If you're applying to college, you’ve probably noticed that some schools ask for more than just the main personal statement. These extra questions are called supplemental essays, and they’re your chance to go beyond the basics and show the admissions committee who you really are.

But what exactly are they, and why are they so important?

What Are Supplemental Essays?

Supplemental essays are basically short-answer questions or mini-essays that some colleges require. They help schools get a better understanding of your personality, values, and what makes you unique. These essays can cover anything from why you want to attend the college to quirky questions like, “What fictional character would you bring to life for a day?”

How Are Supplemental Essays Different From the Common App Essays?

While your main Common App essay is more of a broad reflection of who you are—usually focusing on personal growth or a meaningful experience—supplemental essays are much more focused. Schools have their own set of specific questions, allowing them to dig deeper into why you’re applying to their college and how you might contribute to their community. So, instead of trying to tell your whole story in one essay, these short answers zoom in on particular aspects of your life, goals, and interests.

Why Do They Matter?

Even though they may feel like extra work, supplemental essays play a big role in the admissions process. They let schools see beyond your numbers—your GPA, test scores, and activities—and get a sense of who you are as a person. Plus, they’re a great way to show you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in the school.

Common Types of Supplemental Essay Questions

There are a few types of prompts you’ll probably see more than once during the college application process. The most common one is the “Why Us?” question, where schools ask why you want to attend their specific institution. This is your chance to get personal and talk about specific programs, professors, or opportunities that excite you. Other common types include questions about your extracurricular activities or how you plan to contribute to the campus community. Some schools even throw in creative or offbeat questions just to see how you think outside the box.

How to Write a Great Supplemental Essay

When tackling these essays, keep a few things in mind. First, always be specific. Instead of saying “I love your school’s atmosphere,” mention a club you’d join or a class that’s unique to that college. Second, make sure each essay reflects something new about you. Avoid repeating what you’ve already said in your personal statement or other parts of your application. And, of course, take the time to proofread—careless mistakes can make a bad impression.

Things to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when writing your supplemental essays:

• Being too vague: Saying "I like your school’s location" or "It has a good reputation" doesn’t give admissions a real sense of why you’re excited about attending.
• Repeating yourself: Don’t recycle your personal statement or rehash the same stories. Each essay should add something fresh to your application.
• Ignoring the prompt: Make sure you're answering the exact question being asked, not what you wish they asked.
• Skipping proofreading: Even minor typos or grammar mistakes can hurt the impression you’re trying to make.

Supplemental essays might seem like extra work, but they’re a golden opportunity to make your application stand out. Use them to show why you’re a great fit for the school and give the admissions team a deeper look at who you are. Be authentic, be specific, and most importantly, be yourself! Looking for support in crafting your supplemental essays? Check out our Supplemental Essay Tool.