2025-26 prompts · 2026–27 not yet confirmed · Ithaca, NY
Ithaca College supplemental essays
1 prompt, 1 required, about 200 words in total. Below: each prompt, what it is really asking, where drafts go wrong, and the shape of an answer that works.
Free, no card. Paste a draft and Admitify reads it line by line against the prompt. It never writes for you.
These are Ithaca College'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 ithaca.edu before you submit.
The prompts, one by one
- Why this major short response10-200 words · Why this major
“We want to support your success. In a short response, please tell us why you picked this academic major or program.”
What it's really askingThe moment this subject stopped being a class and became a question you couldn't drop. Ithaca College wants evidence you've chosen on purpose, not by default.
Where drafts go wrongTurning 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.
The shape of a strong answerOne 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 Ithaca College's version of the major that match that question. Small and real beats big and vague.
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 Ithaca College) 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.
Run your draft through Admitify, free →Prompts verified September 2026 against Ithaca College's published application. Admission facts and requirements for Ithaca College are on its university page. Spotted a change? Tell us.