Supplemental essays are school-specific essays required in addition to the Common App personal statement. Most selective schools require 1–5 supplements. Here's how to approach each type.
The 'Why This School?' Essay
The most important supplement — and the easiest to get wrong. Must be specific to each school. Mention particular programs, professors, courses, research opportunities, or campus traditions that genuinely excite you. Avoid generic phrases. Each essay should be unique and non-transferable to any other school.
The 'Why This Major?' Essay
Tell the story of how you became interested in your intended major. Be specific — trace it to an experience, book, conversation, or moment that sparked genuine curiosity. Connect to how the school's specific resources (professors, programs, research labs) align with your goals.
The 'Community/Diversity' Essay
Many schools ask how you'll contribute to their community or what perspective you bring. This is an invitation to describe something about your background, identity, or experience that shapes how you engage with the world. Be specific and concrete — not aspirational platitudes.
Short-Answer Prompts
Schools like MIT, UChicago, and Princeton have short-answer prompts asking about books, activities, or unusual questions. Take these seriously — they're an opportunity to show intellectual personality and genuine curiosity. A thoughtful answer to 'What website do you spend time on?' or 'What book would you recommend to your roommate?' can be more revealing than a formal essay.
General Best Practices
Start supplemental writing in September or October of senior year. Work on highest-priority schools first. Never recycle 'Why Us?' essays verbatim between schools. Keep all essays in a labeled document so you never send the wrong school's essay to the wrong place.