Admission to U.S. colleges is getting tougher each year. According to the reports released by Common App, the total number of applications through March 1 rose 7% from 7,041,256 last year to 7,541,148 this year. This upward trend is expected to continue. With acceptance rates dipping considerably, students are confused about what it means to be an ‘ideal applicant.’ They are turning to varied resources to get insights and ideas on how to make their applications stand out.
While the information disseminated is valuable, it often lacks a personal touch—the very thing admissions officers are looking for in your application. Your transcripts, activities, and awards are impressive, but they do not tell the colleges who you are as a person. They want to see how you think, how you react in adverse situations, what you care about, and how far you will go to find solutions. This is where supplemental essays come in. Whereas the Common App essay prompts provide you with the space to demonstrate some aspects of yourself, the supplemental essays offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into specific aspects of your personality, interests, and experiences.
What are Supplemental Essays?
Supplemental essays are college-specific, additional writing activities that students are required to do. Colleges are curious not only to know you but also if you know the college. It is a relationship that you will be forming with the college for the rest of your life, and vice versa. They want to sift out the non-serious applicants. Hence, make them your best opportunity to impress them. To craft essays that resonate, there’s one cardinal rule: Research. Dive deep into the college’s values, programs, and culture to tailor your responses and make them truly stand out.
The Components Supplemental Essays
The Why Us Essay: This is the prompt that has potential pitfalls that you need to avoid. Not researching the college will make it impossible for you to find the right connection, resulting in writing only about the superficial aspects of the college. Answers like “I like the location,” “It’s the right size,” and “offers my major” will make your essay look frivolous. You have to substantiate your response and show a connection. For example, which professor’s work inspires you, and why? Which specific research program do you want to be a part of, and why? Which class are you eager to take, and how does it fit into your broader academic plan? The key is to always answer the ‘why’—and the only way to do that effectively is through thorough research.”
Tips for the Stanford Supplemental Essays | Ivy Central
Do not copy-paste your essay. Admissions officers know when they see a generic essay.
Why this Major: When answering this question, be careful not to write a list of activities you have done in high school. Begin this essay with a specific moment that sparked your interest in this major. Show a gradual progression of your interest, demonstrating how each experience deepened your understanding and commitment to the field. Connect this to your future goals to demonstrate foresight and determination. Your essay should encapsulate your excitement for the major and what you hope to achieve. This is your space to share a story related to your activities. Make it count.
Avoid cliches. Focus on specific, personal reasons. WHY THIS MAJOR ESSAY? | Ivy Central
Community impact essay. Colleges want to see how you are involved with a community and how you have been able to have a positive impact on it. They like to see your rootedness and your commitment to a larger good. The community is not restricted by geographical location. Instead, it could be any group of people you interact with daily—your school, temple, club, neighborhood, etc. Hence, choose the community to which you have contributed. What were your roles and responsibilities? What was the most meaningful activity you did that solved a problem? Be specific about the changes you brought about. Showcase your learning and qualities of empathy. Show how you have grown through this activity and how it has contributed to your commitment to focus on the greater good. SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS: THE COMMUNITY ESSAY | Ivy Central
Do not exaggerate or fabricate any activity or impact.
Conclusion
Remember, the supplemental essays are your chance to highlight the values that drive you and how you plan to bring those same values to your future college community.
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to best articulate your experiences or need personalized guidance, Ivy Central is here to help. Our team of experienced advisors can provide you with the insights and support you need to craft an essay that truly stands out. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to ensure your application reflects the best of who you are.
Read: Supplemental Essays: A Take on Short Takes | Ivy Central
