Essay guide · 2026–27 cycle
Open-ended prompts
These prompts give you the floor and watch what you put on it. The temptation is to summarise achievements, apologise for a weakness or restate the personal statement. The better use is one subject the reader could not guess from your file, told through a specific scene, in your own voice.
No card. Paste a draft and Admitify reads it line by line against the question it has to answer. It never writes for you.
What the question is really asking
Whatever matters to you that the rest of the application hasn't shown. The school is giving you the floor; the question is what you choose to put on it.
Using the space to summarise achievements, apologise for a weakness, or restate the personal statement. Choosing a topic because it sounds like what colleges want.
One subject the reader couldn't guess from your file, told through a specific scene. Keep it in your own voice; if it sounds like a brochure, cut it. End on something still unresolved.
How to write it, in order
List what the rest of your application already shows. The open essay is for what is missing from that list.
Choose one subject, not a tour. A single afternoon, object, habit or question told fully beats a summary of you.
Write it the way you talk. If a sentence sounds like a brochure, cut it.
If it is a thank-you note or a letter prompt, address the actual person and say the actual thing. Readers can tell when the recipient is a prop.
End on something unresolved. The point of an open prompt is to leave the reader wanting the next conversation.
Before you submit
- The subject does not appear anywhere else in the application.
- There is a scene with a place and a time.
- No sentence summarises achievements.
- A friend would recognise your voice in it.
- It does not explain a bad grade unless the prompt is specifically for additional information.
Every school that asks it
59 schools, 113 prompts. Click a school for all of its supplements, word counts and a prompt-by-prompt guide. Schools marked with a cycle year show last year's wording; the 2026–27 version was not yet published when verified.
- Stanford University100-250 words
“Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.”
- Yale Universityup to 400 words
“Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?”
- University of Chicagono stated word limit
“Food for thought: How do thoughts eat? – Inspired by Ernest Leong, Class of 2026”
- University of Chicagono stated word limit
“The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, utilized origami-inspired techniques to compactly store and deploy its sunshield in space. Choose an artistic practice and use its principles to propose an elegant solution to a problem. – Inspired by Akhil Korra, Class of 2028”
- University of Chicagono stated word limit
“Sometimes metaphors get mixed up. For one reason or another, one could say, 'we'll burn that bridge when we get there' or 'the world is your china shop'. Make up your own mixed metaphor. Explain how it could make sense, be understood, or even applied. – Inspired by Julia Nieberg, Class of 2029”
- University of Pennsylvaniaup to 200 words
“Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)”
- Dartmouth Collegeup to 250 words
“"Be yourself," Oscar Wilde advised. "Everyone else is taken." Introduce yourself.”
- Dartmouth Collegeup to 250 words
“What excites you?”
- Dartmouth Collegeup to 250 words
“Matt Haig wrote: "A good novel is the best invention humans have ever created for imagining other lives." How have you experienced such insight from reading? What did you read and how did it alter your understanding of yourself and others?”
- Dartmouth Collegeup to 250 words
“Celebrate your nerdy side.”
- Duke Universityup to 250 words
“What's the last thing that you've been really excited about?”
- Cornell Universityup to 650 words
“Describe how your interests connect to architecture. Include an example of a creative project, design experience, or personal passion that sparked your interest in pursuing a 5-year professional degree in architecture. Reflect on how this experience shaped your understanding of the field and your motivation to study architecture.”
- Northwestern Universityup to 200 words
“Northwestern's location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why?”
- Pomona Collegeup to 250 words
“Describe an experience you had outside the classroom that changed the way you think and/or how you engage with your peers. What was that experience and what did you learn from it?”
- Pomona Collegeup to 250 words
“Choose any person or group of people in your life and share how they would describe you.”
- Rice Universityup to 250 words
“Describe a building, place, or city that you have encountered and found especially compelling. What specifically captured your attention, and why? In your response, reflect on how this experience has shaped your understanding of architecture and the built environment.”
- University of California, Los Angelesup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Los Angelesup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Los Angelesup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Los Angelesup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- Bowdoin College140 characters words
“How did you first learn about Bowdoin?”
- Bowdoin Collegeno stated word limit
“Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's "The Offer of the College," written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. Which line from the Offer resonates most with you?”
- Bowdoin Collegeup to 250 words
“The Offer represents Bowdoin's values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you.”
- University of Southern Californiaup to 250 words
“Starting with the beginning of high school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history.”
- University of Southern Californiano stated word limit
“Describe yourself in three words.”
- University of Southern Californiano stated word limit
“Best movie of all time”
- University of Southern Californiano stated word limit
“What TV show will you binge watch next?”
- Tufts University100-200 words
“Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. What were the ideas you intended to explore, and how did those ideas inform the process of making the piece?”
- Carnegie Mellon Universityup to 300 words
“Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee's consideration? Highlight something that's important to you or something you haven't had a chance to share. Tell us, don't show us (no websites please).”
- University of California, Berkeleyup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Berkeleyup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Berkeleyup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Berkeleyup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- Washington University in St. Louisup to 250 words
“What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the Beyond Boundaries Program support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue?”
- Washington University in St. Louis200-250 words
“Share a specific example of how you have made a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding.”
- Georgetown Universityup to 500 words
“Describe your primary motivations for studying environment and sustainability at Georgetown University to effect positive change in the world.”
- Boston Universityup to 400 words
“The late BC theology professor, Father Michael Himes, argued that a university is not a place to which you go, but instead, a 'rigorous and sustained conversation about the great questions of human existence, among the widest possible circle of the best possible conversation partners.' Who has been your most meaningful conversation partner, and what profound questions have you considered together?”
- Boston Collegeup to 400 words
“The late BC theology professor, Father Michael Himes, argued that a university is not a place to which you go, but instead, a 'rigorous and sustained conversation about the great questions of human existence, among the widest possible circle of the best possible conversation partners.' Who has been your most meaningful conversation partner, and what profound questions have you considered together?”
- Carleton Collegeno stated word limit
“Anything missing? Do you want to share more with us? If so, use this space to fill any gaps you think would assist us in reviewing your application.”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 250 words
“On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other's names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you.”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 800 words
“In mathematics, the shortest distance between two points on a flat surface is a straight line. While geometry is predictable, sometimes daily life is not. Reflect on a time when your path was not as simple or direct as anticipated. How did you manage, and what did you learn?”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 800 words
“We live in a world in which much of our self-representation is curated online via short-lived social media 'stories' and disappearing photos. What photo or other representation of yourself is authentically you? What does it say about your growth into the person you are today and the person you want to become? Please use only the words in your essay to address this question. Do not include photographs or other materials in your answer.”
- University of Virginiaup to 300 words
“Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.”
- Vassar Collegeno stated word limit
“Your Space is your opportunity to allow the Committee on Admission to learn something about you that you have not addressed in another section of the application. For example, in the past, applicants have shared poetry, short stories, cartoons, digital images of art projects, photography, collages, and/or links to videos, and short films. It is your space, so if you choose to complete it, send something that is a reflection of you!”
- Wake Forest Universityno stated word limit
“List five books you have read that intrigued you.”
- University of California, Irvineup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Irvineup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Irvineup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Irvineup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- University of Floridaup to 250 words
“Have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of the classroom, such as Educational Talent Search, Take Stock in Children, Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, etc.?”
- University of Floridaup to 250 words
“Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application?”
- Babson College25-200 words
“If you have indicated interest in the January Enrollment option, please address why you would like to be a candidate for this option and what you might choose to do in the fall.”
- University of California, San Diegoup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, San Diegoup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, San Diegoup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, San Diegoup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- Villanova Universityup to 250 words
“What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova?”
- Villanova Universityup to 250 words
“At Villanova, we often say 'each of us strengthens all of us.' Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need.”
- University of California, Santa Barbaraup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Santa Barbaraup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Santa Barbaraup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Santa Barbaraup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- Lehigh Universityup to 200 words
“How did you first learn about Lehigh University and what motivated you to apply?”
- Lehigh Universityup to 200 words
“At Lehigh, we believe in pausing to celebrate the good—meaningful moments that bring joy, pride or motivation. What's something great happening in your life right now?”
- Case Western Reserve Universityup to 750 words
“Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud but that will not show up on a resume, may not garner any recognition, and does not appear anywhere else on your admission application.”
- Case Western Reserve University250-500 words
“By applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you are applying to gain admission to professional school earlier than students who apply in the traditional way. Please indicate why you're interested in your chosen profession. How do you see yourself being particularly suited to this field? What events and/or experiences have led you to your choice?”
- University of California, Davisup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Davisup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Davisup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Davisup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- University of Washingtonup to 300 words
“Would you like to share any additional details or qualifications not reflected in the application?”
- Clemson Universityno stated word limit
“If you wish to submit an optional statement specific to your Clemson application, you may upload it here.”
- Clemson Universityup to 650 words
“Please use this space to share any special circumstances affecting your application that warrant consideration by the selection committee.”
- University of Marylandno stated word limit
“If I could travel anywhere, I would go to…”
- University of California, Santa Cruzup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Santa Cruzup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Santa Cruzup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Santa Cruzup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- University of Pittsburghno stated word limit
“The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your application.”
- University of San Diegoup to 350 words
“How did you first learn about the University of San Diego, and what inspired you to apply?”
- Colorado School of Minesup to 250 words
“What element on the periodic table best represents you and why?”
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute500-750 words
“State your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession.”
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Instituteup to 500 words
“Discuss your interests in the field of electronic arts, and state how this is reflected in your portfolio, if one has been submitted.”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Chapman students often gather with friends at the Attallah Piazza (heart of campus), Argyros Forum (student union) or the Masson Family Beach Club (on-campus outdoor pool). Where do you gather with friends?”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Chapman's student-led University Program Board hosts a concert each fall for students. If you could choose any artist, band, or entertainer to headline the fall event, who would you pick?”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Chapman's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts hosts many Master Classes featuring celebrities, open to all students, each year. This year's classes included, amongst others, Ariana Grande, the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame (Chapman BFA, 2007), Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Spike Lee. Who would you like to hear from in your first year at Chapman?”
- Bentley Universityup to 250 words
“You wake up tomorrow morning and it's the first day of high school. What would you do differently over the next few years?”
- Texas A&M Universityup to 250 words
“Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college.”
- Cornell Collegeup to 650 words
“Describe how your interests connect to architecture. Include an example of a creative project, design experience, or personal passion that sparked your interest in pursuing a 5-year professional degree in architecture. Reflect on how this experience shaped your understanding of the field and your motivation to study architecture.”
- University of California, Riversideup to 350 words
“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”
- University of California, Riversideup to 350 words
“What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”
- University of California, Riversideup to 350 words
“Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”
- University of California, Riversideup to 350 words
“Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”
- James Madison Universityup to 650 words
“If there is something important we should know about you, this is the place to talk about it. You have up to 650 words to share anything you would like to tell us.”
- Marquette Universityno stated word limit
“If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.”
- Marquette Universityno stated word limit
“If you wish to be considered for the Master of Athletic Training program, please share why you are interested in athletic training as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.”
- Marquette Universityno stated word limit
“If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.”
- Marquette Universityno stated word limit
“If you wish to be considered for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, please share why you are interested in speech-language pathology as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.”
- University of Arizonaup to 500 words
“Is there anything else you'd like to share that you have not already included?”
- Scripps College150-300 words · 2025-26
“If you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why?”
- Scripps College150-300 words · 2025-26
“You've invented a time machine! When and where is your first destination, and why?”
- Scripps College150-300 words · 2025-26
“You have just been invited to host your podcast. What will you talk about, and why did you select that topic?”
- Hampton University500 minimum words · 2025-26
“Character matters at Hampton University. Describe what exhibiting good character means to you and provide specific examples of your demonstrated behavior in this regard.”
- Stevens Institute of Technology100-250 words · 2025-26
“Then, explain how your choices reflect who you are today:”
- Texas Christian Universityno stated word limit · 2025-26
“TCU values individuality and believes that students are more than just a GPA and test score. To help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. The only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. Please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a URL that showcases another side of you.”
- Illinois Institute of Technologyup to 200 words · 2025-26
“Would you like to share additional information not covered in your application?”
- University of Delawareup to 250 words · 2024-25
“The Admissions Committee expects that you will take advantage of this question to explain any grade on your transcript that is unusually low or varies significantly from your usual performance”
- Elon Universityup to 150 words · 2025-26
“What at Elon has caught your eye—programs, opportunities, or experiences you can't wait to try?”
- Quinnipiac Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Why do you have an interest in applying to the Nursing program? Please discuss any relevant experiences you may have had in this field.”
- Quinnipiac Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Why do you have an interest in applying to the Occupational Therapy program? Please discuss any relevant experiences you may have had in this field.”
- Quinnipiac Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Why do you have an interest in applying to the Physical Therapy program? Please discuss any relevant experiences you may have had in this field.”
- Quinnipiac Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Why do you have an interest in applying to the Physician Assistant program? Please discuss any relevant experiences you may have had in this field.”
- St. John's Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Your essay needs to provide us with additional information about you that cannot be gleaned from your application. Ideally, your essay should be approximately 250 words.”
Common questions
- Should I use the “anything else” space?
- Only if there is something the reader needs that no other part of the application shows. Leaving it blank is better than filling it with a summary.
- Can I explain a low grade or a gap here?
- If the prompt is the Common App additional-information section, yes, briefly and factually. If it is a creative open prompt, no; that is what the additional-information section is for.
- How personal is too personal?
- Anything you would be uncomfortable discussing in an interview is too personal for the essay. The reader may bring it up.
Prompts verified September 2026 against each school's published application. Browse all schools A–Z. Spotted a change? Tell us.