Which colleges require essays as part of their application?
I'm starting to build my college list for next year, and I'm a little confused about which schools actually require essays. I know that the Common App usually has a personal statement, but I'm hearing that some colleges might not need any essays? Or maybe they just have supplements instead?
If you've applied recently, could you let me know which colleges you found that didn't require any essays at all, versus ones that did? Also, are there certain types of schools (public vs private, big vs small) that are more likely to skip the essay requirement?
I want to plan how much time I’ll need for writing this fall, so any advice or lists would be greatly appreciated!
If you've applied recently, could you let me know which colleges you found that didn't require any essays at all, versus ones that did? Also, are there certain types of schools (public vs private, big vs small) that are more likely to skip the essay requirement?
I want to plan how much time I’ll need for writing this fall, so any advice or lists would be greatly appreciated!
4 months ago
•
82 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Most colleges do require at least one essay—usually the personal statement on the Common Application or Coalition Application. However, there are definitely exceptions, especially among public universities.
Large public universities are most likely to have 'no-essay' options, or very minimal writing requirements. For example, the majority of the University of California system schools (UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.) require four short essays called Personal Insight Questions, but not the traditional Common App personal statement. On the other hand, universities like Penn State, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and University of Alabama do not require any essays for regular admissions unless you’re applying to specific honors programs or scholarships. Some public flagships, like Rutgers University, University of Arizona, and University of Pittsburgh, also offer no-essay options, though sometimes an essay is 'recommended, not required.'
Community colleges almost never require essays as part of the admissions process. Large state universities tend to ask for fewer and shorter essays, while private universities—especially highly selective ones—almost always require essays and often have multiple supplemental prompts. For example, schools like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford will require several supplements in addition to the main essay.
If you want examples: When applying last year, I found that Michigan State University, University of Utah, and Iowa State University required no essays. On the other hand, even less selective private universities like University of San Francisco or Loyola Marymount had supplemental essays.
A helpful tip: start by building your list and checking each college’s admissions website for current requirements, since they can change year to year. The Common App also lets you preview essay requirements for each school you add to your list, making it easier to track. Plan for most private schools and selective public universities (including many honors colleges) to require at least one essay, often more.
If you need to manage your writing workload, aim for a balanced list: some essay-heavy schools and some with minimal or no writing. This will help you budget your application time and reduce stress as deadlines approach.
Large public universities are most likely to have 'no-essay' options, or very minimal writing requirements. For example, the majority of the University of California system schools (UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.) require four short essays called Personal Insight Questions, but not the traditional Common App personal statement. On the other hand, universities like Penn State, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and University of Alabama do not require any essays for regular admissions unless you’re applying to specific honors programs or scholarships. Some public flagships, like Rutgers University, University of Arizona, and University of Pittsburgh, also offer no-essay options, though sometimes an essay is 'recommended, not required.'
Community colleges almost never require essays as part of the admissions process. Large state universities tend to ask for fewer and shorter essays, while private universities—especially highly selective ones—almost always require essays and often have multiple supplemental prompts. For example, schools like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford will require several supplements in addition to the main essay.
If you want examples: When applying last year, I found that Michigan State University, University of Utah, and Iowa State University required no essays. On the other hand, even less selective private universities like University of San Francisco or Loyola Marymount had supplemental essays.
A helpful tip: start by building your list and checking each college’s admissions website for current requirements, since they can change year to year. The Common App also lets you preview essay requirements for each school you add to your list, making it easier to track. Plan for most private schools and selective public universities (including many honors colleges) to require at least one essay, often more.
If you need to manage your writing workload, aim for a balanced list: some essay-heavy schools and some with minimal or no writing. This will help you budget your application time and reduce stress as deadlines approach.
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Camille Luong
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