does george mason require common app essay

George Mason Essay Guide 2023-24

George mason supplemental essays 2023-24.

College essays play an important role in the admissions process, just as they do at George Mason University . While there is only one George Mason essay (in addition to the Common App personal statement), students should take their time writing a stellar response. Naturally, students with strong responses to the George Mason University essay prompts have a better chance of standing out among a large pool of candidates. 

GMU is the largest public university in Virginia . The campus is diverse and students from every state and 130 countries make up the student body. While the acceptance rate is relatively high, applicants will still want to put their best work forward when applying. And, since there aren’t multiple George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, applicants have one chance to make it count. 

Without various George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, students will need to carefully choose how to write the George Mason supplemental essay. To write any successful college essay, you need to do some research on the school and its unique qualities. 

So, before we jump into writing the George Mason essay, let’s check out some GMU quick facts. 

George Mason Admissions: Quick Facts

George mason university quick facts.

• George Mason Acceptance Rate: 90% – U.S. News ranks George Mason University #51 on its Top Public Schools list. 
• 1 (~250 word) “Optional” Essay – This essay is optional for students who submit standardized test scores. However, this essay is required for students applying as score-optional.
• George Mason Application: Students may submit their application via the Common App or the Mason Exclusive Online Application . Make sure you have met all of the application requirements prior to applying. 
• Early Action: November 1
• Regular Decision: February 1 
• George Mason Essay Tip: There aren’t multiple George Mason University essay prompts. So, this “optional” George Mason essay is your only opportunity to share who you are and why you belong at GMU. Even if you are submitting test scores, GMU strongly recommends all applicants submit a George Mason supplemental essay.

Does George Mason require supplemental essays?

Technically, there are no required George Mason University essay prompts. However, there is one optional, school-specific essay. GMU Admissions refers to it as “an optional, but strongly encouraged personal statement.” If you want to submit the strongest application possible, you’ll want to consider the George Mason essay a principal feature of your application. 

While your other application requirements are important, none allow you to communicate who you are in your own words. The George Mason essay allows you to share your unique personality, writing style, and motivations for attending GMU.

Now, you may be thinking that without multiple George Mason University essay prompts to respond to, the GMU application will be simple. On the contrary, you’ll still want to give yourself a head start on the George Mason essay. If there were various George Mason University essay prompts, you’d have more opportunities to make your case for admissions. However, with only one short essay, it’s got to really count!

How many essays does George Mason require?

There is only one “optional” George Mason essay. However, the Common App writing requirements state that the optional George Mason essay is required for applicants who apply as score-optional. (GMU is test-optional , so students are not required to submit their standardized test scores). Either way, we encourage students to write the George Mason essay, whether they are submitting standardized test scores or not. 

Additionally, the Common App could be considered to have two George Mason essay prompts: the Common App personal statement and the GMU college-specific essay. While GMU does not require students to submit their Common App personal statement, you can still choose to do so. However, if you choose to apply on the Mason Exclusive Online Application, you won’t have multiple George Mason University essay prompts: there will be only one. 

What are the George Mason supplemental essays?

Now, you’re probably wondering: what are the George Mason University essay prompts? Well, the George Mason essay is considered a why this school essay. You’ve likely seen various versions of this prompt when applying to other institutions.

Below is the George Mason supplemental essay prompt:

George Mason University Supplemental Essay Prompt

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you?

GMU recommends applicants use this George Mason essay to “tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision.” This can be a trying task as applicants only have approximately 250 words to use in this George Mason essay. And, without other George Mason University essay prompts to share more about yourself, this may seem like a daunting task. However, we’ll get some tips on how to do so shortly. 

Additionally, applicants who choose to apply via the Common App will be able to submit their Personal Statement . This gives them two George Mason essay prompts from which to make their case for admission. Depending on your grades, recommendations, and extracurriculars, this may be a bonus to applying via the Common App. If you feel like your application narrative would benefit from the ability to submit responses to two GMU essay prompts, then consider applying via the Common App. 

George Mason Essay Prompts 

The George Mason supplemental essay asks applicants to answer a complex question for many: why do you want to go to college? Many students may consider college to be the obvious next step, not even questioning it. However, for others, and many first-generation students, the opportunity to go to college could be at the forefront of their minds. No matter which group you fall into, you’ll need to unravel the question and figure out your motivation behind attending a higher education institution. 

Here’s the George Mason essay prompt one more time: 

Successful responses to the George Mason essay prompts will be specific and personal. Take some time to brainstorm each question of the George Mason supplemental essay prompt. When doing so, consider personal anecdotes, experiences, or values that have led you to seek out higher education. The best responses to the GMU essay prompts will be meaningful and personal, so allow yourself to dig deep when considering your essay theme.

The second part of the prompt is a standard why this school essay. Here, successful responses to the GMU essay prompts will show that you’ve done your research on specific offerings at GMU. Take some time to look through the website and course offerings . Learn about the campus culture and student organizations. Additionally, take a look at the university’s mission and values. Mention the aspect of the university that most calls your attention. And, most importantly, demonstrate why it’s important to you. 

As if doing all those things in about 250 words wasn’t challenging enough, you’ll also need to demonstrate why you’d be a great addition to the GMU community. This can be done through the anecdote you share, a value you hold, or an academic interest or curiosity you’ve explored. Be intentional with each word you use in this essay, and make sure that you’ve responded to each part of the George Mason essay prompt. 

Is George Mason hard to get into?

Generally speaking, George Mason University is rather accessible to most students when it comes to gaining admissions. The GMU acceptance rate is 90%, which is among the highest admissions rates in the nation. You may feel like this takes the pressure off of responses to the George Mason essay prompts. However, just because the university has a high acceptance rate, doesn’t mean you should slack when it comes to your George Mason essay! Writing an impressive essay should be an important part of your “how to get into George Mason University” strategy. 

GMU boasts an inclusive environment. In fact, referencing their high acceptance rate, GMU Admissions states, “We proudly accept nearly 90 percent of undergraduate applicants, because we believe in inclusivity over exclusivity.” This stance may be refreshing to many high school students, as prestige certainly isn’t the most important aspect of a school when it comes to finding your perfect fit. Visit campus or take a virtual tour if you are wondering if GMU is the right fit for you. If you visit early and fall in love with the feeling of the campus, it might even be something to reference in your George Mason essay!

Students applying to GMU will be evaluated holistically, meaning that admissions officers are carefully looking at each of the George Mason application requirements. So, while it’s important to meet the George Mason essay requirements, it’s equally important to get letters of recommendation. Even though GMU has a high acceptance rate, this doesn’t mean applicants should neglect the GMU essay prompts or complete the other George Mason application requirements. In fact, your essay and application can play an important role in gaining scholarships and financial aid . 

Does George Mason care about essays?

Since the George Mason University essay prompts are optional, you may be thinking: do George Mason University admissions officers even care about my essay? The simple answer is yes! George Mason University admissions carefully considers every part of an application. The George Mason essay is a wonderful opportunity to share more of yourself with admissions officers. Use the George Mason University essay prompts as opportunities to share your experiences, values, personality, and writing style with admissions. 

Well-written responses to the George Mason essay prompts will bolster your application. Additionally, the research and reflection you do while writing your George Mason essay will allow you deeper insight into your motivations and future career goals. Don’t minimize the power of reflecting on the important questions that George Mason essay prompts ask students. Learning more about yourself and your educational motivations is a wonderful side effect of writing meaningful responses to the George Mason University essay prompts. 

How do I make my George Mason essays stand out?

Now that you know admissions values the responses to the GMU essay prompts in their evaluation process, let’s look at how you can write your best George Mason essay. First of all, consider which application you’ll complete. If you choose to apply via the Common App, you’ll have two George Mason essay prompts to respond to—this gives you two opportunities to wow admissions officers. And, since you’ve probably worked hard on writing an impactful Common App Personal Statement, applying via this platform could be a wonderful way to share more about yourself as well as show off your writing chops. 

However, if you haven’t worked tirelessly on writing the perfect Common App personal statement, then you may benefit from responding to fewer George Mason essay prompts. Additionally, it will give you plenty of time to perfect your George Mason essay. 

Here are 3 tips for writing a strong George Mason supplemental essay: 

Get personal

Generic responses to George Mason essay prompts—or any college essay prompts —will always fall flat. Take this opportunity to truly reflect on the questions you’re asked. Brainstorm your most meaningful experiences. Then relate them to your motivations. Your George Mason essay should be unique to you!

Be specific

Along the same lines, be sure to get specific when responding to the GMU essay prompts. Particularly when it comes to the why this school essay aspect of the prompt. Mention specific offerings unique to GMU. This will require you to do some research on the school. Write about the aspect(s) that have most inspired you to apply. 

Start early!

Even though there aren’t various George Mason University essay prompts, that doesn’t mean you should leave your application to the last minute. Allow yourself the proper time to reflect, brainstorm, draft, edit, receive feedback, and draft again! Additionally, it might take some work to write an impactful George Mason essay in such few words. Give yourself plenty of time to do so!

More college essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

To guide students in crafting their most impactful application narrative, CollegeAdvisor has a variety of free resources for every step of your college journey. Whether responding to the GMU essay prompts, or other college essay prompts, choosing the topic can be the most challenging part of the process. Check out these college essay topics to help kick-start your brainstorming process. 

Another way to find inspiration for your own essays is by reading other college essays that worked. Additionally, since one of the George Mason essay prompts is the Common App personal statement, reading successful Common App essay examples will guide you in your journey to writing your best essays!

There are many facets to the college application process. Therefore, starting early and staying organized is the best way to have the most success with the least stress. Understanding college application deadlines is a crucial part of the planning process. You’ll want to understand important dates so that you meet not only the George Mason essay requirements but all the application requirements, in time. Likewise, getting professional guidance will help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. In addition to a library full of free resources, CollegeAdvisor has admission experts to help you along the way with personalized guidance. Reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed!

George Mason Supplemental Essays – Final Tips

Remember that the George Mason essay is essentially a why school essay. Therefore, when planning responses to the George Mason essay prompts, reflect on your reasons for applying to GMU. Then do some research on specific programs and offerings only found at GMU. Carefully consider each sentence you write, as you don’t have many words to make an impact. Writing a successful George Mason essay will only add to your application narrative. So, even though they’re technically optional, give the George Mason University essay prompts the attention they deserve. 

Here are some final tips to keep in mind when writing your George Mason essay: 

Reflect on your experiences

The George Mason supplemental essay prompt asks students a big question: why do you want to go to college? While it may seem like an obvious question, it may be the first time you’ve been asked it. Consider your personal and academic experiences carefully before responding. What experience(s) have led you to seek higher education?

Make it meaningful

The George Mason essay should be impactful. Therefore, your topic doesn’t necessarily matter (as long as you answer the prompt fully). What matters most is that you’re writing about something that is meaningful to you and has impacted you greatly. Successful college essays are passionate—however, passion can’t be faked. So take this opportunity to get real with yourself, and put it on paper!

Grammar and mechanics matter

You certainly don’t want your essay to stand out in the wrong way. Nothing irks admissions officers more than reading responses to the GMU essay prompts that are full of grammatical and spelling errors. Therefore, make sure you edit your essay! Get another pair of eyes to read over your George Mason essay to ensure that it has no mechanical errors. 

Use this guide to round out your “how to get into George Mason University” plan and impress George Mason University admissions with your essay. And, remember that you’re not alone when it comes to the college journey. Get guidance from counselors, parents, classmates, and admissions experts to help you along the way!

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

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Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

If you have not taken any college credit beyond dual enrollment in high school, you are considered a first-year student at George Mason University. In order to complete your application, you are required to submit your application, official high school transcript, and standardized test scores (if applicable, as we are a score optional institution). In addition, as a part of our holistic review, you may submit a personal statement, a secondary school report, as well as up to two letters of recommendation.

You are considered a transfer student if you have enrolled at a college or university after graduating from high school. You can apply to George Mason via our George Mason-exclusive application located on our website. In order to complete your application, we will need your official transcripts from all other institutions attended, as well as your high school transcript and official test scores, if you have earned under 24 transferable credits. 

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Applying to George Mason is the first step in your personal journey into higher education.

No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find that George Mason is dedicated to putting you on the path to a successful career. To become the next generations of leaders tackling the most grand challenges the world has ever faced.

We proudly accept nearly 90 percent of undergraduate applicants , because we believe in inclusivity over exclusivity.

Overall, nearly nine in ten recent graduates report they are in a position related to their career goals within just six months of graduation.

The road to joining them begins here.

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Common App is a tool that lets you explore and apply to different colleges and universities.

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You can also apply to George Mason directly using our Mason-Exclusive Online Application.

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U.S. citizens and permanent residents pay a $70 application fee for undergraduate applications. International students and those with non-immigrant status pay $80 for undergraduate applications.

Honors College

George Mason’s Honors College inspires students to pursue the most challenging and enriching educational and civic engagement opportunities available to them. The College also provides multidisciplinary learning opportunities that complement any major.

George Mason has been recognized as a military-friendly school by GIJobs.com, which puts it in the top 20 percent of colleges and universities nationwide recommended for veterans and active-duty service members.

George Mason’s Office of Military Services is dedicated to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, and dependents in making a successful transition into the George Mason community and university life.

Mason Korea

Mason Korea offers select bachelor’s degree programs from across our curriculum. These programs follow the same academic curriculum offered at George Mason’s U.S. campuses. The degree will be granted by George Mason and is identical in all purposes to a George Mason degree.

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Access the mason online application, learn about getting credits upon entry, applying to the honors college.

The Honors College at George Mason University is a small college within a large research university. Begin your college experience by attending intimate seminar classes with a small cohort of students. Enjoy access to such resources as faculty mentors, Honors academic advising, and extracurricular programming.

Students may apply for the Honors College when they complete their George Mason University  online application  or through Mason's supplement to the Common Application .

Honors College students are innovators and change-makers.

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Required Documents: Applicants must submit a supplemental essay. The essay topic can be found in our application, or in Mason's supplement to the Common Application and should be 650 words or less. 

Although not required, the Honors College strongly suggests that students provide: 

• At least one letter of recommendation from an academic teacher from a core subject (Math, English, Science, History, etc).
• A résumé or list of activities if you feel that you have additional information past what you are able to enter in your application.

Submit all supporting documents as part of your Mason online application or the Common Application Do not submit additional copies directly to the Honors College. 

Admissions Standards: Honors College applications are reviewed holistically. We take into consideration the following: rigor of your high school coursework, your GPA, class rank, test scores (if submitted), your response to the required supplemental essay, your demonstration of commitment to community service and leadership, and any other information provided in your application. 

Applications submitted after the November 1 priority deadline are considered on a space-available basis. 

How will I be notified? 

Students who apply to the Honors College by the November 1 deadline will be notified along with notification of admission into the university. 

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Hi! I've been looking into George Mason University (GMU) and I've seen their general admission requirements, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything important on my application. Can anyone provide some insight into GMU's application requirements? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hello! It's great that you're interested in George Mason University (GMU) and want to make sure you have all the application requirements covered. I'll list the main elements below so you can double-check your application:

1. Application: GMU accepts the Common Application. Make sure you complete all sections and provide accurate information.

2. High School Transcript: You'll need to submit your official high school transcript, which should include your grades from 9th to 11th grade and, if possible, the first semester of your senior year.

3. Standardized Test Scores: GMU is test-optional for Fall 2023, meaning that you can choose to submit SAT or ACT scores if you believe they'll enhance your application. If you decide to submit scores, have them sent directly from the testing agency or included on your official high school transcript. Remember: submitting test scores is optional and not submitting them won't hurt your chances.

4. Letters of Recommendation: GMU does not require recommendation letters but will consider them if submitted. If you choose to include them, have one or two recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or other adults who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.

5. Extracurricular Activities: List any extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, community service, employment, or other noteworthy experiences that demonstrate your involvement and dedication to your interests.

6. Personal Statement: Make sure you have a strong personal statement that allows the admissions committee to get to know you better. The Common Application provides several prompts to choose from, so take your time to craft an essay that showcases your personality, experiences, and goals.

7. Application Fee: GMU has a $70 non-refundable application fee. If the fee is a financial burden, you can request a fee waiver through the Common Application.

8. Major-specific Requirements: Depending on the major you choose, there might be additional requirements or prerequisites. For example, certain programs might require a portfolio, audition, or additional essays. Check the specific major page on GMU's website to see if any requirements apply to you.

Before submitting your application, give yourself ample time to review all sections and components, ensuring that everything is accurate and well-presented. Best of luck with your application to George Mason University!

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Supplemental Essay Prompts by College

Supplemental essay prompts by college (2022-2023).

In addition to the Personal Statement, many colleges require applicants to submit supplemental essays. These supplemental essays ask students to respond to a wide variety of topics: their most meaningful activity, their interest in a particular college or major, an important community they belong to, etc. Essays range in length from just a few sentences to 650+ words.

The essay prompts below are from the 2022-23 application cycle. We plan to update this page with updated information for Fall 2023 when application questions are released (typically by August 1st). Always be sure to confirm essay prompts on the official college websites or Common App.

Looking for help with college essays? Check out our essay coaching options .

Allegheny College

• (Optional) 75 words- Why do you do what you do? Briefly describe your varied interests and talents and how they will fit at Allegheny in two or three sentences.

American University

• 150 words- Why are you interested in American University?

Amherst College

• Prompt 1: "Rigorous reasoning is crucial in mathematics, and insight plays an important secondary role these days. In the natural sciences, I would say that the order of these two virtues is reversed. Rigor is, of course, very important. But the most important value is insight—insight into the workings of the world. It may be because there is another guarantor of correctness in the sciences, namely, the empirical evidence from observation and experiments." Kannan Jagannathan, Professor of Physics, Amherst College
• Prompt 2: "Translation is the art of bridging cultures. It's about interpreting the essence of a text, transporting its rhythms and becoming intimate with its meaning… Translation, however, doesn't only occur across languages: mentally putting any idea into words is an act of translation; so is composing a symphony, doing business in the global market, understanding the roots of terrorism. No citizen, especially today, can exist in isolation—that is, untranslated." Ilan Stavans, Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture, Amherst College, Robert Croll '16 and Cedric Duquene '15, from "Interpreting Terras Irradient," Amherst Magazine, Spring 2015.
• Prompt 3: "Creating an environment that allows students to build lasting friendships, including those that cut across seemingly entrenched societal and political boundaries… requires candor about the inevitable tensions, as well as about the wonderful opportunities, that diversity and inclusiveness create." Carolyn "Biddy" Martin, 19th President of Amherst College, from Letter to Amherst College Alumni and Families, December 28, 2015.
• Prompt 4: "Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat. Rather achievement can be all the more satisfying because of obstacles surmounted." Attributed to William Hastie, Amherst Class of 1925, the first African-American to serve as a judge for the United States Court of Appeals
• Option B: Please submit a graded paper from your junior or senior year that best represents your writing skills and analytical abilities. We are particularly interested in your ability to construct a tightly reasoned, persuasive argument that calls upon literary, sociological or historical evidence. You should NOT submit a laboratory report, journal entry, creative writing sample or in-class essay. If you have submitted an analytical essay in response to the "essay topic of your choice" prompt in the Common Application writing section, you should NOT select Option B. Instead, you should respond to one of the four quotation prompts in Option A.
• Option C: If you are/were an applicant to Amherst's Access to Amherst (A2A) program, you may use your A2A application essay in satisfaction of our Writing Supplement requirement. If you would like to do so, please select Option C. However, if you would prefer not to use your A2A essay for this purpose and you want to submit a different writing supplement, select either Option A or Option B. Please note that Option C is available only to applicants to Amherst's A2A program. Non-A2A applicants must choose either Option A or Option B.

Arcadia University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Bard College

• 250 words- Why Bard?

Barnard College

• 300 words- What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the college would be a good match for you?
• 300 words- At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard.
• (Optional) Pick one woman — an historical figure, fictitious character, or modern individual — to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them?

Bates College

Bennington College

• 250 words- Respond to one of the following prompts.
• At Bennington, students don't just study; they're makers and doers who create original work on their own and in collaboration with others. Tell us about something you've created that you're proud of. Why is it important to you? Alternatively, tell us something you look forward to creating when you get to college. (Optional: We'd love to see your work if you'd like to share it with us. You'll receive instructions for submitting your work after we process your application.)
• What piece of media do you think we should all know about and what makes it interesting to you? Your recommendation can be a book, music, TV show, movie, game, magazine, podcast, or social media channel--any form of media, really, but don't forget to let us know why you recommend it.
• Each year, Bennington students spend six weeks participating in Field Work Term at sites around the world. What would you like to do during FWT? Describe an organization, business, individual, career field, or type of work that interests you and tell us what excites you about it.

Bentley University

• (Optional) 250 words-- We invite you to share any additional information about why you would like to attend Bently.

Binghamton University

Bloomsburg University

Boston College

• 400 words- Respond to one of the following prompts. Applicants to the Human-Centered Engineering major will respond to the 6th.
• Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursuee lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it?
• In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America-- a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue.
• At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person?
• Socrates stated that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.
• Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together-- and why?
• Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants: One goal of a Jesuit education is to preapre 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?

Boston University

• 250 words- What about being a student at Boston University most excites you?

Bowdoin College

• 250 words- Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. To be at home in all lands and all ages; to count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend; to gain a standard for the appreciation of others' work and the criticism of your own; to carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake; to make hosts of friends...who are to be leaders in all walks of life; to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends – this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life. Which line from the Offer resonates most with you?

Brandeis University

• 250 words- Brandeis attracts students from many parts of the world. As an international student at Brandeis, how would you enrich the campus community?. (International Students Only)
• 250 Words- The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (Required)

Brown University

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

Bryn Mawr College

• No word count listed- As you prepare to join a new college community, reflect on your role as a community member throughout the past four years. What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Bucknell University

• 250 words- 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).

Butler University

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

• 250 words- Tell us about a time or experience in which you encountered failure. We would like to know more about your potential to persist through challenges and problems that you will face in the future. Qualities such as resilience and persistence can be key to solving the many problems and responding to the frequent failures that can be encountered in academics or research. In an essay about research and discovery at Caltech, "The Transformative Power of Failure", several current and past members of our community share their anecdotes about, and perspectives on, various forms of failure. Here are questions that may help guide your response: How do you define failure? What was the problem you were trying to solve? What did you learn from the experience? Did you seek advice or help from others? If so, did you receive any, or did you move forward without? What contributed to your resilience as you struggled, and what motivated your persistence?
• 250 words- Tell us about a life situation, media story, or topic – beyond or outside of a classroom or formal assignment – that has captivated you, inspired your curiosity, and lead you to delve more deeply into learning about a subject on your own. We would like to learn about the nature of your own curiosity and drive to learn independently. Here are questions that may help guide your response: What was the situation, story, or topic? In which ways did it spike your curiosity? Down what path did this newfound interest lead you? How did the pursuit of a deeper, more focused understanding of this prove valuable or satisfying to you?
• 250 Words- Tell us about how you have collaborated with and worked together within a small group of your peers on some task or endeavor in the past, or about how you imagine you will work with your Caltech peers in the future. We would like to know more about your potential to collaborate and work together with others as you reach your own understanding of the problem and solution, whether it be an academic assignment or a research project. At Caltech, it is often the case that problem sets assigned during the first year can be challenging enough that any one student is unable to come up with the solutions in isolation. This has fostered a tradition of small groups of students forming to work together to solve these problems, such that each team member also reaches a deep understanding, both of the solution and the path taken to get there as a collaborative group. Here are questions that may help guide your response: What have your peers told you about the ways you contribute to working in groups? How do you approach problem solving in groups? What would your peers tell us about how you collaborate and work together with them?

Carleton College

• Carleton representative visited my school
• Carleton sent me information by mail/email
• Visit to campus
• Website/web search
• Social Media
• College fair
• I know someone who currently attends Carleton
• Parent(s) or other relative(s)
• Carleton alumni
• Carleton athletic coach
• High school counselor
• High school teacher
• College guidebook
• College rankings
• QuestBridge
• Community based organization/college support program
• Always known about Carleton
• Carleton’s community plan for inclusion, diversity, and equity aims to nurture and develop an even stronger community where students, faculty, and staff belong and thrive. How might you contribute to a sense of belonging at Carleton?
• Before graduation, every Carleton student completes a senior project, known as “comps.” Comps projects take many different forms: a few recent examples are formal research papers, public presentations, and even a live staging of a theater production. Based on your current academic interests, what type of comps project or topic would you explore, and why? (No pressure, we won’t hold you to this!)
• Traditions at Carleton center around building and appreciating community. Some examples include the new student frisbee toss, Friday flowers, and baking cookies at Dacie Moses House. If you were tasked with creating a new Carleton tradition, what would you propose and how would you emphasize community within your idea?
• 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. (Optional, no more than 250 words)

Carnegie Mellon University

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

Case Western Reserve University

Chatham University

Chestnut Hill College

• 250 words- Why are you interested in Chestnut Hill College?
• 250 words- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. 250 Words: Why are you interested in Chestnut Hill College?
• 250 words- Discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you selected above.

Claremont McKenna College

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

Clemson University

Coastal Carolina University

• 250 words- Why are you interested in Coastal Carolina University?

Colby College

Colgate University

College of Charleston

• (Optional) 750 words- Many students apply to the College of Charleston based on our location, size, reputation and the beauty of our campus (temperate year-round weather also comes up frequently). While these are all important considerations in choosing a college, why is the College of Charleston a particularly good match for you?
• (Required for gap year applicants) 750 words- If you have graduated early, taken a GAP semester/year or you are completing a post-graduate year, we require that you complete this essay so that you can explain your activities over that period. For everyone else, this essay is optional and should be used to make us aware of any anomalies or extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider when we review your application.

College of New Jersey

• 500 words- Why are you interested in The College of New Jersey?

College of William and Mary

• (Optional) 650 words max- Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? What aren’t we seeing elsewhere in your application? We know nobody fits neatly into approximately 500 words, but you can provide us with some suggestion of the type of person you are. Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy.

Colorado State University

Columbia University

• 75 words- List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school.
• 125 words- We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. secondary/high school (in person or online).
• 200 words- A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and live in a community with a wide range of perspectives. How do you or would you learn from and contribute to diverse, collaborative communities?
• 200 words- Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.
• 35 words- In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy.

Cornell University

• (College of Arts and Sciences) 650 words- Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.
• Different prompt for each college. See Cornell University website for details.

Dartmouth College

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

Davidson College

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

DePaul University

Dickinson College

Drew University

Drexel University

Duke University

• What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there's something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)
• We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself.
• We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?
• What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?
• Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Duquesne University

Eastern University

• One page- After reading the mission statement of Eastern University, please describe how you see your talents, interests and abilities fitting into the mission of the University.

Elon University

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

Emerson College

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

Emory University

• What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? Min: 1 / Max: 200 words
• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?
• If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?
• Share a time when you were awestruck.
• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Fairfield University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Florida Southern College

Florida State University

Fordham University

• (Optional) 150 word max- At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities. Please share a specific instance in which you challenged yourself or stepped out of your comfort zone in order to impact your community (for example, your family, friend group, high school, or town). Please provide an example that illustrates a facet of yourself that we would not find anywhere else in your application.

Franklin and Marshall College

George Mason University

• Optional 400 word max- What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you? (If you are applying as score optional, your response is required.)

George Washington University

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

Georgia Institute of Technology

• 50 word min, 300 word max- Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

Georgia State University

• 350 words- Please list your primary extracurricular and community service activities. Describe one community service activity that you have participated in that has changed your view on a particular social issue. Discuss the social issue and how your experience changed your way of thinking about it.

Georgetown University

• 1 page- As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
• 250 words- Indicate any special talents or skills you possess.
• Half a page- Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.
• 1 page- What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).

Gettysburg College

Gwynedd Mercy University

• 250 words- 150 word min, 500 word max: Discuss an academic, personal or social obstacle you have faced in high school. What strategies did you use to overcome it? How might those strategies be helpful to you as a Gwynedd Mercy University college student?

Hamilton College

Harvard University

• (Optional) You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics: - Unusual circumstances in your life - Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities - What you would want your future college roommate to know about you - An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you - How you hope to use your college education - A list of books you have read during the past twelve months - The Harvard College Honor code declares that we ""hold honesty as the foundation of our community."" As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty. - The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission? - Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do? - Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates.

Harvey Mudd College

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

Haverford College

• Academic Freedom : The Honor Code fosters an atmosphere emphasizing academic integrity, collaboration over competition, and the cultivation of intellectual curiosity. Differences and disagreement are respected, valued, and embraced, and open discourse is seen as fundamental to the academic endeavor.
• Student Agency : The Honor Code upholds a culture in which students are deeply trusted to take substantial ownership of their education and to profoundly shape and define the Haverford community. Student ownership is reflected in self-scheduled exams, in the fact that every student completes a Senior Thesis, in shared responsibility for the residential experience, and of course in oversight of the Honor Code itself.
• Community : The Honor Code establishes a supportive environment for living and learning, where the community experience plays a central role in one’s education. The inherent value of every community member is recognized, and diversity in all respects - including diversity of background, experience, and perspective - is nurtured, celebrated, and embraced.
• Leadership and Engagement : The Honor Code allows every student to find and develop their own voice, to practice ways of improving community and acting on issues of importance, to learn methods of problem solving and conflict resolution, and to examine the ways they can and will impact the world beyond Haverford.
• Tell us about a topic or issue that sparks your curiosity and gets you intellectually excited. How do you think the environment at Haverford, including the framework of the Honor Code, would foster your continued intellectual growth? Please limit your response to 250 words.
• Please tell us what motivated you to apply to Haverford and what excites you most as you imagine your Haverford experience. Please limit your response to 150 words.

High Point University

• 50 words- Describe any special interests or hobbies that you may have.
• 50 words- Describe any meaningful travel experiences (both national and international).

Hofstra University

• 500 word max- Why are you applying to Hofstra?

Hollins University

Howard University

• 250 words- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. You may express why this activity is important to you, lessons learned from said activity, or any related details that give us more information on your passions, goals and/or experiences. While not required, this section gives our committee further details on your interests outside of the classroom.

Illinois State University

• Identify any circumstances that affected your high school academic performance, if applicable.
• Make clear your commitment to academic success in college, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and your plans to utilize available resources.
• Articulate your readiness to engage productively in our campus community outside the classroom.

Indiana University (Bloomington)

• 200 - 400 words- Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration.

Iowa State University

Ithaca College

• 10 - 200 words- We're committed to supporting you in energizing your learning experiences so you can go further than you imagine. Please tell us why you selected-and how you see yourself growing in-this specific academic program.

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

• 300 - 400 words- Founded in the spirit of exploration and discovery, Johns Hopkins University encourages students to share their perspectives, develop their interests, and pursue new experiences. Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins.

Kansas State University

Kenyon College

King's College of PA

Kutztown University

• 250 words- What most influenced your decision to apply to Kutztown University?
• Optional 500 word max- You are invited to provide details on information, qualifications, and circumstances not reflected on your application. This can include a gap in educational history, context on a failed or withdrawn course, or information on how COVID-19 impacted your educational experience.

Lafayette College

• 200 words- Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why Lafayette?

La Salle University

Lebanon Valley College

Lehigh University

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

Lock Haven University

Louisiana State University A and M (Baton Rouge)

Loyola University of Maryland

• 250 words- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

Miami University (Ohio)

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

Millersville University

Mississippi State University

Missouri State University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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

Monmouth University

Muhlenberg College

Neumann University

New York University

• 400 words- We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand - Why NYU?

The New School

• 600 words- The New School brings together a dynamic group of students interested in art, design, performing arts, entrepreneurship, and critical thought. We would like to know more about your interest in joining our community and why you would be a good fit for The New School. We are particularly interested in knowing what will make you a valuable member of your specific school, college, program, area of study, or campus.

North Carolina State University

• Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State.
• Discuss any other obstacles and/or hardships that you have encountered that have affected you personally or academically and how you dealt with them.
• NC State University is committed to building a just and inclusive community, one that does not tolerate unjust or inhumane treatment, and that denounces it, clearly and loudly. Please describe what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive NC State environment.

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

• 300 words- While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond.

Oberlin College

Ohio State University

Ohio University

• (For applicants not enrolled in high school or college for 3 months or longer) 800 words- If there is a period of three months or longer that you have not been enrolled in a high school, college, or university, please provide a statement documenting your activities for that period. Examples include language study, vacation, work experience, family responsibilities.
• (Optional) 500 words- You may use this space to describe any academic challenges you have faced, your preparation for success in your academic and career objectives, or any additional information that you would like to have associated with your application.

Oklahoma City University

• 50 words- Tell us a fun fact about you!

Oregon State University

Penn State University

• (Optional) 500 words- Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records.

Pepperdine University

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

Pfeiffer University

Pomona College

• 150 words- Students at Pomona are encouraged to take a variety of classes before declaring their major(s) in their second year. Tell us what gets you excited about the academic interest(s) you selected or any other fields of study you hope to explore in college.
• Tell us about an experience when you dealt with disagreement or conflict around different perspectives within a community.
• Tell us about one of the communities you belong to and what it means to bring that shared belief and/or perspective to Pomona.
• 200 words- Helen Keller once said, “The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.” Whether you aspire to be a hero or an honest worker, what impact do you want to have in the Pomona community, your community back home, or any new community?
• If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below.
• If not captured elsewhere in your application, please share with us how you have overcome challenges in your life.
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
• What’s your favorite way to eat a potato?
• You’re relaxing on a Friday night. Suddenly, your favorite song pops into your head. What is it?

Princeton University

• 150 words- Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.
• 250 words- At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future?
• 250 words- Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals.
• What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
• 50 words- What brings you joy?
• 50 words- What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Providence College

Purdue University

• 100 words- How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom?
• 100 words- Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected.

Quinnipiac University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• 300 words- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
• 250 words- Why are you interested in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

Rice University

• 150 words each- Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?

Rider University

Rochester Institute of Technology

• 75 words- If RIT could create any course tailored to your interests, what would that course be about and what would you give as its title? Please provide a course title and brief description.

Rollins University

Rowan University

• (For students applying test-optional) 500 words- Why are you interested in attending Rowan University? We encourage you to learn as much as you can about Rowan University when formulating your response and request that you pay particular attention to Rowan's mission statement, presented below, and how it aligns with your personal values and future plans.

Rutgers University (all campuses)

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Mary's University

Sarah Lawrence College

• (Optional) 250-500 words- Respond to one of the following prompts.
• Sarah Lawrence students are often described as hyphenates: director-playwright-sound designer, environmentalist-photographer, journalist-linguist, economist-poet. In 250-500 words, tell us about seemingly disparate interests you've brought together, or hope to bring together at Sarah Lawrence.
• Students at Sarah Lawrence are asked to design their own research questions and answer them during semester-long projects. In 250-500 words, thoughtfully respond to a prompt of your own creation.
• Sarah Lawrence College's community places strong value in inclusion and diversity. In 250-500 words, tell us about what you value in a community and how your perspective, lived experiences, or beliefs might contribute to your College community.
• In her 2019 commencement address, Maggie Haberman '96 told the graduating class "My time at Sarah Lawrence helped me understand the importance of patience, of assuming good faith in others, and of finding truth." In 250 - 500 words, tell us about a time you spoke your own truth or found the importance in one of the values Maggie describes.

Scripps College

• 200 words- Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College?
• If you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why?
• You’ve invented a time machine! When and where is your first destination and why?
• You have just been invited to give a TED talk. What will you talk about and why did you select that topic?

Seton Hall University

Shippensburg University

Skidmore College

Smith College

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

Stanford University

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

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stockton University

Swarthmore College

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

Syracuse University

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

Temple University

Texas A and M University

• Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Texas State University

Thomas Jefferson University

Towson University

• A defining moment in your life.
• What motivates you?
• What are you passionate about?
• The impact of a role model in your life.
• Your dream job.

Tufts University

Tulane University

• (Optional) 800 words- Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University.

United States Military Academy (West Point)

• Essay topic changes each year, only visible once you confirm eligibility via birthdate and SSN

United States Naval Academy

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California (all campuses)

• Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
• Every 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.
• What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
• Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
• Describe 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?
• Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
• What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
• Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

University of Chicago

• Question 1 (required) : How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.
• Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Moze jutro ta dama da tortu jezom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory. —Inspired by Leah Beach, Class of 2026, Lib Gray SB ’12, and Agnes Mazur AB ‘09
• What advice would a wisdom tooth have? —Inspired by Melody Dias, Class of 2025
• You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time? —Inspired by Alexander Hastings, Class of 2023, and Olivia Okun-Dubitsky, Class of 2026
• UChicago has been affiliated with over 90 Nobel laureates. But, why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory? You are tasked with creating a new category for the Nobel Prize. Explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment. —Inspired by Isabel Alvarez, Class of 2026
• Genghis Khan with an F1 racecar. George Washington with a SuperSoaker. Emperor Nero with a toaster. Leonardo da Vinci with a Furby. If you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together? —Inspired by Braden Hajer, Class of 2025
• And, 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!

University of Connecticut

• Supplemental essay if applying for a "highly competitive special combined program"

University of Dallas

• 250 words- Why are you interested in the University of Dallas?
• 250 words- What significant contribution will you make to the University of Dallas community?
• 250 words- What do you expect to gain from your University of Dallas education?

University of Delaware

• 250 words max- Self-Appraisal of your academic performance: The Admissions Committee expects that you will take advantage of this question to explain any grade on your transcript that is unusually low or varies significantly from your usual performance in the section below.

University of Florida

• 250 words max- Please 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.

University of Georgia

• 350 words- The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself that you have not already shared in your application.

University of Illinois (Chicago)

• 50 - 500 words- Please 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?

University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)

• 300 words- Explain any challenges (outside of COVID-related) you have faced throughout your academic career, including the dates or timeline below.
• 300 words- If you have a low grade or a drop in grades that you have not already explained, do so below.

University of Kentucky

• 650 words- Think of a time when you were dealing with a challenge (personal, academic, work related). How did you handle that? Did you seek support and if so who did you seek support from?

University of Maine

University of Maryland (Baltimore County)

University of Maryland (College Park)

• If I could travel anywhere, I would go to...
• The most interesting fact I ever learned from research was...
• In addition to my major, my academic interests include...
• My favorite thing about last Wednesday was...
• Something you might not know about me is...

University of Maryland (Eastern Shore)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

• 100 words- Please tell us why you chose the Major(s) you did?

University of Miami

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

University of Michigan

• 300 words- Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
• 550 words- Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)

• 150 words- Please include an explanation of why you would like to study the major(s) you have selected. You may also use this space to indicate your interest in other major(s) in the colleges listed above.

University of Mississippi

University of Missouri

University of Montana

University of Nevada (Las Vegas)

University of New Haven

University of New Hampshire

University of New Mexico

University of New Orleans

University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)

• One family, friend, or school tradition I cherish…
• If I had an extra hour in every day, I would spend it...
• If I could travel anywhere, near or far, past, present or future, I would go…
• The last time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I...
• People who meet me are most likely to notice...and least likely to notice...
• Describe an aspect of your identity and how this has shaped your life experiences or impacted your daily interactions with others?
• Describe a peer who is making a difference in your school or community. What actions has that peer taken? How has their work made a difference in your life?
• If you could change one thing to better your community, what would it be? Please explain.
• Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said “We are nothing without our history.” How does history shape who you are?

University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?
• People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?
• Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.
• If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?
• What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

University of Pennsylvania

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

University of Pittsburgh

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the Pitt community. Please identify and describe one element of your personal identity, and explain how that element would positively impact and/or progress the Pitt community.
• Resumes and lists of activities provide the Admissions Committee with an overview of your accomplishments. Please use this opportunity to provide more information by identifying one of your accomplishments and explaining how it has prepared you for a transition into collegiate life.
• If you could create a new product, process, business, or organization, what would it be? Please describe its purpose and how it would function. (We especially encourage applicants interested in the College of Business Administration or the Swanson School of Engineering to respond to this question.)
• With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States alone, discuss why the University of Pittsburgh is a good fit for you.

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

• Tell us about the most unusual talent you have, and how you have made it useful.
• Spiders are essential to the ecosystem. How are you essential to your community or will you be essential in your university community?
• Please share one idea for actions or policies that you think would begin to address an issue of racial or social injustice.

University of Rochester

• The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” - deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (250 word limit)
• American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and the world?
• Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique perspectives will you bring to our community?
• Susan B. Anthony, champion of abolition and women’s rights, once said “Organize, agitate, educate must be our war cry.” As you look to join our community of doers and disruptors, in what ways do you envision using both the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to invoke change for marginalized groups?
• The University of Rochester benefactor entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward towards your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester that will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

University of San Diego

• 350 words- The University of San Diego offers diverse educational opportunities grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. First-year students are immersed in one of our five Learning Communities (LC), with the themes reflecting the vitality of the liberal arts tradition: Advocate, Collaborate, Cultivate, Illuminate and Innovate. Select one of these five themes and describe how it resonates with you and why.
• Here at USD, we believe that our campus community and the communities we engage with are integral parts of who we are as a university. Our students come from all walks of life, have experienced very different realities and bring with them an array of unique perspectives. Some of these perspectives are underrepresented and underserved by higher education. What contribution have you made to your high school and/or local community that best exemplifies your awareness of and commitment to creating a diverse and equitable community?
• USD is a proud Changemaker Campus, as designated by Ashoka U. As such, the USD experience emphasizes changemaking through civic engagement, social innovation and global perspective. If you had the opportunity to get involved with a project or organization that addresses a contemporary social issue, what issue would you address and why?
• The year 2024 will mark USD’s 75th anniversary. In preparation for this milestone, we, as a campus community, are looking to grow in meaningful and impactful ways. We are looking to set the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative changemakers confront humanity’s urgent challenges. In what meaningful and impactful ways do you hope to grow by the year 2024? Where do you see yourself, and what type of impact do you hope to have on the world around you?

University of San Francisco

• 200 words- The University of San Francisco's Jesuit tradition emphasizes community engagement and education for social justice, inspiring our students to become passionate agents for others. How do you see yourself becoming a part of this mission?

University of Scranton

University of Southern California

• Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)
• Starting 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.

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

• (Optional) 250-800 words- If you were having a personal interview with members of our admissions staff, what information would you want them to know about you? You can include your academic interests, achievements, involvement in school and the community, important personal experiences, obstacles you’ve overcome, and other aspects of your background.

University of Texas (Austin)

• UT Austin Essay (required): Note: This is the only long essay UT-Austin requires. We do not require any of the Common App Personal Essays. Common App Personal Essays will not be used in our holistic review process. Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).
• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? Please limit your response to 250-300 words.
• Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.
• The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society. Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to Change the World after you graduate. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.
• Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance, including the possible effects of COVID-19. If your response to this question is similar to one of the Common App Personal Essays, feel free to simply copy and paste the important parts of your essay here. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

University of Texas (Dallas)

University of Texas (San Antonio)

• 700 words- Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

University of Vermont

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

University of Virginia

• What's your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
• Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?
• Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good.

University of Washington (Bothell)

• 300 words- Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.
• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

University of Washington (Seattle)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

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

Ursinus College

• (Optional) 300 words- Why Ursinus College?

Vanderbilt University

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

Vassar College

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

Villanova University

• What is the truest thing that you know? How did you come to this conclusion?
• Villanovans are known for “holding doors open” because inclusion is at the core of who we are. Take us on a journey through your background and describe how your life experience has shaped your understanding of the word “inclusion”.
• Generation Z is arguably the most technologically savvy cohort in history. They find answers to questions, discover troves of new music, or even start the next global social movement, all within seconds. How has this seemingly limitless connectivity influenced the person you have become?
• In St. Augustine’s book Confessions , one of the themes is the idea of redemption and second chances. Tell us a story about second chances. It can be your experience or one that you have come across through others or through media.

Virginia Tech

• Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" which means 'That I May Serve'. We are interested in learning more about your interests and how you have been involved and/or served. Briefly describe a group, organization, or community that you have been involved with. Is this a special area of interest for you, and why? How long have you been involved? What role did you play? What contributions have you made to this group? Were you able to influence others and/or influence decisions for the good of the group?
• Describe a situation where you were involved or witness to an act of discrimination. How, or did, you respond? Do you wish you would have responded differently? Did this situation cause any change to happen based on this event and did you have a role in that change? What did you learn from this experience?
• Briefly describe a personal goal you have set for yourself. Why this goal, what is your timeline to achieve this goal, what precipitated this goal? Have you turned to anyone for advice or help, what was their role, what did you learn about yourself, are you still working toward this goal?
• Describe an example of a situation where you have significantly influenced others, took on a leadership role, helped resolve a dispute, or contributed to a group’s goals. What was your role, what responsibilities did you take on? Did you encounter any obstacles, and if so how did you respond, were you able to overcome them? What would you do differently?

Wake Forest University

Washington and Lee University

• Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with Washington and Lee University and what aspects of W&L's community are most exciting to you. (250 words)
• Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you? (250 words)

Washington University (St. Louis)

• Please tell us what you are interested in studying at WashU 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. (200 words)

Wellesley College

• 400 words- When choosing a college community, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but it's a good place to start. Visit the Wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or energize you. Have fun with this and use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why.

Wesleyan University

West Chester University

• (Optional) 800 words- Please feel free to share any additional information that you feel may be helpful for us to know when reviewing your application for admission.

West Virginia University

Widener University

Williams College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• 500 words- Worcester Polytechnic Institute seeks students who are the right fit for its academic and campus community. In what ways are you the right fit for the distinctive educational and campus experience that Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers?

Yale University

• Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
• What inspires you?
• You are teaching a new Yale course. What's it called?
• Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak and what would you ask them to discuss?
• What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
• Yale carries out its mission “through the free exchange of ideas in an ethical, interdependent, and diverse community.” Reflect on a time when you exchanged ideas about an important issue with someone holding an opposing view. How did the experience lead you either to change your opinion or to sharpen your reasons for holding onto it?
• Reflect on a time when you have worked to enhance a community to which you feel connected. Why have these efforts been meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

York College of Pennsylvania

• Option 1: Describe a class that was particularly challenging for you and what you did to meet that challenge. In detail, describe the subject matter and consider the actions you took to be successful in that class.
• Option 2: Describe, in detail, a class that engaged your imagination. What did you like most about that class?
• Option 3: Describe the ways in which you believe college course work will be different from high school. Include the steps that you will take to remain on track for success in a college environment.

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George Mason University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

You Have: 

George Mason University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 400 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

What is your motivation for pursuing higher education? Why do you believe George Mason University is the right institution for you? (400 words)

If you are applying as score optional, your response is required..

This prompt is similar to a standard Why Essay, but widens the net to include why you’re going to college at all. We recommend starting with the big picture: Why spend the next 4+ years studying rather than jumping right into a job or volunteer opportunity? Do you value college for not only the course offerings, but also the chance to learn how to learn because you’re a self-proclaimed nerd with a thirst for knowledge? Do you know that your dream job requires a college degree? Once you have your answer to that question down, you can narrow in on why George Mason is the perfect school for you. Do some research and explore how this college in particular will help you achieve your goals and get you on the path to a bright future. And don’t forget to connect your future to your past by mentioning an experience or moment that led you to apply.

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• Vassar College
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• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

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