Clark University supplemental essays

These are Clark University's 2025-26 prompts. The 2026–27 wording was not yet published when this page was verified. Most schools keep prompts the same or change them lightly; confirm on clarku.edu before you submit.

The prompts, one by one

1. Community story (optional)up to 250 words · Community

   “Clark is known for being a rigorous academic environment that is also equally committed to being a kind, welcoming, engaged, and inclusive community. Choose one of the following prompts to help us get to know you better: The communities we belong to shape our values, our aspirations, and who we are as people. Share a story of a community that has impacted you the most and how it will influence your time as a member of the Clark community.”

   What it's really asking

   Two things at once: which community actually shaped how you think, and what you will bring to Clark University because of it. The second half is where most drafts stop short.

   Where drafts go wrong

   Describing the community instead of your role in it, or choosing the one that sounds impressive rather than the one that changed you. "Diversity" as an abstraction, with no scene.

   The shape of a strong answer

   Pick a community you can describe with a scene, not a label. Show one moment where it taught you something or asked something of you. Spend the last third on what that means you'll do at Clark University: a specific contribution, not "bring my perspective."

2. Force for change story (optional)up to 250 words · Community

   “Clark is known for being a rigorous academic environment that is also equally committed to being a kind, welcoming, engaged, and inclusive community. Choose one of the following prompts to help us get to know you better: At Clark, we are a force for change. We work together to improve the lives of others and the future of our planet. Share a story of how you've worked with others to make a positive impact.”

   What it's really asking

   Two things at once: which community actually shaped how you think, and what you will bring to Clark University because of it. The second half is where most drafts stop short.

   Where drafts go wrong

   Describing the community instead of your role in it, or choosing the one that sounds impressive rather than the one that changed you. "Diversity" as an abstraction, with no scene.

   The shape of a strong answer

   Pick a community you can describe with a scene, not a label. Show one moment where it taught you something or asked something of you. Spend the last third on what that means you'll do at Clark University: a specific contribution, not "bring my perspective."

3. Honors College media essay200-350 words · Program essay

   “What piece of media (a book, film, photograph, video game, article, etc.) truly captivates you and why? How have you pursued this interest in your life either in and out of the classroom? How might you share your fascination with your peers in the Clark Honors Experience?”

   What it's really asking

   Why this specific program at Clark University, and whether you understand what it adds beyond the regular degree. Honors and scholar programs read these for fit with how they teach, not for how impressive you are.

   Where drafts go wrong

   Treating it as another "why us" or restating your transcript. Not mentioning anything the program actually does.

   The shape of a strong answer

   Name one thing the program does that the regular path doesn't (seminars, research, cohort, a specific project) and connect it to something you've already done. Show you'd use it, not just qualify for it.

Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Don't repeat it here; the supplements are for what the statement didn't show.

A self-check before you submit

Cover the school name and read the essay. Then cover your name and read it again. It should fail the first test (it only makes sense for Clark University) and pass the second (only you could have written it). If it passes the first test, it's a brochure. If it fails the second, it's a template.