How do you approach writing the Harvard supplemental essays?
I’m starting to look at the Harvard supplemental essays, and I’m kind of overwhelmed. There’s the main optional essay, but it seems like you can basically write about anything? I’m not sure if I should play it safe and talk about an academic interest, or use it to share a part of myself that isn’t obvious from the rest of my application.
For those who have gone through this or are applying this year too, how did you decide what topic to choose? If anyone feels comfortable sharing, what kinds of things did you write about, and did you stick strictly to academics or go more personal? Also, any advice about structure or tone? I really want to make an impression, but not come off as trying too hard.
Would really appreciate any tips or examples!
For those who have gone through this or are applying this year too, how did you decide what topic to choose? If anyone feels comfortable sharing, what kinds of things did you write about, and did you stick strictly to academics or go more personal? Also, any advice about structure or tone? I really want to make an impression, but not come off as trying too hard.
Would really appreciate any tips or examples!
3 weeks ago
•
7 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
The Harvard supplemental essay is famous for being open-ended, which can make it both exciting and intimidating. Since you have so much freedom, the best approach is to use this space to highlight something meaningful that isn’t fully captured elsewhere in your application.
Before picking a topic, think about your whole application. What do your transcript, activities, and letters already reveal about you? The essay is your chance to fill in what’s missing or give context to your experiences. For example, if your application already shows that you’re academically driven, consider writing about something more personal or an aspect of your identity that’s important to you. If there’s a story or quality that truly shaped who you are—maybe a challenge you faced, a curiosity you pursued, or a hobby that doesn’t scream ‘Harvard’ at first glance—this is the place to unpack it.
The essay shouldn’t be a summary of your résumé or an academic paper. Harvard wants to see your authentic voice and your ability to reflect thoughtfully about yourself and the world. Most students go for a narrative structure (telling a story or description), which helps keep the essay engaging. It could open with a small anecdote—like cooking with your grandmother or organizing a neighborhood clean-up—that leads into a broader reflection about community, resilience, or perspective. For example, one applicant wrote about their love for crossword puzzles and tied it into how solving puzzles reflects their approach to life: tackling big challenges by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts.
Regarding tone, aim for honest and self-aware rather than trying to sound impressive. Harvard will notice genuine passion more than perfection. If you're debating between an academic topic and something more personal, ask yourself which will hold a reader’s attention—if you’re excited to write about it, it will probably make for a better essay.
As far as structure: try to avoid dense essays with no clear flow or point. Brevity can be your friend, even though the prompt allows up to 650 words. Edit for clarity, include specific details, and finish with a takeaway or insight.
If you’re comfortable, you might ask a teacher or friend if the essay ‘sounds like you.’ Sometimes others can spot if you are being too formal or if your personality isn’t shining through. Ultimately, the essay should help the admissions reader picture you as a unique individual, not just a list of achievements.
Remember: there’s no perfect topic, and almost anything can work if it shows depth and personality. Trust your instincts, and strive for a draft that tells Harvard something only you could say.
Before picking a topic, think about your whole application. What do your transcript, activities, and letters already reveal about you? The essay is your chance to fill in what’s missing or give context to your experiences. For example, if your application already shows that you’re academically driven, consider writing about something more personal or an aspect of your identity that’s important to you. If there’s a story or quality that truly shaped who you are—maybe a challenge you faced, a curiosity you pursued, or a hobby that doesn’t scream ‘Harvard’ at first glance—this is the place to unpack it.
The essay shouldn’t be a summary of your résumé or an academic paper. Harvard wants to see your authentic voice and your ability to reflect thoughtfully about yourself and the world. Most students go for a narrative structure (telling a story or description), which helps keep the essay engaging. It could open with a small anecdote—like cooking with your grandmother or organizing a neighborhood clean-up—that leads into a broader reflection about community, resilience, or perspective. For example, one applicant wrote about their love for crossword puzzles and tied it into how solving puzzles reflects their approach to life: tackling big challenges by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts.
Regarding tone, aim for honest and self-aware rather than trying to sound impressive. Harvard will notice genuine passion more than perfection. If you're debating between an academic topic and something more personal, ask yourself which will hold a reader’s attention—if you’re excited to write about it, it will probably make for a better essay.
As far as structure: try to avoid dense essays with no clear flow or point. Brevity can be your friend, even though the prompt allows up to 650 words. Edit for clarity, include specific details, and finish with a takeaway or insight.
If you’re comfortable, you might ask a teacher or friend if the essay ‘sounds like you.’ Sometimes others can spot if you are being too formal or if your personality isn’t shining through. Ultimately, the essay should help the admissions reader picture you as a unique individual, not just a list of achievements.
Remember: there’s no perfect topic, and almost anything can work if it shows depth and personality. Trust your instincts, and strive for a draft that tells Harvard something only you could say.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years