Which colleges have short or easy supplemental essays?
I'm starting my college list, and I'm a little stressed seeing how many schools have really long or complicated supplementals. I was hoping some people on here could share which colleges have shorter supplemental essays (like 150 words or less per prompt) or maybe only one easy prompt to answer.
I want to focus more of my time on my main Common App essay, so I'm looking for schools where the supplementals won't take days to write. Does anyone know specific colleges where the questions are super short or optional? I’m considering both public and private schools and mostly looking for options in the Northeast and Midwest, but open to others too.
If you have any recent experiences with this year’s applications, please drop examples of the supplemental prompts! That would help a lot with planning.
I want to focus more of my time on my main Common App essay, so I'm looking for schools where the supplementals won't take days to write. Does anyone know specific colleges where the questions are super short or optional? I’m considering both public and private schools and mostly looking for options in the Northeast and Midwest, but open to others too.
If you have any recent experiences with this year’s applications, please drop examples of the supplemental prompts! That would help a lot with planning.
5 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
You’re definitely not alone in stressing about supplemental essays—they can sometimes take as much (or more) time than the Common App essay! Luckily, plenty of schools keep their supplementals short or even optional.
In the Northeast and Midwest, here are some schools known for brief or easy supplemental essays based on recent years:
1. Northeastern University: They tend to have only one required supplemental prompt, often about why you want to attend. For 2023-2024, it was just 250 words maximum.
2. Boston University: For many applicants, BU has only a straightforward 'Why BU?' essay capped at 250 words. This can be quick to complete if you do a little research into specific programs or traditions that interest you.
3. University of Pittsburgh: The Pitt application doesn’t even require a supplemental essay unless you want to be considered for scholarships or honors programs. Even then, the prompts are usually optional and brief.
4. Case Western Reserve University: They recently changed their required essays to a single 250-word 'Why Us?' prompt, which is pretty manageable compared to other private research universities.
5. Indiana University Bloomington: Doesn’t require any supplemental essays for general admission—just your main Common App/Coalition essay!
6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: Only requires a 150-word response, typically about why you chose your major or your interest in the university.
Other honorable mentions with minimal or no supplementals:
- University of Vermont (single, optional prompt)
- DePaul University (no supplement required for regular undergraduate applicants)
- Drexel University (usually just one short essay or none at all for certain majors)
Be aware that some top schools, even if they have only one supplemental, expect a lot of depth (for example, Dartmouth’s famous 100-word essays). Always double-check the college website or Common App for this year’s official requirements, since prompts can change from year to year.
One more tip: state schools in general often require less writing for the main application. As you plan your list, try using a spreadsheet or a free tracker to keep tabs on how many words or essays each school asks for—it can make your fall semester way more manageable.
If you need help brainstorming quick ways to tackle the 'Why Us?' type supplement in under 150 words, try focusing on one distinctive program, tradition, or value at the school and tie it to your own interests. For example: “As someone passionate about climate action, I’m excited by Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning and connections with Boston nonprofits.”
Hopefully this helps cut your essay stress at least a little. Good luck building your list!
In the Northeast and Midwest, here are some schools known for brief or easy supplemental essays based on recent years:
1. Northeastern University: They tend to have only one required supplemental prompt, often about why you want to attend. For 2023-2024, it was just 250 words maximum.
2. Boston University: For many applicants, BU has only a straightforward 'Why BU?' essay capped at 250 words. This can be quick to complete if you do a little research into specific programs or traditions that interest you.
3. University of Pittsburgh: The Pitt application doesn’t even require a supplemental essay unless you want to be considered for scholarships or honors programs. Even then, the prompts are usually optional and brief.
4. Case Western Reserve University: They recently changed their required essays to a single 250-word 'Why Us?' prompt, which is pretty manageable compared to other private research universities.
5. Indiana University Bloomington: Doesn’t require any supplemental essays for general admission—just your main Common App/Coalition essay!
6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: Only requires a 150-word response, typically about why you chose your major or your interest in the university.
Other honorable mentions with minimal or no supplementals:
- University of Vermont (single, optional prompt)
- DePaul University (no supplement required for regular undergraduate applicants)
- Drexel University (usually just one short essay or none at all for certain majors)
Be aware that some top schools, even if they have only one supplemental, expect a lot of depth (for example, Dartmouth’s famous 100-word essays). Always double-check the college website or Common App for this year’s official requirements, since prompts can change from year to year.
One more tip: state schools in general often require less writing for the main application. As you plan your list, try using a spreadsheet or a free tracker to keep tabs on how many words or essays each school asks for—it can make your fall semester way more manageable.
If you need help brainstorming quick ways to tackle the 'Why Us?' type supplement in under 150 words, try focusing on one distinctive program, tradition, or value at the school and tie it to your own interests. For example: “As someone passionate about climate action, I’m excited by Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning and connections with Boston nonprofits.”
Hopefully this helps cut your essay stress at least a little. Good luck building your list!
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