Mawr Insight: The Supplemental Essay

Why does Bryn Mawr ask students to complete a supplemental essay?

Many colleges require a supplemental essay or maybe even a few additional essays as part of their application process.  Some institutions are known for their creative prompts while other colleges might pose more direct questions (why you are applying to our institution). The supplemental essay is a chance for us to see another example of your writing which can be helpful when you are applying to institutions where you will do a lot of it!  It is also an opportunity for us to get to know you in your own voice. Our past questions have asked about community and superpowers, and now we want to know what you know about yourself to be true. Your thoughtful responses help us understand how you see yourself in our community and what wonderful qualities you are going to bring!

"Your thoughtful responses help us understand how you see yourself in our community and what wonderful qualities you are going to bring!"

What makes a supplemental essay stand out, and what are you hoping to learn about an applicant through their response?

For me, supplemental essays are effective when I learn something about the student that I wouldn’t have learned in other parts of the application.  I also appreciate it when students really take the time to reflect on the question and provide a well-crafted answer.

What advice would you give students who are just starting to brainstorm or write their supplemental essay?

As you are visiting colleges, whether in-person or virtually take notes on what stood out to you during your visit.  Did you meet a professor on campus or interact with a current student? Did you attend a theater production that you loved or eat a great meal in the dining hall? Drawing on these experiences will help you give a detailed answer to a supplemental question that might ask “Why did you decide to apply to our institution?”  For questions that ask you to reflect on parts of yourself, don’t hesitate to highlight your positive qualities! Sometimes it can be difficult for us to say what we are proud of, or what we do well, but do it, even if you feel like you are bragging, that is what we are asking you to do!

"Many times, supplemental questions are institution specific, so this is not a time to pull from other supplemental essays."

What are some of the most common mistakes you see in supplemental essays, and how can applicants avoid them?

Make sure that you answer the question being asked.  Many times, supplemental questions are institution specific, so this is not a time to pull from other supplemental essays. It is also helpful if your supplemental essay doesn’t draw from the same topic as your application essay.  I want to quickly mention that while the extracurricular list and additional information sections aren’t technically supplemental pieces, pay attention to your writing in those areas too – make sure to do a quick proofread to ensure there are no typos!

If you could give every applicant one piece of advice before they submit their supplemental essay, what would it be?

As you are working on your application, be sure to build time in to complete your supplemental essays. You want to give them the same care that you have given to your application essay. Completing college applications can be both an exciting and stressful process.  Allowing the time you need to complete your supplemental essays will help ease the last-minute crunch and leave you with confidence that what you submitted was your best work.