Class of 2024 Supplemental Essay Prompts

Last Updated: JULY 18, 2023

Because we try to help our students finish their applications by the time they head back to school in the fall, we can’t wait until the official release date of August 1 to begin supplemental essay work! We work hard to try to find out the supplemental essay prompts in advance so that our students can take advantage of their free time during the summer.

We expect that most of our students will be able to knock out half of their 2023-24 supplemental essays before August 1. This will make the month of August much more manageable!

Confirmed in WRiting:

Boston College: Students have the choice of one of the supplemental essay prompts on their website, except for HCE majors, who are required to complete the final prompt.

Drexel University: Drexel confirmed verbally that most students will not have supplemental essays this cycle, but students applying to the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design or to the BS/MD program will need to write essays. Prompts for these essays are on their website.

High Point University: High Point confirmed via email that their essay prompts will remain the same this year as they were last cycle:

  1. Describe any special interests or hobbies that you may have. (50 words maximum)

  2. Describe any meaningful travel experiences (both national and international). (50 words maximum)

  3. Why do you want to attend High Point University? (50 words maximum)

James Madison University: JMU confirmed verbally that they will not have supplemental essays this cycle, but they do have required essays for students applying to the Honors College, which are available on their website.

United States Coast Guard Academy:

  1. Explain why you are interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy, how you have prepared yourself to be successful as a Cadet, and any leadership experiences that will help you develop into a leader of character in the Coast Guard. (500 word maximum)

  2. The Coast Guard Academy is focused on diversity, inclusion and equity-mindedness across campus. What about your background, or what perspective, belief, or experience, will help you contribute to the education of your future classmates and enrich our community? (250 word maximum)

  3. Explain why you are interested in the academic programs you selected and how your previous studies, coursework, and experiences in or outside the classroom have helped prepare you to be successful as a college student. (250 word maximum)

  4. Optional: Provide any additional information that you would like the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board to consider and that you have not provided elsewhere in your application. (250 word maximum)

University of Chicago: Prompts are available on their website.

University of Georgia: Prompt is available on their website.

University of Miami: Prompt is available on their website.

University of Vermont: Prompt options are available on their website.

University of Virginia: They have posted their prompts for this cycle on their blog.

University of Wisconsin: Their prompt will stay the same as last cycle, and is available on their website.

Villanova University: Their prompts will stay the same as last cycle, and are available on their website.

VCU: VCU confirmed verbally that they will not have supplemental essays this cycle, but their honors college application does have a required personal education statement. The instructions for this statement are available on their website.

Wake Forest University: They have posted their prompts for this cycle on their blog.

Confirmed Verbally:

George Washington University: GW confirmed verbally that they will have the same essays as last year. Students will write a 500-word essay on one of the following options:

CHOICE #1: At the George Washington University, our students frequently interact with policymakers and world leaders. These experiences and those of our alumni can shape the future of global affairs. If you had the power to change the course of history in your community or the world, what would you do and why? 

CHOICE #2: The George Washington University encourages students to think critically and to challenge the status quo. Thus, civil discourse is a key characteristic of our community. Describe a time when you engaged others in meaningful dialogue around an issue that was important to you. Did this exchange create change, new perspectives, or deeper relationships?

Harvey Mudd College: Harvey Mudd confirmed by phone that the prompts will stay the same as last year’s, which are available on their website.

Tufts University: All students must answer Tufts’ first question:

  1. Complete this sentence in 100 words or less: “I am applying to Tufts because…”

Students then must answer a second question based on the program to which they are applying:

Applicants to the School of Arts & Sciences or the School of Engineering:

Please respond to one of the following three prompts in 200-250 words:

  1. It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?

  2. How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing – your family, home, neighborhood, or community – shaped the person you are today?

  3. Using a specific example or two, tell us about a way that you contributed to building a collaborative and/or inclusive community.

Applicants to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) at Tufts:

Please respond to the following prompt in 200-250 words:

  1. Art has the power to disrupt our preconceptions, shape public discourse, and imagine new ways of being in the world. What are the ideas you’d like to explore in your work?   

University of Pittsburgh:

(Optional***): The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your University of Pittsburgh admissions application.

University of Richmond: Choose from one of the following prompts to write a 350-650 word essay.

CHOICE #1: You have a platform to create change. What is an action or policy you might propose to address an issue of social injustice in your school or local community, or on a national or global scale?

CHOICE #2: Tell us about a time you learned something unexpected. What did you learn, and what happened next?

CHOICE #3: Richmond welcomes students from various backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. What is at least one way you will contribute to our community that is not already mentioned in your application?

University of Texas at Austin:

UT Austin Required Essay (500-700 words):

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Required Short Answers (250-300 words each):

1. Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

2. Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in

leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.

3. The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, "To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society." Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt will also have two options for students to write a 250-word essay.

CHOICE #1: Vanderbilt University values learning through contrasting points of view. We understand that our differences, and our respect for alternative views and voices, are our greatest source of strength. Please reflect on conversations you’ve had with people who have expressed viewpoints different from your own. How did these conversations/experiences influence you?

CHOICE #2: Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

***In the land of essays, optional is never optional, unless it’s a very specific topic that truly does not apply to students in your demographic, such as the long-time Duke prompt about additional information relating to the applicant’s sexuality. If there is the slightest shred of doubt, go ahead and write the essay.