Essay Prompts
Essay Prompts
Essay Prompts
Please provide an answer below [on the application] if you wish to provide
details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application.
Length
650 words maximum
AMHERST COLLEGE | Amherst, MA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/15 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
84% in top 10% of class, 97% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 710-790, CR 720-780
ACT Middle 50%:
31-34
Website:
http://www.amherst.edu
Length
140 characters maximum
BROWN UNIVERSITY | Providence, RI
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
92% in top 10% of class, 98% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 670-780, CR 660-770, W 670-780
ACT Middle 50%:
30-34
Website:
http://www.brown.edu
Brown University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Why Brown?
Length
25-150 words
Brown University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in the
application? If you are "undecided" or not sure which Brown concentrations
match your interests, consider describing more generally the academic topics
or modes of thought that engage you currently.
Length
50-150 words
Brown University Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Tell us where you have livedand for how longsince you were born;
whether youve always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of
places.
Length
25-100 words
Brown University Supplement #4
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
We all exist within communities or groups of various sizes, origins, and
purposes; pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has
shaped you.
Length
25-100 words
Brown University Supplement #5
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work
experiences.
Length
50-150 words
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY | Pittsburgh, PA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 12/1 Music & Drama RD, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
79% in top 10% of class, 94% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-800, CR 640-740, W 660-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-34
Website:
http://www.cmu.edu
Carnegie Mellon University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have
chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or
program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the
major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you
would like us to know. For freshmen applying to more than one college or
program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying.
Because our admission committees review applicants by college and
program, your essay can impact our final decision. Candidates applying for
early decision or transfer may apply to only one college and department.
Length
1 page (This essay can be uploaded)
Carnegie Mellon University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure. Choose one and in a
sentence describe its impact on you.
Length
500 words maximum
CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE | Claremont, CA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1 & International Applicants, 12/1 Merit Scholarships, 1/1 ED #2 &
RD
Academic Profile:
78% in top 10% of class, 97% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 690-770, CR 660-750 W 680-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.cmc.edu
Claremont McKenna College Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
What influenced you the most in your decision to apply to CMC?
Length
200 words maximum
Claremont McKenna College Supplement #2
Type
Optional
Question
After submitting your application, you will receive instructions by email from
the CMC Admission Office on how to submit an optional two-minute video.
Submission of this video is completely optional and you will be provided with a
prompt.
Length
2 minutes
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | New York, NY
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
93% in top 10% of class, 99% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-790, CR 690-780, W 700-780
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.columbia.edu
Columbia University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
What aspect of the Columbia community, outside of the classroom, would you
most want to impact and why?
Length
150 words maximum
Columbia University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Respond to EACH of the following:
List the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or
summer that you enjoyed most in the past year.
List the titles of the books you read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the
past year.
List the titles of the print, electronic publications and websites you read
regularly.
List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other
entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year.
Length
150 words maximum for each response
Columbia University Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why.
Length
300 words maximum
http://www.duke.edu
Common App is accepted but no supplemental essays are required
EMORY UNIVERSITY | Atlanta, GA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 11/15 Emory Scholars, 1/1 ED #2 &RD
Academic Profile:
81% in top 10% of class, 95% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 650-750, CR 630-710, W 650-730
ACT Middle 50%:
29-32
Website:
http://www.emory.edu
Emory University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
In addition to the Common Application's Personal Statement, applicants to
Emory University are required to compose an answer500 words or lessto
ONE of the following essay options:
A) Last August, Susan Grant, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare,
said this of Emory's choice to treat patients with Ebola: "We can either let our
actions be guided by misunderstandings, fear and self-interest, or we can lead
by knowledge, science and compassion. We can fear, or we can care."
Consider her idea of doing what is in the public interest despite potential cost.
Please discuss an example in your life or the life of another that's come to
your attention.
B) In the spirit of Emory's tradition of courageous inquiry, what question do
you want to help answer, and why?
Length
500 words maximum
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY | Washington, DC
Accepts its own School Application
Deadlines:
11/1 EA, 1/10 RD
Academic Profile:
92% in top 10% of class, 99% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 660-760, CR 660-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.georgetown.edu
Georgetown University Question #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.
Length
No limit provided
Georgetown University Question #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in
which you have been most involved.
Length
Approximately half a page
Georgetown University Question #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like
to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay,
either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
Length
Approximately 1 page
Georgetown University Question #4
Type
Required for all applicants (based on particular school)
Question
APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE: Please relate your interest in
studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts
relate to your chosen course of study? (If you are applying to major in the FLL
or in a Science, please specifically address those interests.)
31-34
Website:
http://www.stanford.edu
Stanford University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or
experience that has been important to your intellectual development.
Length
100-250 words
Stanford University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your
future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your
roommate -- and us -- know you better.
Length
100-250 words
Stanford University Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
What matters to you, and why?
Length
100-250 words
Stanford University Supplement #4
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Briefly respond to the following seven inquiries so we can get to know you
better. Do not feel compelled to use complete sentences.
A) Name your favorite books, authors, films, and/or artists. (50 words
maximum)
B) What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (50 words
maximum)
C) What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words
maximum)
D) How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words maximum)
E) What were your favorite events (e.g., performances, exhibits, competitions,
conferences, etc.) in recent years? (50 words maximum)
F) What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
(50 words maximum)
G) What five words best describe you? (5-10 words)
Length
Any limits provided are stated above
Stanford University Supplement #5
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
Length
50-150 words
TUFTS UNIVERSITY | Medford, MA
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1, 1/1 ED #2, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
90% in top 10% of class, 99% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 680-760, CR 680-760, W 690-760
ACT Middle 50%:
30-33
Website:
http://www.tufts.edu
Tufts University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in
which you were raisedyour family, home, neighborhood or communityand
how it influenced the person you are today.
Length
200-250 words
Tufts University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants except those applying to the SMFA at Tufts BFA
program or the Five-Year BFA + BA/BS program
Question
Which aspects of Tufts curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your
application? In short: Why Tufts?
Length
50-100 words
Tufts University Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants except those applying to the SMFA at Tufts BFA
program or the Five-Year BFA + BA/BS program
Question
Answer ONE of the following questions. Think outside the box: take a risk and
go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it but feel
comfortable being playful if that suits you, too.
A) Nelson Mandela believed that "what counts in life is not the mere fact that
we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that
will determine the significance of the life we lead." Describe a way in which
you have made or hope to make a difference
B) It's cool to be smart. Tell us about the subjects or ideas that excite your
intellectual curiosity.
C) Whether youve built blanket forts or circuit boards, created crayon
masterpieces or mixed media art installations, tell us: what have you invented,
engineered, or designed? Or what do you hope to?
D) What makes you happy?
E) Celebrate the role of sports in your life.
Length
200-250 words
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Uses its own Application
Deadlines:
11/30 RD
University of California Question #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
There are 8 essay question options, 4 of which applicants must respond to,
and all are of equal importance in the admissions process. Each response is
limited to a maximum of 350 words.
A) Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have
positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group
efforts over time.
B) Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways:
problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a
few. Describe how you express your creative side.
C) What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you
developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
D) Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational
opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
E) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you
have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your
academic achievement?
F) Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced
you.
G) What have you done to make your school or your community a better
place?
H) What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates
applying to the University of California?
Length
350 words maximum
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | Chicago, IL
Accepts the Common App
Deadlines:
11/1 ED #1 & EA, 1/1 ED #2 & RD
Academic Profile:
98% in top 10% of class, 99% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 710-790, CR 720-800, W 710-780
ACT Middle 50%:
32-35
Website:
http://www.uchicago.edu
University of Chicago Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Choose ONE of the following questions:
A) What is square one, and can you actually go back to it?
Inspired by Maya Shaked, Class of 2018
http://www.usc.edu
University of Southern California Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please respond to ONE of the prompts below.
A) USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different
backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were
exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point
of view.
B) Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which
you are interested in learning.
C) What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you?
Length
250 words maximum
University of Southern California Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel
free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.
Length
250 words maximum
University of Southern California Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please respond to ALL of the following. These questions have no right or
wrong answers.
A) Describe yourself in three words (25 characters each)
B) What is your favorite snack? (100 characters maximum)
C) Favorite app/website (100 characters maximum)
D) Best movie of all time (100 characters maximum)
E) Hashtag to describe yourself (100 characters maximum)
F) Dream job (100 characters maximum)
Deadlines:
11/1 Restrictive EA, 1/1 RD
Academic Profile:
96% in top 10% of class, 99% in top 25% of class
SAT Middle 50%:
M 700-800, CR 710-800, W 710-790
ACT Middle 50%:
31-35
Website:
http://www.yale.edu
Yale University Supplement #1
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please reflect on something you would like us to know about you that we
might not learn from the rest of your application, or on something about which
you would like to say more. You may write about anythingfrom personal
experiences or goals to interests or intellectual pursuits.
Length
500 words maximum
Yale University Supplement #2
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Students at Yale have plenty of time to explore their academic interests before
committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify
their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this
moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most
comfortably?
Please indicate up to three.
Why do these areas appeal to you?
Length
Approximately 100 words
Yale University Supplement #3
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Why does Yale appeal to you?
Length
100 words maximum
Yale University Supplement #4
Type
Required for all applicants
Question
Please respond in just a few words (no more than 50 characters) to each of
the questions below:
A) The two qualities I most admire in other people are
B) I am most proud of
C) I couldn't live without
D) Who or what inspires you?
E) What do you wish you were better at being or doing?
F) Most Yale freshmen live in suites of four to six students. What would you
contribute to the dynamic of your suite?
Length
50 characters maximum for each response