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4 Top Tips to Write a Stellar Syracuse Essay

College Essays

Getting admitted to Syracuse has only gotten tougher in recent years, and its current acceptance rate is about 59%. You'll need a strong application to get admitted, and that includes your essays.

You'll need to write one supplemental essay as part of your Syracuse application, and we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Read this guide to learn what the essay prompts are, what the admissions team is really looking for in your responses, what you can write about (and what to avoid), and what strong examples of Syracuse essays look like.

Feature image source: Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Syracuse Supplement Essays?

Syracuse University uses the Common Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts . Every applicant to Syracuse must also answer one additional Syracuse supplement essay. Here's the 2022-2023 prompt:

Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This is a required essay, and it can be up to 250 words long. In the rest of this guide, we explain what admissions officers are looking for in your response to these Syracuse supplement essays and what strong essays look like.

Syracuse Supplement Essay, Analyzed

You probably noticed that the Syracuse essay prompt is a two-parter. You'll have to answer both parts of the prompt well if you want to wow admissions counselors!

To help you do that, we're breaking the prompt down into two sections and explaining how to answer each part .

In this section, we'll explain what the prompt is asking for, what Syracuse is hoping to learn from your response, and potential topics to write about.

Response Part 1: The "Why Syracuse" Section

Why are you interested in Syracuse University?

This is what we commonly call a " why this college " essay. In this case, you need to explain your reasoning behind applying to Syracuse and why it's a school you're interested in attending.

Why does Syracuse care about this? Isn't just applying to the school enough to show you want to get in? Not really. There are several reasons you're being asked to write this Why Syracuse University essay.

First, Syracuse wants to make sure you love the school. Students who are really excited to attend their college and feel it's a good fit for them are more likely to get higher grades, participate more in activities and events, and donate money back to the school after they graduate. Syracuse, along with other colleges, makes a huge effort to create unique opportunities for students, and they want to admit students who are aware of those opportunities and will take advantage of them. If you can show in your Why Syracuse University essay that you really love Syracuse and will make the most of your time there, it'll make the people reviewing your application more confident that you'll have a significant and positive impact on their school.

Syracuse also requests this essay to make sure you and the school are a good fit for each other. If you use this essay to discuss majors, sports, study abroad opportunities, etc. that Syracuse doesn't offer, that could be a red flag that Syracuse isn't a place where you can meet your goals and therefore may not be the best school for you.

To figure out what to write about for this essay, really think about why you're applying to Syracuse and why it could be a great school to attend. Some potential topics include:

Majors, minors, certificates, and/or specific classes Syracuse offers that you're especially interested in.

A mentor, Syracuse alum, or current student who convinced you to apply to Syracuse

Unique study opportunities at Syracuse, such as BioInspired Syracuse or Syracuse University Autonomous Systems Policy.

Syracuse professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.

Clubs or sports teams that you'd be interested in joining (Syracuse has over 300!).

Research opportunities you'd like to have through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement.

Internship opportunities at Syracuse.

Study abroad programs at Syracuse.

Financial aid opportunities Syracuse offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose one or two reasons why you think Syracuse is the best school for you. For each reason, describe what Syracuse offers, then connect it back to your interests and goals to show that you and Syracuse are a good fit. Also, remember to be as specific as possible in your reasoning to show Syracuse that you've done your research and know exactly how the school can help you reach your goals.

For example, you could discuss how you want to study biochemistry and eventually get a PhD, and you read a newspaper article about a Syracuse professor and the biochemistry work she's doing. You know one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your future is to get research experience as an undergrad, and you can explain that Syracuse is a great school for you because it has an Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement that helps pair undergrads with research experiences. Then, if possible, dive into the type of research you'd like to do, mentioning specific classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study under.

As long as your reasons for attending Syracuse are honest and specific to the school, there are no topics to really avoid, but we recommend that at least one of your reasons relate to academics. This will show that you'll be a dedicated student at Syracuse and take your classes seriously.

Response Part 2: The "Why You" Section

....how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This part of the prompt is also an example of a pretty typical college essay: the diversity essay . In diversity essays, colleges want to learn more about how you'll contribute to a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

While you may be familiar with diversity referring to race or gender, diversity can actually apply to lots of things. For example, a person's gender identity, religion, and socioeconomic background can contribute to diversity. So can a person's lived experiences or neurodiversity. Understanding that contribute to diversity at Syracuse is the first step to answering this question well.

From there, you need to consider how you'll contribute to the diversity at Syracuse. You are unique, so focus on what you will bring to the table. But keep in mind this prompt isn't about how you're diverse...it's about how you'll add to the Syracuse community. This is a good time to show you've researched Syracuse and identified specific ways you can support diversity on campus. Whether that's joining a specific club or volunteering your time with an on-campus organization, showing you've done your research will help admissions counselors see that you're serious about becoming a Syracuse student.

2 Syracuse Essay Examples

Below are two examples we've come up with of potential Syracuse essays. While these don't exactly fit the 2022-2023 prompt, you'll still be able to learn a lot about what makes a great Syracuse admissions essay from our expert breakdown of the responses.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes for a stellar Syracuse essay.

Example 1: "Why Syracuse?"

I grew up helping my parents run their own small business, and I've known for years that I wanted to follow in their footsteps and start a business of my own. When I told this to my high school guidance counselor, one of the top schools she recommended was Syracuse University and its Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises department. I'm so glad she did because the more I look into the EEE program, the more impressed I am. As one of the few schools that allow students to major in entrepreneurship, I know I'll get in-depth knowledge on how to start a business and keep it running successfully. I can't wait to take part in opportunities like the Couri Hatchery business incubator and pursue internships that give me even more entrepreneurial knowledge.

As I began to do more research on Syracuse, I contacted a friend's older sibling who had graduated from Syracuse. He told me about the huge school spirit students have for the school, and how everyone will dress in orange before basketball games and support Syracuse teams. School sports games are not very popular at my current high school, and I love that I'll now have the chance to be part of a community with such strong school spirit. I'll be ready to join them, wearing my orange and cheering our teams on to victory.

What makes this Syracuse supplemental essay work?

It shows the student knows the school. You don't need to be a lifelong Syracuse fan to be admitted, but you do need to show that you have a good understanding of the school, which this Why Syracuse University essay does. After hearing about Syracuse from his guidance counselor, the writer begins researching programs he's interested in and speaking to an alum. This allows him to mention very specific aspects of the school in his essay, from the school cheering section to programs dedicated to what he wants to study. This shows someone who will be able to hit the ground running as soon as he arrives on campus because he already knows what opportunities he wants to take advantage of.

It focuses more on the school itself than how they learned about it. Some students get tripped up with this essay prompt and think all it wants to know is how you found out about Syracuse. However, you need to go a step further and mention the specific characteristics of Syracuse that convinced you to apply. If the student had spent his essay going into great detail about the conversation he had with his guidance counselor and the schools they discussed, it likely wouldn't have given the admissions committee a clear idea of why he wanted to apply to Syracuse. Instead, he makes the way he learned about Syracuse a small part of the essay and spends the rest of it explaining what about Syracuse makes him want to attend.

Example 2: "Why Syracuse?"

My dream is to work in international relations, helping people from different countries work together to reach their goals. I want to be someone who is comfortable in many cultures, can help different groups of people work together, and has the skills to live and thrive abroad. Since I've never left the country, this may surprise people who know me, but I know Syracuse will help me get there.

Not only does Syracuse have an International Relations major that will give me the skills and classes I need I need for this career field, Syracuse's incredible study abroad program will help me get my first taste of international living. I'm not sure which program I'll attend yet, but with dozens to choose from, I know I'll find the perfect fit. After four years of expanding my boundaries at Syracuse, and being exposed to new languages, skills, and ways of thinking, I'm certain I'll be well prepared to take the next step towards my goals, especially with Syracuse's strong career counseling center and alumni connections to assist me.

It's also important to me to start pursuing friendships with people who have backgrounds different from my own, and Syracuse will also help me achieve this. I plan on becoming an international student mentor and helping students adjust to attending college in a new country. Learning from their experiences will help me later on when I live abroad myself. Syracuse also has many internationally-focused clubs on campus, and I can't wait to join them and use them as a way to make new friends and learn more about issues around the world.

Shows strong, long-term goals. Note that this student doesn't have a specific position or company in mind (many college students don't!), but she is still able to paint a picture of goals that she can continue working towards throughout her career. This shows someone with the ability to plan long-term and look towards the future.

Connects her goals to Syracuse. The most common mistake students make when they answer this prompt is to focus entirely on their goals and neglect to explain how Syracuse will help get them there. This essay shows how Syracuse's academics and culture will help the writer achieve her goals.

4 Tips for Your Syracuse University Essays

As you're writing your Syracuse supplemental essays, keep these four tips in mind to make sure your essays are as strong as they can be.

#1: Be Specific

We've said it throughout the article, but if you want your Syracuse essays to stand out, you need to get specific about your reasons for wanting to attend the school. Your goal is for the admissions committee to really feel your passion for the school and understand why you and Syracuse is a good fit. Don't just say that Syracuse has great classes, smart professors, and an interesting student body. Most schools have that, and the people reading your essay will wonder if you're using identical essays for all the schools you're applying to.

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Syracuse can provide, such as specific programs, courses, extracurriculars, or research opportunities. The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer, things that really make Syracuse stand out.

#2: Show Your Passion

Colleges don't want to admit a lot of students who are lukewarm about their school and their goals, so show Syracuse that there are things you really care about. A generic statement like, "I am impressed by Syracuse's wide variety of clubs" doesn't show much about you or help you stand out from the crowd.

Which clubs at Syracuse make you excited? How will you be involved once you join them? Your passion could be for a major, a career, and extracurricular, a group you hope to join, etc. Whatever it is, make sure it comes through in at least one of your essays and be sure to explain what about it makes you so excited. That'll make your essays more unique and memorable when they're being read.

#3: Make Every Word Count

The 250 word limit on each essay means that they're going to be quite short, so you want to get the most you can out of those words. Start with a short outline of your main points, making sure you're answering each part of the essay prompts. Then expand from there until you hit 250 words. This isn't the essay to tell an in-depth story about your childhood or go into flowery descriptions. Instead, make your main points strong and don't worry about adding too many embellishments.

#4: Edit and Proofread Before You Submit

Be sure to read over each Syracuse supplement essay you before you submit your application. Even though these essays are quite short and probably didn't take you long to write, you should put them away for a few days once you've written a rough draft for each. Then, take them out and look them over with a fresh set of eyes. Check to make sure you've completely answered each prompt, then look for any areas that are unclear, out of place, or irrelevant, and edit as needed.

You may want to repeat this process until you're confident in your essays, and you may also consider having a friend or parent look over your essays as well to give you feedback. When your essays are ready, look them over one last time to make sure they're error free. Then you're ready to submit!

Summary: Syracuse University Essay Prompts

In addition to the Common Application essay, there is one additional Syracuse University essay prompts you must answer:

• Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful campus community?

This essay is required and can be up to 250 words. For the first part of the question (the "Why Syracuse?" question) be sure to explain not just how you found out about Syracuse but what about it convinced you to apply. There are several ways you can approach the second essay, but be sure in your response to discuss how you plan to enrich the diverse community of students at Syracuse with your experiences and background.

What's Next?

Are you working on the Common App essay ? Read our breakdown of the Common App prompts and our guide to picking the best prompt for you.

Want more tips on writing a "why this college" essay? Check out our guide on how to write a perfect "why this college" essay for everything you need to know.

Working on the rest of your Syracuse application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

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How to Ace the 2024-2025 Syracuse University Supplemental Essays

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Orange you glad Syracuse University only makes applicants respond to one Syracuse supplemental essay? We sure are! Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York and is home to the adorable “Otto the Orange” mascot.

The Syracuse University supplemental essay prompt

Syracuse asks applicants to respond to only one “Why us” Syracuse supplemental essay question. Although this makes your life easier because you do not have to respond to one million other questions, this means the supplemental else is your one opportunity for demonstrating why you are a good fit for Syracuse.

But don’t worry! Read our guide on how to answer the Syracuse supplemental essay question and you will be sure to excel! 

Essay question

Please be sure to respond to both parts of the following question:

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. (250 words max.)

This is a typical “Why us” college essay with two parts. To begin, you should brainstorm and research thoroughly before answering this question. Think of what immediately comes to mind when thinking about what draws you to Syracuse University. Afterwards, you should spend some time exploring on their website and jot down a few notes with the following in mind:

• Is there a particular minor you are intrigued by? 
• Weird traditions you think you would have fun participating in?
• Study-abroad experiences that you haven’t seen at any other college? 

Once you have accumulated this list of aspects of Syracuse University that interest you, it is time to select 1-2 main things that you want to hone in on. Remember, you also want to simultaneously reveal bits of your personality and interests. Therefore, selecting something that truly interests you is key. For example, you can select something that aligns with your intended major such as a particular course or internship opportunity offered.

Part II of the prompt

It is now time to address the second part of this question. Think of a personal experience that you can speak on in regards to this prompt. How do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful campus community because of your personal experiences?

This question highlights Syracuse’s core principals. Therefore, admissions officers really want to see that you can align with these principals easily. Asking yourself a few questions is always a good way to start. Here are a few to consider:

• How will you help Syracuse remain diverse?
• In what way would you model inclusiveness on campus? 
• How do you demonstrate respect for the beliefs of others that might differ from your own?

Once again, you want to make sure this is tying back to your first half of your response. For example, you can discuss a particular science course you are interested in taking at Syracuse because you want to become a doctor in the future. You can then discuss how the lack of female support in the medical field needs to be changed and you hope that you can create a safe space for female’s studying to become doctors at Syracuse.

The most difficult part about this prompt is that it has a 250 word maximum, as you will likely want to write more than what you have space for. Getting your thoughts onto the screen and answering both parts of this question should be a breeze for you! 

Final thoughts on responding to the Syracuse University supplemental essays

Think about how you made a difference in any of your current communities. How much did that contribution demonstrate or serve as an example of how you could contribute to Syracuse in a similar way? The important thing is that you seamlessly tie everything together within this response. With 250 words to share why you are interested in and how you will contribute to the Syracuse community, every word counts. Outlining, brainstorming, and researching prior to writing your response is key!

Next steps after applying to Syracuse University

Once you have finished writing your Syracuse supplemental essay, what should you do? You should have a trusted adult or classmate read over your essay to make sure there are no silly mistakes. In addition, they should be checking that you are answering the prompt thoroughly. 

Once your essay has been read over and approved by at least one other person – it is time to submit your application! Congratulations–you are one step closer to becoming a Syracuse student!

Now that your application is submitted, be sure to check your email, Syracuse portal and any Syracuse social media accounts to stay updated on any changes in your application’s decision.  Good luck to you in your future endeavors! 

Also see: How to show demonstrated interest in a college

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Syracuse Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Syracuse supplemental essays.

Looking for guidance on how to get into Syracuse ? One key part of your application is the Syracuse supplemental essays. Namely, the Why Syracuse essay will play a large role in showing admissions why you belong at Syracuse University . In this guide, we will explore how to respond effectively to the Syracuse essay prompts.

While there are many parts to any college application, the essays are one of the most important. Your Syracuse supplemental essays are an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your personality to admissions. As a selective private school, Syracuse is hoping to build a class that is thoughtful, community-oriented, and talented. Through your Syracuse supplemental essays, you can showcase these characteristics and much more about yourself. 

Throughout this Syracuse University supplemental essays guide, we will methodically provide all the information you need to write excellent Syracuse supplemental essays. We will explore the Syracuse essay prompts in detail, noting what makes the Why Syracuse essay unique. Lastly, we will provide tips on how to make your Syracuse supplemental essays stand out, and how to get into Syracuse by beating the Syracuse acceptance rate.

Syracuse Admissions: Quick Facts

Syracuse university admissions quick facts.

• Syracuse University Acceptance Rate:  52%– U.S. News ranks Syracuse University at #67 on their National Universities list. 
• Personal statement
• 1 (~ 250 word) essay
• Syracuse University Application:  Students must submit their Syracuse University application through the  Common Application or Coalition Application . Prepare your Syracuse University supplemental essays and other  required application materials  before applying. 
• Early Decision: November 15th
• Early Decision II: January 5th
• Regular Decision: January 5th 
• Syracuse University Essay Tip:  When writing the Why Syracuse essay, review your draft carefully to ensure you are answering all parts of the prompt. Your essay should be captivating, but also comprehensive. So, after you’ve finished writing, double-check the prompt to make sure you stay on track!  

Does Syracuse have supplemental essays?

Yes – Syracuse has one supplemental essay. The Why Syracuse essay is an opportunity to stand out to admissions. And, since there are not multiple Syracuse supplemental essays, it is critical to write a strong response to this one. 

In general, supplemental essays are short, school-specific essays that allow you to make the case for why you’re the perfect fit for that institution. Indeed, Syracuse University supplemental essays responses must be 250 words or fewer. With so few words, every single one will count. As such, plan to spend time editing to remove any unnecessary words. This will ensure that you are using your space for ideas that answer the Syracuse essay prompts.

Your Syracuse University supplemental essays are one of the few ways to make your Syracuse application stand out. Likewise, the personal statement is another important piece of your Syracuse requirements. But, what’s the difference between the Syracuse supplemental essays and the personal statement? Next, we’ll dive into the difference between the two.

How many essays does Syracuse require?

In total, a complete Syracuse application includes two essays. The first is your personal statement. A personal statement is an essay that introduces you to the admissions committee. Depending on whether you are applying using the Common App or Coalition App, there will be slightly different personal statement prompts. However, generally, they are all geared towards one goal: showcasing the personal attributes that are part of your college application brand .

While your personal statement will not be Syracuse-specific, you should be writing about aspects of your personality and identity that would be appealing to any college. Additionally, successful essays will be written in a compelling format, with storytelling components like a hook and story arc. You can read more about how to write a powerful personal statement in this CollegeAdvisor resource .

The second essay you will write is the supplemental essay, or the Why Syracuse essay. While there are many types of supplemental essays, the Why Syracuse essay is specifically geared toward understanding why you want to attend Syracuse. Additionally, your Syracuse supplemental essays are another opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, values, interests, and goals. Through this essay, you should demonstrate why you are an ideal Syracuse applicant .

If you’re worried about how to accomplish this in your Syracuse University supplemental essays, don’t stress! Keep reading as we break down the Syracuse essay prompts. 

When beginning your Syracuse University supplemental essays, the first step is to make sure you understand the prompt. The good news is there aren’t multiple Syracuse essay prompts to decipher. However, the Syracuse supplemental essays are a bit more complex than the average supplemental essays. Commonly, supplemental essays fall into one of a few types : the Why School essay, Why Major essay, community essay, or personal challenge essay. 

Read the Syracuse prompt below and note which of these common essay categories it falls into:

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. * (250 words)

If you guessed that the prompt above is a Why School essay, you are correct. Primarily, your response will be a Why Syracuse essay. As such, you must identify specific reasons you want to attend Syracuse. 

However, this essay prompt could also arguably be categorized as a community essay. Why? The second half of the prompt asks you about a personal experience that taught you something that you can contribute to the Syracuse community. Your personal experience can be an inclusive action you took or witnessed someone else take that taught you an important lesson. Successful Syracuse supplemental essays will be specific about the experience and the lesson itself.

Indeed, there is a lot of ground to cover in your Why Syracuse essay. In the next section, we will cover tips for ensuring you ace your Syracuse essay.

How to write Syracuse supplemental essays

Writing Syracuse supplemental essays can be challenging. As we shared above, the Syracuse essay prompts are unique in that they ask you to accomplish several tasks in 250 words. First, you must share why you want to attend Syracuse. Second, you must share a personal story in which you learned a lesson about creating an inclusive community. And lastly, you must share how you hope to apply this lesson while at Syracuse. 

Before you get overwhelmed by the Syracuse University supplemental essays, review these tips for how to write your Why Syracuse essay:

1. Research Syracuse

The first step in writing a Why School essay is to make sure you know about the school. Take some time to research Syracuse using the school’s website, reliable sources like U.S. News and Forbes , and reading student reviews like the ones on Niche . Once you are familiar with the school’s culture, academics, and unique resources, you can write an essay that speaks to your unique interests.

2. Be specific

In this Why Syracuse essay, it is important to be specific about what aspects of Syracuse you are drawn to. Furthermore, you should provide details when explaining your lesson-learning experience. What is the lesson? How will you apply it to your experience at Syracuse? Rather than speaking generally about how you value community, include details such as dialogue, description, or thoughts that are not clichés. With these details, your Why Syracuse essay will surely stand out amongst the thousands of Syracuse supplemental essays that admissions officers read each year.

3. Answer all parts of the prompt

As we have noted several times, the Why Syracuse essay also asks you to identify a specific moment where you learned an important lesson about community. Once you have drafted your essay, make sure you check that it responds to all parts of the prompt. Syracuse supplemental essays that only answer part of the Why Syracuse essay prompts will be unsuccessful in making a compelling case.

4. Edit for conciseness

With only 250 words to answer a complex prompt, you’ll need to ensure that every word in your Why School essay serves a purpose. Ask a trusted mentor or teacher to read your Why Syracuse essay and cut out any unnecessary words or phrases. Also, be sure to edit for grammatical correctness. As much as your Syracuse supplemental essays are about showcasing your personality and ideas, they are also a chance to demonstrate your writing skills.

5. Start early

To ensure you can complete all these steps without stress, start writing your Syracuse University supplemental essays as early as possible. You can begin researching and brainstorming ideas as early as your sophomore or junior year of high school. That way, when the Syracuse essay prompts are available in the summer before your senior year, you’ll be ready to jump right into writing your Syracuse supplemental essays. 

For additional tips for writing your Syracuse supplemental essays, check out this Syracuse article . These tips are useful for writing both the Syracuse supplemental essays and your personal statement.

Now that we have explored how to write successful Syracuse University supplemental essays, let’s look at additional requirements for specific programs at Syracuse.

College-specific Syracuse Requirements

At Syracuse University, there are 13 distinct schools and colleges. As we mentioned, there is only one school-specific essay requirement at Syracuse. However, some schools may require applicants to write multiple Syracuse supplemental essays. Applicants to the School of Architecture, the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences will have additional requirements.

Below is a chart that summarizes the Syracuse requirements for specific schools: 

Note that only one school requires an additional essay. If you are considering applying to one of these schools, reach out to learn more about these requirements . Most importantly, start preparing early so that you can submit all the necessary materials to your program of interest in a timely and organized fashion.

A Note on Standardized Testing

For Fall 2024 admissions, Syracuse University does not require students to submit standardized test scores. In fact, Syracuse joins the many universities that have gone test-optional in recent years. With fewer schools requiring the submission of SAT and ACT scores, essays play an even larger role in schools’ holistic review processes. 

That being said, students who do not wish to submit SAT or ACT scores will have other parts of their application, such as the Syracuse supplemental essays, weighted more heavily in the review process. As such, it is extra important to put your full effort into writing the best possible Syracuse University supplemental essays. 

Syracuse Architecture Program Requirements

One of the special opportunities that draws many applicants to Syracuse is its architecture program. For students interested in a career in architecture , Syracuse University’s architecture program is one of the best in New York State. Architecture is a career that requires a unique set of skills, including artistic talent, creativity, discipline, and adeptness at math and science. Strong architecture programs require multiple studio classes and often have a rigid curriculum, with little room for electives or exploration. 

As such, applying to Syracuse’s Bachelor in Architecture program will require submitting a portfolio . The portfolio includes an additional statement about your interest in a career in architecture and samples of your best artwork. 

Undeniably, the Syracuse acceptance rate for architecture will be even more competitive than the regular admissions rate. Therefore, it is key that your portfolio represents your greatest effort. Spend time writing an architecture personal statement that gives compelling reasons for why you want to study this multifaceted major. Select artwork that is original and represents your unique style. Lastly, attend one of the architecture school’s open houses or events to learn more about the program and how you can make your application stand out.

For those not applying to Syracuse’s architecture program, you might be wondering how important your Syracuse supplemental essays are in the Syracuse admissions process. We will explore just that next.

Syracuse essays and admissions

At this point, it’s normal to be wondering how important the Syracuse supplemental essays are when it comes to evaluating a Syracuse application. In short, the Syracuse supplemental essays are extremely important in the admissions process. Indeed, your Why Syracuse essay is a critical part of your application for several reasons.

For one, the Syracuse acceptance rate is selective. As one of the best schools in New York , Syracuse draws many competitive applicants each year. When schools are selective, they look carefully at all parts of the application to ensure they are selecting the best candidates for their institution. As a liberal arts institution, Syracuse is bound to value the way you think and write in their admissions process.

Secondly, Syracuse uses a holistic admissions process. As a result, they consider many aspects of your profile, from your grades to recommendation letters to your Why Syracuse essay. Each piece of the application puzzle gives the admissions team pertinent information when evaluating an applicant’s candidacy. Indeed, even a student with strong grades can be denied admission if their Why Syracuse essay shows little effort. 

Finally, Syracuse is an institution that values creating a diverse campus climate. When evaluating an applicant, Syracuse admissions officers are looking for more than academic preparedness, character, and purpose. They want to ensure they admit a class with a range of life experiences and skills. For this reason, the Why Syracuse essay prompt specifically asks how you learned a lesson that can help contribute to an inclusive community. As such, this essay is geared towards admitting applicants who will continue Syracuse’s legacy of being a welcoming campus. 

Read more about what Syracuse is looking for in its applicants here .

A Note on Deadlines

Syracuse offers two early decision deadlines , which are the same whether you apply via the Common App or Coalition App. The first is November 15 th and the second is January 5 th . If you are very confident you want to attend Syracuse, you might wish to take advantage of one of these deadlines. In fact, doing so has the potential to increase your odds of admission. Keep in mind, however, that these deadlines are binding, meaning that you are committing to attend if you are admitted. 

Also, applying Early Decision does not mean you don’t have to write strong essays. If your intended deadline is November 15 th , plan to research, draft, and revise your Why Syracuse essay well in advance of this date. Just because there aren’t multiple Syracuse essay prompts, doesn’t mean the essay writing process is quick. Preparing early will not only relieve some of the stress of the college application process, but it will also increase the odds that you are giving your best effort. 

As you prepare to write your Why Syracuse essay, you might be wondering what the school is best known for. In the next section, we will explore some of the highlights of Syracuse University.

What is Syracuse University known for?

As we have shared, Syracuse University is a selective private institution. Still, you may be wondering what specifically Syracuse is known for and how a Syracuse education compares to other competitive schools. In fact, understanding the university and its values will be extremely useful when writing your Why Syracuse essay.

Here are a few highlights of what Syracuse University is known for: 

Rigorous liberal arts education

Syracuse is known for offering a liberal arts curriculum, meaning that students have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses among 200 majors and 100 minors. 

Research excellence

According to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Syracuse is an R1 research institution. As such, it is known for offering doctorate programs and receiving millions of dollars in research grants each year. 

Special programs

As we saw above, Syracuse offers specialized programs in architecture, engineering, and the arts. Some of these programs are among the best in the nation and draw applicants from around the world.

Study abroad programs

Syracuse is ranked #9 for study abroad programs in U.S. News. Through over 100 programs, students can access language exchange, internships, homestays, and seminars around the globe. Syracuse also has campus centers in Italy, Spain, and France, where students who are part of the Discovery Program can spend their first semester of college immersed in a new country.

Orange pride

Few schools are associated with color as strongly as Syracuse is with the color orange. From watching Otto the Orange cheer on sports teams to celebrating National Orange Day, Syracuse students wear the color orange as one of their most important traditions .

When writing your Why Syracuse essay, you might wish to include references to some of these special facets of the Syracuse experience. As long as you’re specific, what you write about matters less than its meaning to you. Therefore, regardless of which aspects of the Syracuse experience you choose to highlight, be sure that they are authentically important to you.

Syracuse Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

In this guide to the Syracuse supplemental essays, we explored the Syracuse essay prompts in detail. Specifically, we broke down the meaning of a Why School essay so that hopeful applicants can write their Why Syracuse supplemental essays with confidence.

Since the Syracuse acceptance rate is not extraordinarily high, it is important to put your full effort into the Syracuse supplemental essays. Remember that the Syracuse supplemental essays are your chance to stand out among many applicants. Your essays offer the opportunity to share parts of your experience and character that align with Syracuse’s values and culture. 

Undoubtedly, there is no clear formula for how to get into Syracuse. However, your Why Syracuse essay can offer information that does not exist anywhere else on your application. Take the time to reflect upon your experiences so you can showcase the most compelling parts of your personality.

Lastly, at the point of applying to college, your Why Syracuse essay is one of the few application components that you can control. While your grades may have suffered in an earlier year or you may not have been able to join the extracurriculars you wanted, you now have the opportunity to make your Why Syracuse essay extraordinary. Make the most of this valuable space on your application. 

If you are feeling stressed throughout the college process, remember that you are not alone. When you find that you are struggling to write your Why Syracuse essay, reach out for help. Whether you are talking to a teacher or a CollegeAdvisor admissions specialist, there are many people who can support you with writing your Syracuse supplemental essays. With effort and guidance, you are sure to find your way to the campus of your dreams.

This essay guide was written by Courtney Ng . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Syracuse University is renowned for its vibrant campus life, strong academic programs, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Syracuse University requires one supplemental essay. Completing this essay thoughtfully can greatly enhance your application. Here, we'll break down the prompt and offer strategic advice on crafting a compelling response.

The required supplemental essay prompt is as follows:

"Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way." (250 words)

Here's how you can tackle this essay:

Understand the Prompt

The prompt asks you to address two key elements: your interest in Syracuse University and a personal experience that showcases your values and resilience. Essentially, you need to show why you want to be a part of Syracuse's community and how you can contribute positively to it.

Sups AI , an AI college counseling platform, can help you brainstorm ideas and refine your story. They've helped over 10k students get admitted into top 50 colleges in the U.S., so they know what works.

Identify Your Reasons for Choosing Syracuse

Reflect on what draws you to Syracuse University. Is it their renowned Newhouse School of Public Communications, their emphasis on research, or their dynamic campus life? Be specific and genuine about what excites you.

Share a Meaningful Experience

The second part of the prompt requires insightful reflection. Think about a personal experience where you faced adversity or took a stand against discrimination. Maybe you were inspired by someone else's courage. Describe this experience in vivid detail to make it more impactful.

Connect Your Experience to Syracuse University

After sharing your experience, discuss how you've grown from it and how it will shape your contributions to Syracuse University. Perhaps overcoming a particular challenge made you more empathetic, or standing up against discrimination made you a stronger advocate for inclusivity.

Tools like Sups AI can provide personalized feedback on your draft, ensuring your story resonates with the admissions committee. Additionally, you can chat one-on-one with current Syracuse students via Sups to gain insights into the university's community and culture.

Writing Syracuse University’s supplemental essay requires introspection and authenticity. Use the essay to highlight not just your interest in Syracuse, but also how your experiences and values align with the university’s mission of inclusivity and community. Leverage platforms like Sups AI to get feedback and enhance your essay. Good luck!

How to Write the Syracuse University 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

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How to Write the Syracuse University Essays 2018-2019

Syracuse University is a private research institution located in an urban setting in Syracuse, NY. Established in 1870 with the motto “Knowledge crowns those who seek her,” Syracuse now has ten schools and colleges for undergraduates, founded between 1870 and 1964. Recently, Syracuse has accepted about 47% of its applicants, with those who apply early-decision seeing a 65% acceptance rate. For a school with a current undergraduate enrollment of 15,252, Syracuse is very cohesive. Students are united in their love for The Orange.

Notable alumni include Lt. Col. Eileen Collins, the first female space shuttle commander, TV personality Dick Clark, and former Vice President of the United States, Joseph Biden. Syracuse boasts an alumni network that spans 50 states and 162 countries. Syracuse is well known for its academic breadth and the distinct and disparate tracks to success each student may take. Students certainly know how to have fun, and the school is known for its electric campus life. Finally, Syracuse possesses one of the top study abroad programs in the country.

Short ‘Why Us?’ Essays for Syracuse University

The following prompts represent a common category of supplemental prompts that ask you why you want to study a specific program at a specific school. The main purpose of these “Why Us?” essays is to show the school why you are interested and why you are a good fit.

This is done by responding to two areas:

• Why you want to study what you have indicated
• Why you want to study it here at this specific school

Make sure to do some research so you can provide more than generic examples like “I want to go to a big school” or “I like sports,” which could apply to many other schools. To learn more about “Why us?” essays, read our essay guide How to Write the ‘Why Us?’ College Essay .

Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this? (Response required in 250 words.)

This first prompt asks about who you dream of becoming and how Syracuse can help you achieve this. You certainly want to include examples of programs, classes, extracurriculars, or cultural aspects of the university that will shape you into the mold you wish to fit.

Perhaps you want to learn about sports management in a school with a highly regarded D-1 athletic program. You will want to start by identifying this dream of yours and then provide the evidence that Syracuse is the place for this dream to become a reality.

You could write about how, at Syracuse, you would be surrounded by lots of other people with a ton of love and spirit for their team, so it would be an ideal environment to study athletics. You can focus on concrete skills the university can provide you, as well as less-tangible things such as a robust alumni network. Just make sure you are clearly developing who you want to become into your future as a Syracuse alum.

Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University? (Response required in 250 words.)

This prompt presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the moment you decided you would apply to Syracuse. Did you read a news article that mentioned research being conducted there? Did your college counselor direct you to read about their Communications program? Is one of your friends or relatives a proud Orange fan? Whatever it was that first drew you in, this is the time to share. It also doesn’t have to be the first reason that made you think about applying. If you visited and something felt really right, you could talk about that too.

To continue with the sports example from the previous prompt, you could write about how you attended a football game when you first visited Syracuse. Maybe the weather was terrible but the stadium was still packed and the energy was still high. In that moment, you decided you wanted to be a part of that atmosphere forever. You had always loved sports, but in that moment you knew you wanted to build a career around that love and Syracuse was the right place to do it.

Your responses by no means have to perfectly match in content, but if they have a common theme that is the simplest way to make sure your main intention in applying is properly conveyed. If your responses have a central theme, they become one 500-word essay that perfectly explains, “Why Syracuse?”

Citizenship and Civic Engagement Essay:

Discuss a recent event or news story (international, national or local) that inspired you to take action. what did you attempt to change or achieve were you successful or not what did you learn from the experience (response required in 250 words.) *this essay is required for applicants to the citizenship and civic engagement program only..

This is another short response to a fairly elaborate prompt. A similar approach is recommended in which you first identify what you are trying to get across and then delve into the why and how.

Again, there is no time for fluff. Be careful that you don’t spend too much space discussing minor details of the event. If you are writing about a law that recently passed, you would want to simply state what it changed and then immediately how that sparked a change in you. You don’t have to explain obvious details about the legislature, for example.

Let’s say, for example, that a recent news story broke detailing research that concluded that using reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones would end the climate change crisis. You could write about how you’ve always had a passion for the environment and this article was what pushed you to action. Maybe you decided to start a reusable bottle initiative at your school and petitioned the administration to eliminate use of plastic bottles in favor of reusable options. You could analyze the results and how you learned to lead a movement to make your school more green.

Don’t forget to answer every piece of this question. It can be difficult with such a short response, but it is critical to the success of your essay. Syracuse isn’t really trying to determine how well you know current events or how deeply you read the news. They are trying to get a feel for how you react, act, and reflect. Make sure to showcase that.

General Reminders

Prompts with low word limits can often be daunting. You need to make sure that every word in your response is absolutely essential to conveying your message. Further, they usually require more planning and editing and a lot less time in the actual writing stage. If you devote time to those parts of the process, you will surely blow away the admissions committee with your wonderfully concise responses!

Syracuse University accepts the Common Application. If you need assistance with your Common App essays, you can read through our guide How to Write the Common Application Essays 2018-2019 .

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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What We Look For

Whether on campus or around the globe, at Syracuse University, we cultivate a proud and inclusive community of and for the bold and boundless.

The Potential To Go Beyond

Joining our campus community means becoming part of a vibrant academic ecosystem that encourages curiosity, critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.

As you begin the admissions process, you're likely contemplating what distinctive qualities set you apart. However, if you believe you have what it takes to take on the world, you’re probably in the right place. It's not just about what you bring to the table, but how you can contribute to a community that values your distinct voice and aspirations as well.

Here at Syracuse University, that translates to:

Preparation and Purpose

Your academic performance is a significant factor in our admissions decision, especially your senior-year pursuits accomplishments. Your participation in honors and advanced placement courses and/or meaningful electives demonstrates your commitment to make the most of your college experience.

Educational Background

Schools across the country differ in their curriculum, grading policies and overall quality. Your school’s profile will be a guide when putting your course selections and grades in context.

Standardized Test Performance

SAT/ACT scores will not be required for students applying for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 admission. Students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged and will remain eligible for merit scholarships. Read the full details surrounding this update .

If you choose to submit your test scores, your SAT or ACT score will also be considered as part of your application (whichever is higher). If you’re considering the Score Choice option for the SAT, please be aware that all of your test scores will be required. This works to your benefit—your application will be considered using the highest combination of your SAT scores. Both the old and new revised SAT will be accepted. If you take the new revised SAT, the essay is not required. If you take the ACT, the writing portion is not required.

At Syracuse University, we do not require or consider the SAT subject tests.

Personality

Grades are only part of our admissions equation. Your personal essay illustrates your goals, interests, experience and values. Though a personal interview is not mandatory, it is an ideal way to further personalize your application.

The Opinion of Others

An evaluation from your guidance counselor and a recommendation from one academic teacher give admissions representatives a sense of your gifts, capabilities and accomplishments. These testimonials help to round out who you are as a student—and a person.

Extracurricular Activities

The Admissions Committee will review your after-school activities, volunteer work and employment to see how each illustrates your organizational and leadership skills, as well as your commitment to helping others.

Special Talent

Several programs at Syracuse University have a talent component, including art and design, architecture, drama and music. Talent is evaluated by faculty members, and their evaluations are shared with the Admissions Committee.

Strength of Character

We look for more than academically prepared students. Syracuse students innovate and take risks—they’re people of integrity and good citizenship. You’re a strong candidate if you strengthen and support those around you, even as you work to develop yourself.

The Selection Process

Over 42,000 students applied for the Fall 2023 semester for a first-year class of about 3,700 students. Each college has specific enrollment goals. When your application and materials are considered, difficult decisions must be made. They are not always a statement of your ability, but a matter of competition. Keep in mind that you can always indicate a second-choice college for admissions and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

How to Approach Supplemental Essays

When our students dig into the college application process, they are often surprised to encounter not only the main Common Application’s personal statement , but also a host of supplemental essay questions. These assignments are often school-specific writing prompts for which a student must also craft thoughtful, well-written replies.

Supplemental essays are often more focused than the Common App assignment, though they vary in length and scope. Their prompts tackle subjects that range from deeper explorations of a student’s background to their collegiate and academic interests.

We often encourage our students to nail down their personal statement topic first, then ask them to approach their supplemental essays in priority order, according to submission deadlines. Many schools will offer prompts that are similar in theme and content to one another (for example, many institutions now ask about a student’s most important activity ), so it is helpful for students to gather and review all supplemental questions before beginning the brainstorm process to see where they might naturally overlap.

Elite institutions often have extensive supplemental sections, as do some honors programs, so students should keep this in mind as they hunt for their essay questions and map out their plan of attack.

All supplemental essays should be given the same time and care as the main Common Application essay. These supplements not only are an excellent opportunity to show a school both your competence and level of devotion to their institution, but also offer opportunities to paint some personality into your application. So embrace supplements, use your unique voice, and show these schools what you’re made of!

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Supplemental Essay Support

College Essay Advisors has over twenty years of experience guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for school-specific supplements. We take a holistic approach to these essays and short answers, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances . 

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

We have been reading supplemental essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are:

• Repeating the prompt in your essay.

You want to make sure every word counts, and repeating the prompt in your essay is a huge waste of space. Rest assured that admissions officers know which prompt you’re responding to. Instead, start your essay off with a strong hook that pulls your reader in (rather than puts them to sleep!). 

• Trying to sound like an academic.

Time and time again, schools post advice on their websites encouraging students to speak in their authentic voices and let the admissions officers reading their applications get to know them. Aaaand time and time again, we read essays students have written in which they go to great lengths to elevate their vocabulary, and in the process, they lose their own voice.

• Using cliches.

Cliches are not your friends when it comes to writing supplemental essays. You may feel like a diamond in the rough, that the world is your oyster, or that love conquers all, but even reading those, did you feel your eyes glazing over? All cliches do is make your essay blend in with the thousands of others in the pile. Emphasize your uniqueness with concrete examples and personal anecdotes, because cliches are rather ineffective, boring, and—let’s face it—lazy.

New York University (NYU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essays

Alisha braun.

• Last Updated on October 3, 2024

Table of Contents

If you aspire to join Yale’s Class of 2029, get ready to write multiple essays that make you stand out. Yale’s 2024–2025 application requires a combination of short answer and supplemental essay responses. In total, you need to submit seven short answer responses and one 400-word supplemental essay. Before you get overwhelmed, follow this guide to help you tackle your Yale supplemental essays .

What are Supplemental Essays?

Supplemental essays are writing prompts that most competitive colleges require in addition to the Common App personal statement . They ask students to address a range of topics, such as significant activities, interest in a specific college or major, and an important community to which they belong. These essays can vary in length, ranging from a single sentence to 800+ words

For a more information about supplemental essays, why they are important, and how to approach them, refer to our Ultimate Guide to Writing Supplemental Essays .

Yale Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

For the 2024–2025 school year, Yale requires one supplemental essay and seven short answer responses . For the supplemental essay, select 1 of 3 options to respond to. The specific short answer and essay prompts are provided below, along with tips for how to craft your answers.

Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts

For the main Yale supplemental essay, you will select 1 of the 3 following prompts for your 400-word response:

• Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? (400 words or fewer)
• Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like. (400 words or fewer)
• Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? (400 words or fewer)

Yale Short Answer Questions

Responses are require to all 7 of these prompts:

• Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.
• Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
• What inspires you? (200 characters; approximately 35 words)
• If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? (200 characters; approximately 35 words)
• Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? (200 characters; approximately 35 words)
• What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters; approximately 35 words)

Writing the Yale Supplemental Essays

The Yale supplemental essays are varied in topic and give students the opportunity to showcase many different sides of their personal and academic interests and experiences. It’s important to carefully consider each prompt while also considering how—combined—they paint a full picture.

Yale Supplemental Essay Option 1 of 3

The goal with this essay is to communicate to admissions readers that you can engage in respectful dialogue with people who hold different beliefs than yourself. Be authentic and introspective in your reflection about why you found the experience meaningful. The outcome of the conversation you share in this essay isn’t important, but rather the manner in which you communicated and reflected. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether you were able to convince the other person to come over to your side and share your perspective.

Yale Supplemental Essay Option 2 of 3

Similar to the first supplemental essay prompt option, this prompt also emphasizes introspective reflection. Think of community broadly for this essay, such as defining community based on shared geography, religion, race, ethnicity, income, ideology, cuisine, or interest. Regardless of what community you decide to highlight in your response, make sure that you clearly define your position within the community and why it matters to you.

Yale Supplemental Essay Option 3 of 3

Like the above options, the final Yale supplemental essay option requires that you look inward and reflect. This prompt is the broadest of the three options, so it’s essential that you bring the specificity with whatever element of your experience you wish to connect to your future college experience. The underlying message of this prompt is to explain how something from your personal experience will enrich Yale specifically, as opposed to college more generally. To be able to make that connection, it’s essential that you do your homework on the Yale campus community to be able to artfully articulate your position within it.

Yale Short Answer Question 1

The first question you need to answer is about your academic interests:

To answer this question, simply write the exact name of 1 to 3 academic areas you’re most interested in majoring in. You’ll have an opportunity to expand on your choice(s) in the next short answer question. If you are fully committed to a single major, there is no need to add additional majors beyond the one that represents your true calling. If you’re undecided, select whichever areas you feel best represent your interests at this point in time.

Yale Short Answer Question 2

This is your opportunity to elaborate on the “why” behind your selection(s) for the first short answer question. Be authentic in your response to showcase your genuine intellectual curiosity. Additionally, connect your past academic experiences to your future academic aspirations to share how your interests have evolved over time.

Yale Short Answer Question 3

This is essentially a short “Why Us?” supplemental essay. Fill this essay with school-specific details to demonstrate to admissions readers why you’re interested in going to Yale. Don’t forget to compliment these school specific details with relevant details from your own background and experience to show fit. Check out these tips on how to write a compelling Why Us college essay .

Yale Short Answer Question 4

The remainder of Yale’s short answer questions are incredibly short at 200 characters, which amounts to approximately 35 words. Aim for clarity and confidence in your answers. Have fun including creative details that will grab the reader’s attention and showcase your intellectual curiosity.

Yale Short Answer Question 5

Let your imagination and creativity shine in your response to this question. If you go the college course route, double check the course catalog to make sure the course doesn’t already exist. This isn’t the place for introductory or general course names—think outside the box and develop a unique special topics class. A similar creative approach should be taken to dream up a book title and topic or original art piece. Regardless of whether you go the course, book, or art direction, ensure you briefly describe the why behind your creation as part of your response.

Yale Short Answer Question 6

When responding to this question, don’t fall into the trap of taking up too much space describing someone else. Instead, keep the spotlight on you by emphasizing the impact of the inspiring person on you. Show this impact by featuring your concrete actions and accomplishments that came out of their influence.

Yale Short Answer Question 7

The vagueness of this prompt can be challenging. We recommend that you save writing this prompt for last. After you’ve reviewed your responses to all the other Yale short answer questions and supplemental essay prompts, take a step back to consider what the admissions reader doesn’t yet know about you. Craft an answer that compliments and extends the other material in your application.

The Yale supplemental essays are a valuable opportunity to present your unique qualities, interests, and aspirations to the admissions committee. Compared to the supplemental essays you may need to write for other colleges, short answer questions dominate Yale’s essays. This means that writing clearly and confidently is even more essential to create maximum impact. If you need help brainstorming or writing essays—or with any other parts of the application process—HelloCollege is here to help. Reach out for a free 45-minute consultation today.

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Essay Tips for High School Seniors

Your how-to on reducing stress throughout the process.

With senior year starting up and the stress of the college search underway, I am sure you are all thinking about how to write the perfect essay that expresses who you are as well as your interest in the university you are applying to. I remember the most stressful part about applying to colleges, besides the waiting, was the writing. With so many schools and so many supplemental essays, it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed in the madness of balancing applications and everyday life. So with this blog, I want to give you my tips for easing the stress of writing your essays.

First, make a list of all the key points you want to hit. While you are given a prompt, creating an informal outline helps you write the essay in a significantly smoother way. I find that when I create an informal outline for any essay, I have an easier time writing and getting out my ideas in a more coherent tone. With the outline, it is a lot easier to change your ideas before you write out the whole essay. Another benefit is that you write a lot faster because you already know what you want to say in the essay.

The second step is to write everything that comes to mind. Many say that it is easier to cut words than add them. Typically when I would write my essays, I wouldn’t even think about the word count because I always felt I was missing a key point in my writing when I would overthink it. Now, I am not saying you should forget about the requirements, but for your first draft, you should write without thinking about the count.

Talking specifically about the University of Michigan (and you could apply this for any school too), write about what qualities about this school draw you in. What are you looking for in a school? How does the university you are writing about fulfill those desires? When I was writing my essay for the University of Michigan, I wrote about places both on and off campus that held a lot of great memories for me from when I visited. I wrote about the specific schools that I wanted to be in, what qualities in those schools drew me to them, and what tools they had that stood out to me. This wasn’t just my dream school because of my personal history, but because of the educational opportunities I knew the school could provide me. In your essay, emphasize what qualities about the university draw you in and make it stand out to you.

I recommend always having someone else read your essay. Some people are very independent and are good writers, but it never hurts to get advice on your writing assignments, even in general. We are often very biased about our writing, thinking that it is good enough, but when it comes to college essays you want them to be as perfect as possible. Having another person read your essays will give you another perspective in terms of both content and grammar. A third party can catch things that you may overlook.

I hope reading this post will help you with how to approach your essays. I know it is really daunting and scary, but it is just a stepping stone until you enter some of the best years of your life. I wish you all good luck and hope you stay positive throughout the stressful time of the college application process.

Mari Reyes-Toidze is a Stamps sophomore hoping to pursue a bachelors degree in both arts and architecture. She is from the city of Philadelphia and is a huge Eagles fan. She is part of the Michigan Club Swim Team and is on the membership team for her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. She is also a campus manager for the company UTees. In her free time she enjoys reading, painting, and swimming.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, syracuse essay prompts.

Hello! I'm applying to Syracuse and I'm curious about the essay prompts for the application. Can someone please share what the prompts are and perhaps even some tips for writing a strong essay? Thanks so much!

Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you're applying to Syracuse University. In addition to your main personal statement, you'll have to write one supplemental essay which is specific to Syracuse, which relates to overcoming challenges. You can read up on how to tackle this essay on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-syracuse-university-essays.

Additionally, remember that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors. Sometimes, a second set of eyes is just the thing that will take your essay from good to great.

Best of luck with your Syracuse application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.