What are Supplemental College Essays and how to write them?
By: Chris Jones
24/7 College Admissions Specialist
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What are Supplemental College Essays and how to write them?
Supplemental college essays are additional pieces of writing that colleges may require or recommend as part of your application. These essays give you the opportunity to provide additional context about your interests, experiences, and goals and to explain why you are a good fit for the college.
Here are some tips for writing supplemental college essays:
Read the prompt carefully: Make sure you understand what the college is asking you to write about. Look for keywords and phrases that can help you focus your essay.
Start with a plan: Before you start writing, brainstorm ideas and make an outline of what you want to include in your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and make sure you stay on topic.
Be specific: Avoid vague or general statements and instead provide concrete examples and details. This will help your essay stand out and be more memorable.
Show, don't tell: Instead of just listing your achievements or describing your personality, use specific anecdotes and experiences to illustrate your points. This will make your essay more engaging and believable.
Edit and revise: Before you submit your essay, be sure to proofread for spelling and grammar errors and to make sure your essay is clear and well-written. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to read over your essay and give you feedback.
Follow the guidelines: Make sure you follow the college's guidelines for the essay, including length, formatting, and deadline
Follow the IVUA rule (Impactful, Vulnerable, Unique, Authentic): Make sure your essay is authentic, impactful for the reader, and shows vulnerability. The most famous entertainers and historical figures were revered because of their ability to connect with their audience through impact, vulnerability, uniqueness, and authenticity.
Here are some potential prompts for a supplemental college essay:
Describe a time when you faced a challenge or obstacle and how you overcame it.
Discuss a person who has had a significant influence on you and how they have shaped your life.
Describe a time when you took a risk or did something outside of your comfort zone.
Share an experience that has helped you to better understand and appreciate diversity.
Discuss a book, film, or piece of art that has had a significant impact on you and why.
Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership or worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Discuss a subject or idea you are passionate about and how you have pursued this interest.
Share a personal accomplishment that you are particularly proud of and why.
Describe a time when you faced a difficult ethical dilemma and how you navigated the situation.
Share a personal experience that has shaped your values or perspective on life.
Remember to tailor your essay to the specific requirements and goals of the college you are applying to and to focus on demonstrating your unique qualities and experiences. It's also important, to be honest, and authentic in your writing, and to avoid trying to impress the admissions committee with overly formal or grandiose language.
Writing supplemental college essays can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and they can be a great way to showcase your personality and goals to the college. Good luck!
We hope this information is helpful! If you are ready to start writing excellent college essays or just beginning the college application process and are unsure where to start, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists. Learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan.