Do All Colleges Require Supplemental Essays?

What Are Supplemental Essays, and Why Do Colleges Ask for Them?

First off, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. A supplemental essay is, essentially, an additional piece of writing that some colleges request on top of your main personal statement. Think of it as a chance for schools to get to know you beyond the numbers: your grades, test scores, or how many clubs you’ve joined.

Colleges like Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Chicago are famous for their quirky, thought-provoking essay prompts. (If you’ve ever heard of UChicago’s “What is so easy about pie?” question, you know what I mean.) These essays are meant to dig deeper into your personality and values. It’s not just about showing you’re smart—it’s about showing you’re you.

But why do some schools skip this step altogether? Well, not every institution has the resources—or frankly, the need—to read thousands of essays on top of everything else. Smaller colleges or state schools, for instance, might focus more on straightforward criteria like GPA and test scores to streamline their admissions process.

Which Colleges Require Supplemental Essays?

Here’s where things get tricky: requirements vary widely, and there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Some schools are notorious for their hefty essay demands. For example:

• Ivy League schools: Pretty much all of them have supplemental essays. Princeton, for instance, asks for short-answer questions alongside longer essays.
• Liberal arts colleges: Many, like Amherst or Williams, use essays to gauge fit with their community values.
• Public universities: These tend to be hit or miss. The University of California system has its unique set of essays, but others, like some branches of the University of Wisconsin, don’t always require extras.

On the flip side, there are colleges—like certain smaller public institutions or even some private ones—that skip the whole supplemental essay ordeal altogether. It’s often about priorities: does the school want to invest in reading more essays, or are they confident in other ways to assess candidates?

The Argument No One Talks About: Essays as a Privilege

Here’s a perspective that might not cross your mind: supplemental essays can be a privilege. Writing them takes time, access to resources, and often, guidance. Not every student has a dedicated college counselor, let alone the luxury of paying essay writers to fine-tune their work.

Think about it: if you’re juggling two part-time jobs, or you’re the first in your family applying to college, the idea of crafting a nuanced essay about your “intellectual curiosity” might feel out of reach. I’ve read stories of students who couldn’t afford SAT prep, let alone get feedback on essay drafts. In that sense, colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can level the playing field in subtle but impactful ways.

Do Supplemental Essays Matter That Much?

Let’s be real: some schools treat supplemental essays like gold, and others barely glance at them. It depends on the institution's values and how competitive admissions are. If you’re applying to a school where 10,000 applicants are fighting for 500 spots, you better believe every word you write matters.

But there’s a flip side here too. I’ve known people who wrote stunning essays and still didn’t get in. (It’s not just you, trust me.) Admissions is like a puzzle, and the essay is just one piece of it. Sure, it’s a chance to stand out, but it’s not the sole decider.

How to Approach Supplemental Essays Without Losing Your Mind

If you’re facing schools with multiple essays, don’t panic. I’ve got a few tips that might help:

1. Reuse, but don’t copy-paste: If two schools ask about your leadership experience, tweak the same essay for both. Admissions officers can tell if you’re phoning it in, so make the effort to personalize.
2. Start early: I know, everyone says this. But the longer you wait, the more rushed (and cliché) your essay is likely to sound.
3. Ask for help: Whether it’s a friend, a teacher, or a parent, a fresh pair of eyes can catch things you missed. And if I am really stuck, I’ll consider reaching out to someone who can help me do my essay. Even brainstorming with someone can make a huge difference.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Ultimately, whether or not a college requires supplemental essays boils down to their goals and resources. For students, it’s less about the essay itself and more about what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re aiming for highly competitive schools, expect essays. If not, it’s worth checking individual requirements before stressing about something you might not even need to do.

But here’s my personal take: supplemental essays are an opportunity, not just a task. They let you show sides of yourself that grades and scores don’t capture. And sure, they’re not always fun to write (especially when you’re staring at a blank screen), but they can be the part of your application that really shines.

And who knows? That essay you’re dreading might just be the one that gets you in.