Does Boston College require supplemental essays for their application?

Boston College does require a supplemental essay in addition to the Common App personal statement. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, BC asks applicants to choose one prompt out of several options (historically, there are usually four or five prompts to choose from), and you’ll write a response of about 400 words.

Most of their prompts focus on your values, academic interests, community involvement, or a significant experience that shaped you. For example, previous years included questions like: “At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worth in all people and are committed to a faith that does justice. Tell us about a time you advocated for something you believe in,” or “Describe a time when you questioned a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?”

The key to writing a strong BC supplement is to choose a prompt you feel genuinely connected to. Boston College puts a big emphasis on reflection and social responsibility, so think past just what happened and dig into why it mattered and how it shaped you. For example, if you chose a community service experience, don’t just describe the work—reflect on what surprised you about yourself or others, or how it changed your perspective.

If you’re interested in one of their specific programs or majors, some of the prompts give you a chance to discuss your academic interests. This is a good place to show how you’ll take advantage of BC’s offerings (research, core curriculum, extracurriculars) in concrete ways.

I’d recommend drafting your Common App essay first, then checking Boston College’s updated supplement prompts when they’re officially posted (usually in August), since they don’t tend to change drastically but sometimes get a little tweak year to year. Planning ahead is smart; a lot of their prompts overlap with themes from other Jesuit schools, so double-dipping (with careful editing for each school’s specifics) is possible.

In summary: Yes, there is one required supplemental essay for Boston College in addition to your main essay. Check the official BC admissions website in late summer for the newest prompts. Choose a topic that matters to you personally, especially one that lets you reflect on growth, values, or a moment of change. Good luck getting a head start—this will definitely pay off in the fall!