Please write an essay of 600 words or less in response to one of the following two topics:
1. Howard Thurman, who was the dean of BU’s Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965, once wrote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Can you describe a particular experience you have had or an activity that you participate in that makes you come alive? How would you try to integrate that experience or activity into your time at BU?
or
2. Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward?*
Essay Prompt 1
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?
Essay Prompt 2
The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?
APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH STUDIES: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, or Nursing).
What is the truest thing that you know?
One of the themes in St. Augustine’s book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.
In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?
Augustine’s “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.
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May 27, 2024
When college application season arrives, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed about the essays. There’s the personal statement , which many students have a general idea about, and then there are the supplemental essays. Supplemental essays can cover a range of college-specific prompts that help the colleges better understand why you’d be a great fit . Due to how personal and varied the supplemental essays can be, students often end up spending weeks, if not months, writing them.
However, across the country, there are colleges that do not require supplemental essays at all. For some students, applying to colleges without supplemental essays can make the overall application process much smoother. Benefits include experiencing less stress in their application preparation and diversifying prospective colleges while focusing more on their priority schools. Sometimes, though, these schools do ask for program-specific essays or optional essays, depending on the applicant.
1) albion college.
At Albion College, the application essay is not required, but it is recommended. Students are encouraged to provide any more details that they believe the admissions team should consider.
As noted on their website, Allegheny College has not required the supplemental essay since their 2013-2014 application cycle. Students will find more essay questions in the Member Questions section of the Common Application.
Augusta University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays as they do not require a personal essay at all. They do still require SAT or ACT scores and GPA.
Since 1984, Bates College has not required SAT Subject Tests or ACT scores in their applications. There is an optional arts supplement for students who are applying to study art, creative writing, dance, film, music, and theater.
At Case Western Reserve University, the Common Application personal essay is required. However, if you’re applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, then you’ll have to write supplemental essays.
6) clemson university.
Clemson University does not require students to complete a personal essay with the Common or Coalition Application. There is also a test-optional policy that may appeal to some students.
At Coe College, the personal essay is optional for students who meet the college’s minimum academic standards. Coe College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays that also have a test-optional policy.
Colby College accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge Application, and they do not have any additional writing supplements. Test scores are optional for applicants at Colby College, and there is no application fee.
Colgate University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays required, but there is the option to write them. As stated on their website, “These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective.
College of the Holy Cross does not require supplemental essays, but the following are optional: personal interview, SAT or ACT scores, and supplementary materials.
Denison University joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. Their website states that they wish to provide “equal access” to a Denison education, and they are also test-optional.
For first-year student applicants at DePaul University, personal essays are not required but optional. They have also been a test-optional university since 2012.
Dillard University is the oldest HBCU in Louisiana and is one of the colleges with no supplemental essay requirements. However, if students do not meet the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements, then they must submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
At Drew University, a personal statement is required, along with a counselor evaluation, teacher evaluation, and high school transcript.
Drexel University joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require all students to complete the 250 to 650 essay on the Common or Coalition Application. However, the short answer question is optional.
At Fairleigh Dickinson University, all essays, résumés, and recommendations are optional.
The only essay required by Florida Gulf Coast University is a two-page personal essay that discusses academic performance, special talents, and what the student can contribute to the campus.
Although Florida State University is one of the colleges without supplemental essays, students should invest time into the Common Application personal statement.
At Fordham University, the Common Application essay is required, but there are also optional writing sections. If students choose not to write in these sections, they will not be penalized.
Franklin and Marshall College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays. They do require the personal essay in the Common Application, as well as standardized test scores, recommendations and other materials.
At Furman University, first-year applicants do not need to submit a personal essay, and they are also test-optional.
Gannon University does not require students to submit a personal statement. It is optional but recommended for students to submit a statement. However, it is required for LECOM 4+4 Medical Program applicants.
Although Gettysburg College joins the list of colleges without supplemental essays, it does require a personal statement on the Common Application.
Grinnell College does not require supplemental essays and it also does not have an application fee. Standardized test scores are also optional.
Although Hamilton College joins this list of colleges without supplemental essays, the optional essays are still encouraged.
Hampshire College only requires supplemental essays from international students applying as first-year or transfer students.
Hanover College states on their website that the essay or personal statement is optional, alongside test scores, letters of recommendation and résumé.
At Hollins University, for first-year students no personal statement is required and standardized test scores are optional.
Howard University requires students to complete the Common Application essay and there is one optional supplemental essay.
Students applying to Indiana University – Bloomington must write the one essay in the Common Application or through Apply IU.
At Kent State University, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay or a letter of recommendation. Test scores are also optional.
Kenyon College joins this list as it is one of the colleges without supplemental essays. For first-year and transfer students, test scores are optional and flexible.
Louisiana State University does require the Common Application personal statement, but as of its most recent admissions cycle, no supplemental essay is required.
At Mercer University, applicants who wish to be test-optional must complete the supplemental essays. They must also have a 3.5 GPA and letter of recommendation.
Miami University, not to be confused with the University of Miami, requires the Common App personal statement but not the supplemental essays.
Michigan State University requires students to write only one essay on the MSU application, Common Application or Coalition Application.
Middlebury College is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They do still require the personal statement on the Common Application.
Muhlenberg College requires students to submit the personal essay but no other supplemental essays.
New College of Florida is one of the many colleges with no supplemental essays. However, they do still require a personal statement.
New Jersey Institute of Technology only requires a personal statement included in the Common Application. There is no supplemental essay requirement.
Students applying to the New York Institute of Technology are required to write a 300 to 350 word essay as their only essay. They may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay.
Northeastern is one of the best colleges without a supplemental essay requirement. They do require a personal statement, alongside other materials.
At Nova Southeastern University, the essay is entirely optional, and students can self-report their test scores.
Oberlin requires a personal statement, but does not require any supplemental essays.
Ohio State University only requires a personal statement. However, they also offer a COVID-19 impact statement on the Common Application for interested students.
At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials.
Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional “ Elevator Pitch .”
Rowan University requires a personal statement in the Common Application, but joins this list as a college without supplemental essays.
St. Lawrence University has no supplemental essay requirement, but it still requires the personal statement essay. They are also test-optional, depending on the applicant.
For students applying to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the personal statement is only required if they choose not to submit test scores.
At Seton Hall University, the personal statement is required, but there are no other supplemental essays.
Siena College has made the personal statement (open topic) optional for students applying.
While Skidmore College does not require supplemental essays, students do often send in supplemental materials to further support their application.
At Stony Brook University, only a personal statement is required. However, students applying to the Honors, WISE, University Scholars, Scholars for Medicine, and Scholars for Dental Medicine must write supplemental essays.
Sewanee does not require supplemental essays and SAT/ACT scores are also optional.
Susquehanna University only requires supplemental essay materials for students applying to the creative writing, graphic design, studio art, and music programs.
Temple University offers an optional essay as part of the Common Application for students to tell more about themselves beyond grades or test scores.
Union College does offer an optional supplemental essay question as part of their application.
At the University of Alabama, essay submissions and letters of recommendation are not required but they are optional.
University of Albany joins the list as one of the colleges without supplemental essays. However, it does require a personal essay of at least 250 words on the Common Application of SUNY Application.
At the University of Arkansas, first-year students are not required to submit a personal essay. They accept self-reported test scores and letters of recommendation are also not required.
Although the University of Arizona does not require an application essay, they strongly encourage students to submit the 500-word personal statement.
Students applying to the University of Cincinnati are required to write the Cincinnati personal statement and the Common Application personal statement. However, there are no other required essays.
University of Colorado-Denver requires the personal statement on the Common Application, but not other supplemental essays.
The University of Connecticut joins this list as one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. The university does require a personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
The University of Dayton does not require any supplemental essays, although it does require a personal statement. The university is also test-optional.
The University of Denver only requires the personal statement on the Common Application.
Students who apply to the University of Houston without a test score must submit a short admissions essay and extracurricular activities.
The University of Iowa does require a personal statement as part of their application, but there is no supplemental essay requirement.
The University of Kansas is a college without supplemental essay requirements for first-year students. However, students applying to the Honors Program or the Engineering SELF Program must submit their responses.
The University of Kentucky requires students to write one personal statement from seven of their given writing prompts.
For first-year students applying to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the personal essay is not required, although it is encouraged.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not require a personal statement for first-year students. However, those applying to the Honors Program must write a 300-600 word essay.
Whether for the personal statement or any supplemental essay, writing college application essays can prove to be a challenging task. But if students plan ahead about how they want to approach the essays, it helps tremendously. Those who are about to apply to a college without supplemental essays can focus any extra time on other schools that do require them. It’s also great for students who wish to be considered primarily for their grades, test scores, personal statement and other reasons.
With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.
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At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters.
However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.
Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.
This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process.
Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality.
It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site.
There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.
Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative .
The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.
Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!
While there are many nuances to the college admissions process, there are several key steps to be aware of. Take our quiz to see just how prepared you are to submit your college applications!
While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly.
For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out.
Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays.
When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites.
Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.
A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection.
If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application.
Here are some of the most common application requirements:
In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites.
Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays.
However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays.
There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to.
However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden.
Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays.
Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays.
1. colby college.
This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .
Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.
Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays.
Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application.
This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides.
The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed.
There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024.
The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance.
This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .
It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements.
This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process.
This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here.
Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from.
Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.
Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them.
As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world.
With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying.
Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.
Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance.
Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.
Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus.
You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty.
As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements.
The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world.
FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals.
Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation.
As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.
The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline.
There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience.
Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress.
Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities.
This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.
As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.
It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through?
Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University.
The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.
Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!
Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines .
For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.
Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.
Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor.
Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!
Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities .
Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality.
The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions.
As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays.
Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay.
If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .
CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.
Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.
However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list.
Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!
This article 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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College Info , College Essays
If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?
The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.
In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.
However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:
It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.
At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.
Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.
They need to use those limited resources for coffee.
Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.
If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.
Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.
In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.
Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.
Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.
By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .
They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.
Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!
There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.
If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.
If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:
A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.
Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!
You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!
A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.
However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.
At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.
Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.
Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!
You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!
The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.
Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
Optional for "Comprehensive Review" admission | Assured admission for in-state applicants who meet criteria; comprehensive review process for all other applicants | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily by eligibility index; some majors/campuses have more stringent requirements | ||
None (though UC Boulder require an essay) | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Only required for dental hygiene students; otherwise, encouraged but not required. | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Strongly encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | "Each applicant is considered individually, taking into account grades, rigor of curriculum and standardized test scores" | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, transcripts, test scores, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Optional personal statement | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA and test score cutoffs | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Writing samples are encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily through the Regent Admission Index | ||
None | Different requirements for different schools in the university | ||
None | Students must meet GPA/test requirements and complete Precollege Curriculum | ||
Short answers only for those who don't meet Assured Admission criteria | Meet Assured Admission criteria through GPA/test score requirements | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA and test scores | ||
None | Guaranteed admission for in-state applicants who meet criteria; primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Encouraged but not required | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts | ||
None | Admissions index based on test scores and GPA | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Assured admission for students who have completed prerequisite coursework and meet a combination of GPA/class rank/test score criteria | ||
None | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
Essays required only if you don't meet the selection index criteria | Meet selection index criteria and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet primary requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Required only for scholarship consideration | Assured admission if you meet performance requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA or test score requirement and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
None | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts | ||
Optional writing sample | Primarily determined by transcripts; test scores are optional for most programs, as is the essay | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by test scores, transcripts, and any supplementary documentation submitted | ||
Recommended but not required | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
None | Meet GPA and test score requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | ||
Essay required only if you need comprehensive application review | Assured admission by combination of GPA/class rank/test scores; otherwise comprehensive application review | ||
Optional writing sample | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts; students who feel they might not meet academic requirements can submit supporting documentation | ||
Required only for students who don't meet minimum academic requirements | Admission primarily via GPA (3.0+) and recommendation; test optional except for students applying for scholarships and honors, or for those who don't meet minimum academic requirements | ||
Required only for petitioning students | Automatic admission for students who meet basic coursework/test requirements and have a GPA of 2.75 | ||
Optional | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
Only required for Honors College application | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA, test score, or class rank cutoff and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Only required for Honors College application | Primarily determined by GPA, test scores, transcripts | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet College Academic Distribution Requirements; assured admission for top 10% of class or 3.5+ GPA | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | ||
Essay only required for some programs and scholarships | Primarily determined by test scores and transcripts |
If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.
Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:
If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.
Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .
If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.
There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.
I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.
Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!
Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.
For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.
If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.
If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.
There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:
So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:
When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:
No essay, no tears!
Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !
Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.
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Extracurriculars.
We recommend that most students apply to 8-12 colleges —typically at least two safeties, four targets, and two reaches. This strategy boosts a student’s odds of getting into multiple schools, increases their options, and even offers leverage to negotiate for more financial aid.
Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don’t have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or personal statement, if you’re looking for schools to balance out your list without the additional writing.
Below is a list of 45 liberal arts colleges and universities without essay supplements. The list isn’t comprehensive, but it covers a spectrum of schools of varied selectivity. The list does not include any schools with optional essays, which are something we always encourage applicants to complete.
|
|
|
| Waterville, ME | 10% |
| Middlebury, VT | 15% |
| Middletown, CT | 17% |
| Granville, OH | 29% |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | 30% |
| Gambier, OH | 34% |
| Worcester, MA | 34% |
| Oberlin, OH | 36% |
| New London, CT | 37% |
| Carlisle, PA | 40% |
| Memphis, TN | 45% |
| Saint Petersburg, FL | 67% |
| Ripon, WI | 70% |
Update: We removed Grinnell College and Colgate University from this list because they’ve historically sent optional supplements to students after they applied.
|
|
|
| Boston, MA | 18% |
| San Diego, CA | 34% |
| Tallahassee, FL | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | 39% |
| Hoboken, NJ | 40% |
| Atlanta, GA | 43% |
| Storrs, CT | 49% |
| Columbus, OH | 54% |
| Denver, CO | 59% |
| Greencastle, IN | 64% |
| Houston, TX | 65% |
| Chicago, IL | 68% |
| Orangeburg, SC | 69% |
| Ada, OH | 70% |
| East Lansing, MI | 71% |
| Newark, DE | 71% |
| Dayton, OH | 72% |
| Lowell, MA | 73% |
| South Orange, NJ | 74% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 75% |
| Seattle, WA | 76% |
| Boston, MA | 76% |
| Hartford, CT | 76% |
| Fayetteville, AR | 77.10% |
| Moscow, ID | 78% |
| Oxford, OH | 80% |
| Iowa City, IO | 83% |
| Durham, NH | 84% |
| Memphis, TN | 85% |
| Tempe, AZ | 87% |
| Richmond, VA | 87% |
Applying only to schools with no supplement would limit your options severely, so we don’t recommend it. That said, supplements can serve as a litmus test for how much you care about a particular college. If you’re really excited to attend a particular college, you’re more likely not to mind extra application work (after all, it’s a chance to show a college why they should accept you). Conversely, if you’re turned off by writing a supplemental essay, it could indicate that you’re not as excited about a school as you thought you were.
Some essay prompts also give you insight into the personality of a college. For example, the University of Chicago is known for its quirky essay prompts—the 2021-2022 supplement has applicants explore ideas like What if the moon were made of cheese? and What’s so easy about pie? If UChicago’s unorthodox essay prompts make you cringe, it’s a possible sign that the school’s culture isn’t right for you. If they excite and inspire you, you could be a perfect fit.
Overall, a college’s essay requirements should not be a major deciding factor as to whether or not you apply to a school (unless you’re truly short on time). What’s most important is whether or not you will fit with the school academically and socially . Consider things like:
If you’re trying to round out your school list, it’s important to know whether a particular school is a reach, target, or safety. CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing engine considers factors such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities to estimate your odds at hundreds of colleges across the country, along with providing tips to strengthen your profile.
Tips for writing an effective college essay.
College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.
UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.
Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.
Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays
Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.
Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.
Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.
Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.
Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.
Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.
This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.
What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.
Undergrad population.
* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees
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Padya Paramita
May 9, 2022
As you prepare for the college admissions cycle, you might be tempted to add schools to your list that require less work than others. While some schools like Yale have over five supplemental essays, there are colleges that have none! So, we offer you a list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays . Although most colleges definitely want to see students answer school-specific prompts to determine fit, there are several top colleges that don’t require supplemental essays , including Williams, Middlebury, and Northeastern. Take a look at the full list below.
So, since you don’t have to write essays, how exactly do you convince admissions officers that you’re a strong applicant? You must take advantage of the following components:
Now that you have an idea of which fall among colleges that don’t require supplemental essays , you can carefully conduct research to make sure you want to apply—and would genuinely be happy there. Don’t just blindly apply to schools just because there are fewer essay requirements. But, these should save you some time in terms of the essay load so take advantage of these if you want to add some targets or safeties as well. Happy searching!
Tags : applying to college , supplemental essays , college essays , Colleges that Don't Require Supplemental Essays , no supplemental essays , colleges with no essays
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Having schools on your list that don’t require supplemental essays gives you more time and energy to apply to more colleges and programs. The following schools do not require supplemental essays as of the 2022–2023 application season. Please keep in mind that if you're interested in special programs such as honors, Nursing, or scholarship opportunities, you may still be required or encouraged to write essays—especially if you don't submit standardized test scores. (This list was compiled by our friends at Moon Prep , with additional research by CollegeXpress.)
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University of Montana
Missoula, MT
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
Grace College
Winona Lake, IN
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
New York University—Abu Dhabi Campus
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Ohio University
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
Wheaton College
Colorado State University Pueblo
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
Hiram College
Felician University
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
Haverford College
Haverford, PA
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—Newark
Sterling College
Sterling, KS
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
High Point University
High Point, NC
New York University
New York, NY
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Published on September 27, 2021 by Meredith Testa . Revised on May 31, 2023.
As part of the college application process , colleges ask prospective students for a personal essay in order to learn more about them. They want to see context on each student’s background, positive traits that the student could bring to campus, and examples of the student demonstrating those qualities.
That means that you, as an applicant, have a great opportunity to make a positive impression on the admissions officers with your essay. You should aim to write an essay that
Context: what sets you apart, positive character qualities, proof: show, don’t tell, two strategies for finding your essay’s topic, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.
Your application will probably be similar to many other students’ applications. There will likely be many students from the same geographical area as you with comparable grades and test scores who have similar interests. Admissions officers will use your essay to see how you stand out from the crowd.
The context that admissions officers are looking for could be anything about you that differentiates you from other students. It could include your ethnic or socioeconomic background, your values, your passions, or anything else that sets you apart from your peers. International students may want to write about why they want to study in the US.
Of course, it’s important to show your best qualities in the essay. Admissions officers want students who can demonstrate specific positive character traits.
Self-reflection is a sign of maturity, and it can elevate an application from good to excellent. Colleges already have a list of each applicant’s accomplishments, so a student who can admit their mistakes—and prove that they’ve learned from them—will seem more human and likable.
Some students are hesitant to show their flaws, but keep in mind that colleges know you aren’t perfect. If your essay is just about how fabulous you are, you might come across as inauthentic or, worse, arrogant.
Initiative is one of the top qualities that colleges look for. Students who show initiative will likely bring that take-charge attitude with them to college, where it will help them contribute to the campus.
The essay should always involve you taking some kind of action—it shouldn’t just be about things that happened to you. For example, rather than writing about how it was emotionally difficult for you when several family members caught COVID, write about specific coping strategies you developed during that time or ways that you contributed to the family while they needed you.
“Show, don’t tell” means that you should always aim to prove something rather than just state it. This is especially important to avoid sounding arrogant when writing about yourself . For example, don’t just tell admissions officers that you’re hardworking; show them by detailing how you accomplished a goal through hard work.
So how do you actually write all that? The first step is choosing a good topic . Here are two effective ways to choose a topic that meets expectations and impresses admissions officers.
One approach is to start by thinking of positive character traits you possess and then finding examples of times you demonstrated those traits.
You could also approach your topic selection in the opposite way: start with a story, then work backwards to show how it demonstrates your positive qualities.
Whatever you choose to write about, your essay should give admissions officers plenty of proof that you’re a desirable candidate. And make sure your essay has a memorable introduction and ends effectively to grab the reader’s attention.
If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Academic writing
Communication
Parts of speech
Colleges want to be able to differentiate students who seem similar on paper. In the college application essay , they’re looking for a way to understand each applicant’s unique personality and experiences.
In your application essay , admissions officers are looking for particular features : they want to see context on your background, positive traits that you could bring to campus, and examples of you demonstrating those qualities.
College application essays are less formal than other kinds of academic writing . Use a conversational yet respectful tone , as if speaking with a teacher or mentor. Be vulnerable about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences to connect with the reader.
Aim to write in your authentic voice , with a style that sounds natural and genuine. You can be creative with your word choice, but don’t use elaborate vocabulary to impress admissions officers.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Testa, M. (2023, May 31). What Do Colleges Look For in an Essay? | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/what-colleges-look-for/
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1. Keep it real. It’s normal to want to make a good impression on the school of your choice, but it’s also important to show who you really are. So just be yourself! Compelling stories might not be perfectly linear or have a happy ending, and that’s OK. It’s best to be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.
2. Be reflective . Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?
3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.
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Writing the college essay
How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?
These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.
While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:
University of Chicago
Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026
What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.
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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.
The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.
Harvard University
Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.
What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?
How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.
University of Pennsylvania
Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.
What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.
How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.
University of Notre Dame
Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?
What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.
How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.
Stanford University
Prompt: List five things that are important to you.
What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.
How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.
While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.
Last updated: August 15, 2024 at 11:12 AM
Within the College of Arts and Sciences , courses are offered by academic departments to support educational programs and objectives that are departmental, interdisciplinary and university-wide in scope. Academic departments reside in schools: the School of Creative Arts, the School of Humanities, the School of Science and the School of Social Science. Because the organization of undergraduate degree requirements makes reference to this school structure, it is important that students familiarize themselves with it.
Most typically, the courses offered by a department will have membership in one school, that in which the department resides. Some courses, however, may have membership in more than one school. Also, some interdisciplinary areas do not fit neatly into a single school; individual courses within such areas may reside in different schools. The school membership of courses has been incorporated into the "requirement codes" appearing in the course listings. A legend for the codes may be found in the "Requirement Codes" section of this Bulletin . The course offering information published each fall and spring also indicates to which schools particular courses belong. If in doubt about the school membership of a particular course, consult the Office of the University Registrar.
Courses in the school of creative arts teach the history of the visual and performing arts, engage students in the creative process itself, and develop artistic skills and aesthetic sensibilities.
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The school of humanities offers undergraduates a systematic introduction to our literary and philosophical heritage.
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The following languages are also offered: Akkadian (the Semitic language and literature of Assyria and Babylonia preserved in cuneiform), Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Portuguese, and Yiddish.
The school of science provides the basic scientific training preparing students for entry into graduate school or for work at the intermediate level in their scientific fields. Students are encouraged to take such courses outside the School of Science as will best broaden and further their intellectual growth.
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In addition to the basic coverage of the social sciences provided by the departmental disciplines noted below, the school of social science also supports a number of cross-disciplinary programs which offer an opportunity to minor and, in some cases, major in their programs.
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Starting a career in nursing is a noble and rewarding decision. It’s a path that promises both personal fulfillment and professional growth. However, the journey to becoming a nurse begins with understanding the nursing school requirements. These prerequisites are crucial to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the rigors of nursing education.
Different nursing programs have varying requirements. From LPN training to BSN programs, each has its unique set of prerequisites and expectations. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about your nursing education.
High school math and science courses often form the foundation for nursing school prerequisites. A strong GPA and standardized test scores can also play a significant role in your admission.
Beyond academics, nursing schools also value healthcare experience and volunteer work. These experiences can provide a glimpse into the realities of the nursing profession.
Soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are equally important. They are essential in delivering quality patient care and working effectively within healthcare teams.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before enrolling in a nursing school. It’s designed to help you navigate the path to becoming a nurse with confidence and clarity.
Nursing school requirements are designed to ensure students are prepared for the demands of the profession. They vary depending on the type of program and the specific school.
Here are some common requirements for nursing schools:
There are several types of nursing programs, each with its own set of requirements. These include Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs, Registered Nurse (RN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
LPN/LVN training programs are a great starting point for those looking to enter the nursing field quickly. These programs typically require a high school diploma or GED and may require certain prerequisite courses.
LPN/LVN programs focus on basic nursing skills and patient care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as an LPN or LVN.
RN Training and Education
RN training programs can be either two-year associate degree programs or four-year bachelor’s degree programs. These programs require a high school diploma or GED, certain prerequisite courses, and often a minimum GPA.
RN programs provide a more comprehensive nursing education than LPN/LVN programs. They cover a broader range of nursing topics and include more extensive clinical experience.
BSN Programs and Advantages
BSN programs are four-year degree programs that provide a comprehensive nursing education. They require a high school diploma or GED, certain prerequisite courses, and often a minimum GPA.
BSN programs offer more in-depth study of nursing topics and prepare graduates for a wider range of nursing roles. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer or require nurses to have a BSN.
High school prerequisites for nursing school typically include courses in math and science. These courses provide a foundation for the nursing coursework you’ll encounter in college.
High School Math Requirements
Math is a crucial part of nursing. Nurses need to calculate medication dosages, interpret patient data, and understand statistical information.
Most nursing schools require high school algebra and may also require statistics. These courses help develop the mathematical skills needed in nursing.
Science and Other Academic Prerequisites
Science courses are a major part of nursing education. Biology and chemistry are typically required, and some schools may also require anatomy and physiology.
Other academic prerequisites may include English and social sciences. These courses help develop the communication and critical thinking skills needed in nursing.
Many nursing schools require standardized test scores, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc. Exam (HESI). These tests measure basic academic skills in reading, math, science, and English.
A strong GPA is also important for nursing school admission. Most schools require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, but competitive programs may require a higher GPA.
Healthcare experience or volunteer work can strengthen your nursing school application. This experience can provide a glimpse into the realities of the healthcare field and demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession.
This experience can be gained through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work in healthcare settings. Some schools may require a certain number of hours of healthcare experience.
Soft skills are crucial in nursing. Nurses need to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams. They also need to demonstrate empathy, teamwork, and adaptability.
Nursing schools often look for these skills in applicants. They may be assessed through the application essay, letters of recommendation, or interviews.
Once you’ve met the nursing school requirements, the next step is to prepare for enrollment. This involves several key steps:
Each of these steps is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into nursing school.
Nursing education can be a significant investment. It’s important to plan ahead and understand the costs involved.
Tuition is the most obvious cost, but there are also costs for books, supplies, and living expenses. Some programs may also have fees for things like lab use or clinical placements.
There are many resources available to help fund your nursing education. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. It’s worth exploring all of these options to help minimize the financial burden.
In addition to traditional nursing programs, there are also vocational schools and online options. These can offer more flexibility and may be more affordable.
Vocational schools offer practical nursing programs that can be completed in a shorter time frame. These programs focus on hands-on skills and prepare students for entry-level nursing roles.
Online nursing programs offer flexibility for those who need to balance school with work or family responsibilities. These programs typically offer the theoretical portion of the coursework online, with clinical placements arranged in the student’s local area.
The application process for nursing school can be complex. It typically involves several steps:
Each of these steps requires careful attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
Crafting a Compelling Application Essay
The application essay is your chance to showcase your passion for nursing and your suitability for the program. It’s important to take the time to craft a compelling essay.
Start by brainstorming ideas and experiences that highlight your interest in nursing. Then, organize these ideas into a coherent structure and write a draft. Be sure to revise and edit your essay for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.
Letters of Recommendation and Interviews
Letters of recommendation can provide a valuable perspective on your abilities and character. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your suitability for nursing.
Interviews, if required, are another opportunity to showcase your passion for nursing. Prepare by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. Remember to dress professionally and arrive on time.
Once you’ve been accepted into a nursing program, the real work begins. This is a time of intense study and practical learning. It’s important to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
Nursing school is demanding, both academically and physically. You’ll need to manage your time effectively and take care of your health. It’s also important to build a support network of fellow students, mentors, and family.
Key areas to focus on include:
Each of these areas is crucial for success in nursing school and beyond.
Clinical rotations are a key part of nursing education. They provide hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. You’ll also learn to work as part of a healthcare team.
Each rotation will focus on a different area of nursing, such as pediatrics, mental health, or surgical care. This variety helps to build a well-rounded set of nursing skills.
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the exam that all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses. It’s a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in all areas of nursing.
Preparation for the NCLEX should begin early in your nursing education. Many nursing programs incorporate NCLEX prep into their curriculum.
In addition to classroom learning, there are many resources available to help you prepare for the NCLEX. These include study guides, practice tests, and review courses.
Nursing is a field that is constantly evolving. To stay current, nurses must commit to lifelong learning.
Continuing education can take many forms. It might involve attending workshops or conferences, taking additional courses, or pursuing a higher degree.
Specialization is another important aspect of nursing education. As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care, oncology, or family practice. Specialization can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential.
Embarking on a career in nursing is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. But the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.
Remember, the journey doesn’t end when you graduate from nursing school. As a nurse, you’ll continue to learn and grow throughout your career. Whether you choose to specialize in a particular area, pursue advanced practice, or take on leadership roles, the possibilities are endless. The world needs compassionate, skilled nurses now more than ever. Your journey is just beginning.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): https://www.aacnnursing.org/ National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/ Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa American Nurses Association (ANA): https://www.nursingworld.org/ National League for Nursing (NLN): http://www.nln.org/
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Check out our list of supplemental essays required by many of the top colleges students apply to each year. If you need help with these essays schedule a meeting with one of our essay coaches today! Adelphi University. The Honors College is a community of students who love to engage with ideas that come from a broad range of sources.
Best Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (Continued) 46) Ripon College. At Ripon College, the personal statement itself is optional for applicants, along with other materials. 47) Rhodes College. Rhodes College does not require a supplemental essay, but they have the option for students to record an optional "Elevator Pitch." 48) Rowan ...
Recommend. Surprisingly (and in contrast to how it's been in the past), top schools mostly do not require the SAT essay. Currently, no Ivy League School requires students to take the SAT with Essay; the same is true for Stanford, Caltech, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, and UChicago. Many of these schools no longer even ...
So, although Bates is among the colleges that don't require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 9. Northeastern University. This well-known university in Boston, Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate.
Western Oregon University. Required only for students who don't meet minimum academic requirements. Admission primarily via GPA (3.0+) and recommendation; test optional except for students applying for scholarships and honors, or for those who don't meet minimum academic requirements. Eastern Oregon University.
Now, among elite schools, only the University of California schools require the Essay. Other selective colleges like Duke University, Amherst College, and Colby College recommend the Essay, but it's not required. Take a look at the colleges on these lists, and see if there are any you plan to apply to. Also be sure to double-check on your ...
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 ...
The following schools have no required supplemental essays to apply to their college. However, they might have additional essays for specific programs. For example, if a student is interested in ...
Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don't have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or ...
Sample College Essay 2 with Feedback. This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org. College essays are an important part of your college application and give you the chance to show colleges and universities your personality. This guide will give you tips on how to write an effective college essay.
By adding some schools that don't require a supplemental essay to your college list, students can pad their numbers, apply to more schools, and have more options. Albion College. Case Western ...
Yale University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide. What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.
Use your essays to empower your chances of acceptance, merit money, and scholarships.". This college essay tip is by Dr. Rebecca Joseph, professor at California State University and founder of All College Application Essays, develops tools for making the college essay process faster and easier. 15. Get personal.
So, we offer you a list of colleges that don't require supplemental essays. Although most colleges definitely want to see students answer school-specific prompts to determine fit, there are several top colleges that don't require supplemental essays, including Williams, Middlebury, and Northeastern. Take a look at the full list below.
A student should write a college application essay that distinguishes them from other applicants. For example, writing about playing a niche instrument or winning an Olympic medal can help students stand out from other applicants. Doing so also demonstrates how your distinctive qualities will add to campus life. 5.
The schools on the following list don't require supplemental essays to apply for the 2023-2024 academic year. However, they might have additional essay requirements if you apply for a specific program. Some of these schools will also have optional essays if you want to write one. For example, Drexel University offers the following optional ...
Please note: The 2024-25 writing requirements by college will be available in mid-August. ... Common App personal essay. Question: Required or optional, Min/max word count: College-specific questions. does not have standard college-specific writing questions. Additional questions may be triggered by answers you provide in your application.
Having schools on your list that don't require supplemental essays gives you more time and energy to apply to more colleges and programs. The following schools do not require supplemental essays as of the 2022-2023 application season. Please keep in mind that if you're interested in special programs such as honors, Nursing, or scholarship opportunities, you may still be required or ...
Option 1: Start with your qualities. One approach is to start by thinking of positive character traits you possess and then finding examples of times you demonstrated those traits. A student wants to show that she is hardworking. She considers times when she went above and beyond what was necessary to succeed.
Common App Schools with No Extra Essays (Class of 2023 Edition) Institution Adelphi University Albright College Allegheny College Appalachian State University Arcadia University Arizona State University Bard College Bates College Baylor University Belmont University Beloit College Bentley University Berry College Birmingham-Southern College Bowling Green State University Bradley University ...
Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we're here to help. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, but the sooner you begin, the more time and thought you can put into an essay that stands out. Check out some tips: 1. Keep it real.
New first-year applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.60-2.99 must submit ACT or SAT test scores. Those who have cumulative GPAs of 2.30-2.59 will be admitted through the Vandal Gateway Program regardless of test scores. Applicants with a GPA below 2.30 may appeal through our Admissions Committee. Official high school transcript showing ...
Apply to college. and write admission and scholarship essays. Collect letters of recommendation based on who knows you best. Tip: Give letter writers plenty of notice and help them out by providing your resume. U of I does not require letters of recommendation.
More than 80% of four-year colleges are test-optional or test-blind. The revised ACT will debut in 2025 and be shortened to about two hours. Students may take the test on paper or online. Another ...
Contact us by email or by phone at 208-885-6326, or complete a request for additional information today. The University of Idaho welcomes students with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to fully access the university, please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources at [email protected] or ...
Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective ...
Applicants are required to complete an application including an application form, an essay or essays, resume or CV, transcripts from all post-secondary courses of study, two letters of recommendation, test scores, and an application fee. A checklist and additional information are included below. Application Checklist. Prerequisites* Transcripts
Business schools require you to submit a copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts. Most schools look for a bachelor's degree, or international equivalent, from a recognized university. ... The biggest mistake you can make in your MBA essays is sending a template essay answer to multiple schools. It is essential to tailor your essay answers ...
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, courses are offered by academic departments to support educational programs and objectives that are departmental, interdisciplinary and university-wide in scope. Academic departments reside in schools: the School of Creative Arts, the School of Humanities ...
Personal essay and letters of recommendation; ... Most schools require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, but competitive programs may require a higher GPA. Healthcare Experience and Volunteer Work. Healthcare experience or volunteer work can strengthen your nursing school application. This experience can provide a glimpse into the ...