 words |
| Optional — Location & ChicagoNorthwestern's location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why? | under 200 words |
| Optional — Diversity & BackgroundNorthwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern's classrooms and around our campus? | under 200 words |
| Occidental College | |
| Why Occidental? (optional but strongly recommended)Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests? | up to 250 words |
| Pepperdine University | |
| Christian University + Conversations of FaithPepperdine 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? | up to 500 words |
| Pitzer College | |
| Core Values (choose 1 of 2)Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one of Pitzer's core values? | up to 650 words |
| Why Pitzer (choose 1 of 2)Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you. | up to 650 words |
| Pomona College | |
| Academic Interest StatementWhat draws you to the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions or interests. | up to 150 words |
| Short Response — Option A: Community ValuesReflecting on a community that you are a part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona? | up to 250 words |
| Short Response — Option B: Outside-Classroom ExperienceDescribe an experience you had outside the classroom that changed the way you think and/or how you engage with your peers. What was that experience and what did you learn from it? | up to 250 words |
| Short Response — Option C: How Others See YouChoose any person or group of people in your life and share how they would describe you. | up to 250 words |
| Princeton University | |
| Lived Experiences — Your VoicePrinceton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? | up to 500 words |
| Service & Civic EngagementPrinceton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? | up to 250 words |
| Academic Interest — A.B. ApplicantsAs a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? | up to 250 words |
| Academic Interest — B.S.E. EngineeringPlease describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. | up to 250 words |
| Short Answer — New SkillWhat is a new skill you would like to learn in college? | up to 50 words |
| Short Answer — What Brings You JoyWhat brings you joy? | up to 50 words |
| Short Answer — Soundtrack of Your LifeWhat song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? | up to 50 words |
| Purdue University | |
| Prompt 1 — Opportunities at PurdueHow will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? | up to 250 words |
| Prompt 2 — Major + Campus LocationBriefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette). | up to 250 words |
| Prompt 3 — Alternate Major + Campus (only if alternate major selected)Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the alternate major and campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette) you have selected. | up to 250 words |
| Honors Prompt 1 — Four Pillars Vision (Honors applicants only)Explain your vision, ideas or goals for how you hope to shape your honors experience while at Purdue. Please put this in the context of the four pillars which are the foundation of the John Martinson Honors College. | up to 500 words |
| Honors Prompt 2 — Interdisciplinary Nature (Honors applicants only)Please describe the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study and how it complements or supports other fields. | up to 500 words |
| Reed College | |
| Paideia — What Would You Teach?For one week at the end of January, Reed students upend the traditional classroom hierarchy and teach classes about any topic they love, academic or otherwise. This week is known as Paideia, after the Greek term signifying "education"—the complete education of mind, body, and spirit. What would you teach that would contribute to the Reed community? | up to 500 words |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | |
| Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) — Why MedicineState your reasons for aspiring to a career in medicine. | up to 750 words |
| Architecture — Why ArchitectureState your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession. | up to 750 words |
| Electronic Arts — Why Electronic ArtsDiscuss your interests in the field of electronic arts, and state how this is reflected in your portfolio, if one has been submitted. | up to 750 words |
| Games & Simulation Arts — Why GSASState your reasons for choosing the field of games and simulation arts and sciences, making reference to your portfolio if one has been submitted. | up to 750 words |
| Music — Why Music MajorDescribe your interest in the music major and your goals. Please include completed course work in music, private music instruction, musical performance and production experience, or completed independent projects. | up to 750 words |
| Rice University | |
| Why This MajorPlease explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University. | up to 150 words |
| Why RiceBased upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? | up to 150 words |
| The Rice Box — Share an ImageThe Rice Box: In keeping with Rice's long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you. | up to 150 words |
| Prompt 3 — Residential College: Life Experiences (choose 1 of 2)The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? | up to 500 words |
| Prompt 3 — Change Agents: Perspectives (choose 1 of 2)Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or cultural identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? | up to 500 words |
| School of Architecture — Why ArchitectureWhy are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? | up to 250 words |
| School of Architecture — Experiences Outside AcademicsPlease expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application. | up to 250 words |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | |
| RIT Honors Program Essay (Honors applicants)Please provide a brief statement about why you are interested in being considered for the RIT Honors Program. | ~150 words |
| Santa Clara University | |
| Optional — Changemaker / Issue You Care AboutAt Santa Clara University, we encourage our students to be creative, embrace challenges, and become changemakers. Think about an issue you care about and believe is important to address. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? | up to 300 words |
| Scripps College | |
| Why Scripps?Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? | up to 200 words |
| Choose 1 of 3 — Option A: Trade LivesIf you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why? | up to 300 words |
| Choose 1 of 3 — Option B: CompromiseTell us about a time you had to compromise. What did that experience teach you? | up to 300 words |
| Choose 1 of 3 — Option C: PodcastYou have just been invited to host your own podcast. What will you talk about and why did you select that topic? | up to 300 words |
| Smith College | |
| Residential Community & IdentitySmith 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? | up to 250 words |
| Southern Methodist University | |
| Why SMUSMU appeals to students for a variety of reasons. Briefly describe why you are interested in attending SMU and what specific factors have led you to apply. | up to 250 words |
| Community & DiversitySMU is a diverse and welcoming learning environment shaped by the convergence of ideas and cultures. How will your unique experiences enhance the University, and how will you benefit from this community? | up to 250 words |
| Spelman College | |
| Spelman Supplement — Change the WorldThe Spelman College tagline is "A Choice to Change the World". If you could create meaningful change around one issue in your school, community or globally, what would it be and how would you approach making this change? | up to 300 words |
| Stanford University | |
| Intellectual VitalityThe 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. | up to 250 words |
| Roommate NoteVirtually 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—know you better. | up to 250 words |
| Distinctive ContributionPlease describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. | up to 250 words |
| Short — Greatest Societal ChallengeWhat is the most significant challenge that society faces today? | up to 50 words |
| Short — Last Two SummersHow did you spend your last two summers? | up to 50 words |
| Short — Historical MomentWhat historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? | up to 50 words |
| Short — Extracurricular ElaborationBriefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. | up to 50 words |
| Short — Five Important ThingsList five things that are important to you. | up to 50 words |
| Stony Brook University (SUNY) | |
| Scholars for Medicine/Dental — Why Medicine/DentistryWhat aspects about medicine/dental medicine intrigue you? Describe how these aspects influence your life. | up to 650 words |
| Honors College / University Scholars / WISE — Program FitPlease discuss why you are a good fit for your preferred University Honors Program (Honors College, University Scholars, or WISE). | up to 250 words |
| Simons STEM Scholars P1 — STEM Journey + Program FitTell us more about yourself; in particular, how your academic, extracurricular, and life experiences have influenced your desire to pursue a career in STEM. Additionally, explain how the Stony Brook Simons STEM program will help you achieve these goals. | up to 250 words |
| Simons STEM Scholars P2 — PhD AspirationsPlease tell us how pursuing a PhD in STEM will help you achieve your educational and professional aspirations? | up to 250 words |
| Simons STEM Scholars P3 — Diversity in STEMWhy is the advancement of historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields important? | up to 250 words |
| BFA Creative Writing — Book That Changed YouTell about a book that changed you, how it connects to how you write, and what you want from the BFA program. | ~2 pages |
| Swarthmore College | |
| Identity & Bridge-BuilderWhat aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own. | up to 250 words |
| Intellectual Curiosity & TopicTell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring? | up to 250 words |
| Syracuse University | |
| Why Syracuse — Interests & Goals MatchWhy is Syracuse University a good match for your interests and goals? | up to 250 words |
| Texas A&M University | |
| Essay 1 — Tell Us Your StoryWhat unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? | up to 750 words |
| Short Answer 1 — Life Event / College ReadinessDescribe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. | up to 250 words |
| Short Answer 2 — Life Goals & ObjectivesIn a few words, what are some of your life goals and objectives? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer 3 — Why This MajorIn a few words, why have you chosen your academic major(s)? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer 4 — Why Texas A&MWe know you have a lot of options. In a few words, why did you choose to apply to Texas A&M? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer 5 — Plans Beyond Your Bachelor'sBriefly describe any educational plans you have beyond earning your bachelor's degree. | up to 100 words |
| Texas Christian University | |
| Optional — Express Yourself (Common App applicants)TCU values individuality and believes that students are more than just a GPA and test score. To help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. The only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. Please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a URL that showcases another side of you. | up to 650 words |
| Trinity College (CT) | |
| Optional — Background & IdentityThe identities you claim, the challenges you face, and the successes you enjoy shape the background for your college experience to come. What is an aspect of your background that you are excited to share and/or explore as a member of the Trinity community and why? | up to 300 words |
| Tufts University | |
| SA#1 — Engaging With Tufts (required for all)Please describe how you have learned about and engaged with Tufts during your college search process. | up to 150 words |
| SA#2 — Favorite Assignment (Arts & Sciences)Tell us about one of your favorite school assignments in the past two years. What was the assignment and why did you enjoy it? | up to 200 words |
| SA#2 — Engineering/Science Project (Engineering)Tell us about an engineering or science-related project that you have helped build, design, create, or iterate in the past two years. What was the project and what was your role? | up to 200 words |
| SA#2 — Portfolio Piece (BFA)Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. What were the ideas you intended to explore, and how did those ideas inform the process of making the piece? | up to 200 words |
| SA#2 — Portfolio Piece + Academics (Combined Degree BFA+BA/BS)Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. How did an academic course, project, or interest inspire the ideas that you explored in this piece? Or, how did making this piece influence your academic interests? | up to 200 words |
| UC Berkeley | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Davis | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Irvine | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Merced | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Riverside | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC San Diego | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Santa Barbara | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UC Santa Cruz | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| UCLA | |
| PIQ 1 — LeadershipDescribe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 2 — CreativityEvery person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 3 — Talent or SkillWhat would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 4 — Educational Opportunity/BarrierDescribe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 5 — ChallengeDescribe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 6 — Academic SubjectThink about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 7 — Community ContributionWhat have you done to make your school or your community a better place? | up to 350 words |
| PIQ 8 — Beyond Your ApplicationBeyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? | up to 350 words |
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) | |
| UB Honors College Essay 1 — The Scholar (Honors applicants)There is more to being a UB Honors scholar than earning good grades. In 500 words or less, share what you believe defines an Honors scholar outside of academic achievement, and how your undergraduate activities, choices, and plans align with that description. | up to 500 words |
| UB Honors College Essay 2 — Curiosity (Honors applicants)One of the hallmarks of the UB Honors College is our students' intellectual curiosity. In 500 words or less, discuss one current topic or issue that interests you and how it might be approached from multiple perspectives or disciplines. | up to 500 words |
| University of Alabama | |
| Honors College Essay — test-optional applicants onlyPlease describe an instance when you have critically thought about a subject and altered your original perspective. How did this challenge you? What did you learn from this process? | up to 500 words |
| University of Arizona | |
| Optional — Why Arizona + Academic FitWhy is the University of Arizona the right fit for you and how will your chosen academic area of study align with your interests, goals, and values? | up to 500 words |
| Optional — Anything ElseIs there anything else you'd like to share that you have not already included? | up to 500 words |
| University of Chicago | |
| Question 1 — Why UChicagoHow 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. | ~400-600 words |
| Extended Essay Option 1 — How Do Thoughts Eat?Food for thought: How do thoughts eat? | ~650 words |
| Extended Essay Option 2 — Artistic Practice as Elegant SolutionThe James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, utilized origami-inspired techniques to compactly store and deploy its sunshield in space. Choose an artistic practice and use its principles to propose an elegant solution to a problem. | ~650 words |
| Extended Essay Option 3 — Make Up a Mixed MetaphorSometimes metaphors get mixed up. For one reason or another, one could say, "we'll burn that bridge when we get there" or "the world is your china shop". Make up your own mixed metaphor. Explain how it could make sense, be understood, or even applied. | ~650 words |
| Extended Essay Option 4 — Mundane Olympic EventThe Olympics have long celebrated the pinnacle of human athletic achievement. But what if they expanded to honor the mundane? Imagine a new Olympic event built around an everyday activity like speed dishwashing or competitive grocery bagging. How is it scored, officiated, and judged? Why is it a worthy addition? | ~650 words |
| Extended Essay Option 5 — Mistaken Identity of AcronymAI: Allen Iverson. NASA, or the North American Saxophone Alliance. Share a potentially confounding, comedic, or captivating example of MIA (Mistaken Identity of Acronym) and tell us its backstory. | ~650 words |
| Extended Essay Option 6 — Choose Your Own AdventureAnd, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun! | ~650 words |
| University of Cincinnati | |
| Personal Statement — Why Your MajorWhat motivated you to choose your first-choice academic program? In your response, please share personal insights, interests, goals, or experiences—especially those not already included in your application. | up to 500 words |
| University of Colorado Boulder | |
| What You Hope to StudyWhat do you hope to study, and why, at CU Boulder? Or if you don't know quite yet, think about your studies so far, extracurricular/after-school activities, jobs, volunteering, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests. | up to 250 words |
| University of Florida | |
| Most Meaningful Commitment Outside the ClassroomPlease provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. | up to 250 words |
| University of Illinois Chicago | |
| Why Major EssayPlease provide an essay that explains why you chose your intended program of study. What interests you the most about this major? Please be specific - those evaluating these essays are highly interested in your response. If Undecided, what areas of study do you look forward to studying in college? | up to 500 words |
| Honors College — Academic Challenges & GrowthPlease describe in detail ways that you have sought out academic challenges and personal growth opportunities while in high school. Examples can include activities both inside or outside of your school. | up to 500 words |
| Honors College — Engagement & GrowthHow will your engagement with the Honors College foster your academic, personal, and professional growth? | up to 500 words |
| GPPA — Why Guaranteed AdmissionBy applying to the GPPA programs, you are applying for a guaranteed seat in one of UIC's graduate or professional programs earlier than students who apply in a traditional manner. The GPPA program seeks to understand why you have chosen your intended profession and a guaranteed path into it. What makes you an ideal candidate for guaranteed admission rather than following a traditional path to your intended profession? How would a guaranteed seat contribute to your goals as an undergraduate? | up to 500 words |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | |
| Essay 1 — Experience / Why This Major (declared major applicants)Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. | up to 150 words |
| Essay 2 — Goals / Why This Major (declared major applicants)Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. | up to 150 words |
| DGS Essay 1 — Academic Interests (undeclared/DGS applicants)What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why. | up to 150 words |
| DGS Essay 2 — Future Goals (undeclared/DGS applicants)What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. | up to 150 words |
| Second-Choice Major Essay (if second-choice major selected)You have selected a second-choice major. Please explain your interest in that major or your overall academic or career goals. | up to 150 words |
| University of Kentucky | |
| Lewis Honors College Essay (Honors applicants)Kentucky is one of four states that is a Commonwealth. The term means the state is for the common good. What do you consider to be for "the common good" and how do you hope to use your life experiences, challenges, uniqueness, and intellect to contribute to the common good in your community, as you define it? | up to 500 words |
| University of Maryland, College Park | |
| Fill-in 1 — Travel AnywhereIf I could travel anywhere, I would go to… | 650 characters |
| Fill-in 2 — Research FactThe most interesting fact I ever learned from research was… | 650 characters |
| Fill-in 3 — Academic Interests Beyond MajorIn addition to my major, my academic interests include… | 650 characters |
| Fill-in 4 — Last TuesdayMy favorite thing about last Tuesday was… | 650 characters |
| Fill-in 5 — Something You Might Not KnowSomething you might not know about me is… | 650 characters |
| Diversity & Life ExperienceBecause we know that diversity benefits the educational experience of all students, the University of Maryland values diversity in all of its many forms. This includes (but is not limited to) racial, socio-economic, gender, geographical, and sexual orientation. We are interested in hearing about your own individual life experiences. In a few sentences, will you please describe how you have learned, grown, been inspired or developed skills through one or more components of diversity? | 650 characters |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | |
| Why UMass AmherstPlease tell us why you want to attend UMass Amherst. | up to 100 words |
| Why This MajorPlease tell us why you chose the Major(s) you did. | up to 100 words |
| University of Michigan | |
| Prompt 1 — Challenge the Present, Enrich the FutureAt the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans. | up to 300 words |
| Why This School at U-MDescribe 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? | up to 550 words |
| Ross School of Business — Business Case DiscussionChoose a current event or issue in your community and discuss the business implications. Propose a solution that incorporates business principles or practices. The review panel will look for creativity, drawing connections, and originality. Your response should be limited to approximately 500 words. | ~500 words |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | |
| All Applicants — Academic Interest / Why This Major (required)The U of M has 8 freshman-admitting colleges and more than 150 majors. Please share a few words about what you'd like to study in college, career paths that interest you, or your favorite subjects in school. | up to 150 words |
| Nursing P1 — Why NursingWhy have you chosen to pursue a nursing career? Explain how your experiences shaped your decision. | up to 250 words |
| Nursing P2 — PreparationHow have your studies prepared you for a career in nursing? | up to 250 words |
| Nursing P3 — Why UMN NursingProvide a brief reflection about why you feel the University of Minnesota School of Nursing will be the best fit with your degree and career plans. | up to 250 words |
| University of Missouri | |
| Common App Personal Essay (no supplementals required)Score your Common App personal essay as it will be read by Mizzou admissions. | up to 650 words |
| University of Notre Dame | |
| Area(s) of StudyBriefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed. | up to 100 words |
| Non-Negotiable FactorEveryone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your "non-negotiable" factor(s) when searching for your future college home. | up to 150 words |
| Short Answer — FaithHow does faith influence the decisions you make? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer — Personal BackgroundWhat is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you, and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer — ServiceNotre Dame's undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community? | up to 100 words |
| Short Answer — What Would You Fight ForWhat would you fight for? | up to 100 words |
| University of Oklahoma | |
| Leadership Essay (optional — scholarship-gated)Please share your leadership experiences and why they are important to you. | up to 650 words |
| Community & Service Essay (optional — scholarship-gated)Please describe your cultural and community service activities and why you chose to participate in them. | up to 650 words |
| Career Interest Essay (optional — scholarship-gated)What is your career area of interest, and why do you have a desire to work in this particular field? | up to 650 words |
| University of Oregon | |
| Clark Honors College Essay (CHC applicants)What's something you believed in that you changed your mind about and what made you change it? Be thoughtful and provide concrete examples to support your response. | up to 500 words |
| Optional Second Essay — Choose 1 of 2Choose ONE: (1) Reflect on a social justice issue that inspires you and describe how you will apply those lessons to drive change. (2) Explain how your experiences, values, and interests contribute to the university's diverse community and how you will support others. | up to 500 words |
| University of Pennsylvania | |
| Thank-You NoteWrite 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!) | up to 200 words |
| Community at PennHow will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. | up to 200 words |
| Why Penn — WhartonWharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Discuss a current issue of importance to you and how you hope a Wharton education would help you explore it. | up to 200 words |
| Why Penn — College of Arts & SciencesThe College of Arts and Sciences is designed to foster discovery and connection. Describe something you are curious about—something you would like to learn more about or find a new approach to—and how you might pursue that curiosity in the College. | up to 200 words |
| Why Penn — SEAS / EngineeringPenn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Describe how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected. | up to 200 words |
| Why Penn — NursingPenn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science. Why are you applying to Nursing, where do you see yourself professionally in the future, and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? | up to 200 words |
| Visual & Interactive Computing (VIC) ProgramDiscuss how your interests align with the Visual and Interactive Computing (VIC) program at the University of Pennsylvania. | up to 650 words |
| Huntsman Program — Target Language ExperienceDescribe your experience with the target language you selected. You may wish to share the length of time you have studied or used this language, how you have learned it, the skills you have acquired, and/or the skills you still wish to develop. Please also explain why you are interested in studying this language and the region(s) of the world where it is spoken. | up to 200 words |
| Huntsman Program — Dual-Degree & Global IssueThe Huntsman Program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and around the world. What draws you to a dual degree in international studies and business, and how would you use what you learn to address a global issue where these two domains intersect? | up to 400 words |
| Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM) ProgramThe Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM) program brings together two powerful modes of understanding—scientific inquiry and strategic thinking—to prepare students to engage thoughtfully and creatively with some of the most complex challenges of our time. What questions, problems, or opportunities would you hope to explore through LSM, and how might the integration of life sciences and management shape your approach to them? Focus on the ideas, values, or questions that draw you to this intersection, rather than how LSM might advance your career, and make sure this essay is distinct from your single-degree application. | up to 400 words |
| Jerome Fisher M&T Program — Engineering + BusinessExplain how you will use the M&T program to pursue problems or opportunities that require both engineering and business perspectives. | up to 400 words |
| Jerome Fisher M&T Program — Something You CreatedDescribe something you created, designed, improved, or built. What motivated you, and what did you learn from the process? | up to 200 words |
| Nursing & Healthcare Management (NHCM) ProgramDescribe your interest in nursing and health care management, and how Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business would help you meet your goals. Please ensure that this essay is distinct from your single-degree application, if applicable. | up to 400 words |
| VIPER Program — Major CombinationVIPER students pursue dual degrees in science or math and engineering. Which major combination(s) interest you most right now and why? Your response to this prompt is not binding; students often shift majors as they learn more through the program. | up to 200 words |
| VIPER Program — Interest & Past ExperiencesDescribe your interest in the VIPER program, including how any past experiences (academic, research, extracurricular, etc.) have shaped your interest in energy science and technology, and how you envision participation in VIPER fitting into your future goals. | up to 400 words |
| University of Richmond | |
| Option 1 — Relentlessly Welcoming (choose 1 of 3)Richmond is a community that strives to be relentlessly welcoming. Tell us about a time you made a space better for other people by helping them feel welcome, heard, included, or supported. | up to 650 words |
| Option 2 — Ideas Into Actions (choose 1 of 3)Richmond students turn ideas into actions. Tell us about a time you learned by doing, making, building, testing, helping, or leading and what that experience taught you about yourself, the world, or the kind of impact you want to have. | up to 650 words |
| Option 3 — Spider Community (choose 1 of 3)Richmond's mascot is the Spider. Just as you are unique, this singular mascot represents over 52,680 unique species of spiders. Tell us about the communities, experiences, or ambitions that have shaped you into the unique person you are and how you will make your mark as part of a Spider community. | up to 650 words |
| University of Rochester | |
| Prompt 1 — Curiosity & Creativity / Design Your ExperienceThe University of Rochester is a place where curiosity and creativity meet. How will you combine our academic flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to create an experience that reflects your interests and ambitions? | up to 250 words |
| Combined Degree Program Essay (Combined Degree applicants only)What relevant experiences or insight have led to your interest in this particular program? Describe how Rochester's resources – facilities, faculty, peers and research – will meet your academic and personal ambitions. Describe how you see yourself contributing to the challenging field you want to enter as a Rochester graduate. | up to 250 words |
| University of San Diego | |
| Mandatory — How You Learned About USDHow did you first learn about the University of San Diego, and what inspired you to apply? | up to 350 words (~200 suggested) |
| Required 2 — Option A: Community & Belonging (choose 1 of 3)USD is committed to fostering a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. What does community mean to you and how have you helped create a welcoming environment for others? | up to 350 words |
| Required 2 — Option B: Changemaker / Challenge Facing Humanity (choose 1 of 3)As a Changemaker Campus, USD challenges students to utilize their learning to actively pursue a more just, sustainable and equitable world. What is a challenge facing humanity today and why does it matter to you? | up to 350 words |
| Required 2 — Option C: Faith & Spirituality (choose 1 of 3)As a contemporary Catholic university, students from all backgrounds and faith traditions are welcomed and celebrated. Share an experience that highlights the ways faith or spirituality—either your own or someone else's—have influenced your life. | up to 350 words |
| University of San Francisco | |
| St. Ignatius Institute Nursing (BSN) Applicants OnlyWe are interested in learning more about your desire to pursue a Nursing (BSN) degree. What will be your responsibility to others as a Jesuit-educated, BSN professional registered nurse? | up to 200 words |
| University of Southern California | |
| Academic Interest at USCDescribe 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. | up to 250 words |
| Snapshot — Short AnswersAnswer the snapshot quick-takes: describe yourself in three words; favorite snack; best movie of all time; dream job; your life's theme song; dream trip; next show to binge watch; ideal well-known or fictional roommate; favorite book; a class you'd teach on any topic. | few words each |
| Optional — USC Student Commitment / DisagreementThe USC Student Commitment charges Trojans to "value honest, open communication and robust debate," and to "champion ideological diversity and embrace freedom of expression." Describe a time when you disagreed with someone you know about something important to you. Did you change your mind or reach common ground? | up to 250 words |
| Optional — Educational GapStarting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. | up to 250 words |
| USC Dornsife Applicants — Ten Minutes, a Million PeopleMany of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? | up to 250 words |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | |
| Chancellor's Honors Program Essay (CHP applicants)Reflecting on your academic journey and personal experiences, why are you interested in applying to the Chancellor's Honors Program (CHP), and which specific aspects of the program are you most excited about? | ~300 words |
| University of Texas at Austin | |
| Prompt 1 — Why Your Major (ALL applicants)Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? | up to 300 words |
| Prompt 2 — Most Proud Activity (ALL applicants)Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? | up to 300 words |
| Prompt 3 — Special Circumstances (optional)Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance. | up to 300 words |
| Architecture — Design Impact Essay (Architecture applicants only)Inherent in the design disciplines the capacity to impact the world around us. What does the opportunity to develop such capacity mean to you and your approach to your college education? | up to 300 words |
| Civics Honors — Civic Question (Civics Honors applicants)Your study at UT Austin would enable you to think deeply about serious questions that arise as we consider what it means to live well and lead well. What is one significant question you want to answer through your study in UT Austin Civics Honors? Why does this question matter? | up to 200 words |
| Civics Honors — Legacy Essay (Civics Honors applicants)The American founders thought carefully about what it means to build a legacy. The legacies they built have shaped American culture and law. How can a person build a worthy legacy today? How do you want people to remember you? | up to 200 words |
| Art History Essay (Art History applicants only)In art history classes, one might hear the line “Art has structured—and continues to structure—our world.” Why, in your opinion, does studying the art of the past and present matter in today’s global world? | up to 500 words |
| Canfield Business Honors Essay (CBHP applicants only)Teamwork and community are pillars of the Canfield Business Honors Program. When reviewing your resume, is there a particular aspect that reflects these values? Tell us more about this experience and how you will bring these values to Canfield Business Honors. | up to 300 words |
| ECE Honors Essay (ECE Honors applicants only)Describe your significant activities, employment, and achievements, particularly those relevant to the study of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Also describe your educational and career goals. | up to 500 words |
| Texas ECB Essay (ECE+Business dual degree applicants only)Texas Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business (Texas ECB) is a powerful dual degree program. Why do you see this as a combination of skills for your career goals? What have you done in high school to prepare for honors engineering and business course work? | up to 500 words |
| Liberal Arts Honors — Why Liberal Arts (Liberal Arts Honors applicants)Prospective students cite many reasons for pursuing education in the liberal arts. Tell us why you want to study the liberal arts. | up to 250 words |
| Plan II & Liberal Arts Honors — Five Sentences (Plan II and Liberal Arts Honors applicants)Help us get to know you better. Please write five sentences (numbered 1–5) that give us some insight into you, your life, your interests and your experiences. | up to 100 words |
| Moody College Honors Essay (Moody Honors applicants only)Communication is a fundamental part of human life. Future communicators must wrestle with whether communication is motivated by self-interest or cooperation. Discuss an example from a communication discipline (advertising, journalism, PR, radio-TV-film, etc.) that supports one of the two perspectives. | up to 250 words |
| CNS Natural Sciences Honors Essay (Dean’s / Health Science / Polymathic Scholars)Each of the three CNS Honors Programs has a distinct profile. Why are you a good fit for the Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Scholars, or Polymathic Scholars program? How will you contribute to that community? | up to 400 words |
| Plan II Honors — Technology & Critical Thinking (Plan II applicants only)Analyze the ways in which technology impacts critical thinking and community in higher education. How can an interdisciplinary education like Plan II Honors best equip students to thrive in this environment? | up to 250 words |
| Texas CSB Essay (CS+Business dual degree applicants only)Texas CSB is an innovative dual degree program. Why do you see CS + Business as a powerful combination for your career goals? What have you done in high school to prepare? | up to 500 words |
| Texas Robotics Essay (Texas Robotics applicants only)Why are you interested in robotics? How will this undergraduate robotics program help you achieve your goals? What impact do you hope to make in the field of robotics? | up to 500 words |
| Turing Scholars Essay (Turing Scholars CS Honors applicants only)Describe your significant activities, employment, and achievements, particularly those relevant to the study of computer science. Also describe your educational and career goals. | up to 500 words |
| University of Utah | |
| Honors College Essay — Choose 1 of 2 (Honors applicants)Choose ONE: (1) You are tasked with creating a new Intellectual Traditions course. Name your course and describe the topics and questions it would cover. (2) The Honors Thesis is an independent research or creative project completed with a professor's mentorship. Describe what motivates you to pursue this opportunity, and why you would like the chance to do an Honors Thesis. | ~500 words |
| University of Virginia | |
| School of Nursing Supplemental — Nursing Applicants OnlyIn the field of nursing, you will encounter and impact real human lives. Please explain why you feel this is important as you choose this field as your future. | up to 250 words |
| University of Washington | |
| No general supplemental essay for 2026-27 — the prompts below are optional or apply only to specific programs. | |
| Optional — Additional Information / Challenges & CircumstancesOptional: use the Common App Challenges & Circumstances section (≤250 words) and/or the Additional Information section (≤300 words) only if you have genuine extenuating circumstances or unreflected qualifications to share. | up to 300 / ≤250 words |
| UW Interdisciplinary Honors Program Essay — Honors applicants only; NOT part of the UW admissions decisionWe want to know why you are excited to push your education outside the areas of academic learning with which you are most comfortable. To help us understand your enthusiasm for exploring different ways of thinking and learning tell us: What do you pay attention to? What is a unique lens through which you see the world? How does that connect to your current interests and future curiosities? | up to 450 words |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | |
| Why UW–Madison + Major — Required (all applicants)Tell us why you would like to attend 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. | up to 650 words |
| Life Experiences You Will Bring — UW Application onlyEach student is unique. Please tell us about the particular life experiences, talents, commitments, and/or interests you will bring to our campus. | up to 650 words |
| US Air Force Academy (USAFA) | |
| Essay 1 — Setback/Ethical DilemmaDescribe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? | up to 500 words |
| Essay 2 — Leadership ExperienceDescribe a leadership experience that has meaning for you. A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? | up to 500 words |
| Essay 3 — Additional Info (STRATEGIC)Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. | up to 500 words |
| US Military Academy — West Point | |
| Essay 1 — MotivationWhat motivates you to apply to the United States Military Academy, and how does this align with your values and goals? | 2,500 characters |
| Essay 2 — Adversity/CharacterReflect on an experience in which you faced adversity and how it shaped your character. | 2,500 characters |
| US Naval Academy (USNA) | |
| Candidate StatementIn a well-organized essay, please discuss both of the following (4000 characters max): (1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long-range goals, and (2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity. | 4,000 characters |
| Vanderbilt University | |
| Crescere Aude — Dare to GrowVanderbilt University's motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for "dare to grow." In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt. Please provide your response in approximately 300 words. | up to 300 words |
| Peabody College of Education ApplicantsVanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development has a rich tradition of excellence in teacher education, preparing students to pursue a research-grounded, practice-intensive program leading to licensure. Students pursuing careers in education spend as much time in the classrooms and hallways of Nashville's public schools as they do in seminar rooms on campus, observing and working in a variety of community and educational settings. What prior experience with and enthusiasm for the field of education will you bring to Vanderbilt? In your response, reflect on why you want to be an educator. | up to 300 words |
| Vassar College | |
| Option A — Identity & Engaged PluralismAt 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 an important part of your identity and how it has shaped your life and/or interactions with others. | up to 300 words |
| Option B — CommunityVassar 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 about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity. | up to 300 words |
| Villanova University | |
| Option A — Equity & Justice (choose 1 of 5)As Pope Leo XIV (Villanova Class of 1977) has said, “no one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing, just as no one is so weak that they cannot play their part.” What have you done to play your part in advancing equity and justice in your community? | ~250 words |
| Option B — Life Lesson (choose 1 of 5)What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova? | ~250 words |
| Option C — Why Villanova (choose 1 of 5)“Villanova” means “new home.” Why do you want to call Villanova your new home? | ~250 words |
| Option D — AI & the Common Good (choose 1 of 5)Villanova embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a commitment to thoughtful, ethical use rooted in our Augustinian mission and values. How do you see technology helping you to lead, serve, and contribute to the common good? | ~250 words |
| Option E — Lending Strength (choose 1 of 5)At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need. | ~250 words |
| Virginia Tech | |
| Prompt 1 — Ut Prosim / Community ServiceVirginia Tech's motto is 'Ut Prosim' which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech? | up to 120 words |
| Prompt 2 — Inclusion / Principles of CommunityHave you had an experience when you or someone you know were not being included? Did you reach out to anyone for assistance, direction, or resources? Were you able to affect change and/or influence others? Did this experience change your perspective and if so, how? | up to 120 words |
| Prompt 3 — Leadership & PrideShare a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time? | up to 120 words |
| Prompt 4 — Goal-SettingDescribe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal? | up to 120 words |
| Wake Forest University | |
| Why Wake Forest? — RequiredWhy have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution. | up to 100 words |
| Optional (choose 1 of 4) — Intellectual CuriosityTell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world's complexity. This can include a work you've read, a project you've completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved. | up to 150 words |
| Optional (choose 1 of 4) — Maya Angelou QuoteDr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person's dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou's powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? | up to 300 words |
| Optional (choose 1 of 4) — Five Books That Intrigued YouList five books you've read that intrigued you. (150 character limit per line). | 150 characters |
| Optional (choose 1 of 4) — Top Ten ListGive us your Top Ten list. (The choice of theme is yours). (100 character limit per line). | 100 characters |
| Washington and Lee University | |
| Why W&L Supplement (optional)There are over 8,200 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. You have chosen to apply to Washington and Lee University. Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with W&L and what aspects of its community are most exciting to you. | up to 250 words |
| Choose 1 of 4 Supplement (optional)Choose ONE: (A) Tell us about an activity or interest you pursue outside the classroom. (B) Tell us about a perspective or aspect of diversity you would bring to W&L. (C) Tell us about something that fuels your intellectual curiosity. (D) Tell us about the significance of your name. | up to 250 words |
| Johnson Scholarship Essay (choose 1 of 5)In 800 words or less, respond to ONE of the following: (1) "To promote literature in this rising empire and to encourage the arts, have ever been amongst the warmest wishes of my heart" (George Washington, 1798, first president of the United States and first major benefactor of Washington and Lee University). Describe a work of art that has influenced you, and discuss the impact it has had on you. (2) In mathematics, the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface is a straight line. While geometry is predictable, sometimes daily life is not. Reflect on a time when your path was not as simple or direct as anticipated. How did you manage, and what did you learn? (3) We live in a world in which much of our self-representation is curated online via short-lived social media 'stories' and disappearing photos. What photo or other representation of yourself is authentically you? What does it say about your growth into the person you are today and the person you want to become? Please use only the words in your essay to address this question. Do not include photographs or other materials in your answer. (4) W&L's Spring Term is a four-week, intensive experience during which students take only one course, allowing for undivided attention to the subject matter. If you could design a Spring Term course, what would you propose, and why would you choose to pursue that topic? (5) In his October 1963 "A Talk to Teachers," James Baldwin noted that education occurs within a social framework designed to perpetuate the aims of society — and the paradox that becoming conscious means examining that framework. What norms of your home or community have you become conscious of during your time in high school, and how would you like to use that knowledge to make it a better place? | up to 800 words |
| Washington University in St. Louis | |
| Academic InterestPlease tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don't worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially "undeclared" and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our majors and programs on our website. | up to 250 words |
| Beyond Boundaries ProgramThe Beyond Boundaries Program equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require varied perspectives and skill sets. What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the Beyond Boundaries Program support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue? | up to 250 words |
| Joint Program in Business & Computer ScienceStudents in the Joint Program in Business and Computer Science will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business, and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines. This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skill set. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting, and business development, to name a few. Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines? | up to 250 words |
| Danforth Scholars ProgramChancellor Danforth and Mrs. Danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. They embodied a spirit of servant leadership. Like the Danforths, Danforth Scholars are leaders seeking to build community through fostering growth and empowerment rather than focusing on personal authority. Reflecting on the leadership tenure of the Danforths and the pillars of the Danforth Scholars Program, how have you utilized your leadership skills to foster growth and empowerment within your community? Please provide 1-2 examples in detail. | up to 250 words |
| Ervin Scholars ProgramDr. John B. Ervin was a nationally renowned Black educator and the first African American Dean at Washington University in St. Louis. In the spirit of Dr. Ervin, Ervin Scholars are champions for positive change in their communities. Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Ervin, how have you demonstrated your dedication to social justice and positive community impact in marginalized communities? Provide 1-2 examples in detail. | up to 250 words |
| Rodriguez Scholars ProgramAnnika Lynn Rodriguez led a life committed to service to others. She demonstrated her commitment through her work as a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity, during her time as a WashU student and later in the Peace Corps as an alum until her untimely death. In remembering Annika's legacy, a friend said, "Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life." Share a story that exemplifies what motivates you to engage in service to the community and provide two examples that demonstrate your ongoing commitment to service. | up to 250 words |
| Wellesley College | |
| Building Bridges — Cross-Perspective ExperienceWellesley students actively seek ways to build bridges and to change the world for the better. Tell us about an experience working with and alongside people of different backgrounds and/or perspectives from your own. Why was this important to you, and what lessons from this will you bring with you to Wellesley? | up to 400 words |
| William & Mary | |
| Optional — Communities & BelongingAre there any particular communities that are important to you, and how do you see yourself being a part of our community? | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Academic Interest / Career GoalShare more about a personal academic interest or career goal. | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Family / Culture / BackgroundHow has your family, culture and/or background shaped your lived experience? | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Why William & MaryWhat led to your interest in William & Mary? | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Challenge or AdversityTell us about a challenge or adversity you have experienced and how that has impacted you as an individual. | up to 300 words |
| Optional — Show Us Your TownIf we visited your town, what would you want to show us? | up to 300 words |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | |
| Why Xavier (test-optional applicants only)Why do you want to attend Xavier University of Louisiana? | up to 400 words |
| Yale University | |
| Academic PassionTell 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? | up to 200 words |
| Short Take — Course/Book/ArtIf you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? | 200 characters |
| Short Take — Growth in CollegeWhat is one aspect of yourself that you hope to grow or develop during college? | 200 characters |
| Short Take — Something About YouWhat is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? | 200 characters |
| Essay Option A — Opposing ViewReflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? | up to 400 words |
| Essay Option B — CommunityReflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like. | up to 400 words |
| Essay Option C — Personal ExperienceReflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? | up to 400 words |
No prompts match that search. Try a school's short name (e.g. “UVA”) or a single word from the prompt.
Colleges with no supplemental essay (2026-27)
These 39 colleges ask for no school-specific supplemental essay this year. Your Common App personal statement carries the weight — details on each are in the guide.
- Bates CollegeBates College does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Binghamton University (SUNY)For 2026-27, Binghamton University requires no supplemental essay.
- Brandeis UniversityBrandeis does not require a supplemental essay for most applicants in 2026-27.
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCase Western Reserve University does not require a general supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Chapman UniversityFor 2026-27, Chapman University requires no supplemental essay — your Common App personal statement is the essay that matters.
- Colby CollegeColby College does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- College of the Holy CrossThe College of the Holy Cross does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Cornell CollegeFor 2026-27, Cornell College requires no supplemental essay, and the Common App personal essay is optional — but for a small, community-driven liberal arts college, a strong personal statement is your best chance to be a person rather than a transcript.
- Denison UniversityDenison does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Dickinson CollegeFor 2026-27, Dickinson College requires no writing supplement — your Common App personal statement is the essay that matters.
- Florida A&M UniversityFor 2026-27, Florida A&M University makes the Common App personal essay optional and has no required writing supplement.
- Franklin & Marshall CollegeFor 2026-27, Franklin & Marshall College requires no supplemental essay ("there are no writing questions for this college") — your Common App personal statement is the essay that matters.
- Indiana University BloomingtonIndiana University Bloomington does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Kenyon CollegeKenyon College does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Loyola University ChicagoLoyola University Chicago does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Morgan State UniversityFor 2026-27, Morgan State University does not require an essay for general first-year admission — no personal statement or supplement appears in the general application.
- North Carolina A&T State UniversityFor 2026-27, North Carolina A&T State University does not require an essay — and its admissions policy is explicit that personal essays "are not required and will not be reviewed." Admission is based on your GPA and coursework (test-optional for a weighted GPA of 2.8+).
- Oberlin CollegeOberlin does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Ohio State UniversityOhio State does not require any supplemental essays for general undergraduate admission in 2026-27.
- Rutgers University–New BrunswickRutgers does not require any supplemental essays for Common App applicants in 2026-27 — only the personal statement (a short honors statement is required only if you opt into the Honors College).
- Saint Louis UniversityFor 2026-27, Saint Louis University requires no supplemental essay — your Common App personal statement is the essay that matters.
- Skidmore CollegeFor 2026-27, Skidmore College requires no supplemental essays — the college literally says "No supplemental essays.
- St. Lawrence UniversitySt. Lawrence University does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Stevens Institute of TechnologyFor 2026-27, Stevens removed its supplemental essay — the old "Inspired by humanity, powered by technology" prompt (the two 24-character fill-ins plus the 250-word reflection) is gone.
- Temple UniversityFor 2026-27, Temple University uses the Common App only, makes the personal essay optional (though it recommends all students complete it), and has no supplemental essays.
- Tulane UniversityFor 2026-27, Tulane removed its "Why Join the Tulane Community" supplemental essay.
- UNC Chapel HillFor 2026-27, UNC Chapel Hill removed both of its short-answer supplements — the old "personal quality / positive impact on a community" and "academic topic" prompts are gone.
- University of ConnecticutUConn does not require any school-specific supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- University of DelawareFor 2026-27, the University of Delaware requires the standard Common App (or Coalition) personal statement and no UD-specific supplement.
- University of DenverThe University of Denver does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- University of GeorgiaFor 2026-27 the University of Georgia eliminated its supplemental essay—the former "a book that impacted you" reflection is gone.
- University of IowaFor 2026-27, the University of Iowa requires no essay for general first-year admission — decisions are driven largely by the Regent Admission Index (GPA + coursework).
- University of MiamiFor 2026-27, University of Miami removed its required community/experience supplemental essay.
- University of PittsburghFor 2026-27, the University of Pittsburgh requires no supplemental essay — and the Frederick Honors College has eliminated its separate essay as well.
- University of VermontFor 2026-27, University of Vermont removed its entire optional supplemental short-answer block — the old "Why UVM?", Ben & Jerry's charitable-flavor, identity, environment, life-soundtrack, and favorite-sentence options are all gone.
- Wesleyan UniversityWesleyan does not require a supplemental essay for 2026-27.
- Williams CollegeWilliams College requires NO traditional supplemental essays--no "Why Williams," no community prompt, no activities essay.
- Worcester Polytechnic InstituteFor 2026-27 WPI no longer requires a supplemental essay — the admissions office confirmed it removed the former WPI Fit essay from its requirements.
Essay required, but no published school-specific prompt
These colleges do require an essay, but the prompt is shown only inside their application or follows the Common App prompts.
- Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University requires one personal essay (250–650 words) chosen from 7 prompts that are identical to the Common App suite.
- Penn State UniversityPenn State's supplemental essays vary dramatically by program track.
- University of HoustonFor 2026-27, the University of Houston requires a short admissions essay — via the Common App (a choice of prompts 1, 2, 3, or 5) or the ApplyTexas essay — and has no school-specific supplement.
- University of South CarolinaFor 2026-27, the University of South Carolina requires one essay from all first-year applicants, chosen from a prompt list shown inside the application — your chance to tell USC something not already in your file.
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