Can anyone share tips or experiences with the Connecticut College supplemental essays?

Connecticut College supplemental essays are definitely designed to help the admissions committee see both who you are as a person and how you’ll fit into their community. Their prompts often ask either why you’re interested in the college or focus on one of Conn’s values—like inclusion, creativity, or their unique Connections curriculum. It's a balance: you want to show who you are, but also demonstrate you’ve done your research and see yourself thriving at Conn specifically.

When brainstorming, start by carefully reading the prompt—notice if it leans more toward a creative story, or a clear explanation for why you’re drawn to Conn. For example, a "Why Conn" prompt isn’t just about generic school features, but rather why particular programs, campus ethos, or traditions matter to you personally. If you write about being a camp counselor, you could tie this to Conn's emphasis on leadership and community engagement. Maybe you loved mentoring younger campers; then you could talk about how Conn’s community and leadership programs (like their Holleran Center for Community Action) match your goals.

For club volleyball, go deeper than just being on a team. Think about a moment when your role really shaped who you are—a conversation where you helped a teammate through a rough patch, or when you organized a team event that improved morale. Then, look for aspects of Conn’s culture that align with these skills or values, such as close faculty relationships, student-run events, or their focus on collaboration over competition.

It's important not to just list your interests, but to build a bridge linking a specific personal story with something unique about Conn College. Admissions officers want to see that you can see yourself growing at the college and contributing in your own way.

A strong approach is to write about one memorable experience that reveals your character, then connect it to something at Connecticut College you’re truly excited about. For example, "As a camp counselor, I discovered how much I love helping my campers become more confident—at Connecticut College, I look forward to supporting my peers through the campus’s student mentoring program." This blend of personal narrative and school research will help you stand out.

If you can, get even more specific—mention unique Conn traditions, campus initiatives, or interdisciplinary programs and how they excite you based on your past experiences or interests. Being both authentic and well-informed about Conn’s opportunities will take your essay to the next level.