Which colleges only require one supplemental essay?
I’m a rising senior starting my college list, and I’ve realized that the number of supplemental essays some schools ask for is kind of overwhelming. I want to apply to a few reach and target schools, but I also want to be realistic about how much writing I can do this fall with all my APs and extracurriculars.
Does anyone have a list or suggestions of colleges that only have one supplemental essay, besides the main Common App or Coalition essay? Even better if you know which ones just ask the classic "Why Us" question versus something more unusual. I’m from the Midwest, but I’m open to hearing about schools in any region!
If you applied to any last year, was the supplement straightforward or kind of tricky? Anything else I should consider when looking at essay requirements would also be helpful.
Does anyone have a list or suggestions of colleges that only have one supplemental essay, besides the main Common App or Coalition essay? Even better if you know which ones just ask the classic "Why Us" question versus something more unusual. I’m from the Midwest, but I’m open to hearing about schools in any region!
If you applied to any last year, was the supplement straightforward or kind of tricky? Anything else I should consider when looking at essay requirements would also be helpful.
4 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It's definitely wise to factor in essay workload when building your college list. Many strong schools only ask for one supplemental essay beyond the Common App/Coalition essay, making them more manageable during a busy fall. The supplement type also matters: a straightforward "Why Us" prompt usually takes less time than a more creative or complex one.
Here are several well-known colleges and universities (as of the 2023-2024 cycle) that typically require just one supplemental essay:
1. University of Wisconsin–Madison: One required supplement, often the "Why Us" question, and usually an optional second. You can focus on the main essay.
2. Boston University: One required supplemental that up until recently was a "Why Us" or community-focused prompt.
3. University of Miami: Typically one, usually about why Miami or how you’ll contribute to campus.
4. University of Pittsburgh: Offers several prompts but only requires you to answer one.
5. Syracuse University: Usually just one supplement, typically why you’re interested in Syracuse/your major.
6. Fordham University: One standard supplement, which has shifted from "Why Fordham" to a question about the university’s Jesuit values.
7. American University: Has recently moved to just one supplement about their community of changemakers.
Schools sometimes change prompts or add new ones, so you’ll want to double-check their admissions page when applications open in August. Some, like Tulane or UChicago, are known for creative, unusual prompts even if there’s just one required response.
In my own experience, schools with "Why Us" prompts (like Boston University or Syracuse) were quite manageable and felt authentic to write, since you can point to specific academic programs, campus culture, and activities that excite you. The trickier supplements are ones that ask unusual questions or require a story—University of Southern California sometimes has a creative supplement, though they usually ask more than one.
As you research, use resources like the Common App preview or admissions blogs to see which schools are keeping it simple. Also, check for optional essays—sometimes schools will say an essay is optional, but it’s highly recommended if you’re genuinely interested, especially for scholarships or honors programs.
My tip: If you want to maximize your reach and match schools without doubling your essay workload, filter your list by supplement count early. And if you have general themes or interests (like community engagement, an academic passion), you can often tweak a single essay to fit several "Why Us" or community-related prompts.
Let me know if you want suggestions tailored to specific regions or majors—happy to help!
Here are several well-known colleges and universities (as of the 2023-2024 cycle) that typically require just one supplemental essay:
1. University of Wisconsin–Madison: One required supplement, often the "Why Us" question, and usually an optional second. You can focus on the main essay.
2. Boston University: One required supplemental that up until recently was a "Why Us" or community-focused prompt.
3. University of Miami: Typically one, usually about why Miami or how you’ll contribute to campus.
4. University of Pittsburgh: Offers several prompts but only requires you to answer one.
5. Syracuse University: Usually just one supplement, typically why you’re interested in Syracuse/your major.
6. Fordham University: One standard supplement, which has shifted from "Why Fordham" to a question about the university’s Jesuit values.
7. American University: Has recently moved to just one supplement about their community of changemakers.
Schools sometimes change prompts or add new ones, so you’ll want to double-check their admissions page when applications open in August. Some, like Tulane or UChicago, are known for creative, unusual prompts even if there’s just one required response.
In my own experience, schools with "Why Us" prompts (like Boston University or Syracuse) were quite manageable and felt authentic to write, since you can point to specific academic programs, campus culture, and activities that excite you. The trickier supplements are ones that ask unusual questions or require a story—University of Southern California sometimes has a creative supplement, though they usually ask more than one.
As you research, use resources like the Common App preview or admissions blogs to see which schools are keeping it simple. Also, check for optional essays—sometimes schools will say an essay is optional, but it’s highly recommended if you’re genuinely interested, especially for scholarships or honors programs.
My tip: If you want to maximize your reach and match schools without doubling your essay workload, filter your list by supplement count early. And if you have general themes or interests (like community engagement, an academic passion), you can often tweak a single essay to fit several "Why Us" or community-related prompts.
Let me know if you want suggestions tailored to specific regions or majors—happy to help!
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Camille Luong
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