Common App Section by Section - Supplemental Essays
Learn how to tackle supplemental essays and highlight what makes you a great fit for specific colleges.
Supplemental Essays
In Part 6 we covered the main Common App essay: the personal essay (sometimes called the personal statement). This is the *big* essay everyone talks about.
But to complete your applications, many colleges will ask you to answer supplemental questions - usually about 100 - 500 words, each - in addition to your main Common App personal essay.
Depending on the number of these supplemental essays, completing these sections could take hours (per college). Plan accordingly.
Two of the most common supplemental essays are the “Why Us” and “Community” essays. These are your chance to show schools you’ve done your homework and to tell them more about yourself beyond what’s been covered in your personal essay and your academic record.
Rather than adding to the already endless supply of tips, I’ll break down some of the best advice I’ve gathered to help you write supplemental essays that really stand out.
The “Why Us” Supplemental Essay
This prompt is all about demonstrating that you’ve put real thought into why this school is the right place for you. Colleges want to know how their specific offerings fit with your goals and interests.
Examples
Tufts University: “Which aspects of Tufts’ curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, why Tufts?”
Scripps College: “Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College?”
Top Tips
Do Your Research
It's not enough to say “the school is highly ranked” or "I like the location". Admissions officers want to see that you've dug deeper. Look into specific programs, professors, extracurricular activities, or even campus traditions that you’re genuinely excited about. For example, maybe the school’s student-run incubator aligns perfectly with your entrepreneurial ambitions. Also, look at the school’s mission statement (which you can Google).
Pro tip: If you’ve visited the campus or attended a virtual info session, mention it! Colleges like to see that you’ve gone the extra mile.
Connect the Dots
Make sure to explain how what the school offers aligns with your goals. If you’re a future marine biologist, don’t just say the school has great biology programs—highlight that their proximity to the coast provides unique opportunities for hands-on marine research. You are trying to demonstrate that you know about the unique offerings of the school and how those match to you.
Avoid the Generic Trap
Admissions teams can spot a generic essay from a mile away. Avoid simply listing facts you found on the school’s website or giving reasons that could be true of many others schools (e.g. “college X has a great football team”). Personalise it by focusing on specifics that genuinely excite you and would make this school a great fit for you.
Additional Great Resources
The “Community” Supplemental Essay
This essay asks you to reflect on your community and how it has shaped who you are today. Schools want to see what you value and how you’ll contribute to their campus.
Examples
University of Notre Dame: “What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?”
University of Washington: “Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the University of Washington.”
Top Tips
What Does ‘Community’ Mean to You?
Your community could be anything—your family, friends, teammates, or even an online group you belong to. There’s no wrong answer. What matters is that you pick a community that has had a significant impact on your life and discuss both (a) what it is AND (b) how it has shaped you.Tell a Story
Rather than giving a broad overview, focus on one specific example or experience within your community. Maybe you took on a leadership role in your local environmental club, or perhaps your neighbourhood’s tight-knit support system helped you develop resilience.Bring it Back to College
Don’t forget to connect your experience to how you’ll contribute to the campus community. For example, if your community involvement taught you the value of mentoring, explain how you’ll bring that passion to campus, whether it’s through tutoring or leading clubs.
Additional Great Resources
Final Thoughts
Most supplemental essay questions are designed to answer “fit” -
How will you participate and shape the college community?
What motivates you to pursue higher education?
Can college admission staff see you thriving at this college?
Will the college be able to best support and challenge you?
When writing your supplemental essays, remember that these are opportunities to personalise your application and share what makes you unique. Be authentic, and always tailor your responses to the specific college you're applying to. Each essay should feel like it couldn’t be written for any other school.
One last thing: don’t forget to proofread and, if possible, get a second set of eyes on your essays before hitting submit. Well-written, thoughtful essays can make all the difference!