Making Supplemental Essays Stand Out (Without Starting From Scratch Every Time)

Allison Grandits
Aug 11
3 min read

Text that reads "Making Supplemental Essays Stand out" against a notebook and pink background

If the personal statement is the heart of the college application, then supplemental essays are the soul—the pieces that show how a student’s personality and goals align with specific schools.

Unlike the Common App essay, supplemental essays are college-specific. That means students often write many of them. Some schools ask for one. Others ask for five or more. And while they’re usually shorter (100–300 words), they’re not necessarily easier.

In fact, these essays often determine whether an academically qualified student lands in the “yes” pile.

So… What Are Supplemental Essays?

These are short-answer or mini-essay prompts required by individual colleges. They serve a few key purposes:

To see if a student has done their research
To assess how a student will contribute to campus life
To evaluate writing clarity, reflection, and fit

Most prompts fall into a few main categories. Here’s how I guide students through each one strategically:

1. “Why This College?”

What they’re really asking: Have you done your homework? Do you care about this school for specific reasons—or are you sending the same answer to every school?

What works:

Referencing unique academic programs, values, or traditions that align with the student’s goals
Making it personal. Even if the prompt doesn’t say so, answer: “How will you contribute to this campus community?”

What to avoid:

Generic lines like “beautiful campus” or “great reputation”
Listing facts from the first page of their website

2. “Why This Major?”

What they’re really asking: Is this academic interest authentic and backed by real experiences?

What works:

Connecting the dots between past experiences (classes, clubs, internships) and future aspirations
Showing how this college’s specific offerings support that journey

What to avoid:

Vague statements like “I’ve always loved science”
Using overly technical jargon that doesn’t reflect true understanding

3. “How Will You Contribute to Our Campus?”

What they’re really asking: What unique perspectives, experiences, or passions will you bring?

What works:

Sharing cultural, geographic, or personal identity
Talking about clubs, initiatives, or service you’d bring to life

What to avoid:

Repeating the activities list
Trying to impress instead of being honest

4. “Tell Us More About an Activity or Leadership Experience”

What they’re really asking: What matters most to you—and how do you show up when it counts?

What works:

Choosing an activity where you made a real impact—not just the one that sounds best
Focusing on transformation: What changed because of your involvement?

What to avoid:

Rewriting your resume
Choosing an activity just because it comes with a title like “president”

How I Help Students Navigate These Essays

With 10+ prompts across different colleges, students can easily burn out—or worse, send responses that feel recycled or rushed. Here's how I help:

Strategic Planning: We map out every prompt early, spot overlap, and create a smart writing plan.
Voice Coaching: I help students stay authentic—even in 150 words.
School-Specific Feedback: I’ve read hundreds of these. I know when something feels vague, off-topic, or impersonal—and how to fix it.