Which colleges aren't requiring supplemental essays for the 2024-25 admissions cycle?

You’re definitely not alone in wanting to avoid extra essays—supplements can really pile up and quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re applying to a lot of schools. The good news is that several reputable colleges keep things simpler and either have no supplemental essays or keep them completely optional for the 2024-25 cycle.

Here’s an up-to-date list to check out for this cycle:

- Northeastern University (Boston): No required supplemental essays. The application just includes the main Common App or Coalition essay.

- University of Pittsburgh: No supplemental essays required for the main application; students are considered for admission with just the personal statement.

- Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ): The personal statement is optional, and there are no required school-specific supplements.

- University of Iowa: Only the main essay, no required school-specific supplement.

- University of Minnesota – Twin Cities: As of this cycle, no required supplemental essays.

- DePaul University (Chicago): No required supplementary essays.

Some colleges rotate in and out of requiring supplements, so always double-check each school’s admissions page in case policies change late in the cycle.

One tip: even when schools have “optional” writing, it may still give you an edge to submit something thoughtful. But if you’re tight on time, focusing on these schools can help you keep your workload manageable. Good luck finding the right balance for your list!