What should I include in my Schreyer Honors College supplemental essays?

Schreyer Honors College at Penn State is known for its uniquely challenging and thoughtful supplemental essay prompts. They are looking for students who are intellectually curious, reflective, and eager to contribute to an academic community that values creativity as well as scholarship. When crafting your essays, the most important thing is to authentically represent your own interests, beliefs, and personal journey.

Consider focusing on a mix of academic and personal topics, but only if you can add depth and originality to the discussion. For example, if you write about an academic challenge, steer away from a generic story about struggling in calculus. Instead, maybe describe a particular moment when you questioned a commonly held idea in a class discussion and how digging deeper led you to develop a new perspective or even a mini-project outside of school. Schreyer loves seeing how you think—so emphasize your problem-solving process and personal insight as much as the outcome.

On prompts about values or ethical dilemmas, don't shy away from complexity. Be honest about internal conflict or moments when your beliefs were tested, even if recounting it is uncomfortable. Maybe you were part of a group project where one member wasn't contributing, and you had to balance fairness, empathy, and group success. Detailing your thought process and how you navigated ambiguity will make your writing stand out.

For prompts related to Penn State or the Schreyer community, try to be specific. Instead of listing programs, discuss an aspect of their curriculum or a research opportunity that truly connects with your goals. For example, if you’re fascinated by sustainability, you could mention Penn State’s research in energy policy and how you hope to collaborate on an environmental initiative.

The best Schreyer essays are written with vulnerability and precision. Take risks with your ideas—show the admissions committee not just what you’ve done, but how you think about the world. If you have an unusual passion (maybe building mechanical keyboards or translating poetry), consider weaving that into your narrative rather than defaulting to a broad academic topic.

Finally, don’t stress about finding the ‘perfect’ story. Focus on authenticity, specificity, and clarity, and you’ll make a strong case for yourself. Good luck—you’re already ahead by thinking carefully about this process!