How do I write a strong Connecticut College supplemental essay?
I'm starting to work on my supplemental essays and I'm stuck on the one for Connecticut College. Their main prompt is asking why you want to be part of their community and how you see yourself contributing. I really like Conn's focus on interdisciplinary studies, but I'm not sure how to make my answer stand out and not sound generic.
If anyone who's gotten in or has experience with their supplement could share what you wrote about or how you approached it, that would be really helpful. Did you focus more on academics, or did you bring in personal experiences? I'm passionate about environmental science, and I'm thinking about connecting that to some of their programs, but I'm worried it might be too common. Any advice for making it unique would be awesome!
Also, do you need to mention specific classes or professors, or is that not that important for Conn?
If anyone who's gotten in or has experience with their supplement could share what you wrote about or how you approached it, that would be really helpful. Did you focus more on academics, or did you bring in personal experiences? I'm passionate about environmental science, and I'm thinking about connecting that to some of their programs, but I'm worried it might be too common. Any advice for making it unique would be awesome!
Also, do you need to mention specific classes or professors, or is that not that important for Conn?
2 weeks ago
•
10 views
Lydia Schooler
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
When approaching Connecticut College’s supplemental essay about joining and contributing to their community, the key is to strike a balance between showing what excites you about Conn specifically, and what you would add that’s uniquely you. It’s true that topics like interdisciplinary studies and environmental science are popular, but you can make your response stand out by rooting your essay in a personal story or a specific passion.
Instead of leading with broad statements like “I want to study environmental science at Conn because they have great programs,” try sharing a particular moment or realization that shaped your passion. For instance, tell a story about when you organized a cleanup at a local lake, and how that experience made you realize the importance of connecting science with community action. Then, link this to something concrete at Conn: maybe the Goodwin-Niering Center’s community projects, the arboretum, or collaboration with professors on campus sustainability.
Another way to give your essay a personal touch is to show how your interests go beyond academics. Maybe you’re obsessed with reducing single-use plastics, and you love the idea of working with the Sprout Garden or joining an environmental student group. Or perhaps you bring a creative angle: you want to use art or writing to raise awareness about environmental issues, and you’re excited by Conn’s focus on blending disciplines.
Specificity matters more than just listing classes or professors, though dropping one or two well-researched academic opportunities (a course, research project, or professor’s work) can show you’ve done your homework. But don’t just name-drop; explain why that course, program, or professor matters to you, based on your goals or past experiences.
For example: “After creating a community composting initiative in my town, I’m eager to join Conn’s Office of Sustainability and learn how campus-wide projects operate. The chance to work with Professor Armstrong on local climate policy research excites me, as I want to combine hands-on experience with policy skills.”
Most of all, be specific about what you will contribute: don’t just say “I want to get involved,” but describe a project, quality, or perspective you’ll bring. Maybe you’ll start a monthly eco-film screening, or use your bilingual skills to reach more people in sustainability efforts.
Finally, keep the focus on authentic, personal connections. The more your essay feels like it could only be written by you, the more memorable it’ll be for the reader.
Instead of leading with broad statements like “I want to study environmental science at Conn because they have great programs,” try sharing a particular moment or realization that shaped your passion. For instance, tell a story about when you organized a cleanup at a local lake, and how that experience made you realize the importance of connecting science with community action. Then, link this to something concrete at Conn: maybe the Goodwin-Niering Center’s community projects, the arboretum, or collaboration with professors on campus sustainability.
Another way to give your essay a personal touch is to show how your interests go beyond academics. Maybe you’re obsessed with reducing single-use plastics, and you love the idea of working with the Sprout Garden or joining an environmental student group. Or perhaps you bring a creative angle: you want to use art or writing to raise awareness about environmental issues, and you’re excited by Conn’s focus on blending disciplines.
Specificity matters more than just listing classes or professors, though dropping one or two well-researched academic opportunities (a course, research project, or professor’s work) can show you’ve done your homework. But don’t just name-drop; explain why that course, program, or professor matters to you, based on your goals or past experiences.
For example: “After creating a community composting initiative in my town, I’m eager to join Conn’s Office of Sustainability and learn how campus-wide projects operate. The chance to work with Professor Armstrong on local climate policy research excites me, as I want to combine hands-on experience with policy skills.”
Most of all, be specific about what you will contribute: don’t just say “I want to get involved,” but describe a project, quality, or perspective you’ll bring. Maybe you’ll start a monthly eco-film screening, or use your bilingual skills to reach more people in sustainability efforts.
Finally, keep the focus on authentic, personal connections. The more your essay feels like it could only be written by you, the more memorable it’ll be for the reader.