Which colleges don't require essays for the 2023 application cycle?
I'm starting to research schools for my college applications and I honestly feel super overwhelmed by the number of essays I'd have to write. I know there are some colleges that don't require essays either for their main application or at least don't have supplements, especially for the 2023 admission cycle.
Does anyone have a current list of schools where you don't need to submit any essays at all? Are there any notable or popular universities that have gone test-optional and essay-optional lately? I'm not against writing essays, but if there are decent options that let you skip them (maybe with the Common App or Coalition), that would seriously help my stress levels. Any info is appreciated, especially if someone is applying this year and knows how it works!
Does anyone have a current list of schools where you don't need to submit any essays at all? Are there any notable or popular universities that have gone test-optional and essay-optional lately? I'm not against writing essays, but if there are decent options that let you skip them (maybe with the Common App or Coalition), that would seriously help my stress levels. Any info is appreciated, especially if someone is applying this year and knows how it works!
6 months ago
•
90 views
Lydia Schooler
• 6 months ago
Advisor
You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the number of essays required for college applications. While most selective universities require at least a personal statement or supplements, there are definitely some well-known colleges and universities with either no essay requirement or optional essays for the 2023 cycle.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Many state universities don’t require essays for general admission, especially if you apply through their main application portal. Examples include:
- University of Alabama
- University of Arizona
- University of Arkansas
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- University of Houston
2. A group of popular schools participate in rolling admissions and do not require an essay—at least for general admission. For example, Iowa State and Kansas State generally do not require essays as part of their applications.
3. Some private colleges known for being essay-optional include Drexel University (for some programs), and DePaul University. However, certain programs or honors colleges within these universities may still require essays.
4. Test-optional is a different consideration from essay-optional, but a lot of test-optional schools have still kept essays. Notable exceptions for the 2023 cycle:
- Indiana University Bloomington: For general admission, no essay is required on the Common App (unless you apply to the honors programs).
- James Madison University: No longer requires essays for the main application.
5. Community colleges and some less selective four-year colleges typically have very minimal or no essay requirements.
For example, if you applied to University of Alabama, you’d just need to fill out the online application and submit your test scores (test optional through Fall 2023), without any essays. Another example is University of Arizona, which has a simple application process with no essays required.
One PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a full list, the Common App actually has a search filter for 'No personal essay required.' You can select this when searching for schools, though be sure to double-check each school’s website since requirements can change from year to year.
If you want to cast a wide net but keep essays to a minimum, it’s smart to mix target and safety schools and balance a few applications with required essays. But you’re right, there are multiple legitimate options where you can skip essays! Just be sure to double-check each school before you apply, as requirements can change even within a single cycle.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Many state universities don’t require essays for general admission, especially if you apply through their main application portal. Examples include:
- University of Alabama
- University of Arizona
- University of Arkansas
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- University of Houston
2. A group of popular schools participate in rolling admissions and do not require an essay—at least for general admission. For example, Iowa State and Kansas State generally do not require essays as part of their applications.
3. Some private colleges known for being essay-optional include Drexel University (for some programs), and DePaul University. However, certain programs or honors colleges within these universities may still require essays.
4. Test-optional is a different consideration from essay-optional, but a lot of test-optional schools have still kept essays. Notable exceptions for the 2023 cycle:
- Indiana University Bloomington: For general admission, no essay is required on the Common App (unless you apply to the honors programs).
- James Madison University: No longer requires essays for the main application.
5. Community colleges and some less selective four-year colleges typically have very minimal or no essay requirements.
For example, if you applied to University of Alabama, you’d just need to fill out the online application and submit your test scores (test optional through Fall 2023), without any essays. Another example is University of Arizona, which has a simple application process with no essays required.
One PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a full list, the Common App actually has a search filter for 'No personal essay required.' You can select this when searching for schools, though be sure to double-check each school’s website since requirements can change from year to year.
If you want to cast a wide net but keep essays to a minimum, it’s smart to mix target and safety schools and balance a few applications with required essays. But you’re right, there are multiple legitimate options where you can skip essays! Just be sure to double-check each school before you apply, as requirements can change even within a single cycle.
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