What are some good colleges that don’t require essays for admission?
I'm starting to put together my college list and while I don't mind writing to some extent, I’d really prefer to apply to a few schools that don’t require any essays at all. Are there any well-regarded colleges or universities out there that are test-optional AND don’t make you write personal statements or supplemental essays?
If anyone has personal experience or knows specific schools that fit this description, I’d love to hear about them. Any tips for finding these types of colleges or making applications less writing-heavy would also be awesome. I just want to be sure I have a balance on my list because I know how much time essays can take, especially during senior year when everything gets super busy.
Do any of you regret skipping essay schools or did it work out for you?
If anyone has personal experience or knows specific schools that fit this description, I’d love to hear about them. Any tips for finding these types of colleges or making applications less writing-heavy would also be awesome. I just want to be sure I have a balance on my list because I know how much time essays can take, especially during senior year when everything gets super busy.
Do any of you regret skipping essay schools or did it work out for you?
4 days ago
•
4 views
Lydia Schooler
• 4 days ago
Advisor
You're definitely not alone in wanting some no-essay schools on your college list. Applications can pile up quickly with essays, and balancing them with other responsibilities makes the process much tougher. The good news is there are several well-regarded colleges, especially public universities and some private colleges, that don’t require essays—some are also test-optional!
For example, many state schools like University of Alabama, University of Arizona, and University of Nebraska–Lincoln do not require essays for their general applications. Schools like Indiana University Bloomington and University of Iowa are also popular choices that often don’t require essays, especially if you’re applying directly to the university rather than special programs or honors colleges. Texas Tech and Ole Miss are two more that fit the bill.
As for private schools, some like Drexel University and DePaul University have essay-optional applications, depending on the application portal you choose (sometimes their own application versus the Common App). Look closely at each college’s admission site—some Common App schools will waive essays for students who meet certain GPA or test criteria.
When searching for these schools, use sites like the Common App filter (which lets you sort by writing requirements), look at college websites for freshman application instructions, and Google lists such as 'colleges that don’t require essays for application.' Beware that if you’re interested in honors programs, scholarships, or specific majors, those might have extra writing requirements, even when the main application doesn't.
Balancing your list with some essay-free schools can make senior year smoother. I know students who enjoyed the process more and had a better safety net because they could submit a few quality no-essay applications when deadlines were near. No one I know has regretted including them, especially since many of these universities have strong academics and lively campuses.
Just remember, even if a school doesn’t require essays, presenting a solid resume and showing academic fit is still super important for your application. Good luck putting your list together!
For example, many state schools like University of Alabama, University of Arizona, and University of Nebraska–Lincoln do not require essays for their general applications. Schools like Indiana University Bloomington and University of Iowa are also popular choices that often don’t require essays, especially if you’re applying directly to the university rather than special programs or honors colleges. Texas Tech and Ole Miss are two more that fit the bill.
As for private schools, some like Drexel University and DePaul University have essay-optional applications, depending on the application portal you choose (sometimes their own application versus the Common App). Look closely at each college’s admission site—some Common App schools will waive essays for students who meet certain GPA or test criteria.
When searching for these schools, use sites like the Common App filter (which lets you sort by writing requirements), look at college websites for freshman application instructions, and Google lists such as 'colleges that don’t require essays for application.' Beware that if you’re interested in honors programs, scholarships, or specific majors, those might have extra writing requirements, even when the main application doesn't.
Balancing your list with some essay-free schools can make senior year smoother. I know students who enjoyed the process more and had a better safety net because they could submit a few quality no-essay applications when deadlines were near. No one I know has regretted including them, especially since many of these universities have strong academics and lively campuses.
Just remember, even if a school doesn’t require essays, presenting a solid resume and showing academic fit is still super important for your application. Good luck putting your list together!