Supplemental Essay Prompts (2022-23)
Seniors: Let’s get ready to write! Many schools have already released their supplemental essay questions, so don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Ivy Link is here to help you brainstorm, draft, and revise these essays.
The purpose of the supplemental essay is to give the school a chance to see who you are and what you can contribute to the campus community. While the Common App essay (also known as the Personal Statement) is applicable to all of the schools on your application list, supplemental essays are released by individual schools and target specific information they deem important. If you are applying to multiple selective colleges, you should expect to write at least 10 (closer to 20) supplemental essays during the application process. Yes, even if you apply EA/ED. There is no guarantee that you’ll be accepted in the Early round, so use the extra time to complete the essays for your back-up schools. With an average word count of 300-500 words, you’ll want to get these essays completed before you get busy with this semester’s workload.
Some common supplemental essay questions include: What are you passionate about? How will you contribute to our community? Why do you want to attend this school/program? Visit The Common App and Coalition for College for a comprehensive list of 2022-23 essay prompts for individual colleges..
Here are a few examples of supplemental essay questions specifically for the Class of 2023:
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—get to know you better. — Stanford University
What advice would a wisdom tooth have? — University of Chicago
Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?— University of Virginia
Note: Many schools, such as Georgetown and the entire University of California system, use their own applications and essays. Always be sure to double check application requirements for each individual school on their respective websites.
Schools that have already released 2022-2023 prompts:
Maximize your admissions chances with an early start paired with Ivy Link’s expert guidance. To get started on essay advising and application assistance, schedule a consultation with an Ivy Link advisor.
