How should I approach the Connecticut College supplemental essay?

I’m a Yale graduate and college admissions advisor with over 8 years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I’ve worked with students applying to Connecticut College and can share how to approach their supplemental essay so it feels authentic, specific, and tailored to what Conn values.

Connecticut College’s supplemental essay often asks you to reflect on what draws you to their campus and community, and strong responses show how your interests align with the College’s values and opportunities. A good approach is to find the intersection between your academic interests, personal values, and specific aspects of Conn that genuinely excite you.

Start by researching what makes Conn unique — programs like Connections (their interdisciplinary curriculum), the honor code, residential houses, or their commitment to social justice and global perspectives. Then, picture yourself engaging with those opportunities and think about how they connect to your goals.

When it comes to content, balance is key. Academic interests matter — highlight a major, interdisciplinary area, or program that excites you — but connect it to campus culture or personal values. For example, you might write about how Conn’s student-driven honor code aligns with your own sense of responsibility, or how a particular club or initiative matches your passion for sustainability or equity.

Be authentic and specific in style. It’s far more engaging to tell a short story or share a vivid example than to list generic compliments. Instead of saying you like small classes, describe a moment in high school when a seminar-style discussion deepened your perspective — and how you crave more of that environment at Conn.

For instance, one student I worked with described their interest in environmental studies and tied it to the Arboretum and student-led sustainability groups on campus. They outlined a specific project they’d love to launch and connected it to their high school experiences, making the essay feel both personal and tailored.

While the supplemental essay is shorter and not as heavily weighted as the Common App personal statement, it still matters — especially for differentiating between applicants with similar academic profiles. It helps the admissions team see who will take full advantage of what Conn offers and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Spend time reflecting on what excites you most about Conn, then choose a story or example that ties your values, goals, and the College together. Aim to show — not just tell — how you’ll bring your energy, perspective, and initiative to campus.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve helped thousands of students craft essays and applications that stand out at the most selective schools, including the Ivy League and Stanford. To give each student the highest level of attention, I keep my caseload small — booking early guarantees a place. I’m currently offering free consultations for new Sundial families where we’ll review your goals, brainstorm essay ideas, and outline a clear application strategy. You can book directly through my profile.

I know this process can feel overwhelming at times, but you are fully capable of navigating it successfully. I’m always here to help guide you through it.