emory essay prompts 2022

Emory University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

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Emory University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words, 1 essay of 150 words Supplemental Essay Type: Why , Oddball

Academic Interests

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college (200 words).

This required prompt is nothing more or less than an academically inclined Why essay. As you dig into the writing, aim to answer these two key questions: (1) What do you love about the subject? (2) How does Emory’s specific program meet your needs or excite your curiosity? In other words, your goal is not just to geek out (although that’s highly encouraged!), but also to demonstrate your fit for Emory specifically. If you can display a knowledge or curiosity for your chosen major alongside some school-specific facts, you’ll show admissions that you’re motivated and dedicated to their institution. If that’s not a winning combo, we don’t know what is! So, before you start scribbling away (or pounding out 300 words on your computer), remember that the backbone of any good Why essay is research! Give yourself some time to dig through the Emory website and get to know your department as well as any related programs, centers, and opportunities.

Getting to Know You

In addition, answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

In this prompt, Emory University is looking for more than just a summary of your favorite book. Admissions wants to know why a certain work of art is meaningful to you, and how it connects to your identity, history, or values. As with all supplemental essays, your goal should be to use this prompt as an opportunity to tell admissions something new about yourself through your relationship to a particular piece of art. Does “ Still I Rise ” by Maya Angelou resonate with you as a young woman of color overcoming obstacles with courage and determination? Have you always felt that you and Allison from The Breakfast Club were cut from the same cloth? How come? Be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices rather than writing about works that truly speak to you. Don’t write about Charlotte Brontë unless you genuinely feel connected to her life and work. When you give admissions insight into the art that you feel is representative of your personality, experiences, or background, you will be revealing a fascinating, newfound piece of the complex puzzle that is you.

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Emory wants to accept applicants that are curious, open-minded, and socially aware. Admissions wants to bring students to campus who will not be afraid to question their own beliefs or biases, or to strive to consider different perspectives and points of view. So, how have you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness? Maybe you saw Juneteenth trending on Twitter this summer and had never heard of it before. Did you read articles to educate yourself? Reach out to friends or family members who were celebrating? What did you learn? Perhaps one of your friends put the kibosh on a joke you told during a Zoom party, so you took it upon yourself to better understand the subject matter and why your joke may have been insensitive or offensive. All of us are constantly learning and growing, so there’s no shame in being wrong about something as long as you seek to listen, retain information, and expand your horizons.

Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

This is another variation of the Why Essay . In this case, Emory wants you to discuss the aspects of campus life that you feel will help you become your best self. To ace this question, you’ll need to do some self-reflection and research. How do you think college life will change you for the better? Spend some time on the school’s website researching the campus, academic programs, and student culture. Is there a certain theme community that speaks to you? Are there clubs, religious organizations, or volunteer groups that you’re excited to join? Maybe the city of Atlanta holds a special attraction? Remember to keep the essay focused on “flourishing.” How do you interpret that word? Does it mean being academically successful? Becoming a leader in student government or a fraternity? Embracing your authentic self? How will your experiences at Emory facilitate this flourishing and prepare you for life after college?

Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

Service to humanity” can sound lofty and intimidating, but fear not! Emory’s not expecting you to cure cancer or invent perpetual motion; “service to humanity” can be as simple and personal as tutoring other students at the writing center, running psychology experiments in a lab class, or using your History major to educate your roommates about internment camps. We recommend—say it with us—research! How will your time at Emory prepare you to serve humanity when you leave? Check out the website to see if there are service groups or volunteer organizations you might join on campus; maybe there’s a special capstone project for your proposed major. And if you do plan to cure cancer, write about that, too!

Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

This is a classic Community Essay, through and through. Admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today and how you have impacted your community. First of all, let us remind you that your “community” can be just about anything, from your neighborhood to your family to your Taylor Swift fan club. Pick a community that means something to you and in which you’ve been very involved. Maybe you come from a tiny town where you revived a long-lost harvest festival tradition. Perhaps you suggested team-building exercises for your baseball team that brought you all closer together. Maybe you started cooking a weekly pancake breakfast for your younger siblings after your parents got divorced. No matter your starting point, be sure you tell a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end. It might be tempting to pen a vivid description of your community and leave it at that, but the point of an essay like this is to tell a story about you and your contributions.

Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

Emory wants to see how you’ve grown and matured over the last three or so years. The transition from middle school to high school can be almost as daunting as the transition from high school to college. Think back to eighth grade and what aspects of high school either scared you or surprised you. Maybe you worried about getting lost navigating a larger school building. Perhaps you thought biology would be a piece of cake and it was unexpectedly challenging. Maybe you were afraid to be your authentic self until you found an Anime Club where you met like-minded friends. Perhaps you moved to a huge school and encountered people with different backgrounds, beliefs, or opinions. Now that you’ve lived through it, what would you tell your younger self that would help ease those tough transitions? Try to give yourself as much time as possible to reflect on your mindset back in middle school and how it’s changed over the last few years. As always, it’s your job to tell admissions a story, one that reveals information about who you are, what you care about, and/or what inspires you. 

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Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Tips

September 12, 2023

Emory’s 16% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 came after they received approximately 33,000 applicants for admission, numbers that have held steady over the past several years. Whether applying to Emory College, Oxford College, or both, applicants to this prestigious Atlanta-based research university face an epically challenging admissions process ahead. Emory is a rare school where a 1500ish SAT and 3.9 GPA are often necessary, but not sufficient for admission. In addition, application components like the Emory supplemental essays need to be exceptionally well done.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Emory? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Emory University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The good news is that this school does ultimately admit over 5,000 students each year. If you have the academic chops, then getting into Emory is an achievable goal. However, you’ll need to make sure that you use the two supplemental essays to showcase your writing ability by generating powerful and detail-rich essays that will stand out to an admissions officer.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 1 – Academic Interests

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why ? (200 words)

We all have a story of what drives us to pursue a certain academic pathway and career. How did your interest initially develop? What was the spark? How have you nurtured this passion and how has it evolved over time? If you desire to go into engineering, for example, use this as a chance to talk about everything from your childhood fascination with how things work to your participation in an award-winning robotics program at your high school. Share a compelling narrative about how your love of your future area of study has blossomed to its present levels.

In addition to the above, Emory also wants to know why you desire to pursue your studies at their institution. Tie your passions into specific  academic opportunities  at Emory including courses, professors,  hands-on research programs , or any other aspects of your desired major that appeal most to you. The more specific, the better.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 2 – Getting to Know You

In addition, answer one of the following questions.  Your response should be no more than 150 words.

In the university’s own words, “We encourage you to be thoughtful in your responses and not stress about what the ‘right answer’ might be, as there really isn’t one.”

a) Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

What is your favorite (or most thought-provoking) book, character, monologue, or piece of short fiction or nonfiction? Why do you identify with it? Is it the protagonist’s tenacity, empathy, sense of justice, big heart, humor, resilience, uncompromising integrity, loyalty, self-awareness, or courage? Is it the overall theme, topic, or life lesson? Use the 150 available words to explain the powerful connection you feel to your answer. If you go the song route, explain why you connect so deeply with the music and lyrics.

b) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Some students may have more direct experiences related to cultural awareness than others. But—no matter your background—this is an opportunity to demonstrate that you care about justice and fairness in your local community as well as the global community. If applicable, speak about a time when you spoke up for a peer in a moment of need. Alternatively, you could describe an instance when you became involved in a larger cause or movement. This could be in the realm of politics, activism, or volunteer work.

If you don’t happen to have a deeply personal story to tell in this realm, you’ll probably want to select a different prompt. While there’s nothing wrong with simply articulating your basic beliefs in the values of inclusion, equity, tolerance, and diversity, it doesn’t necessarily make for the most compelling essay, particularly when the school is asking for a specific “experience.”

Emory Supplemental Essays (Continued)

c) Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

There’s a lot to unpack in this prompt before you even enter the brainstorming phase of the essay-writing process. First, they want to know a bit about what “flourishing” means to you. This could be:

• Degree-oriented
• Career-focused
• A combination of two or all three of the previous options.

Does “flourishing” mean that you have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research? Or does it mean taking advantage of internship opportunities? Does it mean continuing your advocacy work with a specific population? Does it mean exposing yourself to new perspectives and viewpoints?

Next, you’ll want to take note of the fact that the prompt wants to know how you hope to flourish at Emory specifically (not just at college in general). As such, you should consider discussing Emory-specific offerings that reinforce your ideas and are distinct from those mentioned in the earlier “Academic Interests” prompt.  Such school-specific detail can take an essay from good to great.

d) Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

To truly understand where Emory is coming from with this question, one needs to look no further than the school’s own mission statement: “Emory University’s mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.”

If you have been involved in some type of charitable/community service endeavor throughout your high school years, this is a great opportunity to speak about that venture in more detail. Looking forward, how might you continue the work you’ve been doing? You can also connect your aspirations in this realm to specific service opportunities that are available at Emory.

e) Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

“Community” can be defined in myriad ways: it could be large-scale, like an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community, or small-scale, like a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project.

Most applicants to Emory are involved in at least one “community.” You may be the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, a member of your town’s trail clean-up team… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to  show  what type of community member you are rather than merely  telling . What is your role within your chosen community? Within that role, how do you lead, guide, or interact with others? What have you learned and how have you grown? How have you positively impacted your chosen community? Strive for personal detail here rather than re-hashing your resume.

f) Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

You know the old saying “Hindsight is 20/20”? Think about the transition to your freshman year of high school: What were you nervous or anxious about? What did you spend too much time thinking about? What didn’t you spend enough time thinking about? Is there anything you wish you had done or approached differently? Did you face any significant personal or academic obstacles? If any of those questions resonate, this could be a great prompt for you. Think about how you’ve grown and changed over the past four years, and what you’d tell fourteen-year-old you as a result. The goal here isn’t to lament your decisions or be hard on yourself, but instead to show the admissions committee that you’re thoughtful, self-compassionate, and capable of growth.

One piece of advice here: given the tight word count, don’t get too caught up in the “personal email” directive and spend too much valuable space on creative formatting.

How important are the Emory supplemental essays?

Emory views six factors as being “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. They are: the rigor of one’s coursework, the GPA earned, recommendations, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability. The essays are “important,” alongside standardized test scores and volunteer work.

Want personalized assistance with the Emory supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Emory supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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College Essays

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University is a prestigious private university ranked within the top 25 universities nationwide . To apply here, you'll have to submit your transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a few essays. But what do you actually have to write for your Emory essays?

Below, we present to you this year's Emory University essay prompts and offer you tips for figuring out which prompts you should choose for your application. We will also look at admissions officers' feedback for real Emory essays that worked.

Let's get started!

Feature Image: Nrbelex /Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Emory Essays?

All first-year applicants to Emory must submit one longer essay in response to either the Common Application or Coalition Application essay prompts and two short answers as part of the Emory supplement . For the first Emory essay, you must respond to the single prompt provided, and for the second essay, you can choose any one of the five prompts listed.

Here are the Emory University essay prompts for the 2022-23 application cycle:

Academics Essay (200 words max)

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?

Reflections Essay: Respond to one of the following (150 words max)

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

When was the last time you questioned something that you had thought to be true?

If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Share a time when you were awestruck.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Fortunately, Emory offers a little advice on how you should answer these essay prompts: "We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. We simply want to get to know you better."

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the Emory University essay prompts.

How to Write the Emory Academics Essay

This is standard college essay prompt, asking you to elaborate on your academic plans. Emory is asking this because they want to get a better understanding of what you plan on studying in college and why you're excited about it. Students who have a solid plan for college and are genuinely passionate about their academics are more likely to do well in college and after graduation, and they're more likely to be involved on campus and give back as an alum.

As a reminder, this prompt is required for all applicants, and you can write up to 200 words.

So, what should you write about? Start with describing the academic area(s) you plan on focusing on in college. Then, dive into it more. If you want to major in biology, what areas of biology are you most interested in? What about these topics excites you? What career are you hoping to pursue with a biology degree? Are there internships/research opportunities you hope to do? You don't need to include all those parts, but be sure to give an in-depth answer that makes it clear what your academic interests and plans are.

But what if you don't know what you want to study? That's OK; this isn't a binding document that requires you to follow up on what you write about. Choose an area or areas that you're thinking about, and go with that. Don't write that you have no idea what you're going to study because that can cause Emory to worry that you won't be interested in your studies/won't be able to commit to anything.

How to Write the "Reflections" Emory Essay

For this essay, you'll have to select one prompt to answer (out of five possible prompts). These prompts are pretty varied, but they all ask you to reflect on something meaningful to you and that has helped you become the person you are today , whether that's an experience you had, an insight you gained, or a field you're passionate about.

As a reminder, your essay must be no longer than 150 words.

Now then, let's go through the "Reflection" Emory University essay prompts one at a time and give you tips on how to answer each of them effectively.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 1: Cultural Sensitivity

Emory is a competitive school and admits students from all over the world. In order to be a good member of the Emory community, you'll need to understand and thrive in a diverse environment. To that end, this essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your cultural sensitivity.

But what is cultural awareness? The National Center for Cultural Competence defines cultural awareness as "being cognizant, observant, and conscious of similarities and differences among and between cultural groups." So to answer this prompt, you'll have to share an experience where your understanding of cultural awareness grew.

A good place to start is to think about your experiences with people from different cultures. When have you been in this situation before? And what did you learn?

On the other hand, you may be a member of a cultural minority in the United States. If you are, this would be a great prompt to talk about how that has impacted you, and how that has shaped your own unique understanding of how cultural awareness works in American society.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to learn from others and your capacity to be thoughtful about your own actions. The kiss of death for this prompt? Bragging. No one is perfectly culturally aware: developing our cultural sensitivity is a lifetime process. Acting like you've got it all figured out isn't going to impress anyone, especially admissions counselors.

Should You Choose This Prompt?

Do you have a good understanding of diversity and what it means to be "culturally sensitive"? This goes beyond just knowing the definitions of these terms. Have you had experiences where diversity played a key role? You'll need real, first-hand experience if you want to tackle this prompt well. If you haven't had that, then this might not be the best prompt for you.

Tips for Answering This Prompt

• Be honest and specific about your experience. Do not make something up to try and answer this prompt! Additionally, make sure you're being honest about the experience in general. Don't try and make yourself into the "hero" of the situation. Instead, admissions counselors want to see that you can be thoughtful about cultural differences, and that you've learned something about being part of a diverse community.
• Explain how this will make you a better Emory student. Like we mentioned earlier, Emory is a diverse campus. How will you bring what you've learned about cultural awareness to Emory? Explain how what you've learned has prepared you for your Emory experience, and touch on how your experience will help you be a better member of the Emory community.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 2: Questioning Beliefs

Emory uses this question to get to know more about your opinions and how you have learned to think more objectively .

In other words, the admissions committee wants to see how you have become more open-minded and that you are ready and willing to explore outside your safe comfort zone. Are you intellectually curious? Are you willing to admit when you're wrong?

This is the type of student Emory is looking for—someone who can be honest and open with themselves , who is introspective and always willing to learn.

If you can easily think of a time when you questioned any major beliefs you used to hold—whether it was something religious, political, or otherwise highly personal—this would be a great prompt to choose for your first Emory essay.

For example, maybe you used to eat meat but became a vegetarian after visiting a slaughterhouse as part of a school trip.

Or maybe you used to think that libraries were completely useless and should simply go away. But after getting help from a kind librarian one day, you realized that libraries are necessary to have in society, especially considering that people of lower-income backgrounds typically do not have easy access to computers, books, and other repositories of knowledge.

• Follow a clear structure. Present what you used to believe, explain what or who caused you to question this belief, and finally clarify how this process has (positively) impacted you.
• Focus on a unique moment from your life. Don't just talk about how you used to believe in Santa Claus and eventually grew out of it—most, if not all, of us have had similar experiences. Try to find something unique to you and that will set you apart from other applicants.
• Think beyond religion and spirituality. It's not inherently bad to write an essay about how you used to practice a certain religion and now practice another one or none at all, but don't feel limited to only topics regarding faith or religion just because this prompt is asking about your beliefs!

"Tell Us About You" Emory Essay Prompt 3: Historic Event

This next Emory essay prompt is a fun and interesting way for admissions officers to get a clearer sense of what your interests, passions, and values are .

There are no limits to what you can put down here—you could focus on a big event from as recent as the late 20th century, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, or something that happened thousands of years ago, such as the building of the great Egyptian pyramids.

Your goal should be to choose something that highlights a critical aspect of your personality and/or interests.

For instance, perhaps you want to minor in architectural studies, which is why you're so fascinated with how the pyramids were constructed. Or maybe your mother was present when the Berlin Wall fell and you'd love to have seen her expression of joy at having helped reunite her country.

Is there a specific moment from the past that you have always wished to see because it genuinely interests, excites, or fascinates you? Is there a certain event from history that means something special to you and/or your family, and that you wish you could have actually been there for?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, then this would be a great prompt to choose for your second Emory essay.

• Describe the event in detail. Before you jump into the "why" part of your essay, take care to set up the details of the scene by using literary devices such as images and metaphors. Doing this will show admissions officers that you're passionate about both this event and the details of how it happened.
• Clearly and cogently explain why this event is so important to you on a personal level. Once you've set up your essay with some details of the event, it's time to dive into the "why" with full force. A historic event could be special to you for a number of reasons: for example, maybe you've got a burning desire to study physics at Emory after learning about the Wright brothers' first successful flight.
• Try to find a more positive or empowering event. While it's not off the table to write about horrible (but important to know) things that have happened, such as the assassination of JFK or the Holocaust, make sure you manage to tie this back to yourself in a meaningful, positive way. For example, maybe you've always felt that witnessing the Holocaust with your own eyes could help you better relate to your great-grandparents who suffered through it.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 4: Awe

The purpose of this essay prompt is for the admissions committee to understand what really moves you.

To answer this prompt, think back to the times when you were overcome with a sense of wonder or awe. Did it happen when you reached the summit of a long hike and stared at the vista surrounding you? Or when you heard a particular piece of music for the first time? Or when you traveled to a new city that's nothing like your hometown?

As you think about what to write about here, remember that the most powerful answers will involve telling a story of some kind. Let's say you were awestruck the first time you got a clear view of the Milky Way Galaxy. You were ten years old, on a camping trip with your dad, and, since you'd grown up in the city, you'd never seen so many stars before. The sight of all of them made you appreciate the vastness of the universe, and ever since you've had a passion for outer space. Including those details will make your essay more memorable and unique to you.

As you tell the story, always remember to connect it to the most important part of your essay: your discussion of who you are as a person and what about you makes you a good fit for Emory.  In this example, you could say that you use that memory to remind yourself you're just a single person in a vast place, and it helps you stay humble and put your challenges into perspective.

This prompt is great for people who've experienced awe that caused some sort of change in their lives . If you're a thoughtful person who can reflect on that experience in positive ways, then this prompt is a good fit for you!

• Pick one experience and focus on that. Even if you regularly feel awe when you fly in an airplane, pick one specific example and focus on that for this essay. Discussing a single experience will make it easier for you to tell a story as well as keep within the wordcount for this essay. 
• Think about the long-term impact it had on you. In the moment you felt awe, but what were the lasting impacts of the experience? How did feeling awestruck convince you to change yourself/your plans/your view of the world? Emory wants to see the bigger picture in all of this, so make sure you include that in your essay. 

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 5: Artistic Representation

The point of this prompt is for Emory to get a clearer, more holistic sense of not just who you are, but also how you see yourself. What qualities do you feel represent your personality? Your goals? Your best traits? Your challenges?

Remember that you should aim to tell the admissions committee something new and unique about yourself that they haven't yet gleaned from your application or other essays.

When thinking of how a piece of art represents you, don't think literally—try to go beyond generic and superficial traits and think about the deeper meaning and symbolism that speaks to you.

For example, maybe you've always felt a strong connection to the character of Forrest Gump—not because you literally fought in a war, started a restaurant, and met the president, but because you were always supported by your family, especially your mom, and believed that your optimism and positive outlook is what ultimately helped you attain some of your biggest goals in life so far.

My recommendation is to choose this prompt only if you can immediately come up with a specific piece of art or character you've always felt a strong personal attachment to. Remember that it's not just about something you like but something that truly gets across the essence of who you are .

If nothing comes to mind right away, it's probably best to go with another prompt. You don't want to write this essay and have it feel heavily forced or contrived!

• Choose a topic that emphasizes your most prominent and best qualities. Obviously, you don't want to compare yourself to something or someone that's notoriously corrupt, bigoted, immoral, mean, or unlikable. The point here is to show the Emory admissions committee key positive traits you have, such as your selflessness or ability to see the best in everyone.
• Avoid exaggeration. No matter how strong of a connection you might feel to Batman, your life is most certainly not a carbon copy of his. Don't hyperbolize any traits you (think you) share with your character or art piece by making ridiculous claims, such as how you're a real-life superhero or secret genius.
• Don't just choose something because it's famous or "impressive." If you've never actually read Great Expectations or have but never had any real connection to it, Emory admissions officers will be able to tell. So don't worry—it's OK to pick something that's less well-known or not very intellectual or scholarly, just as long as you can cogently explain how this piece of art or character encapsulates you .

Admissions Feedback for Emory Essays That Worked

One thing that can really help you while applying to Emory is seeing examples of real Emory essays that worked and secured students admission. Fortunately, the official Emory website has an entire series dedicated to going over their applicants' best personal essays .

The downside is that these are all for the Common App/Coalition App essay prompts, so they are a lot longer and do not respond directly to any of the short-answer supplemental questions above.

Still, you can use these essay examples and their feedback from admissions officers to get a better sense of what to write about, how you can effectively structure your thoughts, and what Emory is ultimately hoping to learn about you through your writing .

We've consolidated the most important ideas from admissions officers' feedback for you. Here's a basic overview of what Emory is looking for in your essays:

• "Expressive language," "interesting vocabulary," and showing instead of telling
• A sense of maturity
• Clear connections between your interests, experiences, and/or goals
• Authenticity
• The ability to reflect on your experiences (and learn from them)
• Either a unique topic or a unique approach to a more common topic

Make sure your Emory essays have most (ideally all!) of these essential qualities.

How to Write the Emory Essays: 4 Essential Tips

Here are four tips to keep in mind as you write your Emory University supplemental essays.

#1: Write Concisely

You have just 200 and 150 words for the supplemental Emory essays, so don't waste space— include only the most essential facts and information you want to present to the admissions committee .

Use these essays as an opportunity to practice writing more succinctly. Take your time to try to cut out any irrelevant or ineffective words or phrases that don't answer the prompt or reveal anything important or unique about you.

#2: Be Highly Specific

Don't make the mistake many students make by not being specific enough in your college essays—especially considering how little space you have for the Emory essays!

The trick here is to not dawdle in your writing : get straight to the point and overarching topic of your essay, and then dive right in so that you're fully answering the question.

To truly make your writing come alive, you must home in on the most essential info about yourself. Use examples, anecdotes, and plenty of details to paint an accurate picture of who you are and how you see yourself.

#3: Avoid Repeating Yourself

You have to write two short essays for the Emory supplement and one longer essay in response to one of the Common App or Coalition App prompts. Because some of these Emory University essay prompts are similar to the Common App/Coalition App ones, you'll want to check that you're not repeating anything you already wrote .

The point of all these essays is to give you the chance to introduce a range of different, but equally important, sides of yourself. Repeating yourself shows a lack of creative thinking and will most certainly not leave a good impression on the Emory admissions committee.

#4: Don't Forget to Proofread

Last, but certainly not least, remember to edit and proofread your Emory essays several times before you submit them with your application.

Once you've got a rough draft finished, put it away and don't look at it. After a few days, take it out and reread it, looking for areas that feel out of place, irrelevant, or unclear, and tweak as needed.

Lastly, give your draft to someone you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them read it over and give you some feedback. Ask them to also correct it for any technical or stylistic errors.

Do all this and you should have one unforgettable Emory essay ready to go!

What's Next?

Curious about what it takes to get into Emory as a freshman? Check out our Emory admission requirements page to learn the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of admitted applicants.

Interested in applying to colleges in the South? Our expert guide walks you through all the very best schools in the South, including Emory .

Did you know that Emory University is one of a select number of schools that offers full-ride scholarships? To see even more colleges that do this, take a look at our complete list .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Emory Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Emory University is one of the country’s leading liberal arts research schools. If you are hoping to gain admission to Emory , it’s a good idea to focus on acing your Emory supplemental essays. Emory requires each student to write a 200-word essay on what academic areas interest them. For the second essay of 150 words, students can choose their topic from six prompts. We will help you stand out with your responses and identify the prompt best suited for your story. Let’s begin!  

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words)

This prompt is pretty common as far as supplemental essays go. Beyond indicating your intended major, schools want to know why you are drawn to that subject. A solid way to organize your response is to start by describing your academic interest. Think of when your curiosity with the topic first began. What story can you provide to invite readers in and make it personal? 

Next, discuss the ways you have pursued this interest since. Did you start a club in high school centered around this topic? Have you shadowed anyone who also does what you’re interested in? Does your high school coursework reflect this interest? 

Finally, connect this passion to Emory . What about this school will help you accomplish your goals in this academic field? Is it a class? A certain professor? Internship opportunities? In addition to connecting Emory to yourself, this section can help an admissions counselor know that you have done your research, that Emory is not just a random school you picked, but rather one that you have heavily invested in getting into. 

Also see: Top 15 college majors for the future

The “Getting to Know You” short answer section

For this section of the Emory application, you will be allowed to choose to respond to any one of the following prompts in 150 words. 

1. Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why? (150 words)

Any piece of media is on the table here. Select something that is emblematic of a key piece of your identity. Your chosen work should be genuinely meaningful to you! Have fun with this question! You can use the questions below to get some ideas flowing! 

Questions to consider:  

• Is there a character from a book or movie that you can relate to? 
• If you had to write your biography, what famous quotes or writings would you draw on?
• Is there a book, song, or tv show that you routinely go to for comfort/entertainment/inspiration? 

2. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness (150 words)

When have you taken educating yourself and broadening your perspective into your own hands? The admissions team wants to hear about it! 

You could write about a current event that sparked your curiosity and pushed you to learn more, a time that you learned about another culture before traveling there, a historical event that you learned about and moved you to learn more, or anything you can think of really. The point of this question is to speak about intentionality. Good students don’t just let what they learn wash over them, they are intentional and colleges want to see that you have exemplified that. 

Questions to consider: 

• When did you realize your ignorance about a social issue and took steps to address it?
• Have you ever exposed yourself to people of a different cultural, socioeconomic, religious, etc. background? 
• What tough conversations have you had to initiate in order to gain greater awareness?  

3. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you. (150 words)

This is a great question to answer because there are no right or wrong answers! Emory wants to know what flourishing looks like to you. This may mean partaking in clubs and activities during your first year, making stellar grades, or a mix of several things. Take some time to assess for yourself what flourishing means to you!

4. Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity. (150 words)

If you’ve spent any time in high school volunteering or giving back to your community in other ways, then this might be a great question for you to answer. If you know of a specific organization you’d like to volunteer with on campus, this might also be a good place to speak about that. Be careful with being too vague with this question. Your answer should be specific to show that this isn’t just something you’ve thought about in theory, but also something you’ve made actual steps toward working towards. 

5. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better. (150 words)

This is a question that you should only answer if you have a strong answer to it. That being said, the community you may have been impactful in does not need to be a big one. Maybe you were very influential in a club that you participated in at your high school, a sport either at your school or in your community. Take some time to think about the communities you are a part of, big or small, reflect on the impact that you have had on them and that they have had on you. 

6. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school. (150 words)

This prompt is one that you can certainly have fun with! Take some time to reflect on this question. There is no right or wrong answer, but it certainly will be noticeable which students put thought into this question and which did not. Think about how you’ve grown and matured since the start of high school, as during college you will likely also experience a tremendous amount of growing and maturing.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Summing up the Emory supplemental essays

Phew! We made it through all of the prompts for your Emory supplemental essays. Fortunately, you only have to select one of the last six. We recommend choosing a few questions that stick out to you and brainstorming ideas for each. Land on the prompt that you believe best conveys your core attributes. Also consider which prompt most lends itself to a unique response. 200 words and 150 words are tricky word limits. We recommend you get your thoughts down, no matter the length. You can cut them down later to share your powerful story succinctly!  

Key Takeaways

• Emory only has two required supplemental essay prompts
• For the second prompt, make sure you take time reading through all of your options before choosing one
• Be sure to use some additional resources from our website as well to help you write the best application possible
• For more help with your application, you can also check out some of our top ten tips for a successful application

Other supplemental essay guides

• Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• Duke University (Durham, NC)

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August 13, 2021

Emory University 2021-2022 Essay Prompts

Emory University has released its 2021-2022 admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2026. This year, Emory’s admissions committee is asking applicants to respond to two essay prompts: a 200-word essay and a 150-word essay. It’s one of the shorter supplements among the highly selective universities. By means of comparison, Tulane University — and there is quite a bit of overlap between Emory applicants and Tulane applicants — asks applicants to answer two 800-word essays. So what exactly are this year’s Emory admissions essays, you ask? Wonder no more!

The first Emory admissions essay prompt reads, “What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?” Applicants are asked to answer this question in 200 words. For the second Emory admissions essay prompt, applicants have the option of picking one topic among five choices. The five choices are as follows: “(1) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. (2) When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true? (3) If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why? (4) Share about a time when you were awestruck. (5) Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?”

Have a question about the Emory University admissions essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2026? Let us know your question by posting it below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

September 6, 2023

If you feel a strong pull towards Emory University, it's likely due to a multitude of reasons. Perhaps it's the appeal of smaller class sizes or the state-of-the-art lab facilities in Atlanta that have captured your attention. As a renowned research university, Emory looks for students who aren't afraid to take initiative in their communities and dedicate themselves to achieving their goals. By delving into your diverse interests and experiences, you have the ability to convince the admissions officers of your exceptional qualities and unwavering work ethic. In this blog post, I have provided a comprehensive discussion of the essay prompts and offered additional tips to help you successfully tackle the Emory supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle .

Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Academic interests (required), what academic areas are you interested in exploring at emory university and why (150-200 words recommended length).

The goal of this question is to assess whether you have done your research to determine if Emory is the right fit for you. InGenius Prep counselor Ken Johnson, who worked as an Admissions Officer at Emory, adds, “If you show you can write about some of Emory’s unique aspects that fit your particular academic interests or needs, then you will help admissions make a decision in your favor.”

If you have already decided on a major, visit the Academics section on Emory’s website, and thoroughly acquaint yourself with the offerings available. This will provide you with valuable insights into the courses, research programs, internships, and even professors that may be of interest to you. 

However, do not simply list what interests you. Ken adds, “The key point of the question is “why”.  Explain why the items you highlight interest you. It is better to focus on 2-3 things and explain in some detail why it is what you’re looking for and excited about. So rather than try to cover a lot of things superficially, scan and see what catches your eye. Then zero in on it and explain why.” Remember, the point is for admissions officers to gain insight into your interests and motivations, so don’t spend time reiterating information from the website.

If you are undecided and unsure about your major, don't worry! Emory has a liberal arts model of education, which means they encourage all students to explore various subjects and gain a breadth of knowledge and learning experiences. Emory's General Education Requirements are divided into four main areas, and two of these areas are particularly well-suited for showcasing why Emory is a great fit for you – even if you haven't decided on a major yet. 

First, there is “Exploration”, which encourages you to try courses from different disciplines. In this instance, Ken recommends that you mention 2 very different courses you’d like to check out. Second, there is “Experience and Application”, which presents an exceptional opportunity for students to gain practical experience and explore various career paths from the numerous organizations, research institutions, non-profits, and businesses that Emory is closely affiliated with. Ken also notes, "You might notice that the four areas of General Education requirements – exploration, communication, community/belonging, and practical experience – are related in part to the questions below."

Getting to Know You

In addition, please answer one of the following questions. (150 words)

Essay Option 1

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you why.

For this prompt, you have the freedom to choose anything that resonates with you – whether it's from a movie, show, comedy routine, cartoon/anime, or even something outside of traditional literature like novels, short stories, or poems.

Ken adds, “The point is to explain how/why you relate to this piece of work. For example, with Japanese anime, such as the Evangelion series, I’ve seen students relate to it in completely different ways. One could relate to a character; another could relate to a philosophical theme, and another could relate to the artistic and production qualities. In explaining how you relate, you will reveal something about your own personality, interests, and even biases.” 

Essay Option 2

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness..

Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on expanding cultural awareness is the experience of traveling abroad. While this can be a transformative experience, you don't have to choose an exotic location to impress admissions officers. What matters most is how you gained insight into a culture that is different from your own – regardless of where you were.

In fact, even without leaving your home country, there are countless ways to expand your cultural awareness. Perhaps you visited an art or history museum in your town, which exposed you to different perspectives and artistic expressions. Alternatively, maybe you immersed yourself in a different genre of music, either by attending a concert or actively listening – which opened your ears to new sounds and rhythms. Or perhaps, you watched a foreign film recently that opened your mind to different storytelling techniques and another culture's cinematic traditions. 

But sometimes, it's the simplest of experiences that can have the biggest impact – like trying a new ethnic cuisine for the first time, opening your taste buds to the rich tapestry of culinary traditions and the cultural significance of food. Even without venturing far, the possibilities for expanding your cultural awareness are endless. Reflect on how these experiences broadened your understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Did it challenge any preconceived notions or biases you may have had? Did it spark a curiosity to learn more about the history, traditions, or customs of the culture you encountered? 

By delving into these aspects, you will demonstrate not only your willingness to embrace diversity but also your ability to engage with and learn from different cultures. Throughout your response, remember to incorporate anecdotes and describe how these experiences have shaped your perspective and understanding of the world. Ken also adds, "Consider concluding this essay with a brief statement about why “expanding” your cultural awareness proved valuable to you." 

Essay Option 3

Emory university aspires for all students to flourish on campus. reflect on what flourishing at emory means to you..

“Flourishing” at Emory means more than just academic success; it encompasses personal growth and development in all aspects of life. Imagine yourself as a seed, planted in the nurturing environment of the Emory campus. Just as a seed needs the right soil, temperature, humidity, water, and sunlight to flourish and bloom, you too need the right conditions to thrive.

To get a deeper understanding of the non-academic aspects of life at Emory, take a look at the Explore section on Emory’s website . Here, you will find a wealth of opportunities and activities that can enrich your life on campus. From joining student organizations and clubs to participating in community service projects, there are countless ways that you can enrich your experience at Emory.

When writing about how you can contribute to this vibrant campus life, consider your unique skills, interests, and passions. Are you a natural leader who can organize events and bring people together? Do you have a talent for public speaking or performing arts that can add excitement to campus events? Are you passionate about community service and eager to make a difference in the lives of others?

Remember, Emory values holistic development . Reflect on how you envision yourself actively engaging in campus life – therefore, creating a fulfilling and well-rounded college experience for yourself and your peers.

Essay Option 4

Emory university’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity..

If you choose to answer this question, first read Emory’s own statements of its vision and mission . Emory University takes great pride in its affiliation with Jimmy Carter's Carter Center , a world-renowned organization dedicated to promoting peace, health, and human rights. In fact, in recognition of his contributions, Emory appointed President Carter as a Distinguished Professor at the university after his presidency. Human rights were a major theme of President Carter's time in office, and the Carter Center continues to engage in numerous service projects around the world.

Therefore, Emory particularly favors students who have a strong commitment to service and community involvement, which would be evident in your Activities List section of the application. For this prompt, Ken highly recommends that you mention your interest in Volunteer Emory , a student-run organization that offers a wide range of volunteer placement opportunities. 

Throughout your response, reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in the world and provide examples, like Volunteer Emory, for how to plan to contribute to their mission. Remember, your goal is to show the admissions officers at Emory that you are a student actively engaged in service, plan on continuing your volunteering efforts, and seek to cultivate a community of individuals dedicated to service and social responsibility.

Essay Option 5

Emory university has a strong commitment to building community. tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better..

Like the previous question, you should only consider answering this question if you have a strong service record on your Activities List and Honors/Awards sections of your Common Application. Additionally, keep in mind that the term "community" should be interpreted broadly. It can encompass physical communities, such as neighborhoods or schools, but it can also refer to social, academic, athletic, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, or other communities. The focus for this prompt should be on how you personally contributed to improving or shaping the community. 

Ken adds, “You should refer (but not repeat the description) of a service activity, mainly focusing on the results and impact of your participation.” For instance, if you were part of a volunteer program that aimed to improve literacy rates in underserved communities, you could discuss how your dedication and efforts led to an increase in reading levels among the children you worked with. Highlight the specific strategies you employed, such as implementing interactive learning activities or creating a supportive and encouraging environment, and explain how these initiatives positively influenced the community. By expanding on your personal contributions and the tangible outcomes you achieved, you will effectively demonstrate your commitment to creating positive change in various communities.

Essay Option 6

Reflection is a central tenet of emory university’s values. craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school..

This is your chance to be creative! Use humor, or even be serious and lighthearted as you provide advice to your younger self.  Ken notes, "Think of things you had the most trouble with or things that you wish others would have told/warned you about. Your advice could focus on personal things – like getting to class on time, where to study, whether to join a club or team, your participation in class, procrastinating on assignments, etc.”

You could also reflect on things you wish others would have warned you about. Do you have any regrets or actions you wish you had done differently during your first challenging year of high school? As you write this email to your younger self, remember to share your personal experiences and insights to show the admissions officers a different side of you. 

Additional Tips for Writing the Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Emory supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Choose your prompt strategically. Pick a topic that you believe will bring the best out of you, and help paint an accurate picture of your personality and values. You want to choose the topic that brings forward the qualities that make you a unique and valuable applicant.
• Don’t repeat your personal statement or your activities list. The goal of the Emory supplemental essays is to provide further information on who you are and what you’re all about. Before you start writing, map out potential essays for different prompts. Compare your outlines and make sure that when side-by-side, they bring out different strengths. Most importantly, make sure that they do not repeat what’s in the rest of your application. Use every opportunity to tell the admissions office something new about you. Don’t repeat yourself!

The Emory supplemental essays 2023-2024 present an incredible opportunity to offer the admissions officers a deeper understanding of your character, passions, and ambitions – as well as how an Emory education can propel you toward success. Approach each prompt with the intention of showcasing your individuality and leaving a lasting impression as an exceptional candidate. The goal is to persuasively convey to Emory why you are a student they cannot afford to overlook!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools.

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4 Excellent Emory Essay Examples

What’s covered:, essay example #1 – book, character, or song, essay example #2 – cultural awareness, essay example #3 – historic event, william henry harrison, essay example #4 – historic event, nikola tesla, where to get your emory university essays edited.

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. The school is commonly referred to as a “ Southern Ivy ” due to its academic prestige. In fact, Emory consistently ranks among the nation’s top 25 schools. The university also boasts a selective admissions process, so it’s important that you submit engaging essays that will make your application stand out.

In this post, we will walk through some essays that real students submitted to Emory. By noticing the strengths and weaknesses of these essays, you will be more prepared to write impressive essays to submit to the Emory admissions committee.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Emory University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Prompt: Which book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or nonfiction) represents you, and why? (150 words)

Never has a song resonated with me the way ‘My Shot’ did.

In the song, I saw a person who was motivated by nothing more than passion. Who had big dreams, and a stronger will to get it done. I saw someone who would stay up for nights on end to understand the inner workings of a seemingly-simple software to create a truly great website. Who would forgo meals because she had ideas in her head and a desire to write them down. Who would teach herself a subject her school refused to let her pursue. Who would take Machine Learning courses for fun. I saw someone with goals, with plans, and with the mettle required to reach them. I saw myself.

Applying to Emory is me thinking past tomorrow. It is me fanning my spark into a flame. Applying to Emory is me not throwing away my shot.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay is strong because it utilizes more sophisticated writing to express how this song represents the student. There is no generic sentence “ The song ‘My Shot’ represents me because of x, y, and z. ” Rather, there is a seamless transition from the subject of the song to the student: “ In the song, I saw a person who was motivated by nothing more than passion. Who had big dreams, and a stronger will to get it done. I saw someone who would stay up for nights on end to understand the inner workings of a seemingly-simple software to create a truly great website.”

The student tells us that her song focuses on a person with strong passions and a stronger will, and then she goes on to demonstrate how she is that person. She doesn’t tell us outright that she is passionate about anything, but she shows the reader through her descriptions of “ staying up for nights on end, ” “ forgoing meals because she has ideas in her head ,” and “ teaching herself a subject ” she couldn’t learn in school.

The conclusion is also well done because it brings the song back into the essay. Any Hamilton fan can hear themselves singing those last lines in their head, which is a great way to make your reader feel engaged! Returning back to the song emphasizes the student’s attention to the prompt and provides a satisfying sense of closure.

What Could Be Improved 

One way this student could bring more nuance to her essay is through rewriting the beginning.  The first sentence restates the prompt, wasting space that could be used to bring more action to her writing. To fix this, the student could integrate this introductory line with their first paragraph like this:

As I frantically danced around my room, I let the vibrant rhythms control me. I screamed out “ We’re gonna rise up. Time to take a shot!” The intensity of the song ‘My Shot’ reminded me of my passionate motivations. 

In the song, I see…

This hook brings the passion and intensity of the song to the reader.  By integrating information about the tone of the song or a lyric from the song, readers will feel more connected to the work you are describing and thus, your essay as a whole.

Prompt: Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness. (150 words)

“Mama, there’s HOLES in the floor!” 

Utterly culture shocked, five year old me was horrified to learn that the sitting toilets of America were not a guarantee in China.

I can’t say I like squat toilets, but they’ve made me realize that many things I see as “ordinary” might be completely different in a different culture or country. 

Since my little fiasco, I have in fact spent time researching toilets: bidets, heated seats, ancient Roman sanitation systems (actually not very sanitary but A+ concept), the works. I find it fascinating to think about how the economic status and cultural standards of different countries affect their bathrooms. It’s shocking how something as universal as a toilet can have such deeper implications. Though I can’t say it’s something I think about every day, in my mind it’s a small testament to the diverse yet similar ways we live as a global community.

The introduction is a major strength of this essay. The image of a little kiddo, with the best intentions, saying “Mama, there’s HOLES in the floor!”  gets us hooked. Through the sweetness behind the word “Mama” and the use of capitalization to articulate the young person’s astonishment, this student’s intentional writing creates a picture that has us interested right off the bat. They show their cultural experience, instead of just telling us what happened.

As we continue reading, we get to learn about the student’s thoughts. They position themself as the kind of student who is drawn to deep thought and can see the importance of small details and differences. This capacity for critical thought—especially as it relates to cultural differences—is appealing to admissions officers. Additionally, as they describe their critical thinking, they continue to highlight their endearing personality through humor, with parenthetical jokes like “ ancient Roman sanitation systems (actually not very sanitary but A+ concept) .” This works great.

Finally, the student ties up their essay simply. This is important because they already did a bells-and-whistles introduction with dialogue. In a short essay like this, including an engaging introduction and a creative conclusion can make the essay feel overwhelming and forced in its attempt to engage readers. Sometimes the simple answer is best—and this student does simple so well!

The biggest improvements this essay could make are mostly related to grammar. For example they could tighten up some of their prose.  Words like “ many ,” “ might be ,” and “ in fact ” can be changed or eliminated to achieve concision and clarity.

Additionally, there are some small, but not insignificant, grammar issues that could have been caught with more thorough proofreading, including:

• “culture shocked” → “culture-shocked”
• “five year old me” → “five-year-old me”
• “such deeper implications” → “much deeper implications”
• “in my mind it’s” → “in my mind, it’s”

Prompt: If you could witness any event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why? (150 words)

Watching an old white man speak might not be the best way to spend my one chance to time travel, but something about William Henry Harrison’s inauguration has always piqued my curiosity. Not only did Harrison stubbornly refuse a coat, hat, and carriage on a disgustingly dreary day, but also gave the longest inaugural speech in US history—I imagine some were bored out of their minds. But it’s not the speech itself I’m interested in; it’s the desire to let the world hear all that you have to say, even if no one is listening. I often find myself bursting to share my thoughts on all kinds of issues: climate change, class, capitalism, but stop myself when I can’t find eager ears. Mr. Harrison died after (stupidly?) braving the elements to share his mind; I want to see that conviction with my own eyes.

This essay is bold, but it definitely pays off!

It can be risky to write your college essay in a casual style, but this student pulls it off. In the first sentence, they use the phrase “ old white man ” to describe William Henry Harrison which, while descriptive, has become a colloquial assemblage of descriptors. That being said, for this student, it works because it makes their essay feel authentic. When reading this essay, we get the opportunity to walk through this student’s thought process with them:

• I’m not crazy about old white men
• But William Henry Harrison is pretty cool
• I think William Henry Harrison is so cool because he spoke his mind fearlessly
• It’s important to me to speak my mind fearlessly

Through this progression, we learn so much about the student—which is the entire point! The essay is your main opportunity to humanize yourself to admissions officers and this student really shows who they are as a human aside from test scores and extracurriculars.

This essay is fabulous—it’s clear and engaging, shows the student’s personality and values, and answers the prompt. 

The main change this essay could use is replacing the word “stupidly”. While some students can make a casual tone work, presenting yourself as disrespectful to authority through such a harsh word (even if you really believe he is stupid!) isn’t ideal for admissions. Instead, this comedic parenthetical could have read “ carelessly? ” or “ foolishly? ” These words would’ve gotten the student’s point across without being negative.

Prompt: If you could witness a historic event first-hand, what would it be, and why? (150 words)

I would love to join Nikola Tesla during one of his pigeon-feeding ventures. I’ve always had an affinity for scientist trivia, and this bird aficionado/innovator is undeniably my favorite. However, I’ve discovered that history accentuates so strongly on such scientists’ laboratory accomplishments that we perceive them as mythical beings rather than humans – to the point that we’re surprised whenever they participate in commonplace activities. We all know Tesla’s multitude of revolutionary inventions that are still ubiquitous in modern technology. Nevertheless, I aspire to go a step further; I believe there is a beauty and inspiration that can only be found by understanding scientists outside the lab, movie stars off-camera, and politicians away from microphones. Great minds aren’t necessarily defined by the moments that history records; many times, the most remarkable people are found lurking in the park with a handful of sunflower seeds.

This essay is ripe with potential because the student picked an interesting topic—important people doing unimportant things! And, to articulate this topic, the student chose a great example—Nikola Tesla feeding pigeons. 

Choosing a simple event that represents a larger curiosity of the student is a great way to bring an essay topic that can get very lofty and aspirational back down to Earth. The essay is more about the question of who celebrities are outside of the public eye, which demonstrates the depth of this student’s critical thought. They search for deeper significance, hidden truths, and non obvious answers. 

Admissions officers admire a student with these skills, but there’s no one way to convey it in your essays. That being said, a good place to start is to dig deeper and go beyond what the prompt explicitly asks for, as this student did.

While this student has the perfect set-up for an outstanding essay, their execution needs work for this essay to be truly effective. In its current state, the point gets muddled. Though readers ultimately understand what this student is getting at, it takes too much work to parse through all of the elevated prose, transitions, and sentences. To articulate the idea we don’t truly know our heroes more clearly, the student could have written something engaging like:

On the news, in my classes, and even at my family’s dinner table, I constantly hear Tesla referred to as “the innovator of the future,” “our generation’s Einstein,” “the most brilliant man on the planet.” While I don’t deny his extensive list of scientific and engineering accomplishments, I am inclined to wonder when he stopped being seen as human. Is the Tesla on our screens a man or a mythical being?

Finally, the student’s reflection should be more reflective! The first sentence of the reflection reads “ I believe there is a beauty and inspiration that can only be found by understanding scientists outside the lab, movie stars off-camera, and politicians away from microphones. ” This is a valuable point, but it goes entirely unexplained. Is the student saying that these well-known individuals gain their inspiration through their daily activities? Or is the student trying to say that the fact that these well-known individuals are just ordinary people inspires them as a student?

The topic of “important people doing unimportant things” is perfect for reflection, but this student misses the opportunity. The essay needs to relate back to the applicant—Where do they get inspiration? Why is inspiration important? At the end of this essay, we still don’t know why Nikola Tesla’s pigeon-feeding matters to the student. We need more.

Do you want feedback on your Emory University  essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Emory University Essays that Worked

Emory Essays that Worked

Are you wondering how to get into Emory University? As a sought-after college for many students, applicants interested in Emory must pay great attention to each application requirement. Therefore, the Emory essays are critically important. This guide will give you examples of Emory essays that worked and other resources for writing effective Emory supplemental essay examples. 

Before we review our Emory supplemental essay examples, let’s learn a little bit more about the institution that is often referred to as one of the “ Ivies of the South ”.

Emory Admission Statistics

First, Emory University is a private research University in Atlanta, Georgia. It has been consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top universities and currently ranks #22, according to U.S. News and World Report . The Emory rankings are so impressive that last year Emory Admissions received over 30,000 applications. The Emory acceptance rate was also just 11%, which places it amongst the most selective institutions in the nation. 

However, don’t let the Emory rankings and Emory acceptance rate intimidate you. Writing Emory essays that work isn’t an impossible task. And you’ll likely feel especially prepared after reading our tips on how to approach your Emory supplemental essays.

We’ll learn more about how to get into Emory by seeing a few Emory essays that worked. In this guide, we will review several Emory supplemental essay examples and discuss why they were successful. So, you can use our Emory supplemental essay examples to develop your own unique supplemental essay!

Emory Supplemental Essay Requirements 

All students applying to Emory University are required to submit a Personal Statement through the Common Application. Each year the Common Application releases its essay prompts on August 1 st . This gives you plenty of time to review the prompts and begin choosing the question that interests you most. The Common Application personal essay range is 250-650 words. The personal statement is an essay that will be submitted to all the colleges you are applying to. 

In addition to the Common Application Personal Essay , Emory Admissions uses Emory supplemental essays to learn more about applicants. Later, we’ll review several Emory essay examples, to give you a better idea of what Emory essays that worked look like. 

Exploring Emory Essay Prompts

As we’ve mentioned, there are two short answer essays: the “Academic Interest” essay and the “Getting to Know You” essay. The short answer essay on academic interest should be no more than 200 words. On the other hand, the Getting to Know You short answer essay should be no more than 150 words. 

Emory University Essay Prompts

#1- why major essay (200 words).

• #1- What academic interest are you planning to explore in college?

# Getting to Know You Essay (150 words)

• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• When was the last time you questioned something, you had thought to be true?
• If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?
• Share about a time when you were awestruck.
• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Check the essay prompts each year

The Emory supplemental essays can change from year to year. That said, these Emory essays that worked will serve as strong writing examples across the admissions cycles. Any changes to short answer supplemental essays are typically announced on the Emory admissions blog . So, keep an eye on that as you prepare for your Emory application. 

In this guide, we will discuss some of the Emory essays that worked in previous admissions cycles . While the short answer prompts may change, you can still use Emory essay examples from any application cycle to help you write your own essays. 

Emory supplemental Essay Examples: Getting to Know You 

For the “Getting to Know You” essay, past applicants have had several topics to choose from. These, include the Emory roommate essay, Emory supplemental essays about personally influential books and films, or essays about their values and beliefs. In each of these Emory essay examples, the goal is for the applicant to talk about themselves. Sometimes this can feel uncomfortable, but the Getting to Know You essay is exactly what the title implies. This is an opportunity for the Emory admissions committee to better understand you as a person. Notice how introspective each of the Emory essays that worked are.

Holistic review

The Emory admissions committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing your Emory application. This means you are far more than your GPA, standardized test scores, or the number of AP courses you completed. The Emory admissions committee is also interested in your background and culture. They care about your passions outside of the classroom, and how you interact with your community. The Getting to Know You supplemental essay allows the Emory admissions committee to better envision you on their campus. Through this essay, they should be able to imagine you thriving and making an impact at their institution. 

Emory Essay Examples — Films, Books, and You 

You’re in luck, we have a few Getting to Know You Emory essays that worked to analyze in this guide. Each of these sample college essays can be used to better approach your supplemental essays. Remember, these Emory essay examples can be used as a general guide, but it is up to you to make your essay uniquely yours. Below is the first of our Emory supplemental essay examples. It responds to the following prompt:

What is your favorite fiction or non-fiction work (film, book, TV show, album, poem, or play)? Why? (150 words)

Emory essays that worked #1.

Watching Jane the Virgin, a telenovela, I became transfixed with the life of Jane Villanueva, the main character on the show. I enjoy watching the show because I am able to relate to Jane who successfully gets through newfound challenges and surprises in her life (i.e. giving birth to a child through artificial insemination, though she was a virgin) because of her undeterred religious faith. Her determination, persistence, and perseverance through obstacles that appeared out of nowhere inspire me, particularly in how she handled these difficult situations with her humor, bravery, and trust in others. Though becoming a writer was a huge risk for her, she still took it and ended up being prosperous. Jane’s drive for exploring her passions by following her writing aspirations also struck a chord with me as I also am eager to discover concepts unknown to me, and investigate them further.

Why this Emory essay example worked

In this sample college essay, the author uses the modern telenovela, Jane the Virgin , to answer the Getting to Know You prompt. Instead of simply describing the television show, the author spends the bulk of this college essay example discussing how they relate to the character. The author quickly tells you what the television show is about and then moves on to how they relate to the show. 

The author draws parallels between their personality, passions, and academic interests. While the author does not state outright that they want to become an author like Jane, they discuss being eager to discover new concepts. The author applauds Jane’s risk-taking and notes her ability to withstand adversity. Even though most of this short answer essay revolves around Jane, we are consistently reminded of the traits that the writer and Jane have in common.

The author of the first installment of Emory essays that worked shows they have spent time in self-reflection and carefully thought through this prompt. This prompt gives the author a large amount of freedom in what to write. This allows applicants to write about a topic that they are truly passionate about.

Similar Emory essay examples

As we mentioned, the Emory essay prompts change from year to year. Let’s look at some more Emory essay examples written in response to past prompts. The second of our Emory essay examples responds to a similar prompt as the first, but the prompt’s wording is slightly different:

Which book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) represents you, and why?

Emory essays that worked #2.

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco was the first book I ever loved. It’s the story of a little girl, terrified of thunderstorms, who goes outside in the rain to collect milk, eggs and bakes a cake. “A precarious yet bold refusal of common sense,” Ocean Vuong (one of my favorite authors today) called it.

There was something about the concept of standing at the cusp of danger and continuing to bake that spoke to me – and it’s become strangely encapsulating of me and my activism. 

After all, for every campaign, for every protest, for every ounce of good I do, I am met with a storm of dissenters: voices, bodies, aggressive posters and tweets. It’s discouraging, and sometimes it’s frightening. Sometimes, it seems like it would be much easier to sit at home, silent – to hide under my bed from the lightning. 

But the thing about Thunder Cake is that it was never about the absence of fear – yes, it can be scary, but that doesn’t mean that I stop fighting. It doesn’t mean that I give up. In spite of the downpour, I gather the eggs and the milk – and I make change.

Why this essay worked

Like the first of our Emory essays, this essay uses a work of fiction to highlight a key part of the author’s identity. While the writer summarizes the book they’ve chosen, they spend most of their essay describing how this book relates to their values and goals. 

In reading this essay, we get a clear sense of the writer’s courageous mindset and community-focused spirit. We learn that they are an activist who hopes to make the world a better place. This essay, therefore, allows us to clearly picture this writer making a change on Emory’s campus. 

This essay also hints at the writer’s development. In stating that Thunder Cake was “the first book [they] ever loved,” the writer positions this book within their own growth. Additionally, by incorporating Ocean Vuong into their response, they draw a line between their first literary love and the works of literature that have since helped them grow. In just a few paragraphs, this essay gives us a clear sense of who this writer is and how their chosen work of fiction connects to who they’d be on Emory’s campus. 

Emory Essay Examples — Learning & Growing

Below is the next of our Emory supplemental essay examples. In this sample college essay, the writer tackles the prompt:

What motivates you to learn?

Emory supplemental essay examples #3.

From a young age, I’ve always had a thirst for information and an uncontrollable sense of curiosity. While others would shy away from asking questions in front of the entire class, I would eagerly raise my hand whenever I didn’t understand a topic or wanted to learn more information about it. This arose from the fact that I needed to temporarily quench my desire to find out what was unknown to me. My inclination for exploring the unknown/unlearned drives my love and yearning for learning. I’ve always felt that despite what I have learned from my parents, teachers, and other influential individuals around me, there is almost an incomprehensible amount of knowledge I’ve never been exposed to, and won’t be exposed to, unless I seek it out for myself. For me, learning has never been about just getting the “good grade”; it entails creating the outline for the future.

What worked well?

This prompt gives the Emory admissions team insight into what motivates and drives students. You will notice that the author quickly shares what motivates them to learn and then spends the bulk of the essay describing why curiosity became such a motivating factor to learn. 

This author displays their commitment to lifelong learning. The author notes that learning means more than “just getting the good grade.” We can assume that this student also has strong grades, but they make a point to describe their quest for learning beyond the classroom. While the author doesn’t explicitly mention Emory University’s curriculum, this learning philosophy is a nod to a liberal arts curriculum. As a liberal arts college, Emory encourages students to explore a broad variety of disciplines and concepts that will allow them to be more dynamic and well-informed no matter their major of choice . 

More Emory Essay Examples

Let’s look at another Emory essay example. This one answers the prompt below. However, you might notice that this prompt looks quite similar to one of the current Emory essay prompts.

Share about a time when you questioned something that you believed to be true.

Emory essay example #4.

When I had to analyze Kazimir’s Black Square artwork in middle school, I was annoyed. How could someone paint a black square, declare it art, and then call it a day? My dislike for Kazimir’s style, however, evaporated when I learned about how Kazimir was able to use his artwork to completely revitalize people’s definition of “art”. I had an epiphany: the Black Square was more than just… well, a black square. It was a revolutionary tool used to create an entirely new form of art and push people to be open-minded. From Kazimir, I learned that any idea or concept is not static and can be expanded and changed; it’s imperative to not reject any ideas that are different from my own to expand my own understanding of a concept. It’s safe to say that my 12-year-old self was wrong: black squares can be art too.

Why this essay response worked

This Emory essay example highlights a key time when the writer changed their mind. It cites their initial frustration with the concept of a “black square” as art. Then, it discusses how, when the writer learned more, they began to understand the world—and art—in a new way.

In reading this sample Emory essay, we can picture the writer engaging in intellectual discourse around art on Emory’s campus. We also can see how their curiosity, flexibility, and thoughtfulness shine through. 

Additionally, this essay thrives on its specificity. It centers around a seemingly low-stakes anecdote. However, it uses this anecdote to reveal how the writer thinks about the world around them. In doing so, it successfully enriches the writer’s Emory application. 

Emory Roommate Essay Example

Here is our last short answer essay in the Emory supplemental essay examples series. The Emory roommate essay is a fun and informal way to show your personality and how you might interact with your peers on campus. The Emory roommate essay can feel difficult to approach since it is such a creative essay prompt. However, that’s part of the beauty of it. Not all college essay prompts have to be stuffy and over formal. As you read this essay, think about why this Emory roommate essay worked.

Emory Essay Example #5

Dear Future Roommate,

I would say that I’m a pretty accommodating person. As long as you don’t play country music without your earbuds, I know that we are going to have a great time! In my free time, you will find me at club meetings or my bed, staying up late watching history YouTube videos. I enjoy history so much that, in fact, I have a whole arsenal of history jokes. For example, why was WWII so slow? Because they were Stalin!

Aside from the cheesy jokes, I also love conversations. No matter the place or situation, I can never back away from having a conversation. Rather than passively listening, I will actively engage with what you have to say. Whether you need help coming up with a project idea or someone to talk to, I can’t wait to listen to all the stories you have to share.

Why did this essay work?

In this Emory roommate essay, the author does an amazing job of displaying their interests while also including some humor. When crafting an essay with a comical slant, it is always important to make sure you are using an appropriate tone. In this Emory roommate essay, the writer does an excellent job of balancing the tone in the concluding paragraph. The writer acknowledges the humor used and reassures the reader that they would also be a compassionate and helpful roommate. 

Looking for an additional sample college essay to help tackle the Emory roommate essay? The Stanford roommate essay asks a very similar question to the Emory roommate essay. Check out this guide to read a Stanford roommate essay that worked. In this sample college essay, you will notice this applicant takes a different approach than the author’s tone in the Emory roommate essay sample. 

How to use these Emory Essay Examples to write your Emory Supplemental Essays?

Now that you have read several Emory essays that worked, it’s time to put your newfound insight to work and begin writing your own Emory supplemental essays. Here are some ways that you can use the Emory supplemental essay examples and Emory essays that worked to approach your own Emory supplemental essays:

Tips for Using these Emory Essay Examples

#1- Study the tone of the Emory essay examples to make sure your own essay is neither too formal nor too informal.

#2- Refer to the Emory roommate essay for ways to inject humor and levity into your own writing. 

#3- Note how introspective each of the Emory essays that worked is. If you notice yourself writing too much about someone else, you are beginning to get off track.

#4- Do your research on Emory University and use the Emory supplemental essay examples as an opportunity to inject what you’ve learned into your essay. 

#5- Notice how different each of the Emory essays that worked is. Follow the Emory supplemental essay examples to get started, but don’t forget to honor your creativity and unique perspective in your writing. 

Common successes

One element that all the Emory essays that worked have in common is that the authors seize the opportunity for the reader to better understand them through their writing. All the Emory supplemental essay examples in this guide capitalize on the opportunity to expand on details already present in their Emory application.

Think of supplemental essays as an opportunity instead of another task you must complete for your college application. If done correctly, you can use the short answer supplemental essays to expand on details you are most proud of in your overall admissions application. Each of the Emory essays that worked gives the admissions committee more details than what is presented on the Common Application alone. 

Emory’s Why Major Essay 

In this guide, we’ve focused on the “Getting to Know You” essays rather than Emory’s Why Major essay also known as the Academic Interest essay. However, you’ll notice that Emory’s prompt for this essay is much like that of other schools. 

For some sample college essays to help you craft your “Why Major” essay, check out our guide on college essay examples . The “Why Major” is a very common essay prompt across college applications. So, you may find that you are writing more than one Why Major essay for each of your different schools.

Admissions cares about your academic interests

Emory supplemental essays are designed to give the admissions committee additional insight about an applicant. The low Emory acceptance rate makes these essays a crucial part of any successful application. Emory rankings and Emory acceptance rates are influenced by their prestigious academic offerings. Knowing a student’s major, and why they’re interested in that major, is of great interest to the Emory admissions committee. Students will have an opportunity to state their intended major on the Emory application, but the Emory supplemental essays give you an opportunity to expand on these interests. 

For this prompt, it is important to do some self-reflection and also some research on the Emory admissions site. Many students decide on majors but have never truly thought to themselves, “Why this major?” By taking some time to reflect , you may uncover motivations you hadn’t thought of before. Was there a particular teacher who sparked your interest in biology? Did your mother take you to work with her one day and show you how an architecture firm functions? Did you discover your passion for women’s literature through the women’s writing organization at your high school?

Tell your story

These are all examples of scenarios that may have piqued your interest in your intended majors. If this doesn’t sound like you, don’t worry; not everyone has an Earth-shattering story about why they want to major in history. Maybe there were a series of small moments throughout your childhood and adolescence that drew you to your major. The Emory essays that worked are interesting, but more importantly, they are authentic. 

There are also plenty of students who might be somewhat undecided about their academic major. Fear not, you can still write an amazing “Why Major” essay without knowing what your major is. Instead, focus on your general academic interest. What is your favorite subject in school? Is there a particular school project that sparked your intellectual interest? Don’t try to pretend you have decided about your academic major if you’re really still unsure. It’s perfectly fine to walk through your academic interest and state that you are still deciding what major in college would best suit you. 

Emory Supplemental Essay Guides & Emory Resources 

Writing your college essay can feel like one of the most subjective components of the college admissions process. Many students spend most of their time focused on the Common App Personal Essay , but institutions like Emory have supplemental essays that add an additional level of complexity to the college application process. As we’ve discussed, students interested in Emory University will be required to write two essays. These include the “Academic Interest” essay and the “Getting to Know You” essay. 

How to Write a Personal Statement – 5 Personal Statement Examples

Is Emory University at the top of your college list ? We hope you have found the Emory supplemental essay examples provided in this guide helpful. But remember, there are many resources to assist you in writing successful Emory supplemental essays. 

The Emory admissions blog has several posts that you can use to assist you in crafting a successful Emory supplemental essay. The Emory blog post Poetry and Prose can elevate your essay provides more Emory essay examples and other tips on how to elevate your writing skills. You can find more information on the Emory 2022-2023 short answer questions and Emory essay examples here .

Strong Personal Statements: Poetry and Prose can Elevate Your Essay

As you can see, there are tons of Emory essay examples available online. Emory University even publishes its own list of Emory essays that worked. 

Still looking for direction with your Emory essays? Well, CollegeAdvisor has a webinar featuring Emory alumni with advice on how to obtain the coveted Emory acceptance letter . Take advantage of these resources and build a library of Emory essays that worked to refer to while writing your own supplemental essay. Each of the Emory essay examples should reveal a specific strength that can be used to improve your essay. 

Advice from CollegeAdvisor Alumni

Emory Essays that Worked — Final Thoughts 

Submitting your Emory application may feel intimidating. Both the Emory acceptance rate and Emory ranking speak to the competitive nature of Emory admissions. However, this should not deter you. Crafting a series of strong Emory supplemental essays can help boost your application. Remember, the Emory admissions committee will do a holistic review of your Emory application. So, if you have a lower GPA or SAT scores , the Emory supplemental essays may be an opportunity to strengthen your overall application. 

This guide provides several Emory essays that worked as well as resources to find more Emory essay examples. Use this guide and other Emory essay examples to help you approach the Emory supplemental essays for the 2022-2023 Emory admissions. Starting early and staying organized can make the daunting task of writing your Emory supplemental essays much easier. 

A great place to start

The Emory supplemental essay examples will give you a great foundation to begin writing your own short answer essay. But, don’t forget to put your own unique spin on the Emory supplemental essay examples. Your essay should feel like an extension of your larger application. 

The Emory supplemental essays are a wonderful opportunity for you to speak directly to the Emory admissions committee. To be successful , your Emory supplemental essays should be concise and grammatically correct. Proofread your own work then share with at least two others to proofread as well!

Good luck on your Emory supplemental essays, and don’t forget to refer to this “Emory Essays that Worked” guide frequently as you write!

This article was written by Chelsea Holley . 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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Highly-selective colleges and universities often require supplemental application materials. These materials help further personalize the admissions process so that each college’s admissions committee has the information it needs to select a vibrant and diverse incoming class. 

In this article, we will look at 10 supplemental essay prompts from top colleges and universities for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Once you get a better sense of what to expect from a supplemental essay prompt, we will outline key strategies for answering these prompts, as well as provide practical writing tips to help you get started.

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What are supplemental essays and are they important?

Each college has its own sets of values and criteria that it looks for in applicants. This is why determining college fit is so important. By carefully researching each school on your college list and having several clear and compelling reasons for wanting to attend, you will increase your overall chances of admission.    

One way that colleges gauge whether or not a student would be a good fit for their university is by posing unique supplemental essay prompts. This is why knowing how to write a supplemental essay is so important. Most colleges with supplemental essays will have applicants write the “why this college” essay . 

Many selective colleges will require additional supplemental essays as well. In some cases, you will need to prepare an additional five essays per school, so give yourself plenty of time to complete each essay thoughtfully, write multiple drafts, seek out feedback, and proofread. The college application process can feel overwhelming at times, so make sure you brainstorm ways to stay organized during the college application process . 

Although the style and content of the actual prompts can vary greatly, at the core these prompts have one thing in common: They are designed to get to know who you are as a person, what your values are, and whether you demonstrate compatibility with the university’s overall mission. 

How to write supplemental essays

If you’re looking for supplemental essay tips, you’ve come to the right place! In this section, we will discuss how to write a good supplemental essay, by providing several key application essay tips. 

To start, it’s important to remember that the process of writing supplemental essays is similar to the process of writing a successful personal statement . Review components of a strong personal statement to give yourself a fresh perspective before beginning your supplemental essays.

Tips for writing supplemental essays

Supplemental essays are typically pretty brief. This is why it’s important to learn how to write concisely and powerfully. Having very few words to respond does not mean that you should prepare your responses casually or that your responses shouldn’t include lots of details. Rather, approach each word limit creatively. Whether you have 50 words, 200 words, or 500 words, try to use each sentence and detail to your advantage. One of the best ways to do this is to begin by freewriting. Write down everything that comes to mind. Take time to fully flush out your ideas. Then review what you’ve written and see what feels most important. These are the details you will want to highlight in your response.

Some colleges will require three to five additional essays. Maybe even more! This is why it’s important to be prepared and plan ahead. Supplemental essays are an important part of your college application and they require a lot of time and effort. While some supplemental essay prompts may be similar between schools, in general, you want to avoid recycling your college essays. Admissions officers can tell when a student is tweaking an existing essay to fit a prompt.

While some essay prompts are required, others are optional. In general, try to answer each prompt thoughtfully and creatively. After all, it’s no secret that college admissions are highly competitive so it’s great to give your application “an edge” whenever possible. That said, there are times when you should pass on writing an optional essay. If you’re not sure whether or not you should submit an essay for an optional prompt, begin by drafting a response. Then ask yourself if the essay feels forced or genuine. Does the essay convey something new about you that isn’t included in the rest of your application? If the question doesn’t seem to apply to you and you are genuinely unsure what to contribute, you should probably skip that particular essay. After all, no one wants to read an uninspired essay that doesn’t contribute to your overall application.

2022-23 supplemental essay prompts

As mentioned, supplemental essay prompts can vary significantly. Some prompts ask you to respond in 50 words while other prompts ask you to respond in 500 words. Some prompts focus on academics while others ask you to reflect carefully on your cultural upbringing or life philosophies. Still, other prompts will ask you to introduce who you are as a person or discuss something that you enjoy.

Just as supplemental essay prompts vary in style, your responses will also vary. Some prompts will require you to be thoughtful and serious, while other prompts may encourage you to be humorous or creative. It all depends.

Brown University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Brown University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

Columbia University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Columbia University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list of 75 words, 1 list of 125 words, 3 essays of 200 words each, and 1 short answer of 35 words. One of their supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

For the following questions, we ask that you list each individual response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. No explanatory text or formatting is needed. (For example, it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.)  

List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

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Dartmouth college supplemental essay prompt.

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Dartmouth College requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words. 

Duke University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Duke University requires at least one supplemental essay, with the option to submit an additional two supplemental essays. One of the optional supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Emory University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Emory University requires two supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Emory If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Harvard University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Harvard University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

MIT supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, MIT requires five supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.

Princeton University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Princeton University requires three supplemental essays and three short responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

Please respond to each question in 75 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

What brings you joy? 

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Stanford University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Stanford University requires three supplemental essays and five short answer responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

How did you spend your last two summers? (50-word limit)

UPenn supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, UPenn requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows: 

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words)

Yale University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Yale University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list; 6 short answer questions; 1 additional short essay of 400 words. One of the short answer prompts is as follows:

Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters or fewer)

Supplemental essay examples

One of the best ways to prepare your supplemental essay responses is to look at successful past examples. In this section, we will look at three examples and explain why each response is successful. 

This first example was submitted as a part of Harvard’s college application. This essay is in response to the prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words).

Feet moving, eyes up, every shot back, chants the silent mantra in my head. The ball becomes a beacon of neon green as I dart forward and backward, shuffling from corner to far corner of the court, determined not to let a single point escape me. With bated breath, I swing my racquet upwards and outwards and it catches the ball just in time to propel it, spinning, over the net. My heart soars as my grinning teammates cheer from the sidelines. While I greatly value the endurance, tenacity, and persistence that I have developed while playing tennis throughout the last four years, I will always most cherish the bonds that I have created and maintained each year with my team.

This essay uses rich, descriptive language to evoke a clear sense of movement and place. The first paragraph shows a creative and expert control of language, whereas the second paragraph uses straightforward language to highlight key characteristics. Overall, this response is creative, well-balanced, and uses each word to its advantage. 

Source: https://www.collegeadvisor.com/essay-guides/harvard-university-essay-examples-and-why-they-worked/  

This essay was submitted as a part of an MIT college application. The supplemental essay prompt that it addresses is: Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

We were moving away from my home of thirteen years to go miles and miles away, from my whole life. Worst of all: away from New York City – the only place in the world worth knowing – or so I thought. The town might as well have been called “Miniscule Ville”. I resented every second of it. The real shocking thing to me was almost that anything existed outside of New York City. NYC is a world of its own, with its own pulses and lifeblood. I still think it’s a great place, and I’ll likely at least visit it someday, but right now, I want to visit everywhere. My move humbled me. I began to love nature walks, the friendly camaraderie of the small town, and saw a world I never imagined. I thought I knew it all just because I lived in New York. Here was a great place, hidden from view. I loved experiencing that new world, learning local history, and most of all, learning the life stories of my new neighbors, each one of whom had a fascinating life. My greatest dream is to be a journalist, covering other countries, and learning about new worlds and neighbors. My old perspective feels so limited. If I can share global stories, I can open up my perspective, and I can share those stories with a thousand homes so readers can learn about other perspectives as well. The world is full of different lives. Everywhere is somebody’s home.

This essay covers a lot of material; most impressively, it shows a shift in perspective and its effect on the student’s lived experience. It also clearly explains the student’s academic and professional goals. The tone of this essay is both confident and humble. It demonstrates who this student is as a person, what their goals are, and what they value.  

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/mit-supplemental-essay-examples  

This essay was submitted as a part of a Duke college application. The essay addresses the prompt: What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Most teachers who taught me talked a big game about wanting students to engage in debate, or “dialectic” as they called it, and to challenge their ideas. In my experience, most of this was a fabrication. The best essay grades and participation marks were found through parroting what was dictated from on high. Did the teacher think such-and-such is the “correct” interpretation of a novel? You did, too, or you lost points. None of that was true for Ms. Jackie Winters. The first essay I sent her came back with the note, “This doesn’t sound like you; it sounds like me.” I asked her about the note, and this initiated a marvelous learning environment, in which I grew faster than I ever have in any other class. Discussions were lively, and the more I presented my authentic views, the more I was respected. My grades were dependent on being backed up by rhetoric, sources, and logic, not by compliance. Due to this engagement, this was the most enjoyable English literature class I had, and I feel like my viewpoints were challenged. I learned to question my ideas and dig into a text for the best results. Best of all, I was putting in more and more effort to find good, quality sources to back up my arguments. I was held to a high standard and shown respect, and I believe that those qualities made for the best learning environment possible

This essay clearly shows a shift in perspective and the effects it had on this student’s ability to think, speak, and write critically. Structurally, this essay uses an anecdote to introduce and contextualize a topic, but the essay itself isn’t overly narrative. Rather, the student explains, in detail, how this teacher’s encouragement and guidance have influenced their willingness and ability to engage with the source material and academic discourse.

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/duke-supplemental-essay-examples  

Key takeaways and moving forward

Supplemental essays are an important part of your college applications. In fact, they are a key factor in what college admissions officers look for in an applicant . Highly-selective colleges and universities use supplemental essays to further personalize the college admissions process. After all, thousands of qualified students apply to Ivy League institutions each year and only a small fraction are admitted. Supplemental essays allow you to share more about who you are as a person and as a student. Use each prompt as an opportunity to add something new to your college application. If you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance throughout this process, reach out to learn more about our services .

Frequently asked questions and answers

Still have questions about supplemental essays and the effects they have on college applications? Review the following frequently asked questions and answers for further insight on supplemental essays. 

How important are supplemental essays?

Supplemental essays are an incredibly important part of your college applications and should be properly prioritized. If a college didn’t care about your response, they wouldn’t ask you in the first place. Put plenty of time and care into your responses. Write several drafts, seek out feedback, and always proofread.

How long should supplemental essays be?

Always follow directions. Colleges will specify how long each supplemental essay should be, usually right after the prompt itself. Depending on the college, and the prompt, a supplemental essay’s word count may range anywhere from 50 to 500 words.

Do supplemental essays change every year?

It all depends on the college. Colleges often reuse past prompts, but there are no guarantees. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and make a list of supplemental essay prompts early on in the college application process.

Are supplemental essays required?

Sometimes colleges will have both required and optional supplemental essays. That said, the essay prompts are clearly labeled. In short, each college will specify whether supplemental essays are required. 

Do all colleges have supplemental essays?

No, not all colleges have supplemental essays. Highly-selective colleges, however, often require at least one additional essay.

• December 14, 2022

Supplemental Essay Guide for 2022-23 Prompts

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By April Hunt  April 10, 2024

Emory College juniors Julianna Cruz and Satvik Elayavalli are recipients of the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s top scholarship for undergraduates in math, natural sciences and engineering.

— Photo by Kay Hinton, Emory Photo/Video.

Students interested in learning more about Goldwater Scholarships and other prestigious awards should schedule an appointment and register for events through College Connect .

Find more information through the  National Scholarships and Fellowships program  website.

Two exceptional undergraduate researchers in Emory College of Arts and Sciences have been named 2024 Goldwater Scholars , the nation’s premier scholarship for students of math, the natural sciences and engineering.

Juniors Julianna Cruz and Satvik Elayavalli are among 508 undergraduate scholars selected nationwide for this year’s award, which comes with $7,500 annually toward the cost of their undergraduate degrees.

Recipients represent the scientific talent needed to ensure the U.S. maintains global competitiveness and security, according to the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Education Programs, which partners with the Goldwater Foundation for the award.

Both Cruz and Elayavalli have explored wide-ranging coursework and research experiences that allowed them to make significant contributions in the lab and write or co-author papers on their research. They join 49 previous Emory recipients of the scholarship since Congress endowed it in 1986.

“Julianna and Satvik embody the ideal of applying the liberal arts to embrace discovery and make a difference in the world,” says Emory College Dean Barbara Krauthamer. “We are incredibly proud of their well-deserved recognition as Emory’s latest Goldwater Scholars.” 

Julianna Cruz

Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Texas, Cruz dreamed of becoming a doctor who understands how demographics affect health, especially in vulnerable communities.

Research opportunities first intimidated Cruz, who is also a QuestBridge Scholar . She focused instead on building connections through Emory FirstSTEM , the orientation program for first-generation students, and sampling broad coursework.

Cruz also dove into service work, helping Slow Food pack and deliver weekly meals to food-insecure Emory students and staff. She also volunteered as a medical interpreter at local clinics and a medical assistant at a charitable health care center in west Atlanta.

By the end of her first year at Emory, she decided a double major in anthropology and human biology and Spanish/Portuguese would build a secure pre-med foundation with the interdisciplinary study she craved.

Still, it was not until last year, with encouragement from a FirstSTEM mentor, that she successfully   applied to become a research assistant in the competitive Undergraduate Clinical Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania.  

Given the short, nine-week timeframe, supervisor Jordana Cohen expected Cruz would complete only the first step of analyses in a study to determine whether arterial stiffness could be an early warning sign of cardiac events in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Cruz finished the first batch of work in a week, prompting Cohen to let her run the entire study. The models Cruz built showed a clear link between large-artery stiffness and abnormal heart rhythm in those patients.

The results have immediate clinical implications, which Cruz will present to doctors from around the world at the World Congress of Nephrology in Argentina. She will also be first author on an upcoming paper about the research.

“Because she thinks so deeply about the work she is doing and cares so much about this population, I think Julianna is going to help a lot of people with her work,” says Cohen, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Penn.

Since last fall, Cruz has analyzed additional non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with chronic kidney disease, studying the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditation in physician Jeanie Park ’s human integrative physiology lab at the Emory University School of Medicine.

She plans to continue that work this summer, when she will begin recruiting Latinx patients with chronic kidney disease for her honors thesis. For that project, Cruz will conduct interviews to examine how factors such as ethnicity and citizenship status affect views on health care and biomedical research.

Cruz will juggle that work while also embarking on a global public health project next fall, when she will travel to India, South Africa and Argentina with the School for International Training. She also will be readying her applications for a joint MD/PhD program, a career path the Goldwater scholarship makes possible.

“I was in the midst of thinking that I should proceed with just medicine, because being first-gen and low-income, it would bring more stability faster,” Cruz says. “I’m so grateful for the Goldwater because it affirms that I can help my family and thousands more people in the long run if I also contextualize patient narratives in research.” 

Satvik Elayavalli

Elayavalli arrived at Emory certain of one thing: He wanted to avoid writing long essays as much as possible.

A major in chemistry seemed to fit the bill and provide a path forward to research and possibly medical school. In the fall of his first year at Emory, he found an undergraduate research role in biologist Anita Corbett ’s lab.

Paired with another student, Elayavalli conducted genetic screenings, trying to identify suppressors of cancer-causing genes using a budding yeast model. He continued in the role during the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program , inserting genes into mutated yeast cells eight hours a day for 10 weeks.

When he confessed to Corbett that he didn’t enjoy the pressure and repetitive nature of the work, she suggested he pivot to analyzing RNA-sequencing data generated in collaboration with Jennifer Spangle’s lab in Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute. At the time, no one in either lab could do that work.

Elayavalli, who cites numerical analysis and numerical optimization as his favorite courses so far, taught himself the computational skills required for that analysis by watching video tutorials and reading code documentation online.

He helped develop code that successfully characterized a specific mutation, earning him co-authorship on a manuscript under revision for the journal NAR Cancer.

Elayavalli has since declared a major in applied mathematics and statistics and is taking graduate-level math courses. He plans to pursue a PhD in applied math, certain now that his niche lies in computational research with real-world impact in oncology research.

“Figuring out what you don’t want to do is incredibly valuable,” says Corbett, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Biology and Emory College senior associate dean for research. “Because he was self-reflective, Satvik is now on the cutting edge of optimizing systems and developing the methods needed for the next stage of cancer research.”

Elayavalli’s foundational understanding of the science helped him secure a computational research role last summer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His primary work was developing a simulation for single-cell RNA-sequencing data as part of Ken Chen’s bioinformatics lab, but he also volunteered to help another researcher with statistical tests on a different project. Publications related to both projects are forthcoming, with Elayavalli as co-author.

He will apply machine learning to discover new methods to analyze medical images for his honors thesis. The work will be conducted with Anant Madabhushi , executive director of the Emory Empathetic AI for Health Institute and the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Elayavalli also plans to continue tutoring math and English as part of Emory Reads and helping behind the scenes with the Emory Composers Society, an outgrowth of working concerts at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts for two years.

Though he last performed a recital as a sophomore, Elayavalli also plans to enroll in piano courses until graduation, both as a stress reliever and a challenge.

“I think the reason I like math and the prospect of a career in this area is the same as piano,” Elayavalli says. “Both are solving puzzles where you have to figure out why something is going wrong or what will create an output in the specific way you need. It’s very gratifying to win the Goldwater for that.”

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