What exactly is a supplemental essay for college apps?

A supplemental essay is an additional short essay that many colleges require beyond your main Common App or personal statement essay. While the main essay offers a general story about who you are as a person, supplemental essays are tailored specifically to each school and usually answer a prompt that reflects what the college wants to know about its applicants.

For example, one classic supplemental prompt is "Why do you want to attend our college?" Another might ask about a community you belong to, an academic interest, or how you'd contribute to campus life. Usually, supplementals are shorter (often 100-400 words), but some can be longer or have more creative formats—think lists, short answer questions, or even multimedia responses at some schools.

Colleges ask for these essays to see how you fit with their particular values, programs, or culture. This helps them decide not just whether you’re a great student in general, but whether you’d thrive at their specific campus. For example, Brown might want to know how you’ll use their Open Curriculum, while a Jesuit university might ask about service to others or reflection on personal values.

You generally don’t just choose randomly from prompts. When you apply to each college, your application portal (like the Common App) will show you the required supplementals for that school. Some colleges require multiple supplements; others, just one or none.

To keep track of all these essays, make a spreadsheet or checklist with columns for each school and rows for every supplemental prompt required. Note the word count limits and deadlines. For example, if Boston College and Villanova both ask about your interest in their mission, you might be able to adapt your response to save time but should still tailor details specifically to each school.

One practical tip: start early and don't underestimate the supplements, even if they're short. They’re crucial! Make sure each essay truly answers the prompt and is specific to the college. A generic response won’t stand out. And don’t hesitate to ask a counselor, teacher, or trusted person to help you brainstorm or review your essays as you go.

Let yourself see the supplements as mini-opportunities to shine. Each one is another chance to reveal a different side of who you are to admissions committees.