How should I approach the Amherst College supplemental essays this year?

Amherst’s supplemental essays are unique because they let you choose one out of several prompts, including analyzing a quote or submitting a graded paper. The key is to pick the option that lets you be the most authentic and shows off your intellectual curiosity or personal voice.

First, read through each prompt and reflect on what stories or perspectives you could share for each—don’t just pick the one that feels the easiest. For example, the option that asks you to respond to a quote tends to attract strong, original thinkers who can connect a text to their own experiences. If you’re good at making personal insights and weaving in your interests, tackling this quote-based prompt can help you stand out. On the other hand, if you have a written work from school that genuinely reflects your writing style and analytical ability, submitting that might be a low-stress way to show your strengths.

When it comes to personal challenges, Amherst isn’t looking for dramatic or overblown stories, but they do value sincerity and depth. Instead of focusing on the hardship itself, zero in on a specific moment or turning point—maybe an instance where your assumptions were challenged, or you made a choice that changed your perspective. For example, if you struggled with self-doubt after moving to a new school, focus on a singular event that sparked your growth or pushed you to get involved in a unique way. Avoid retelling your entire journey; instead, highlight the insight you gained and how it shapes your actions today.

Amherst appreciates creativity, but it’s less about flashy writing and more about original thinking. If you can find a fresh angle or show how you think differently, that’s a plus. For instance, one student wrote about learning empathy through translating comic books for their younger sibling, relating it back to the prompt about the "use and abuse of language." It was creative, but also rooted in real, meaningful experience.

Ultimately, pick the prompt that lets you answer authentically. Trust that a straightforward, honest answer—one that gets specific and goes deep, even about everyday things—will resonate more than something dramatic or overly polished. Run your drafts by a trusted reader to make sure the voice sounds like you. If you’re moved by a personal challenge prompt, just be sure you’re adding introspection and showing how it reveals your values or growth, not just telling a story.

Good luck with your application!