Powerful Supplemental Essays

The supplemental essays required by each college are a critically important part of the application for students applying to American universities. Colleges reviewing your essays should see strong evidence of academic potential, a good fit, and knowledge about the university. 

To craft effective essays, students need to understand their universities and themselves well. Here are some simple tips to shine in your supplemental essays:

Extracurricular essay: Do you have a hobby or commitment that involves your time and heart in a meaningful way? How have you grown by participating in this activity? Whether through a sport, music, drama, community service, or a club, universities want to learn how you’re using and developing your talents. Pop factor: Be sure to include your motivation; admissions officers want to know not just what you do, but why you do it. 

Community essay: We are all part of groups that share bonds; close ties may arise from our culture, religion, hobbies, or commitments. Our students have written about their role in communities ranging from dog walkers and comic book collectors to soccer teams and Mandarin speakers. Pop factor: Whether you write seriously or lightheartedly, the key is to share the contributions you’ve made to the group and how your community has shaped you in significant ways. 

Intellectual curiosity essay: In this essay, you’ll tell the admissions officers about a topic that has engrossed you not just for hours, but ideally for months or years! What have you studied in-depth beyond the classroom, perhaps through reading, research, or a personal project? To find a good topic, think about what makes your mental wheels spin. The Geneva Convention? Biomimicry? Cybersecurity? Tell your universities how you discovered a fascinating topic, why it intrigues you, the ways you’ve explored it, and the impact your learning has had on your life.  Pop factor: Your enthusiasm should be infectious; make the reader feel and share your excitement!

'Why my major' essay: When applying, you often need to tell universities what you plan to study and why the subject inspires you. If you are currently undecided, you can share your explorations related to a major or two that might be a good fit for you. It can be helpful to mention possible career ambitions and how the major will help you achieve your goals. Most importantly, explain why the field is intriguing to you – perhaps there are big unanswered questions you’d love to explore. Or maybe the field is rapidly changing, and you want to be part of the discoveries and applications ahead. Whether the subject comes naturally or you have to work hard at it, you should tell universities why you’re committed to studying this field and how you’ve confirmed your interest through activities in and out of school. Providing evidence from work experiences, summer or online courses, research, and personal projects is ideal; however, avoid simply making a list. Pop factor: Reflect on what you did and how it confirmed your passion for the subject, drawing connections to what each university offers to take you even deeper into the field.

'Why this university' essay: Admissions officers ask for the 'Why Us?' essay with the expectation that students will have researched the university thoroughly. Applicants should prove their fit by providing evidence of their alignment with the college’s values, academic offerings, and traditions. It can be helpful to share any meaningful discoveries you made from engagement with current students, alumni, instructors, or the admissions office. Often, students will talk about specific professors with whom they hope to study or classes they’d love to take, but successful essays will go further. Pop factor: Show not only your genuine understanding of the university and its values, but also how you will contribute on campus.

Identity essay: Looking beyond your academic profile, universities ask for this essay to form a class made up of individuals who will contribute to the diversity and richness of the campus community. Whether you talk about your family, culture, or challenges, let the admissions officers know about the unique perspectives you will bring. Be sure to reflect on how this background has shaped your values, beliefs, and goals. Pop factor: Using colorful stories to demonstrate that you’re positive, self-aware, and growth-focused will make you likeable, ensuring you shine in this essay. 

Since students will likely share customized versions of these stories with multiple universities, savvy Grade 11/Year 12 students should start working on these essays now, so they aren’t overwhelmed in the fall. Contact your Ivy Options counselor; it’s time to start writing!