Why Supplemental Essays Are More Important Than You Think
The Truth Admissions Officers Won't Tell You
Your Common App essay is the same for every school. It shows who you are as a person. But your supplemental essays show why you belong at that specific school.
Admissions officers use supplements to answer: "Did this student actually research our school, or are they just applying everywhere?" A generic "Why This College" essay can get you rejected even if your Common App essay is perfect.
Supplements show demonstrated interest
Top schools care whether you actually want to attend. A well-researched supplement with specific details about professors, programs, or campus culture proves you're serious.
They reveal fit in ways your Common App can't
"Why This Major" essays let you connect your story to the school's specific offerings. Generic answers like "great faculty" or "strong program" signal you didn't do your homework.
Most students rush them at the last minute
Everyone spends weeks perfecting their Common App essay. Then they write all their supplements in 2 days. This is your chance to stand out by not rushing.
You're probably writing 10-20 of them
Most students apply to 8-12 schools. Each school has 2-5 supplemental prompts. That's 20+ essays you need to get right—and most are school-specific, so you can't reuse them.
We Review All Types of Supplemental Essays
"Why This College" Essays
The most common supplement. Schools want to know why you're applying specifically to them.
Common mistake: Writing generic things like "I want to attend because of your strong academics and beautiful campus." Every school has those.
What works: Specific professors, unique programs, research opportunities, student organizations, or academic philosophies that align with your interests and story.
"Why This Major" Essays
Schools want to understand your intellectual curiosity and how their program fits your goals.
Common mistake: "I've always loved biology" with no evidence, or vague career goals like "I want to help people."
What works: Specific moments that sparked your interest, projects or research you've done, and how the school's curriculum/resources will help you explore deeper questions.
Community & Diversity Essays
How will you contribute to campus diversity or community?
Common mistake: Listing identity markers without showing how they've shaped your perspective or contributions.
What works: Specific stories that show how your background, experiences, or perspectives have influenced how you engage with communities or solve problems.
Short Answer & "Fun" Prompts
"What's your favorite book?" "Describe yourself in 3 words." "What would you want written on your tombstone?"
Common mistake: Treating these as jokes or giving generic answers everyone else gives.
What works: Answers that reveal something genuine about your personality, interests, or values—even in 50 words.
School-Specific Creative Prompts
Some schools have unique prompts (e.g., UChicago's weird questions, Yale's "What do you wish you were asked?").
Our reviewers have seen (and written) essays for all of these. We know what works.
Bulk Packages for Multiple Essays
Most students need 5-20 supplements reviewed. Save money with our bulk packages.
Single Essay
Just need one supplement reviewed? Start here.
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- Expert human review
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What Our Reviewers Check in Supplements
Specificity
Are you naming specific professors, courses, programs, or opportunities? Or are you writing generic things that could apply to any school?
Connection to Your Story
Does the essay connect the school's offerings to your specific interests and experiences? Admissions officers want to see fit, not just facts.
Authenticity
Does it sound like you actually care about this school? Or does it sound like you copy-pasted from the website?
Word Count Efficiency
Supplements are often 150-250 words. Every sentence needs to count. We help you cut fluff and maximize impact.
Red Flags
Copy-pasted descriptions from websites, mentioning the wrong school name, generic clichés, or failing to actually answer the prompt.
Common Questions
Should I get my supplements reviewed if I already got my Common App reviewed?
Yes. Supplements require different skills—research, specificity, and fit—that your Common App doesn't. Most students who get accepted spent just as much time on supplements as their main essay.
Can I submit all my supplements at once?
Yes. Purchase a bundle (5 or 10 essays), then submit essays as you finish them. Use your credits anytime within 90 days.
What if I apply to more than 10 schools?
Purchase multiple bundles, or email us for custom enterprise pricing if you're submitting 20+ essays.
Do your reviewers know the specific schools I'm applying to?
Yes. When you submit a "Why This College" essay, you'll tell us which school it's for. We match you with a reviewer familiar with that school's culture and values.
Can I reuse one "Why This College" essay for multiple schools?
Don't. Admissions officers can tell. Every school wants to feel like your first choice. Our reviewers will help you write school-specific essays that actually demonstrate fit.