What tips do you have for writing Boston College's supplemental essays?
I'm working on my Boston College application and I have no idea what direction to take for their supplemental essay prompts. There are a few different options and I'm stuck choosing which one will help me stand out. I want to make sure my essays really reflect who I am, but I also feel like I'm overthinking every word and it's stressing me out.
If anyone who has applied to BC before or knows what the admissions committee is looking for can share some insight, I would really appreciate it. Is there a specific format or style that they prefer? Should I be focusing more on my academic interests or is it okay to talk about personal growth and experiences outside of school? Advice or examples would be amazing!
I'm mostly interested in tips on how to make my responses authentic and compelling without sounding cliché.
If anyone who has applied to BC before or knows what the admissions committee is looking for can share some insight, I would really appreciate it. Is there a specific format or style that they prefer? Should I be focusing more on my academic interests or is it okay to talk about personal growth and experiences outside of school? Advice or examples would be amazing!
I'm mostly interested in tips on how to make my responses authentic and compelling without sounding cliché.
6 months ago
•
67 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Boston College’s supplemental essay is your chance to show the admissions team how you’ll contribute to the BC community beyond just your grades and resume. The school offers different prompts covering topics like intellectual interests, personal faith, social justice, moments of growth, or anything that’s shaped you deeply. The best way to choose a prompt is to spend a few minutes jotting quick notes about stories or values that matter to you, then see which prompt lets you dig into one of those in compelling detail.
There’s no strict format or style you have to follow, but BC essays work best when they’re personal and reflective. Try to focus on a specific moment or challenge rather than broad summaries. For example, instead of writing about how volunteering taught you to serve others, write about a single day when you had a conversation that changed your perspective, and what you learned from it. Specific stories make your voice stand out much more than abstract statements.
It’s great to touch on your academic interests, but BC cares a lot about character, compassion, and growth. Essays that explore your values—whether you talk about discovering your love for theology in a philosophy class or the way you found community working with your church’s food bank—do well. Just make sure the connection is clear between the experience and how you see yourself thriving at BC.
One major way to avoid clichés is by zooming in on a unique sensory detail, a surprising moment, or an honest conflict. For example, instead of the classic sports injury story, you could describe the moment you realized you loved being a mentor while you were sidelined, or how faith helped you get through a setback.
If you find yourself overthinking, start with an open brainstorm and free-write your thoughts, then look for the parts that feel most personal and real. You can always polish later. Ultimately, BC wants to get to know you, so lean into honesty and vulnerability over perfection.
There’s no strict format or style you have to follow, but BC essays work best when they’re personal and reflective. Try to focus on a specific moment or challenge rather than broad summaries. For example, instead of writing about how volunteering taught you to serve others, write about a single day when you had a conversation that changed your perspective, and what you learned from it. Specific stories make your voice stand out much more than abstract statements.
It’s great to touch on your academic interests, but BC cares a lot about character, compassion, and growth. Essays that explore your values—whether you talk about discovering your love for theology in a philosophy class or the way you found community working with your church’s food bank—do well. Just make sure the connection is clear between the experience and how you see yourself thriving at BC.
One major way to avoid clichés is by zooming in on a unique sensory detail, a surprising moment, or an honest conflict. For example, instead of the classic sports injury story, you could describe the moment you realized you loved being a mentor while you were sidelined, or how faith helped you get through a setback.
If you find yourself overthinking, start with an open brainstorm and free-write your thoughts, then look for the parts that feel most personal and real. You can always polish later. Ultimately, BC wants to get to know you, so lean into honesty and vulnerability over perfection.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years