How to Write Supplemental Essays for College Applications

Once you've written the main essay for the Common Application, you'll want to check if a school has additional supplemental essays. Some schools have multiple supplemental essays (Yale), while others don't have any. (Colby College).

Interestingly, some schools have recently decided to drop these additional questions. This Inside Higher Ed article chronicles this and mentions Tulane, Wash. U, University of Virginia, University of Georgia, Cornell (one essay, but not all).

Where to Find the Supplemental Essays

When you add a college to the list of schools you're applying to in the Common App, you will be able to access possible additional questions. Look for the tab that says "Writing."

Understand the Prompt

Before you start drafting any answers, read the prompts carefully. Each college’s supplemental essay question has a specific purpose. It could ask why you want to attend that school, what you want to study, or how you like to spend your time outside of the classroom. In essence, the admissions officers are getting at a question of fit. They are trying to figure out why are you right for their school, and why the school is right for you.

Research Each College

Look at the college’s website, academic programs, extracurricular activities and recent news. Do a campus tour in person or virtually. Attend virtual information sessions. This research will give you insight into the school and give you ideas of topics to write about.

Show How You Fit and Will Contribute

Don't use vague statements like “The University is perfect because I want to study in a big city.” Instead, mention a particular professor’s research, a unique course, or a campus tradition. Equally important, show what you have done, and what you're interested in, so that admissions officers understand how you will contribute to campus life.

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