What you can learn about a school through its writing prompts

Since there are so many components involved in US applications, by the time many students get to the individualized supplemental questions for each university they are applying to, the motivation and momentum may be gone. After all, these are frequently short essays, many only a page or less, so it can be tempting to put them off until just before the application is due.

You might be surprised to learn, therefore, that for many university admissions teams, these supplements are the FIRST part of an application readers look at to help them form their initial impressions of an applicant. Thus, it is worthwhile to understand what these supplemental questions are asking for and what they reveal to students about the values and priorities of each school. After all, this is the only part of the Common App where schools can ask questions that directly relate to their institutional values and goals. You want to approach these questions as direct statements from these schools outlining what is important to them.

Here are a few such questions to consider:

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)* (University of Pennsylvania)

Our committee would like to hear about a personal value, experience, or lesson that has shaped your identity, behavior, aspirations, or commitment to a sense of belonging. How did it develop and/or change over time and how would it add to the diverse and welcoming fabric of our campus community? * 200 words (Chapman University)

What advice would a wisdom tooth have?

–Inspired by Melody Dias, Class of 2025 *1-2 page response (University of Chicago)

These questions are important ways to express your strengths, enthusiasm, and authenticity, while appealing to the values and priorities of your selected institution. 

For instance,  the University of Pennsylvania leads off with its thank you note question, prioritizing how applicants express gratitude and showcasing not only what they learned, but how they learned it and from whom. They recognize that individual achievement doesn’t happen in a vacuum, but is the byproduct of others shaping and supporting you. To learn more about how the University Pennsylvania admissions team chose this question, check out this episode of the College Admissions Decoded podcast.

Similarly, University of Chicago is known for their clever and creative questions that encourage applicants to think differently, and provide unique insight and ideas. They value creativity, challenging the norm, and looking at what we gain from differing perspectives. 

If this appeals to you, here is your chance to showcase your unique style and let your voice speak alongside your transcript and test scores.If this kind of thinking does not appeal to you, then maybe this school isn’t the right fit. 

Here are some tips to guide your supplemental writing responses:

1. Start early.
2. Do your research by spending time learning about the schools you are interested in and using these questions as guides for understanding the values they are looking for. 
3. Plan to work through multiple drafts of your responses to be sure your voice and your message are strong and clear. 
4. Get an outsider’s opinion on your essay to be sure it resonates with others.
5. See a writing coach to assist with any of these steps.

Call us today, if you would like to see a writing coach!