Essay guide · 2026–27 cycle
The “Why this major” essay
Schools ask this to find out whether you chose a subject on purpose. Most drafts answer a different question: how good am I at it. Grades, awards and “I have always been passionate about” tell the reader nothing about why. The essay that works describes the moment the subject became a question you could not put down.
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
The moment this subject stopped being a class and became a question you couldn't drop. The school wants evidence you've chosen on purpose, not by default.
Turning it into a résumé: grades, awards and "I have always been passionate about." A list of achievements is not a reason to study something. Grand missions ("to cure cancer") read as borrowed.
One specific experience, one specific confusion or question it left you with, and what you did about it on your own. Then one or two things in the school's version of the major that match that question. Small and real beats big and vague.
How to write it, in order
Find the moment. Not the first time you liked the subject, but the first time it confused you in a way you wanted to resolve. A problem that did not come out the way the textbook said. A question a teacher could not answer.
Write what you did about it on your own. The thing you read, built, tested or asked. This is the proof the interest is real.
Name what you still do not understand. An unanswered question reads as genuine; a solved one reads as a victory lap.
Connect it to one or two things in this school's version of the major: a track, a sequence, a lab, a required project. Say why those fit your question.
Keep the ambition small and checkable. “I want to understand why batteries degrade” beats “I want to solve the energy crisis.”
Before you submit
- There is one specific experience, told with detail only you would know.
- No grades, scores or award names appear.
- The phrase “passionate about” does not appear.
- At least one sentence admits something you do not know yet.
- The school's version of the major is mentioned, not just the major.
Every school that asks it
45 schools, 70 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.
- Princeton Universityup to 250 words
“As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests?”
- Princeton Universityup to 250 words
“Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests.”
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology100-200 words
“What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Reflect on what has led you to this interest.”
- Yale Universityno stated word limit
“Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.”
- Yale Universityup to 200 words
“Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?”
- Brown University150-250 words
“"There is something distinctive about Brown students. It is a blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humility. A commitment to collaboration. An openness to new ideas and perspectives. A desire to make the world better. And it is resilience: the ability to recover and thrive after experiencing difficulties." From President Christina Paxson's 2025 Convocation Address. How will you use these characteristics or others to shape your approach to the Open Curriculum?”
- Brown University100-150 words
“Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.”
- University of Pennsylvaniaup to 200 words
“Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Describe how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected.”
- University of Pennsylvaniaup to 200 words
“Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science. Why are you applying to Nursing, where do you see yourself professionally in the future, and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare?”
- Cornell Universityup to 350 words
“By applying to Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying directly to one of our majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle complex, real-world challenges. What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice.”
- Cornell Universityup to 650 words
“At the College of Arts and Sciences, your education is yours to shape. Describe an intellectual passion, question, or idea that has captured your attention—whether it emerges from your studies or extends beyond your coursework. What specific aspects of our liberal arts curriculum would you draw on to explore and connect your varied interests?”
- Cornell Universityup to 650 words
“Discuss your interest in pursuing a major in policy at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and what draws you to this field of study. You are encouraged to consider including details related to your personal experiences, values, academic influences, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your perspective and future goals.”
- Cornell Universityup to 200 words
“Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?”
- Cornell Universityup to 200 words
“Why do you think you would love to study at Duffield Engineering?”
- Cornell Universityup to 550 words
“The College of Human Ecology prepares students to respond to human needs through an education organized around the interconnected issues that profoundly affect individuals, communities, and the institutions that shape our lives. Think about an extracurricular/community engagement/work experience that most closely connects you to the CHE mission and your intended choice of major. Tell us what that experience taught you about your broader community and its needs, and the impact you can make. How will your intended CHE major help you make that impact?”
- Northwestern Universityup to 200 words
“Northwestern fosters a distinctively interdisciplinary culture. We believe discovery and innovation thrive at the intersection of diverse ideas, perspectives, and academic interests. Within this setting, if you could dream up an undergraduate class, research project, or creative effort (a start-up, a design prototype, a performance, etc.), what would it be? Who might be some ideal classmates or collaborators?”
- Pomona Collegeup to 150 words
“What draws you to the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions or interests.”
- Rice Universityup to 150 words
“Please explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University.”
- Rice Universityup to 250 words
“Why are you determined to study architecture? Please explain your motivation and describe how your past experiences have led you to apply to the Rice School of Architecture in particular. Have you had an opportunity outside of school—such as an internship, building project, architecture summer program or other experience—that strengthened your interest in the field? If so, please describe how the experience further compels you to pursue a career in architecture.”
- University of Southern Californiaup to 250 words
“Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically.”
- Tufts University100-200 words
“Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. How did an academic course, project, or interest inspire the ideas that you explored in this piece? Or, how did making this piece influence your academic interests?”
- Emory Universityup to 200 words
“What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?”
- Carnegie Mellon Universityup to 300 words
“Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that's developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?”
- Washington University in St. Louisup to 250 words
“Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don't worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected.”
- Georgetown Universityup to 500 words
“Georgetown University's School of Health was founded to advance the health and well-being of people locally, nationally, and globally through innovative research, the delivery of interdisciplinary education, and transformative engagement of communities. Describe the factors that influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University, specifically addressing your intended related major: Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science.”
- University of Notre Dameup to 100 words
“Briefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed.”
- Washington and Lee Universityup to 800 words
“"To promote literature in this rising empire and to encourage the arts, have ever been amongst the warmest wishes of my heart" (George Washington, 1798, first president of the United States and first major benefactor of Washington and Lee University). Describe a work of art that has influenced you, and discuss the impact it has had on you.”
- University of Michigan100-550 words
“Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?”
- Babson Collegeup to 500 words
“The Babson education prepares students for all types of careers across business, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and more. Tell us about your interest in this area of study and in Babson specifically.”
- Lehigh Universityup to 200 words
“How will the unique combination of college, program, major and/or 4+1 program that you selected above allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?”
- Lehigh Universityno stated word limit
“How will the 5-year dual degree Arts-Engineering program, which requires a major in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, allow you to achieve your educational or professional goals?”
- University of Texas at Austin250-300 words
“Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”
- Howard Universityup to 500 words
“Please describe the major you intend to study and how you hope to use your Howard education to support you in achieving your passions and goals. Please address your first-choice and second-choice major selections.”
- Bucknell Universityup to 250 words
“Please explain your interest in your first-choice major/undecided status and your second-choice major (should you opt to list one) and why you would choose Bucknell University to pursue your interest(s).”
- Clemson Universityup to 650 words
“Tell us about your academic interests and professional goals (to the extent that you have identified them at this point). What experiences, talents, accomplishments, and/or characteristics inspired and contributed to these goals? What avenues have you explored to learn more about this or to gain experience in this area to date?”
- Loyola Marymount Universityup to 500 words
“Share with us why you are interested in LMU and/or why you chose your specific area of study or major.”
- University of Marylandno stated word limit
“In addition to my major, my academic interests include…”
- Santa Clara Universityup to 50 words
“Why are you interested in pursuing the [Division or Major] selected above?”
- University of Wisconsin–Madisonup to 650 words
“Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.”
- Purdue Universityup to 250 words
“Briefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette).”
- Purdue Universityup to 250 words
“Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the alternate major and campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette) you have selected.”
- Purdue Universityup to 500 words
“Please describe the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study and how it complements or supports other fields.”
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute500-750 words
“State your reasons for aspiring to a career in medicine.”
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Instituteup to 500 words
“Describe your interest in the music major and your goals. Please include completed course work in music, private music instruction, musical performance and production experience, or completed independent projects.”
- Chapman Universityup to 200 words
“Please tell us about your interest in the major you selected.”
- Chapman Universityup to 200 words
“Chapman University encourages academic exploration through our dynamic liberal arts curriculum. It's okay to be unsure of what you might want to major in. Please tell us about the academic areas that interest you currently.”
- Chapman Universityno stated word limit
“Chapman's location puts students in the heart of Southern California, with access to beaches, major cities, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and career opportunities. What part of the SoCal experience are you most excited to explore?”
- University of Massachusetts Amherstup to 100 words
“Please tell us why you chose the Major(s) you did?”
- Texas A&M Universityup to 100 words
“In a few words, why have you chosen your academic major(s)?”
- Cornell Collegeup to 350 words
“By applying to Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying directly to one of our majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle complex, real-world challenges. What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice.”
- Cornell Collegeup to 650 words
“At the College of Arts and Sciences, your education is yours to shape. Describe an intellectual passion, question, or idea that has captured your attention—whether it emerges from your studies or extends beyond your coursework. What specific aspects of our liberal arts curriculum would you draw on to explore and connect your varied interests?”
- Cornell Collegeup to 650 words
“Discuss your interest in pursuing a major in policy at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and what draws you to this field of study. You are encouraged to consider including details related to your personal experiences, values, academic influences, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your perspective and future goals.”
- Cornell Collegeup to 200 words
“Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?”
- Cornell Collegeup to 200 words
“Why do you think you would love to study at Duffield Engineering?”
- Cornell Collegeup to 550 words
“The College of Human Ecology prepares students to respond to human needs through an education organized around the interconnected issues that profoundly affect individuals, communities, and the institutions that shape our lives. Think about an extracurricular/community engagement/work experience that most closely connects you to the CHE mission and your intended choice of major. Tell us what that experience taught you about your broader community and its needs, and the impact you can make. How will your intended CHE major help you make that impact?”
- New Jersey Institute of Technologyup to 400 words
“Why do you want to pursue an accelerated program in medicine, law, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy or physician assistant, and what academic, educational or other experiences have provided you with a foundation for the accelerated program?”
- Duquesne Universityno stated word limit
“Tell us something unique about you, why you chose your particular health field major, and how you expect Duquesne University to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. Please include any examples of your research, shadowing or volunteer experiences.”
- Indiana University Bloomington200-400 words
“In 200–400 words, describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them.”
- University of Arizonaup to 500 words
“Why is the University of Arizona the right fit for you and how will your chosen academic area of study align with your interests, goals, and values?”
- Smith Collegeup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Smith has a unique housing system, where students of all class years live together in 41 different houses. With our Residential Curriculum, students will become critically aware global neighbors, exploring their self-identity by living in community, engaging in reflection and challenging their own beliefs. What personal experiences, background or abilities would you bring to this residential environment to share with your neighbors and what would you hope your neighbors would share with you?”
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignup to 150 words · 2025-26
“Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major.”
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignup to 150 words · 2025-26
“Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from Illinois and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.”
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignup to 150 words · 2025-26
“What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you're considering at Illinois and why.”
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignup to 150 words · 2025-26
“Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.”
- Gonzaga Universityup to 800 words · 2025-26
“What experiences have led you to choose the field of nursing? Why do you believe nursing is a good career path for you?”
- Texas Tech Universityup to 800 words · 2025-26
“Please state educational and career goals and the reason for choosing your major.”
- Ithaca College10-200 words · 2025-26
“We want to support your success. In a short response, please tell us why you picked this academic major or program.”
- Drexel Universityup to 500 words · 2025-26
“Reflect on your experiences, personal characteristics, and unique traits that have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities associated with your chosen major. How have these things shaped your goals, aspirations, and potential contributions to your field of study?”
- Drexel Universityup to 500 words · 2025-26
“Tell the Admission Committee why you are applying to the joint program with the Drexel University College of Medicine. Be sure to explain why you want to be a physician and, more specifically, why you want to obtain your medical education at the Drexel University College of Medicine.”
- St. John's Universityup to 250 words · 2025-26
“Please submit a brief 250-word essay discussing your reasons for choosing a career in pharmacy and why you are applying to St. John's University.”
Common questions
- What if I am undecided?
- Say so, and then write about the question that pulls you across subjects. Schools that ask this of undecided applicants want to see how you think, not a commitment. A specific curiosity with two possible homes is a fine answer.
- Should the “why major” essay include career goals?
- A direction is fine; a job title is not necessary. If you include one, it has to grow out of the experience you described, not sit on top of it.
- Can I write about a subject I have not studied in school?
- Yes, and it is often stronger, because everything you know about it you went and got yourself. Show that.
Prompts verified September 2026 against each school's published application. Browse all schools A–Z. Spotted a change? Tell us.