Supplementary Essays
Supplementary essays are a critical part of many college applications. Unlike the Common App essay, which is typically more general, supplementary essays allow you to demonstrate why you’re a great fit for a specific college. These essays often focus on your interest in the school, your academic goals, and how you’ll contribute to the campus community. In this blog post, we’ll explore the purpose of supplementary essays, share some common prompts, and provide strategies to help you craft responses that stand out.
The Purpose of Supplementary Essays
Supplementary essays give colleges insight into how well you understand their values, programs, and culture. Admissions officers want to see that you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely excited about what their school offers. Your responses should go beyond surface-level information and showcase a deep understanding of how the college aligns with your academic and personal goals.
1. Demonstrating Fit - Colleges want to admit students who are a good fit for their community. Supplementary essays are your chance to demonstrate how your interests, values, and goals align with what the college offers. Whether it’s a unique academic program, a vibrant campus culture, or specific extracurricular opportunities, highlighting these connections is key.
2. Showing Genuine Interest - Supplementary essays also allow you to show that you’re genuinely interested in the college. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is generic or when it’s been repurposed for multiple schools. A well-crafted supplementary essay reflects careful research and a strong desire to be part of that specific college community.
3. Differentiating Yourself - The supplementary essay is also an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants. By providing specific examples and personalized responses, you can stand out as someone who not only meets the academic criteria but also adds value to the college’s community.
Common Supplementary Essay Prompts
Below are some common types of supplementary essay prompts that you may encounter and tips on how to respond effectively:
1. “Why This College?”
This is one of the most common supplementary essay prompts. Colleges ask this question to understand why you’re interested in attending their institution and how you see yourself thriving there.
Example Prompt:
“Why do you want to attend [College Name]?”
How to Approach It:
- Be Specific: Avoid generic responses like “I love your beautiful campus” or “You have great programs.” Instead, focus on specific academic programs, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities that genuinely excite you.
- Connect Your Goals: Explain how the college’s resources align with your academic and career goals. For example, if you’re interested in environmental science, mention specific courses, faculty, or research projects that align with your interests.
- Mention Campus Culture: Research the school’s values and traditions. If you can meet with a Professor, do so. If the college has a strong emphasis on community service or student-led initiatives, explain how these align with your values.
2. “Why This Major?”
Some colleges ask about your academic interests and why you’ve chosen a particular major. They want to see that you have a clear sense of direction and that you’ve thought about how the school’s offerings will help you achieve your goals.
Example Prompt:
“Why are you interested in your chosen major?”
How to Approach It:
- Tell Your Story: Share the journey that led you to choose your major. Whether it was a specific experience, a long-standing passion, or a problem you want to solve, make your narrative personal and compelling.
- Highlight Relevant Experiences: Discuss classes, projects, or extracurricular activities that solidified your interest in the major. Connect these experiences to specific opportunities at the college, like specialized labs or research centers.
- Show Your Enthusiasm: Express genuine excitement about delving deeper into your field of study at that college. Mention faculty whose work inspires you, courses you’re eager to take, or opportunities for hands-on learning.
3. Community and Diversity Prompts
Colleges value diversity and want to know how you’ll contribute to their campus community. These prompts often ask you to reflect on your background, identity, or experiences and how they’ll shape your contributions.
Example Prompt:
“How will you contribute to the diversity of our campus community?”
How to Approach It:
- Share Your Perspective: Reflect on aspects of your identity, culture, or experiences that have shaped your worldview. This could include your background, interests, or challenges you’ve overcome.
- Connect to Campus Life: Think about how your experiences will enable you to engage with different perspectives, lead initiatives, or contribute to student organizations. Be specific about how you’ll make an impact.
- Focus on Inclusion: Colleges aren’t just looking for diverse backgrounds—they’re also looking for students who promote inclusivity. Discuss how you’ll help create a welcoming environment for all students.
4. Extracurricular and Leadership Prompts
These prompts ask you to showcase your involvement in activities outside the classroom. Colleges want to see how your passions, skills, and leadership qualities will enhance their community.
Example Prompt:
“Describe a meaningful extracurricular activity or leadership experience and its impact on you.”
How to Approach It:
- Go Beyond the Resume: Instead of listing your accomplishments, dive deeper into one activity or leadership role that’s particularly meaningful to you. Explain what you learned, how you grew, and how it shaped your goals.
- Highlight Personal Growth: Focus on the skills and qualities you developed, such as resilience, teamwork, or problem-solving. Connect these traits to how you’ll contribute to the college community.
- Show Future Impact: Explain how the experience will inform your involvement in similar activities at college. For example, if you led a community service project in high school, discuss how you’ll continue your commitment to service in college.
5. Creative and Unusual Prompts
Some colleges include creative prompts that encourage you to think outside the box. These prompts are designed to reveal your personality, creativity, and unique perspective.
Example Prompt:
“If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?”
How to Approach It:
- Be Authentic: Don’t try to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and reflects your personality.
- Showcase Your Creativity: Use the prompt as an opportunity to think creatively and have fun with your response. This is your chance to be imaginative while still providing insight into your character.
- Tie It Back to You: Even with creative prompts, your response should ultimately reveal something about you—whether it’s your values, interests, or sense of humor.
How to Optimize Your Supplementary Essays
1. Research, Research, Research - The foundation of a strong supplementary essay is thorough research. Before you start writing, dig deep into the college’s website, course catalog, and student life pages. Look for unique programs, initiatives, or traditions that resonate with you. The more specific you are, the more authentic your essay will feel. The best research is personal networking - find out if that works for you at www.admyssion.com.
2. Tailor Each Response - It’s tempting to reuse the same essay for multiple colleges, especially when the prompts seem similar. However, admissions officers can easily spot generic responses. Tailor each essay to the specific college, making sure your content speaks directly to that institution’s values and offerings.
3. Be Honest and Personal - Colleges appreciate authenticity. Don’t write what you think they want to hear—write what genuinely excites you about the school. If there’s a specific professor whose research aligns with your interests, mention that. If you’re drawn to the college’s unique approach to interdisciplinary learning, explain why. Personal connections make your essay more compelling.
The Role of College Counselors and IECs in Supplementary Essays
1. Expert Guidance on Strategy - College counselors and Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) can help you develop a strategy for your supplementary essays. They’ll guide you on which aspects of the college to focus on and how to effectively convey your fit for the school.
2. Providing Feedback and Refinement - Counselors and IECs are valuable resources for reviewing your drafts. They can help you clarify your ideas, improve your structure, and ensure that your essays are both engaging and informative. Their experience allows them to offer targeted advice on how to make your responses stand out.
3. Navigating Family Input - Parents often have strong opinions about college choices and essay content. College counselors can act as mediators, helping students balance parental input with their own voice and vision. This ensures that the final essays reflect the student’s authentic perspective while addressing any concerns from family members.
Supplementary Essays: Final Thoughts
Supplementary essays are your chance to show colleges why you’re a perfect fit for their community. By focusing on specific details, tailoring your responses, and letting your personality shine through, you can craft essays that leave a lasting impression on admissions officers. Remember, the goal is not just to showcase your achievements but to demonstrate why you’re excited about attending that particular school. With careful research, strategic thinking, and genuine enthusiasm, you’ll be well on your way to writing supplementary essays that help you stand out in the college application process.
