Which colleges actually require an essay for admission?
I'm starting to make my college list and I'm trying to figure out which schools I have to write an essay for. I know a ton of places have their own requirements, but it's honestly getting overwhelming keeping track of what needs an essay and what doesn’t.
For example, are there a lot of schools that are test-optional but still want an essay? Also, if a college says the essay is 'optional,' do they really mean that, or is it better to just write one anyway? I’d really appreciate if someone could share their personal experience or drop a list or tool that helped them keep track of this while applying.
For example, are there a lot of schools that are test-optional but still want an essay? Also, if a college says the essay is 'optional,' do they really mean that, or is it better to just write one anyway? I’d really appreciate if someone could share their personal experience or drop a list or tool that helped them keep track of this while applying.
6 months ago
•
162 views
Lydia Schooler
• 6 months ago
Advisor
As a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, I know how confusing it can be to navigate essay requirements—especially since each college tends to have its own rules. Here’s a breakdown to help clarify things:
Most four-year colleges that use the Common App or Coalition App will require a personal essay for admission. This includes many state flagship universities (like University of Michigan and UNC–Chapel Hill), as well as private schools like NYU, Boston University, and Stanford. Even a lot of test-optional schools still expect an essay—test-optional usually refers only to ACT/SAT scores, not application essays.
Some large state schools, especially less selective ones or those using their own application portals, may not require essays. For example, the University of Alabama and University of Nebraska–Lincoln don’t require an essay for general admission. However, they may require essays for honors programs or scholarships. Community colleges and schools with open admissions policies almost never require essays.
When a school says the essay is “optional,” it’s almost always in your best interest to write it. Admissions officers see it as a chance for you to share more about yourself and demonstrate your interest and effort. For example, Wake Forest used to make the essay optional, but students who submitted strong essays stood out compared to those who didn’t submit one at all.
Personally, I recommend creating a spreadsheet to track each school’s requirements. You can color-code schools with “required,” “optional,” or “no essay” and use checkboxes to track progress. If that feels overwhelming, you could use the Common App’s college search tool, which flags required components for each school. Platforms like CollegeVine and BigFuture are also helpful for organizing application tasks.
Bottom line: Most selective four-year colleges require an essay, regardless of testing policy. When in doubt, check each school’s admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements—planning ahead with a list will save you time and stress.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve guided thousands of students through the application process, helping them not only track requirements but also craft essays that open doors to their dream schools. If you’d like personalized guidance to make your application process less stressful and more strategic, you can connect with me here on Sundial.
Most four-year colleges that use the Common App or Coalition App will require a personal essay for admission. This includes many state flagship universities (like University of Michigan and UNC–Chapel Hill), as well as private schools like NYU, Boston University, and Stanford. Even a lot of test-optional schools still expect an essay—test-optional usually refers only to ACT/SAT scores, not application essays.
Some large state schools, especially less selective ones or those using their own application portals, may not require essays. For example, the University of Alabama and University of Nebraska–Lincoln don’t require an essay for general admission. However, they may require essays for honors programs or scholarships. Community colleges and schools with open admissions policies almost never require essays.
When a school says the essay is “optional,” it’s almost always in your best interest to write it. Admissions officers see it as a chance for you to share more about yourself and demonstrate your interest and effort. For example, Wake Forest used to make the essay optional, but students who submitted strong essays stood out compared to those who didn’t submit one at all.
Personally, I recommend creating a spreadsheet to track each school’s requirements. You can color-code schools with “required,” “optional,” or “no essay” and use checkboxes to track progress. If that feels overwhelming, you could use the Common App’s college search tool, which flags required components for each school. Platforms like CollegeVine and BigFuture are also helpful for organizing application tasks.
Bottom line: Most selective four-year colleges require an essay, regardless of testing policy. When in doubt, check each school’s admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements—planning ahead with a list will save you time and stress.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve guided thousands of students through the application process, helping them not only track requirements but also craft essays that open doors to their dream schools. If you’d like personalized guidance to make your application process less stressful and more strategic, you can connect with me here on Sundial.
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