How to Write the UC Essays

Quick answer: Here is how to write the UC essays: answer four of eight Personal Insight Questions, each capped at 350 words, choosing prompts that show new sides of you. All eight count equally. You apply through the UC application, not the Common App, and fall 2027 filing runs October 1 to November 30, 2026. […]
How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Yale supplemental essays for 2026-27 ask you to pick up to three academic areas, write a 200-word response on a topic that excites you, answer three short takes of 200 characters each, and write one 400-word essay chosen from three options. [1] There is no longer a Why Yale essay. Yale updated […]
How to Write the Best Supplemental Essays for Boston College Admissions

Quick answer: For the Boston College supplemental essays, you write one response of up to 400 words, choosing from four prompts: a family or community tradition, a meaningful conversation partner, being defined by a single story, or a fourth Jesuit “Be.” Human-Centered Engineering applicants answer a separate fifth prompt instead. [1] The prompts below match […]
How to Write the Caltech Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Caltech supplemental essays for fall 2027 entry include a 150 to 200 word STEM interest question, one Scholarly Character response, two Scientific Drive responses of up to 200 words each, and a 100 to 150 word community question. One further academic short answer is optional. [1] Caltech recently updated its supplemental essay […]
How to Write the NYU Supplemental Essay

Quick answer: The NYU supplemental essay for 2026-27 is one optional 250-word response on being a bridge builder, with three suggested questions you may choose from. [1] It is the only NYU-specific writing item on the Common Application. Early Decision I closes November 1, Early Decision II January 1, and Regular Decision January 5. [2] […]
How to Write the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The University of Michigan supplemental essays are two required responses. The first, 100 to 300 words, asks how you are prepared to contribute to Michigan’s goal of developing leaders and citizens. The second, 100 to 550 words, asks what draws you to your specific undergraduate college or school and how its curriculum supports […]
How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Georgetown supplemental essays include four responses: two 250-word short essays, one 650-word personal or creative essay, and one 500-word essay for the school you are applying to. [1] You can submit them through either the Georgetown Application or the Common Application. [2] Georgetown also requires SAT or ACT scores. The Georgetown supplemental […]
How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Emory supplemental essays are two required short answers: an academic interests response with a recommended 200 words and one Getting to Know You response of 150 words, chosen from four prompts. You apply to Emory College, Oxford College, or both on one Common Application, so decide early which college you want considered. […]
How to Write the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays are three short-answer questions on the Common Application Writing Supplement, each capped at 300 words. [1] One covers what drew you to your intended major, one asks how you define a successful college experience, and one invites you to emphasize anything your application has not already shown. Carnegie […]
How to Write the Columbia Supplemental Essays

Quick answer: The Columbia supplemental essays open with a list question (100 words or fewer) about what you read, watch, and listen to outside class. [1] Five essays of 150 words or fewer follow, covering your lived experience, a disagreement, adversity, why Columbia, and your intended field of study. Every sentence has to earn its […]