supplemental essays for middlebury

Application Instructions and Deadlines

We welcome your application for admission to Middlebury. Please review our Middlebury College admission requirements to ensure that your application is complete. Please note that Middlebury College is test-optional. You are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.

We accept the Common Application. Please note the Middlebury College application deadlines below.

Application Deadlines 

Application requirements, optional application materials.

Should weather-related emergencies or other events impact your application process, please let us know so that we can accommodate your needs.

Admissions staff is available to answer any questions you have. Please contact us at  [email protected] , or at (802) 443-3000.

Confirmation of your application will be delivered to the email you used to create your application within two business days of applying. If you do not receive this email, please contact Admissions .

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Middlebury Admissions

Emma Willard House 131 South Main Street Middlebury, VT 05753

[email protected]

(802) 443-3000

How to Write the Middlebury Supplement 2021-2022

Middlebury is a private liberal arts college in Middlebury, Vermont. Middlebury is known for its programs in environmental studies, language, and global studies. About 2,500 undergraduate students attend the school and average class size is around 16 students per class. The acceptance rate was 15.7% for the class of 2025.

Another surprise, Middlebury doesn’t have a supplement! But last year, almost 12,000 students applied and Middlebury’s test-optional policy will still be in play until 2023. This means that it’s highly likely that even more students will apply to Middlebury this application cycle, so if you’re serious about becoming a member of the class of 2026, you need to reach out to the school directly and explain why it’s a perfect fit.

Since there’s no supplement, you’re going to write them an email. You’re probably familiar with the traditional “Why Us” question that most colleges ask. It’s essentially a research assignment that asks you to flesh out what you have in common with X school, which is exactly what you’re going to do. Let’s go through the information that you should include:

An introduction. Include your name and tell them that you’re writing because there was no formal space for you to explain why you want to go to Middlebury.

Write about what you want to major in and include a short story that explains how that interest came to be. For example, “I want to major in Economics because I’ve taken several online classes about Microeconomics and recently had an internship at a bank.” Whatever your story is, share it. You don’t need to have every single detail figured out, but you should include clues and evidence that your interest in X major isn’t random. Think about connecting the dots.

Next, look into the courses on the homepage of the major that you plan to pursue at Middlebury. Here’s the link to the Economics courses that we’re using as an example. You’ll want to find one or two upper-level courses that pique your interest and align well with something from your past. So, if one of the Economics courses you took online was related to game theory, you might want to take Econ 0208: Game Theory. Or, if you’re an avid reader of the regional section of The Economist and you like to learn about economic trends in other countries, you might write about how you’d like to take Econ 0344: International Economics. If you’re struggling to find links to the courses, keep looking. You’re much better off finding strong links than just picking classes that sound fancy because then you’ll show Middlebury that you’re ready to contribute to in-class discussions. Prove that you’re already engaging with your academic interests!

Then, find a professor whom you’d like to do research with and pitch yourself as their research assistant. Read through all of their biographies and never underestimate the power of a Google stalking session! Don’t creep them out by writing that you too have a golden retriever, but definitely familiarize yourself with their research and academic niches. Explain why you believe that you’d be a strong addition to their research team.

You should also include one student organization or group that aligns well with what you’ve done in the past. When they read your email, everything should make perfect sense. So, if you started the environmental club at your high school, you might want to join an environmentally focused organization at Middlebury. If you get in, you can join whatever club you want but for the purposes of this email, focus on something that is an extension of what you did in high school.

If you noticed, the above list is about what you should include. It’s not, however, exactly how you should write the email. Your job is to turn the information that you found about Middlebury into a story with details about your life. If you do a straight-up copy and paste job, your email is going to read like a brochure. Not the move! Instead, weave details about Middlebury into a story about yourself that explains why Middlebury is the best place for you to further your education. Maybe you’re in the midst of a summer research project and Middlebury’s courses will help you finish it, or your independent project aligns perfectly with the expertise of a professor. Whatever your details are, match them up with Middlebury’s offerings and provide information that fleshes out the links.

We recommend capping your emails around 350 words, which means that you’re going to have to do a fair amount of editing. Don’t get discouraged and try to cut content, instead remove repeated language and unnecessary clauses of sentences until you get down to word count. As for sending it, your email should go to the admissions office and we suggest following up with a phone call to ensure that there’s nowhere else it should be sent. As always, be professional and kind.

Need help getting the college process started? Contact us here .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, middlebury college admissions process.

Hey everyone! I need some insight into the Middlebury admissions process. What do they look for in a candidate, and how can I prepare my application to stand out?

Hello! Middlebury College, like many other liberal arts colleges, places significant emphasis on the qualities of intellectual curiosity, motivation, and strong communication skills in its applicants. Here are some key factors they consider and how you can prepare your application to stand out:

1. Academics: Middlebury looks for students with a rigorous high school curriculum and top-notch grades. Make sure to challenge yourself with advanced or AP courses, maintain a strong GPA, and if you have good SAT/ACT scores, submit them (Middlebury is test-optional through 2023).

2. Extracurricular activities: Middlebury values students with a well-developed passion or "spike" in at least one area. Demonstrate depth of involvement and leadership in your activities, and aim for a combination of Tiers 1-3 extracurriculars. Avoid stretching yourself thin with too many extracurriculars; focus on building strong, meaningful experiences.

3. Essays: Middlebury College requires a supplemental essay in addition to the Common App or Coalition App essay. Take this opportunity to showcase your personality, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to a particular area or cause. Be genuine, thoughtful, and avoid cliché topics. When crafting your supplemental essay, be specific about why Middlebury is a good fit for you—show that you've done your research and can speak to the unique aspects of the college.

4. Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors can make a difference in your application. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide anecdotes that demonstrate your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and potential to contribute to the Middlebury community. Give them ample time to write thoughtful letters and provide them with any necessary materials to support their writing.

5. Demonstrated interest: Colleges like Middlebury appreciate when applicants demonstrate genuine interest in their institution. Participate in online events or virtual tours, sign up for a college rep visit at your school, or attend local college fairs to engage with Middlebury representatives. If you have the chance to attend an interview, prepare well and use it as an opportunity to express your passion for the school.

6. Community engagement and service: Middlebury College values civic engagement and social responsibility. Participate in community service or volunteer efforts to showcase your dedication to making a positive impact in your community. This involvement can also be highlighted in your essays or other portions of your application.

Remember that Middlebury, like many other selective colleges, has a holistic admissions process, so they'll evaluate your overall fit for the institution. Good luck with your application!

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How to Get Into Middlebury College: Admissions Data & Strategies

February 18, 2022

Situated in scenic Addison County, Vermont, Middlebury College is consistently ranked in the top 10 liberal arts schools in the United States. While not quite as selective as the likes of Amherst , Swarthmore , or Bowdoin , Middlebury still has extremely high standards for prospective applicants and rejects more than 80% of those who apply.

Middlebury has always has always been an extremely selective institution, but the quest to gain acceptance into this liberal arts powerhouse has never been more challenging, as the following stats show:

To give future Middlebury applicants a better sense of their admissions chances, this blog will cover the following topics:

• Middlebury College’s Class of 2025 acceptance rate
• Middlebury College’s 2025 Early Decision acceptance rate
• SAT, ACT, and class rank of accepted Middlebury College applicants
• Middlebury Admissions trends for the Class of 2025
• Middlebury College’s system for rating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current Middlebury College undergraduates
• The percent of accepted students that attend the Middlebury College (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to Middlebury College
• How to assess whether applying to the Middlebury College is even worth the $65 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Middlebury College Acceptance Rate – Class of 2025

Middlebury received an all-time high number of applications for a place in the Class of 2025—11,908 in total— and accepted just 1,875. This acceptance rate of 16% was much lower than the 22% acceptance rate the previous year.

Middlebury College Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Middlebury admitted 425 students through ED in 2025, however, they have yet to release official admissions totals. For the Class of 2024 (most recent official data released), Middlebury received 838 ED applications and accepted 392 individuals. The ED acceptance rate for this cohort was 47% versus just 20% for those applying in the regular round.

Middlebury College Admissions – SAT, ACT, and Class Rank

Middlebury was test-optional for the Class of 2025. Among enrolled 2021-22 freshmen who elected to include scores with their applications, the mid-50% range was 1420-1470 on the SAT and 32-34. Looking at Class of 2024 data (most recent class rank numbers available), 80% of enrolled freshmen finished in the top 10% of their high school class and 98% were in the top quartile.

Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2025

• The number of applications spiked 30% from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025.
• Middlebury is in the middle of three-year test-optional pilot program that will last through the 2022-23 admissions cycle.
• 47% of students admitted into the Class of 2025 identify as students of color.
• 18% of the Class of 2025 are first-generation students.
• The average financial award for eligible students was $57,078.

How Middlebury College Rates Applicants

Middlebury uses a truly holistic admissions process and lists six factors as “very important” to their unique evaluation process: rigor of high school course load, class rank. GPA, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. The three factors labeled as “important” are the application essays, recommendations, and race/ethnicity.

Straight from the Middlebury admissions office:

• “We strive to understand our applicants in the fullest sense of who they are—in school, in their community, and as part of their family. Our admissions process is a holistic one in which we weigh multiple factors beyond test scores and grades. Your personal essay, teacher recommendations, cocurricular activities, individual background and story, and unique characteristics are all important to us.”
• “Middlebury’s admissions decisions are based on high school records, recommendations, activities and interests, and student writing. Most students rank in the top 10 percent of their high school classes and challenge themselves with rigorous course loads and a commitment to non-academic interests.”

Middlebury College Demographics

Let’s look at the demographics of Middlebury College undergraduate student body. The following are the U.S. states that saw the greatest number of applicants accepted into the Class of 2025:

• Massachusetts

13% of students admitted into the Class of 2025 are international students. The greatest percentage of international students come from the following countries:

• United Kingdom

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown of entire undergraduate student body is as follows:

• Hispanic: 11%
• African American: 4%
• Two or More Races: 6%
• International: 10%

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls a slightly greater number of women than men on campus:

Middlebury College’s “Yield Rate”

Middlebury College’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 30%. This places them a bit below other top liberal arts schools which have the following yields: Williams College (46%), Pomona College (45%), and Swarthmore College (35%).

Tips for Applying to Middlebury College

If you plan on joining the almost 12,000 Middlebury College hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• If Middlebury is your top choice, you’ll want to strongly consider applying ED I by November 15 or ED II by early January. The Regular Decision deadline falls in the first week of January, but the acceptance rates are significantly lower in this round.
• Middlebury does recommend that students sit for an  evaluative alumni interview . However, they are space-limited and no on-campus interviews are available.
• Your counselor and teacher recommendations will be key at Middlebury. Visit our blog for  tips on requesting high school letters of recommendation .
• Middlebury College does consider “ demonstrated interest ” so they may be examining whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, follow them on social media, etc.
• You’ll need to submit a  Mid-Year Report  in late February so remember to keep those grades up throughout your senior year of high school.
• Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the Common App essay when working on your Middlebury application. In the 2021-22 cycle, there were no supplemental essays offered by the college, a rarity among highly-selective schools.

Should I Apply to Middlebury?

Virtually every successful applicant to Middlebury finished at or near the top of their high school class and can claim many special talents both inside and outside of the classroom. Given the sub- 16% acceptance rate, any student applying to a school of Middlebury College’s caliber also needs to also have a proper mix or “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here .

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How to Get Into Middlebury Guide

How to get into Middlebury College – General Information

Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. It was founded in 1800 . The student body of the university is just over 3,000 students.

What we’ll cover in this “How to Get Into Middlebury” guide:

• Average Middlebury College GPA 
• Optimal Middlebury SAT scores
• Details on the Middlebury College application deadline and Middlebury Early Decision deadline
• Interpreting the Middlebury college ranking and Middlebury acceptance rate
• Succeeding in your Middlebury interview
• Middlebury class of 2025 statistics, and more. 

When thinking about how to get into Middlebury , make sure each part of your application — your Middlebury College GPA, Middlebury SAT scores and ACT scores, and Middlebury interview — is top-notch. This means keeping your GPA high, studying well in advance to ensure strong Middlbury SAT scores or ACT scores, and building up your extracurriculars. To boost your chances, you should start strategizing for the application process well before the Middlebury College application deadline. 

Figuring out how to get into Middlebury takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your Middlebury admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How can I get into Middlebury?

The Middlebury College ranking and Middlebury acceptance rate suggest that it’s a competitive school. Whether Middlebury is your dream school or you learned about it recently, your strategy for how to get into Middlebury will be very similar. 

First and foremost, strive to have the strongest academic profile that you can. This includes your Middlebury college GPA and Middlebury SAT scores, as well as your course choices. Challenge yourself within the curriculum offered at your school . Aim to surpass the average Middlebury College GPA and Middlebury SAT scores. Overcome the Middlebury acceptance rate by demonstrating a track record of success. 

If this college is at the top of your list, consider the Middlebury Early Decision deadline as part of your “how to get into Middlebury” strategy. Submitting your application by this Middlebury College application deadline is binding—you have to attend if accepted. There are two Middlebury Early Decision deadlines, one in the fall and one in the winter, so you have two chances to show you’re serious.

Regardless of the Middlebury College application deadline you choose, don’t get too caught up in the numbers. While the Middlebury College ranking and the Middlebury acceptance rate matter, they don’t paint the whole picture when you’re planning how to get into Middlebury. 

How hard is it to get into Middlebury College?

As you craft your “how to get into Middlebury” strategy, make sure you have a sense of how hard it is to be accepted in the back of your mind. Various factors—the Middlebury College ranking, Middlebury acceptance rate, average Middlebury SAT scores, and estimated average Middlebury College GPA—help you determine this. 

The Middlebury College ranking is #9 in the U.S. News list of top National Liberal Arts Colleges . Forbes ranks Middlebury #44 in its list of Top Colleges 2021 . There are a variety of details that factor into the Middlebury College ranking, and the college will not be equally strong across majors. So, be sure to research your intended major and the resources, classes, and opportunities that you will engage with while on campus. 

In addition to the Middlebury college ranking, the Middlebury SAT scores show how competitive the college is. The middle 50% for Middlebury SAT scores is 1400-1520 . The middle 50% Reading and Writing Middlebury SAT scores range from 690-750, while the Math scores range from 690-780. As well as the Middlebury SAT scores, consider the middle 50% of ACT scores, which range from 32 to 34. 

Though submitting Middlebury SAT scores is optional, they can be an asset to your application. Therefore, we suggest you submit your Middlebury SAT scores to Middlebury admissions if they are in the middle to the top of the range. 

What is the acceptance rate at Middlebury College?

The Middlebury acceptance rate was 15% for the class of 2025. This means that Middlebury admissions is extremely selective. For that class, 11,906 students applied.  Of those applicants, Middlebury admissions accepted 1,446 regular decision students and 425 Middlebury Early Decision students. So, If Middlebury is your top choice , you should consider applying by the Middlebury Early Decision deadline. 

More than 1,000 students applied by the Middlebury Early Decision deadline. Since Middlebury admissions admitted 425 of those the Middlebury acceptance rate for Middlebury Early Decision is around 40%. Clearly, your Middlebury College application deadline plays an important role in your planning for how to get into Middlebury. 

What is the average Middlebury College GPA?

As you make your “how to get into Middlebury” strategy, you’ll want to know the average Middlebury College GPA. This will help you choose classes and implement study habits that set you up for success, despite the low Middlebury acceptance rate.    

Middlebury does not publish the average Middlebury College GPA, but based on the Middlebury acceptance rate and ranking, you can assume that it is at least a 4.0. 

Middlebury seeks students who earn an A/A- in the most rigorous program available at their high school. For a really successful “how to get into Middlebury” strategy, try to rank at the top of your high school class.

Strong academics

No Middlebury College GPA gives you automatic admission. However, Middlebury admissions emphasizes the importance of a strong academic record, drive to succeed, and interest in an intended area of study. Really want to know how to get into Middlebury? Don’t worry so much about the average Middlebury College GPA, Middlebury acceptance rate, and Middlebury College ranking. Instead, challenge yourself with your course selection, and try to achieve top grades.

To meet the average Middlebury College GPA, take the hardest courses available at your school in which you can succeed. However, don’t take more courses than you can balance with sports, work, service, and any other extracurriculars you pursue. 

In summary, while Middlebury admissions doesn’t publish the average Middlebury College GPA, assume it’s looking for a strong academic record.

What does the Middlebury application look like?

Above all, your “how to get into Middlebury” plan must include submitting a strong application before the Middlebury College application deadline (or Middlebury Early Decision deadline!) 

Middlebury admissions has certain requirements that you must submit by your selected Middlebury College application deadline. For your best chance of getting in, given the low Middlebury acceptance rate, prepare each element well before the Middlebury College application deadline. 

There are two Middlebury College application deadlines :

• November 15 -Middlebury Early Decision I
• January 3 -Middlebury Early Decision II & Regular Decision

Applicants must submit :

• The Common Application or Coalition Application
• Two teacher recommendations 
• A secondary school report
• Counselor recommendation
• A midyear report (after your first semester grades)
• A final school report (for admitted students only)
• Application fee

Organize and complete these items well before your Middlebury College application deadline. For more information on how to ace the Common App, click here . 

Middlebury SAT scores are optional for the 2022-23 application cycle. Middlebury admissions uses a holistic review process , so your Middlebury SAT scores will be evaluated as part of your profile if you submit them. So, strong scores could be to your advantage. 

For this reason, we suggest you submit your SAT or ACT scores if they meet or exceed the average Middlebury SAT scores. To really boost your Middlebury SAT scores, prepare for standardized testing well in advance and take the exam twice. 

For more information on submitting supplementary arts, instrumental/voice, theater, dance, or film materials to Middlebury admissions, click here .

What extracurriculars does Middlebury prefer?

Middlebury admissions accepted the current student body based on their potential and ability to excel. Middlebury’s motto is “ Scientia et Virtus, ” knowledge and virtue, shows that it seeks students with a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and interests who will contribute to a vibrant Middlebury community . So, as you work out how to get into Middlebury, focus on extracurriculars that showcase your knowledge and character. 

Middlebury admissions doesn’t want everyone to be everything. For this reason, focus on being “well-angled” rather than “well-rounded” when strategizing for how to get into Middlebury. Watch this webinar to learn more about developing breadth and depth in your extracurriculars. In addition, tailor your candidate profile to align with your major to give you an edge. 

Lastly, meeting or exceeding the average Middlebury College GPA or Middlebury SAT scores is important. But your extracurriculars can boost your chances of enrollment, despite the low Middlebury acceptance rate and impressive Middlebury College ranking. 

Does Middlebury College offer interviews?

Middlebury admissions gives all applicants the option to complete a Middlebury interview. 

Middlebury interviews are conducted by alumni—there is no on-campus option—and they are evaluative. This means Middlebury admissions will use your interview to judge your application, alongside your Middlebury College GPA, Middlebury SAT scores and choice to apply Middlebury Early Decision.

Therefore, we suggest you make the Middlebury interview part of your “how to get into Middlebury” plan. Don’t contact Middlebury admissions to schedule an interview—one of their team will contact you.  

The Middlebury interview is virtual, via phone or video conferencing. The demand for a Middlebury interview is high, so you will not be disadvantaged if you don’t have a Middlebury interview. You can expect to hear from an alumni representative for details on your Middlebury interview after the Middlebury College application deadline. 

For top tips on preparing for your Middlebury interview, click here . 

Does Middlebury College have supplemental essays?

Middlebury admissions does not ask applicants to complete any supplemental essays in addition to the Common App Personal Statement. 

Although this makes the application easier to complete, it does take away an opportunity to show the Middlebury admissions office who you are and what is important to you. In light of the high Middlebury College ranking, average Middlebury College GPA and Middlebury acceptance rate, try to show this in other ways. 

So, here are several ways you can help Middlebury admissions get to know you better and boost your “how to get into Middlebury” game plan.

Visit campus

Middlebury admissions considers a student’s level of interest in attending when evaluating their application. This is called demonstrated interest . You can demonstrate interest by visiting campus and attending information sessions and taking campus tours. If you are unable to visit in person, consider exploring campus through a virtual visit . Make a plan for your college campus visits here . 

Contact your regional admissions counselor

Every applicant has a Middlebury admissions counselor assigned to their region. Reaching out to this person is another way to demonstrate your interest in attending. Ask questions, but don’t ask for information that is easily available online such as the Middlebury College ranking, Middlebury College SAT scores, or Middlebury acceptance rate.

Attend your Middlebury interview

Figuring out how to get into Middlebury can be hard. Scheduling a Middlebury interview can help you stand out. Middlebury admissions uses the Middlebury interview to get to know you as a person. So, use your conversation as an opportunity to impress Middlebury admissions.

How does Middlebury College review applications?

As we know from the average Middlebury College GPA and Middlebury College ranking, Middlebury admissions is highly selective. For this reason, it’s critical to submit your materials before the regular Middlebury College application deadline or Middlebury Early Decision deadline. Middlebury admissions will evaluate your fit with the tight-knit Middlebury culture and philosophy.

According to the Common Data Set 2021-2022 , Middlebury admissions ranks the following as “very important” parts of their decision making process:

• Secondary school record 
• Middlebury College GPA
• Extracurricular activities 
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

This data confirms what we have suggested in this “how to get into Middlebury” guide. Namely, that you must strive for a high Middlebury College GPA and pursue a depth and breadth of extracurriculars. This is how to get into Middlebury in spite of the low Middlebury acceptance rate.

Will Middlebury College consider my social media accounts?

As you think about how to get into Middlebury, you may worry about whether your social media presence will affect your Middlesbury admissions odds. However, Middlebury admissions receives tens of thousands of applications each year, so readers usually don’t have the time to check social profiles. 

However, you shouldn’t post offensive or irresponsible content on social media regardless. Even beyond the college application process, you should be using social media responsibly . Our recommendation is to play it safe. Middlebury likely won’t read your Twitter or check your Instagram, but there’s always an outside chance.

Finally, remember that Middlebury College’s social media is a great way for you to learn about campus life!

Is Middlebury College a good school for me?

Before you even begin your “how to get into Middlebury” plan, it’s essential to ask whether Middlebury is the right place for you . 

Middlebury is a well-regarded liberal arts school with a reputation of excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and athletics. Due to the enrollment of around 3,000 undergraduates, class sizes are small and students have many opportunities to do research with professors and get involved in leadership roles on campus. 

You will get a strong liberal arts education at Middlebury regardless of the major you select. Middlebury is known for its language instruction, environmental studies, international programs, and innovation in experiential learning. There are countless opportunities to engage with study abroad and complete programs during winter or summer terms , as well as opportunities to participate in accelerated degree programs . 

Finally, if Middlebury really ticks all your boxes, don’t forget that Middlebury Early Decision might be right for your “how to get into Middlebury” plan.   

Additional tips to get into Middlebury College

Here are our final tips to help you put the finishing touches to your “How to get into Middlebury” strategy. 

Start early

Leave yourself plenty of time to meet all of the requirements by your Middlebury College application deadline. This is especially important if you select Middlebury Early Decision. 

Take advantage of all opportunities to shine

If offered a Middlebury interview, take it! Also, spend time crafting a genuine and original Common App essay. 

Don’t focus too much on numbers

While the Middlebury College GPA requirements, Middlebury College ranking, and Middlebury acceptance rate matter to some extent, they are not the most important factor in the Middlebury admissions process. Focus on perfecting those things you can control before the Middlebury College application deadline. Best of luck!

This guide was written by  Caroline Marapese , Notre Dame ’22. If you want to know how to get into Middlebury, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Expert Admissions

College Admissions Counseling in New York City

Cornell and Middlebury Talk College Essays

Expert Admissions hosted a webinar to give you the insiders’ perspectives on college admissions. Our guests were Marina Wencelblat Fried, Associate Director of Admissions at Cornell, and Sam Prouty, Director of Admissions at Middlebury. They answered questions about standardized testing, how applications are read, what makes a great essay, and more. Keep reading for highlights from the conversation, and watch the webinar above.

Admissions Process

There are different processes for reading applications at Cornell and Middlebury, reflecting the different institutional structures of the colleges. At Middlebury, students apply only to Middlebury College as a whole, while at Cornell, students apply to one of eight different undergraduate colleges.

At Middlebury, each application is read by a minimum of two admissions officers, and if they move forward to the committee process, they’ll be read by a committee of four. Students do not have to declare a major when applying because Middlebury does not admit by major.

At Cornell, the admissions process varies among the undergraduate colleges. There will always be more than one person reading each application, whether it’s two admissions officers, a committee, or an additional faculty member for portfolio reviews. Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences does not admit by major, but some of the other undergraduate colleges do (like Agriculture and Life Sciences).

Prouty and Fried caution students not to try to strategize applying to an “easier” major to better their chances of admission. If a school admits by major, it can be more difficult than you might think to make an internal transfer, and — perhaps most importantly — it’s apparent when a student’s profile doesn’t indicate a good fit with the program they’re applying to.

What makes a standout application?

Both admissions officers emphasized that numerical factors are not what stand out in an application. Many students have excellent grades and test scores. Cornell’s stance is that about 80% of their applicants could be academically successful at a highly selective college or university. What helps distinguish one highly qualified applicant from another are the qualitative aspects of the application: the essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. These components of the application give readers a sense of who you are as a person and as a student, as well as what matters to you. Remember that colleges are not just admitting students; they’re admitting future roommates, teammates, and friends.

Standardized Testing

Middlebury emphasizes that they are truly test-optional. Last year, they had about 50% of applicants submit test scores, and about 50% of admitted students had submitted test scores. Middlebury also only looks at the superscore that you submit — the best scores on each test section from different test dates.

Cornell’s undergraduate colleges have different testing policies. Three of the colleges are test-blind, so scores will not be considered even if they’re submitted. Cornell also emphasizes that the test-optional colleges are truly test-optional. They allow students to self-report scores, including superscores.

Essay Advice

Both Fried and Prouty stressed that cliché essays don’t work and gave some examples of what those might look like. Prouty said he likes essays that are “about something small and uniquely you.” It’s often easier to get a sense of the student’s personality, interests, and voice when they write about something seemingly mundane but genuinely meaningful.

Fried added that you don’t need to write about a major life event or tragedy, you need to reveal something particular about yourself “at the ground level” — personality traits, quirks, things that make you you . She also cautioned against essays that are about another person who has impacted you. Often, the essay reveals too much about the other person and not enough about the applicant. Fried further reminded students that the supplemental essays shouldn’t be an afterthought because they help establish that crucial fit between the student and the college.

They each shared a few examples of essay topics that were insightful, captivating, and revealing and offered advice for how students might tackle more sensitive essay topics about struggles they’ve overcome.

Additional Materials

When it comes to sending additional materials beyond what’s required in the application, different schools will feel differently. Prouty indicated that Middlebury will read additional materials that are genuinely relevant to a student’s candidacy. If you have a special talent, they’re happy to see evidence of it even though they don’t admit by major. Portfolios (for dance, film, studio art, music, etc.) will be sent to faculty for review.

Fried advises that, for Cornell, if it’s not required, you probably shouldn’t send it. There are a few exceptions, and faculty may be called in to review additional materials.

We ended our conversation by asking our guests to describe how they would answer their own school’s essay prompt. Prouty shared with us his topic for a personal statement, and Fried shared her response to the supplemental essay for the College of Human Ecology.

To hear their responses and get more details on the topics covered in the webinar, watch the webinar at the top of the page. You can also check out our previous webinars with admissions officers for more insights from behind the admissions desk.

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Supplemental Essays Guide: How to Write, Tips & Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 9/11/23

Writing stand-out supplemental essays may be your ticket into your dream school. Follow along for our complete guide on writing perfect supplemental essays for college.

If you’re working on supplemental essays, you’ve already spent countless hours perfecting your application. However, even the perfect application must be followed by stellar supplementals to get you into your dream school. That’s right, supplementals are a highly important piece of the application process - so how can you perfect yours? 

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing excellent supplemental essays, including examples from well-written essays , tips for common essay prompts, and each possible length. To top it all off, we’ve also included answers to the most frequently asked questions about writing stand-out supplemental essays.

Let’s get started!

What are Supplemental Essays? 

Supplemental essays are additional writing samples that you submit along with the rest of your college application. Many high-ranking schools ask for these essays, as they are intended to be more specific than your personal statement. It’s a chance for you to further demonstrate why you are a good fit for the school you’re applying to.

How Important are Supplemental Essays?

In short, supplemental essays are an extremely valuable part of your application. Your application allows schools to see the base of your work ethic through numbers (grades, extracurriculars, awards, and more), but it doesn’t give any indication of your personality. 

These essays are your first opportunity to give your university an idea of who you are and what you are passionate about. 

Excellent essays can tip the scales in your favor, especially for highly competitive schools where most candidates have excellent grades. An in-depth, well-written essay can set your application apart from others.

What are Colleges Looking For in Supplemental Essays? 

In supplemental essays, colleges look for honesty, specificity, and the ability to answer the prompt accurately and succinctly. We will look at several common prompts that colleges often use: 

• “Why This Major?”
• Community/diversity
• Extracurricular

Using these prompts helps college admissions get a better idea of who you are as an applicant.

How to Write Different Supplemental Essay Prompts

Every college has a unique set of prompts they distribute to their applicants each year. However, most prompts follow core formats. Here are some of the most common types of supplemental essays and how to write them.

The “Why Us?” Essay

The “Why Us?” or "Why This School?” essay is one of the most common prompts in circulation. Top schools such as Brown, Columbia, and Cornell have all been known to ask applicants to answer this prompt as part of their application. So, how do you write the “Why Us?” essay? Let’s talk about it. 

When a college asks you why you want to go there, the admissions committee wants to know a few things:

• The specific things about this school that appeal to you (have you done your research?)
• How you will contribute to this school’s college life
• How attending this school will help you achieve short and long-term goals

With this prompt, avoid listing reasons you want to go to the school unless you are directly instructed to do so. This is an opportunity to show the admissions committee how much their school matters to you, what programs and courses most interest you, and how the school will help you develop your passion and achieve your goals. 

You should do thorough research on the school and consider what sets it apart from other colleges on your list . Avoid providing general reasons that could be said about any other college. 

Writing this essay is your chance to showcase why you are passionate about attending this specific school and why it matters to you. Finally, conclude your essay by explaining how and why attending this school will help your long-term goals. 

‍ “Why Us?” Essay Sample from Columbia University:

“Computer science is at the core of my academic passions and my life ambitions. What I value in life is being around brilliant technologists. At Columbia, I have worked with and befriended the most driven and gifted programmers I’ve ever met. In January, I formed a team with three Columbia freshmen for MIT’s annual strategy-game-playing artificial intelligence competition. Ben, Ryan, Koh and I spent the month reviewing matches, debating approaches and tweaking our models. More than once we coded through the night. Their caliber was clear in the subtle insights that their multi-disciplinary backgrounds gave them and they gave me something to aspire to.

I have many interests that lie outside of my intended major but that I want to continue to pursue, and Columbia provides an environment for those diverse passions. Recently, while at a Columbia math club meeting with Ben, I ran into a political science major, Mathieu. He was elated to point out the insights that a love of math granted him in his courses and his conviction encouraged me to explore the peculiar intersection of the two fields.

I love teachers who love to teach. At Columbia, I’ve seen faculty who have a love for what they do and who care about students. While touring, I sat in on a quantum mechanics lecture. Professor Norman Christ strode into the room at eight on-the-dot and jumped into a discussion of WKB complex value approximation. For three straight hours, he guided us through the intricate world of QM without any notes. His enthusiasm brightened that drizzling Monday morning. That I could follow the lecture at all is a testament to his lucid explanations and extraordinary knowledge. When I came to him with questions afterward, he helped me truly understand a topic that initially felt years out of reach.”

Why this is a successful essay: In this essay , the writer starts by talking about their major and how Columbia provides an excellent program. They continue to add how they could positively impact Columbia if accepted. Take note of how the writer lists their key topic at the beginning of each paragraph and then connects Columbia to each topic. 

This student also mentioned that they enjoyed a Columbia professor's lecture, which is an excellent way of showing their deep interest in the school. Showing in your essay that you are passionate about the program and that you’ve done your research can be a point in your favor. 

The “Why This Major?” Essay

Although this prompt is very similar to the “Why Us?” essay, your answer should focus entirely on why you’re passionate about your degree. Think of this essay as an opportunity to tell the story of how you developed your passion. Try creating a timeline before you start writing to help organize your ideas. It should look something like this:

1. The first time I thought about pursuing this major was: __________________                              

2. I started to get more serious about pursuing this passion when:___________________

3. I’m now applying to this program so that in the future, I can: ___________________

Creating a timeline can help you easily convey how important your major is to you and the journey you’ve taken to build upon your passion. 

You can also include, if it applies, what specific things about your school’s program that drew you to your current selection. However, the main focus of this essay should be how you developed your passion for the subject and what you want to do in this field later on.

"Why This Major" Essay Sample from Yale:

“Literature and anthropology are telescopes into the past; philosophy, a prism into the mind. I want to ask the hard questions: Do I have free will? Is meaning lost in translation? Is there eternal truth? What is an “I”? Am I my mind, body or something more? Literature is an empathetic account of the past, anthropology a scientific documentation of human lives. I want to find commonality in lives separated by time and space, find meaning within them, partake in the collective memory of humanity, and interrogate what it means to be human.”

Why this essay works: 

In this short essay example from a Literature and Anthropology student from Yale, the student gets straight to the point. Demonstrating the questions they have that they hope to answer throughout their education is an excellent way to show that you’ve given your major a lot of thought. 

They’ve also captured the true essence of their major in the last sentence by stating they want to “partake in the collective memory of humanity” and “interrogate what it means to be human.” Whatever major you choose, write honestly about what calls you to the subject and demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of the genre of material you’ll be studying. 

The Adversity Essay

As one of the most challenging essay prompts, the adversity essay presents students with the uncomfortable task of recalling a difficult life experience and explaining how they overcame it. 

For some, choosing an instance of adversity can be the most challenging part of this prompt. Keep in mind that adversity looks different to everyone. Your story doesn’t have to be overly tragic to write a good adversity essay; you simply need to approach your issue from a place of growth. 

One of the main mistakes applicants make when writing the adversity essay is thinking that their adversity story needs to be overly tragic or complex. Instead of focusing on the actual adversity, your essay should mainly focus on the steps you took to overcome the adversity and learn valuable lessons moving forward. 

If a school asks you to write an adversity essay, the admissions committee wants to know how you handle a challenge. If you buckle under pressure, you may not be able to handle the intensity of a heavy workload. 

Therefore, schools want to know that you are capable of facing challenges head-on and have the capacity to learn from your mistakes. 

Adversity Essay Sample from Harvard University:

“When I was a freshman in high school, I didn't care about school or my education. I couldn't see a future where it mattered whether I knew how to say 'how are you' in Spanish or how to use the Pythagorean theorem. Because I couldn't see the point of these classes, I found myself disconnected from the high school experience as a whole, which resulted in low grades. My parents expressed their disappointment in me, but I still couldn't bring myself to care; I was feeling disconnected from my family, too.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I was depressed. I stopped spending time with my friends and stopped enjoying the things I used to enjoy. I was feeling hopeless. How could I get through three and a half more years of high school if I couldn't even get through a semester? I couldn't stand the thought of feeling this way for so long – at least it felt so long at the time.

After a few failed tests, one of my teachers approached me after class one day. She said she also noticed a difference in my demeanor in the last few weeks and asked if I was okay. At that moment, I realized that no one had asked me that in a long time. I didn't feel okay, so I told her that. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her that I was feeling disconnected from school and classes and just about everything at that point.

My teacher suggested I visit my guidance counselor. So the next day, during study hall, I got a pass to visit with my guidance counselor and told her I was feeling disconnected from classes and school. She asked me what my interests were and suggested that I take an elective like art or music or a vocational tech class like culinary arts or computer coding. I told her that I wasn't sure what I was interested in at this point and she told me to take a couple of classes to see what I like. At her persistence, I signed up for art and computer coding.

It turns out art was not my thing. But it also turns out that computer coding is my thing, and I am not sure I would have realized that had I not gone to see my guidance counselor at my teacher's recommendation. After taking computer coding and other similar classes, I had something to look forward to during school. So even when I still dreaded taking Spanish and Geometry, I knew I could look forward to an enjoyable class later in the day. Having something to look forward to really helped me raise my grades because I started caring about my future and the possibility of applying for college to study computer science.

The best thing that I took away from this experience is that I can't always control what happens to me, especially as a minor, but I can control how I handle things. In full transparency: there were still bad days and bad grades, but by taking action and adding a couple of classes into my schedule that I felt passionate about, I started feeling connected to school again. From there, my overall experience with school – and life in general – improved 100%."

Why this is a good essay: In this essay , the applicant focuses on personal development. They begin by addressing their low grades and poor mental health at a younger age and how the experience affected them. The main focus of the essay, however, is how they found the motivation to get back on track and improve their grades. 

The student has taken this essay opportunity to not only explain the poor grades that Harvard will see from freshman year but has also proven that they have the ability to pull through when times get tough. Remember, the adversity essay should focus mainly on how you’ve learned and grown from a negative experience rather than focusing on the experience itself. 

Community/Diversity Essay

Essay prompts that ask about your experiences in your community help colleges to better understand your unique perspective. Many schools aim to cultivate a diverse environment to enrich the student experience and make sure students from all different backgrounds feel welcome on campus. 

Diversity can relate to your ethnicity, culture, birthplace, health, socioeconomic status, interests, talents, values, and many other things. There is no “correct experience” when it comes to choosing a topic here. In this essay, you have the opportunity to celebrate your unique perspective.

Think about experiences that are important to your identity. For example, you could write about your hometown, a family tradition, a community event, a generational story, or whatever feels most authentic to you. 

Keep this essay authentic; avoid fabricating a story or using someone else's experience. This story needs to come completely from you and let your school get some more information on who you are.

Community/Diversity Essay Sample from Duke University:

“The pitter patter of droplets, the sweet smell that permeates throughout the air, the dark grey clouds that fill the sky, shielding me from the otherwise intense gaze of the sun, create a landscape unparalleled by any natural beauty. I have gazed upon the towering cliffs of Yosemite, stood next to Niagara Falls as the water roars, succumbing to the power of gravity, and seen the beaches of Mexico basked in moonlight, yet none of these wonders compares to the simple beauty of an Arizona rainstorm. To me, our rain represents more than humidity and darkness; its rarity gives it beauty. The uncertainty of when the next day of rain will come compels me to slow down, and enjoy the moment.

Out of the three realms of time; past, present, and future, the present is the only one we can experience, and I take advantage of every moment I have. When I pause my running to enjoy a sunset that dazzles the sky with brilliant colors of purple and orange, when I touch my brush to a canvas and focus on my movements in the present, when I drive home after a long day of improving our robot, and decide to drive around my neighborhood to finish “Garota de Ipanema”, which just popped up from my playlist of 700 songs, I am taking advantage of the moment.

So next time it rains, step outside. Close your eyes. Hear the symphony of millions of water droplets. And enjoy the moment.”

Why this is a successful essay: This essay is an excellent example of pulling a unique experience from your life and expressing its importance. The applicant tells a compelling story about their unique perspective on rain in Arizona and does an excellent job of expressing how special the seemingly mundane event is to them. 

The language used here is visually descriptive, which makes the reader feel as if we are experiencing the event with the writer. This is an excellent way to get the admissions committee to feel connected to your story and get a better understanding of who you are and what you enjoy doing in life. 

The Extracurricular Essay

Many schools are interested in how you spend your time outside of the classroom. Extracurricular essays are quite common as supplemental essays, although students often struggle with how to make an entire essay out of their extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s important to brainstorm and create a story.

Think of a problem that arose while you were participating in one of your extracurricular activities, such as:

• Your sports team lost an important player
• You were injured during a dance recital
• Your music group needed funding 
• Your local soup kitchen was at risk of being shut down, etc.

The problem you choose can be big or small as long as it lends itself to a story. Think about the problem and how you took steps to solve it with your team or other members of your community. 

Use your extracurricular essay to show how your passion and motivation extend beyond the classroom. You can choose any activity to write about, as long as it was not during regular school hours or related to a specific course. 

Extracurricular Essay Sample from Yale:

“ Haunted romanticism, ravaged gaze, desperation bordering on lunacy, Saturn Devouring His Son first caught my attention as a bored nine-year-old wandering around a museum, and once again as a high-school student, after catching a glimpse of it in a textbook. 

Because after looking at angelic frescos after more Church frescos, I could not stop myself from flipping back to the tiny printing of this unholy piece. I sought to discover the story behind it—what caused this artist to create something so raw and naked, in the age of staid royal family portraits?

I became immersed in unraveling each bit of the story, how Goya had long transitioned from a royal painter, to a harsh, but veiled critic of society, the desolation that occurred during the French occupation of Spain, the corruption of Charles IV— who was really only a puppet ruler to Godoy. I learned how kingdoms rose and fell—and rose again, how art is unafraid to capture the seditious attitudes of the common people, and how it has endured to teach us of past mistakes.

I fell in love with dissecting the messages from the past, and discovering how we still have not listened to them.”

Why this essay is successful: 

The prompt for this Yale extracurricular essay was “Write about something that you love to do,” and the writer has certainly delivered. Here, the writer goes into detail about why they enjoy going to art museums outside of school. They’ve kept their essay focused on the meanings behind the paintings, giving the reader a deeper understanding of not only what fascinates them - but why it does.

The real key to an extracurricular essay is showing your passions outside of school. There is no right answer; you should simply focus on what interests you and explain why. Try to make the reader feel as if they are there with you. Think about the smells, the sights, and the feelings that surround your extracurricular interest and include them in your essay. 

College Supplemental Essay Length 

All of the essay types above come in different lengths. Some essays will ask only 150 words or less, while some have no word limit at all. Here, we’ll go over how to adjust your writing depending on your word count. 

Short Essay

There is a broad misconception that writing a short essay is “less work,” which we are unfortunately here to squash. Writing shorter-form essays (150 to 500 words) can be more challenging because you have less room to make your point, and your writing must be concise. 

To write an excellent short-form essay, start by brainstorming your ideas and move on to writing once you have a solid idea of the main points you want to include. Avoid fluff, repeating the question, reciting your resume, and run-on sentences. The best short essays are honest and to the point. 

If your essay is too long when you’ve finished writing, go through each sentence and ask yourself: “Could I tell this story without this sentence?” If yes, cut it completely. If you answered no, find ways to subtract unnecessary words. Having a friend help you edit is a great way to find out which parts are making the text longer without lending anything to the story. 

Medium Essay 

A medium essay is a sweet spot. Typically, a length of one to three pages flows easily and allows the writer to include all necessary information without repeating themselves or taking anything away. 

Because of this, make sure not to go over or under the word count. Most students do not struggle to keep their writing within these parameters, so it’s important to respect them. 

Although you have more room in a medium-length essay, your writing should still be concise and flow well without including excess information. It’s always a good idea to have a teacher, friend, or family member look over your story. 

Make sure that when they edit, they are looking for things like grammatical errors, run-on sentences, and unnecessary information. They shouldn’t take too much out of your essay because you don’t want the voice of the essay to change. 

Long Essay 

When tasked with writing a long essay (three pages or more), it can be challenging to continuously provide fresh information and avoid repetition. However, repetition and dragging sentences is the main thing you’ll want to avoid in a long-form essay. To do this, you should rely heavily on planning and your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement sets up your article, allowing you to break the information into parts and tackle each step individually. Brainstorming before you start writing is critical as it ensures you have enough relevant information to fill out the full length of your paper. 

How to Write School-Specific Supplemental Essays? 

It’s a good idea to tailor your supplemental essays to match the expectations of the school you’re applying to. Here are some guides on how to write outstanding essays for specific schools: 

• How to Write the Harvard Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Vanderbilt Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Princeton Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Northwestern University Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the University of Washington Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Boston College Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays
• How to Write the Bowdoin Supplemental Essays ‍
• How to Write the Pepperdine Supplemental Essays

These guides will help you write stellar essays!

FAQs: Supplemental Essays

Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions about supplemental essays.

1. Do Colleges Care About Supplemental Essays?

Yes, colleges care about supplemental essays. Your writing gives colleges extra insight into who you are as a person beyond your grades. Strong essays can give you an advantage in your application to many different schools. 

2. What to Include in Supplemental Essays?

Stick to the prompt. Your response should approach each aspect of the prompt while providing genuine information about your life experience. 

Each essay prompt is different, but admissions committees always love to hear a good story. Use descriptive yet concise language to get your points across while transporting the reader into your world.

3. When Should I Start My Supplemental Essays?

You should start planning your essays as soon as you receive the prompts for each. Once you’re confident in your plan, begin writing your essay as soon as you can to give yourself plenty of time to edit before submitting. 

4. Are Supplemental Essays Hard?

For students who are not strong writers, it can be challenging to get started on your essays. However, the most important part of your essay is to remain genuine, tell your story, and be concise. 

5. How Do I Start Writing My Supplemental Essay?

Before you start writing, brainstorm and create a solid plan for what you want to include. This will help you write with ease and remain on track while you’re writing your paper. You can also look at good essay examples for inspiration. 

6. Where Do You Submit Supplemental Essays? 

If using the Common Application, you can submit your essays in the Writing Supplements section. Generally, you will submit your essays along with the rest of your application.

Final Thoughts

Your supplemental essays are an important part of your application and should be given plenty of time and attention. No matter what essay prompts you are given, ensure that you are consistently speaking from the heart and telling a compelling story. 

Keep in mind that your experiences are what make you unique, and you do not have to exaggerate or fabricate anything to craft an excellent supplemental essay.

If you are still struggling with writing compelling essays, you can always seek professional help to get assistance with writing, editing, brainstorming, and overall crafting stellar supplementals. 

Good luck with your essays!

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Supplemental Essay

<p>Is 890 words too much for a supplemental essay? Or does it not matter as long as it gets the point across?</p>

<p>I’ll post it or pm it if you want.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Drew</p>

<p>post it…but hey its done on paper…as long as it isnt boring…i see nothing wrong with it…</p>

<p>I’de say that if it’s longer than a page it’s too long.</p>

<p>mine was 500 words…</p>

<p>one of the college guidebooks said application process also measures one’s ability to follow instructions (for example, “list IN ORDER OF YOUR INTEREST your ec’s”) and i think that’s true for essay. Wash U admission officer said don’t go over 10% of the limit…</p>

<p>hmm i doubt that…because many of the individuals who got into harvard wrote like 850 word essays when the common app said to write the most 500 words…</p>

<p>and is there a specified word limit? I didn’t see one? I’m not talknig about the common app one, rather the moral dilemma one.</p>

<p>yes the common app did have a word limit which was 250 to 500</p>

<p>no no no, not the common app one, the required Middlebury suppemental essay.</p>

<p>I didn’t see a limit for the supp essay.</p>

<p>890 is no problem if the essay flows. Use as many words as you need to get your message across.</p>

<p>Thanks for al lthe help :-). Does anyone know if I can jsut send my supplemental essay in by itself- I;ve already sent in the common-app and pre-app supplement, but not the supplemental essay, and where shoudl I send it to? The Admissinos office?</p>

<p>i wonder if ihave everything…it was just the common app the values essay and the graded essay and like some other sheet right?</p>

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