Fortunately, the majority of colleges in the USA accept the Common Application, so you can write one essay and send it to all. But most colleges call for supplemental essays. These school-specific essay topics might range from commonplace to confusing. It is important to remember that the admissions committee will consider your essay as carefully as your Common App one, if not more.
We’re saving you the headache of research and have compiled a list of the 3 most common questions that you might come across when dealing with supplementary essays. Here goes:
Type 1: Why Us?
One of the most frequently asked by the majority of schools, this question can take you for a spin. This essay should focus on why you would be a wonderful fit for this particular college, rather than simply telling the college how fantastic they are (they probably already know that). This question tricks us into thinking it’s a one-way street. Why are you and this school a symbiotic match made in heaven?
Determine what makes a college a good fit for you, starting with academics. What particular programmes stand out to you? Which majors? Are there any particular professors you might want to collaborate with? What chances for research does the school offer? Non-academic aspects can and should be mentioned, but they shouldn’t be the focus of the essay.
Note: Don’t forget to mention how you will contribute to the already established student body.
Quick tips to make your response stand out:
1. Read the question carefully
The question might be slightly different for each school. Why our school, as opposed to Why our community or Why our curriculum is a question posed by some schools. For a more deliberate, targeted response, customise your response.
2. Conduct due research
Colleges want to know that you are sincere about wanting to enrol. Visit the college’s website or campus to learn more and respond with specific courses, instructors, research projects, organisations, or values. Talk to current students and alumni to deepen your knowledge and don’t forget to mention it in your response.
3. Explain how you will fit in
Explain why the curriculum, campus culture, or ideals of the school make you a good fit for it. If you have something special to offer, demonstrate how it will benefit their university. Perhaps you want to start a club or organise some events? Tell them.
Type 2: Extracurricular Activities and Academic Interests Essay
Although not all colleges will ask this question, it is one of the more typical ones, particularly because some schools take a student’s preferred major into account when determining admissions decisions. The key to writing this essay is, to be honest, and true to your own experiences.
You are explicitly asked to discuss an extracurricular activity you have engaged in for some of these essays. The extracurricular activities should be used as a lens through which one of your characteristics is exhibited because, like the other essays, the college wants to know you.
Avoid repeating an extracurricular in your supplemental essays, unless you’ve missed out on a specific detail.
Quick tips to make your response stand out:
1. Identify the core issue
Typically, this kind of essay has a low word count (about 150 words). Include what matters, such as the activity, your motivation for engaging in it, and how it represents your character or long-term objectives.
2. Present another side of yourself
Don’t repeat previously mentioned projects or activities. Pick something unique and showcase a different side of your personality.
3. Be innovative
The essay doesn’t have to be uninteresting just because it’s brief! To emphasise your points, use expressive language, striking details, and active verbs.
Type 3: Community Contributions and Solving Global Problems
This type of supplemental essay gauges whether you are a person who gets involved in your community thinks critically about societal issues and works effectively with others to solve problems. The term “community” will be present in the question in order to be recognised as this essay’s identifying feature. You just need to compose this essay once, then edit it to fit the prompt’s requirements for word counts or specifics.
What constitutes a community, then? A community can represent any group of individuals. Write about your impact on a community and its impact on you. Your personal development through your contributions to the larger world should be discussed in this essay. The people in charge of selecting the incoming class are working hard to create a balanced community, and they want to be sure you fit in it.
Quick tips to make your response stand out:
1. Base your response on an experience
You may be asked to discuss a life experience or an opportunity. No matter how the question is phrased, though, if you want your response to be intriguing and sincere, you should base it on your own experiences, no google searches here.
2. Be detailed and specific
There is no point in being bland, impersonal, and forgettable. An ideal response is fascinating, particular, and authentic. Additionally, the student must sound knowledgeable about the subject.
Here are the top 3 takeaways:
- Be yourself: These essays ought to convey something significant about you, don’t be afraid to show yourself off.
- Don’t be repetitive: Show a new side of your personality, and hobbies, with every additional essay.
- Be specific: The best essays are those that are specific. Admissions officers can see through the fluff words to know how sincerely you wrote a piece.
Contact us today for professional advice on writing a standout essay. Students are guided step-by-step through the college essay writing process in our unique programme with our amazing experts. Get a free consultation today!
