why syracuse supplemental essays

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College Essays

Getting admitted to Syracuse has only gotten tougher in recent years, and its current acceptance rate is about 59%. You'll need a strong application to get admitted, and that includes your essays.

You'll need to write one supplemental essay as part of your Syracuse application, and we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Read this guide to learn what the essay prompts are, what the admissions team is really looking for in your responses, what you can write about (and what to avoid), and what strong examples of Syracuse essays look like.

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What Are the Syracuse Supplement Essays?

Syracuse University uses the Common Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts . Every applicant to Syracuse must also answer one additional Syracuse supplement essay. Here's the 2022-2023 prompt:

Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This is a required essay, and it can be up to 250 words long. In the rest of this guide, we explain what admissions officers are looking for in your response to these Syracuse supplement essays and what strong essays look like.

Syracuse Supplement Essay, Analyzed

You probably noticed that the Syracuse essay prompt is a two-parter. You'll have to answer both parts of the prompt well if you want to wow admissions counselors!

To help you do that, we're breaking the prompt down into two sections and explaining how to answer each part .

In this section, we'll explain what the prompt is asking for, what Syracuse is hoping to learn from your response, and potential topics to write about.

Response Part 1: The "Why Syracuse" Section

Why are you interested in Syracuse University?

This is what we commonly call a " why this college " essay. In this case, you need to explain your reasoning behind applying to Syracuse and why it's a school you're interested in attending.

Why does Syracuse care about this? Isn't just applying to the school enough to show you want to get in? Not really. There are several reasons you're being asked to write this Why Syracuse University essay.

First, Syracuse wants to make sure you love the school. Students who are really excited to attend their college and feel it's a good fit for them are more likely to get higher grades, participate more in activities and events, and donate money back to the school after they graduate. Syracuse, along with other colleges, makes a huge effort to create unique opportunities for students, and they want to admit students who are aware of those opportunities and will take advantage of them. If you can show in your Why Syracuse University essay that you really love Syracuse and will make the most of your time there, it'll make the people reviewing your application more confident that you'll have a significant and positive impact on their school.

Syracuse also requests this essay to make sure you and the school are a good fit for each other. If you use this essay to discuss majors, sports, study abroad opportunities, etc. that Syracuse doesn't offer, that could be a red flag that Syracuse isn't a place where you can meet your goals and therefore may not be the best school for you.

To figure out what to write about for this essay, really think about why you're applying to Syracuse and why it could be a great school to attend. Some potential topics include:

Majors, minors, certificates, and/or specific classes Syracuse offers that you're especially interested in.

A mentor, Syracuse alum, or current student who convinced you to apply to Syracuse

Unique study opportunities at Syracuse, such as BioInspired Syracuse or Syracuse University Autonomous Systems Policy.

Syracuse professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.

Clubs or sports teams that you'd be interested in joining (Syracuse has over 300!).

Research opportunities you'd like to have through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement.

Internship opportunities at Syracuse.

Study abroad programs at Syracuse.

Financial aid opportunities Syracuse offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose one or two reasons why you think Syracuse is the best school for you. For each reason, describe what Syracuse offers, then connect it back to your interests and goals to show that you and Syracuse are a good fit. Also, remember to be as specific as possible in your reasoning to show Syracuse that you've done your research and know exactly how the school can help you reach your goals.

For example, you could discuss how you want to study biochemistry and eventually get a PhD, and you read a newspaper article about a Syracuse professor and the biochemistry work she's doing. You know one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your future is to get research experience as an undergrad, and you can explain that Syracuse is a great school for you because it has an Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement that helps pair undergrads with research experiences. Then, if possible, dive into the type of research you'd like to do, mentioning specific classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study under.

As long as your reasons for attending Syracuse are honest and specific to the school, there are no topics to really avoid, but we recommend that at least one of your reasons relate to academics. This will show that you'll be a dedicated student at Syracuse and take your classes seriously.

Response Part 2: The "Why You" Section

....how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus?

This part of the prompt is also an example of a pretty typical college essay: the diversity essay . In diversity essays, colleges want to learn more about how you'll contribute to a vibrant, inclusive campus community.

While you may be familiar with diversity referring to race or gender, diversity can actually apply to lots of things. For example, a person's gender identity, religion, and socioeconomic background can contribute to diversity. So can a person's lived experiences or neurodiversity. Understanding that contribute to diversity at Syracuse is the first step to answering this question well.

From there, you need to consider how you'll contribute to the diversity at Syracuse. You are unique, so focus on what you will bring to the table. But keep in mind this prompt isn't about how you're diverse...it's about how you'll add to the Syracuse community. This is a good time to show you've researched Syracuse and identified specific ways you can support diversity on campus. Whether that's joining a specific club or volunteering your time with an on-campus organization, showing you've done your research will help admissions counselors see that you're serious about becoming a Syracuse student.

2 Syracuse Essay Examples

Below are two examples we've come up with of potential Syracuse essays. While these don't exactly fit the 2022-2023 prompt, you'll still be able to learn a lot about what makes a great Syracuse admissions essay from our expert breakdown of the responses.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes for a stellar Syracuse essay.

Example 1: "Why Syracuse?"

I grew up helping my parents run their own small business, and I've known for years that I wanted to follow in their footsteps and start a business of my own. When I told this to my high school guidance counselor, one of the top schools she recommended was Syracuse University and its Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises department. I'm so glad she did because the more I look into the EEE program, the more impressed I am. As one of the few schools that allow students to major in entrepreneurship, I know I'll get in-depth knowledge on how to start a business and keep it running successfully. I can't wait to take part in opportunities like the Couri Hatchery business incubator and pursue internships that give me even more entrepreneurial knowledge.

As I began to do more research on Syracuse, I contacted a friend's older sibling who had graduated from Syracuse. He told me about the huge school spirit students have for the school, and how everyone will dress in orange before basketball games and support Syracuse teams. School sports games are not very popular at my current high school, and I love that I'll now have the chance to be part of a community with such strong school spirit. I'll be ready to join them, wearing my orange and cheering our teams on to victory.

What makes this Syracuse supplemental essay work?

It shows the student knows the school. You don't need to be a lifelong Syracuse fan to be admitted, but you do need to show that you have a good understanding of the school, which this Why Syracuse University essay does. After hearing about Syracuse from his guidance counselor, the writer begins researching programs he's interested in and speaking to an alum. This allows him to mention very specific aspects of the school in his essay, from the school cheering section to programs dedicated to what he wants to study. This shows someone who will be able to hit the ground running as soon as he arrives on campus because he already knows what opportunities he wants to take advantage of.

It focuses more on the school itself than how they learned about it. Some students get tripped up with this essay prompt and think all it wants to know is how you found out about Syracuse. However, you need to go a step further and mention the specific characteristics of Syracuse that convinced you to apply. If the student had spent his essay going into great detail about the conversation he had with his guidance counselor and the schools they discussed, it likely wouldn't have given the admissions committee a clear idea of why he wanted to apply to Syracuse. Instead, he makes the way he learned about Syracuse a small part of the essay and spends the rest of it explaining what about Syracuse makes him want to attend.

Example 2: "Why Syracuse?"

My dream is to work in international relations, helping people from different countries work together to reach their goals. I want to be someone who is comfortable in many cultures, can help different groups of people work together, and has the skills to live and thrive abroad. Since I've never left the country, this may surprise people who know me, but I know Syracuse will help me get there.

Not only does Syracuse have an International Relations major that will give me the skills and classes I need I need for this career field, Syracuse's incredible study abroad program will help me get my first taste of international living. I'm not sure which program I'll attend yet, but with dozens to choose from, I know I'll find the perfect fit. After four years of expanding my boundaries at Syracuse, and being exposed to new languages, skills, and ways of thinking, I'm certain I'll be well prepared to take the next step towards my goals, especially with Syracuse's strong career counseling center and alumni connections to assist me.

It's also important to me to start pursuing friendships with people who have backgrounds different from my own, and Syracuse will also help me achieve this. I plan on becoming an international student mentor and helping students adjust to attending college in a new country. Learning from their experiences will help me later on when I live abroad myself. Syracuse also has many internationally-focused clubs on campus, and I can't wait to join them and use them as a way to make new friends and learn more about issues around the world.

Shows strong, long-term goals. Note that this student doesn't have a specific position or company in mind (many college students don't!), but she is still able to paint a picture of goals that she can continue working towards throughout her career. This shows someone with the ability to plan long-term and look towards the future.

Connects her goals to Syracuse. The most common mistake students make when they answer this prompt is to focus entirely on their goals and neglect to explain how Syracuse will help get them there. This essay shows how Syracuse's academics and culture will help the writer achieve her goals.

4 Tips for Your Syracuse University Essays

As you're writing your Syracuse supplemental essays, keep these four tips in mind to make sure your essays are as strong as they can be.

#1: Be Specific

We've said it throughout the article, but if you want your Syracuse essays to stand out, you need to get specific about your reasons for wanting to attend the school. Your goal is for the admissions committee to really feel your passion for the school and understand why you and Syracuse is a good fit. Don't just say that Syracuse has great classes, smart professors, and an interesting student body. Most schools have that, and the people reading your essay will wonder if you're using identical essays for all the schools you're applying to.

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Syracuse can provide, such as specific programs, courses, extracurriculars, or research opportunities. The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer, things that really make Syracuse stand out.

#2: Show Your Passion

Colleges don't want to admit a lot of students who are lukewarm about their school and their goals, so show Syracuse that there are things you really care about. A generic statement like, "I am impressed by Syracuse's wide variety of clubs" doesn't show much about you or help you stand out from the crowd.

Which clubs at Syracuse make you excited? How will you be involved once you join them? Your passion could be for a major, a career, and extracurricular, a group you hope to join, etc. Whatever it is, make sure it comes through in at least one of your essays and be sure to explain what about it makes you so excited. That'll make your essays more unique and memorable when they're being read.

#3: Make Every Word Count

The 250 word limit on each essay means that they're going to be quite short, so you want to get the most you can out of those words. Start with a short outline of your main points, making sure you're answering each part of the essay prompts. Then expand from there until you hit 250 words. This isn't the essay to tell an in-depth story about your childhood or go into flowery descriptions. Instead, make your main points strong and don't worry about adding too many embellishments.

#4: Edit and Proofread Before You Submit

Be sure to read over each Syracuse supplement essay you before you submit your application. Even though these essays are quite short and probably didn't take you long to write, you should put them away for a few days once you've written a rough draft for each. Then, take them out and look them over with a fresh set of eyes. Check to make sure you've completely answered each prompt, then look for any areas that are unclear, out of place, or irrelevant, and edit as needed.

You may want to repeat this process until you're confident in your essays, and you may also consider having a friend or parent look over your essays as well to give you feedback. When your essays are ready, look them over one last time to make sure they're error free. Then you're ready to submit!

Summary: Syracuse University Essay Prompts

In addition to the Common Application essay, there is one additional Syracuse University essay prompts you must answer:

• Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful campus community?

This essay is required and can be up to 250 words. For the first part of the question (the "Why Syracuse?" question) be sure to explain not just how you found out about Syracuse but what about it convinced you to apply. There are several ways you can approach the second essay, but be sure in your response to discuss how you plan to enrich the diverse community of students at Syracuse with your experiences and background.

What's Next?

Are you working on the Common App essay ? Read our breakdown of the Common App prompts and our guide to picking the best prompt for you.

Want more tips on writing a "why this college" essay? Check out our guide on how to write a perfect "why this college" essay for everything you need to know.

Working on the rest of your Syracuse application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Syracuse Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Syracuse supplemental essays.

Looking for guidance on how to get into Syracuse ? One key part of your application is the Syracuse supplemental essays. Namely, the Why Syracuse essay will play a large role in showing admissions why you belong at Syracuse University . In this guide, we will explore how to respond effectively to the Syracuse essay prompts.

While there are many parts to any college application, the essays are one of the most important. Your Syracuse supplemental essays are an opportunity to highlight different aspects of your personality to admissions. As a selective private school, Syracuse is hoping to build a class that is thoughtful, community-oriented, and talented. Through your Syracuse supplemental essays, you can showcase these characteristics and much more about yourself. 

Throughout this Syracuse University supplemental essays guide, we will methodically provide all the information you need to write excellent Syracuse supplemental essays. We will explore the Syracuse essay prompts in detail, noting what makes the Why Syracuse essay unique. Lastly, we will provide tips on how to make your Syracuse supplemental essays stand out, and how to get into Syracuse by beating the Syracuse acceptance rate.

Syracuse Admissions: Quick Facts

Syracuse university admissions quick facts.

• Syracuse University Acceptance Rate:  52%– U.S. News ranks Syracuse University at #67 on their National Universities list. 
• Personal statement
• 1 (~ 250 word) essay
• Syracuse University Application:  Students must submit their Syracuse University application through the  Common Application or Coalition Application . Prepare your Syracuse University supplemental essays and other  required application materials  before applying. 
• Early Decision: November 15th
• Early Decision II: January 5th
• Regular Decision: January 5th 
• Syracuse University Essay Tip:  When writing the Why Syracuse essay, review your draft carefully to ensure you are answering all parts of the prompt. Your essay should be captivating, but also comprehensive. So, after you’ve finished writing, double-check the prompt to make sure you stay on track!  

Does Syracuse have supplemental essays?

Yes – Syracuse has one supplemental essay. The Why Syracuse essay is an opportunity to stand out to admissions. And, since there are not multiple Syracuse supplemental essays, it is critical to write a strong response to this one. 

In general, supplemental essays are short, school-specific essays that allow you to make the case for why you’re the perfect fit for that institution. Indeed, Syracuse University supplemental essays responses must be 250 words or fewer. With so few words, every single one will count. As such, plan to spend time editing to remove any unnecessary words. This will ensure that you are using your space for ideas that answer the Syracuse essay prompts.

Your Syracuse University supplemental essays are one of the few ways to make your Syracuse application stand out. Likewise, the personal statement is another important piece of your Syracuse requirements. But, what’s the difference between the Syracuse supplemental essays and the personal statement? Next, we’ll dive into the difference between the two.

How many essays does Syracuse require?

In total, a complete Syracuse application includes two essays. The first is your personal statement. A personal statement is an essay that introduces you to the admissions committee. Depending on whether you are applying using the Common App or Coalition App, there will be slightly different personal statement prompts. However, generally, they are all geared towards one goal: showcasing the personal attributes that are part of your college application brand .

While your personal statement will not be Syracuse-specific, you should be writing about aspects of your personality and identity that would be appealing to any college. Additionally, successful essays will be written in a compelling format, with storytelling components like a hook and story arc. You can read more about how to write a powerful personal statement in this CollegeAdvisor resource .

The second essay you will write is the supplemental essay, or the Why Syracuse essay. While there are many types of supplemental essays, the Why Syracuse essay is specifically geared toward understanding why you want to attend Syracuse. Additionally, your Syracuse supplemental essays are another opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, values, interests, and goals. Through this essay, you should demonstrate why you are an ideal Syracuse applicant .

If you’re worried about how to accomplish this in your Syracuse University supplemental essays, don’t stress! Keep reading as we break down the Syracuse essay prompts. 

When beginning your Syracuse University supplemental essays, the first step is to make sure you understand the prompt. The good news is there aren’t multiple Syracuse essay prompts to decipher. However, the Syracuse supplemental essays are a bit more complex than the average supplemental essays. Commonly, supplemental essays fall into one of a few types : the Why School essay, Why Major essay, community essay, or personal challenge essay. 

Read the Syracuse prompt below and note which of these common essay categories it falls into:

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. * (250 words)

If you guessed that the prompt above is a Why School essay, you are correct. Primarily, your response will be a Why Syracuse essay. As such, you must identify specific reasons you want to attend Syracuse. 

However, this essay prompt could also arguably be categorized as a community essay. Why? The second half of the prompt asks you about a personal experience that taught you something that you can contribute to the Syracuse community. Your personal experience can be an inclusive action you took or witnessed someone else take that taught you an important lesson. Successful Syracuse supplemental essays will be specific about the experience and the lesson itself.

Indeed, there is a lot of ground to cover in your Why Syracuse essay. In the next section, we will cover tips for ensuring you ace your Syracuse essay.

How to write Syracuse supplemental essays

Writing Syracuse supplemental essays can be challenging. As we shared above, the Syracuse essay prompts are unique in that they ask you to accomplish several tasks in 250 words. First, you must share why you want to attend Syracuse. Second, you must share a personal story in which you learned a lesson about creating an inclusive community. And lastly, you must share how you hope to apply this lesson while at Syracuse. 

Before you get overwhelmed by the Syracuse University supplemental essays, review these tips for how to write your Why Syracuse essay:

1. Research Syracuse

The first step in writing a Why School essay is to make sure you know about the school. Take some time to research Syracuse using the school’s website, reliable sources like U.S. News and Forbes , and reading student reviews like the ones on Niche . Once you are familiar with the school’s culture, academics, and unique resources, you can write an essay that speaks to your unique interests.

2. Be specific

In this Why Syracuse essay, it is important to be specific about what aspects of Syracuse you are drawn to. Furthermore, you should provide details when explaining your lesson-learning experience. What is the lesson? How will you apply it to your experience at Syracuse? Rather than speaking generally about how you value community, include details such as dialogue, description, or thoughts that are not clichés. With these details, your Why Syracuse essay will surely stand out amongst the thousands of Syracuse supplemental essays that admissions officers read each year.

3. Answer all parts of the prompt

As we have noted several times, the Why Syracuse essay also asks you to identify a specific moment where you learned an important lesson about community. Once you have drafted your essay, make sure you check that it responds to all parts of the prompt. Syracuse supplemental essays that only answer part of the Why Syracuse essay prompts will be unsuccessful in making a compelling case.

4. Edit for conciseness

With only 250 words to answer a complex prompt, you’ll need to ensure that every word in your Why School essay serves a purpose. Ask a trusted mentor or teacher to read your Why Syracuse essay and cut out any unnecessary words or phrases. Also, be sure to edit for grammatical correctness. As much as your Syracuse supplemental essays are about showcasing your personality and ideas, they are also a chance to demonstrate your writing skills.

5. Start early

To ensure you can complete all these steps without stress, start writing your Syracuse University supplemental essays as early as possible. You can begin researching and brainstorming ideas as early as your sophomore or junior year of high school. That way, when the Syracuse essay prompts are available in the summer before your senior year, you’ll be ready to jump right into writing your Syracuse supplemental essays. 

For additional tips for writing your Syracuse supplemental essays, check out this Syracuse article . These tips are useful for writing both the Syracuse supplemental essays and your personal statement.

Now that we have explored how to write successful Syracuse University supplemental essays, let’s look at additional requirements for specific programs at Syracuse.

College-specific Syracuse Requirements

At Syracuse University, there are 13 distinct schools and colleges. As we mentioned, there is only one school-specific essay requirement at Syracuse. However, some schools may require applicants to write multiple Syracuse supplemental essays. Applicants to the School of Architecture, the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences will have additional requirements.

Below is a chart that summarizes the Syracuse requirements for specific schools: 

Note that only one school requires an additional essay. If you are considering applying to one of these schools, reach out to learn more about these requirements . Most importantly, start preparing early so that you can submit all the necessary materials to your program of interest in a timely and organized fashion.

A Note on Standardized Testing

For Fall 2024 admissions, Syracuse University does not require students to submit standardized test scores. In fact, Syracuse joins the many universities that have gone test-optional in recent years. With fewer schools requiring the submission of SAT and ACT scores, essays play an even larger role in schools’ holistic review processes. 

That being said, students who do not wish to submit SAT or ACT scores will have other parts of their application, such as the Syracuse supplemental essays, weighted more heavily in the review process. As such, it is extra important to put your full effort into writing the best possible Syracuse University supplemental essays. 

Syracuse Architecture Program Requirements

One of the special opportunities that draws many applicants to Syracuse is its architecture program. For students interested in a career in architecture , Syracuse University’s architecture program is one of the best in New York State. Architecture is a career that requires a unique set of skills, including artistic talent, creativity, discipline, and adeptness at math and science. Strong architecture programs require multiple studio classes and often have a rigid curriculum, with little room for electives or exploration. 

As such, applying to Syracuse’s Bachelor in Architecture program will require submitting a portfolio . The portfolio includes an additional statement about your interest in a career in architecture and samples of your best artwork. 

Undeniably, the Syracuse acceptance rate for architecture will be even more competitive than the regular admissions rate. Therefore, it is key that your portfolio represents your greatest effort. Spend time writing an architecture personal statement that gives compelling reasons for why you want to study this multifaceted major. Select artwork that is original and represents your unique style. Lastly, attend one of the architecture school’s open houses or events to learn more about the program and how you can make your application stand out.

For those not applying to Syracuse’s architecture program, you might be wondering how important your Syracuse supplemental essays are in the Syracuse admissions process. We will explore just that next.

Syracuse essays and admissions

At this point, it’s normal to be wondering how important the Syracuse supplemental essays are when it comes to evaluating a Syracuse application. In short, the Syracuse supplemental essays are extremely important in the admissions process. Indeed, your Why Syracuse essay is a critical part of your application for several reasons.

For one, the Syracuse acceptance rate is selective. As one of the best schools in New York , Syracuse draws many competitive applicants each year. When schools are selective, they look carefully at all parts of the application to ensure they are selecting the best candidates for their institution. As a liberal arts institution, Syracuse is bound to value the way you think and write in their admissions process.

Secondly, Syracuse uses a holistic admissions process. As a result, they consider many aspects of your profile, from your grades to recommendation letters to your Why Syracuse essay. Each piece of the application puzzle gives the admissions team pertinent information when evaluating an applicant’s candidacy. Indeed, even a student with strong grades can be denied admission if their Why Syracuse essay shows little effort. 

Finally, Syracuse is an institution that values creating a diverse campus climate. When evaluating an applicant, Syracuse admissions officers are looking for more than academic preparedness, character, and purpose. They want to ensure they admit a class with a range of life experiences and skills. For this reason, the Why Syracuse essay prompt specifically asks how you learned a lesson that can help contribute to an inclusive community. As such, this essay is geared towards admitting applicants who will continue Syracuse’s legacy of being a welcoming campus. 

Read more about what Syracuse is looking for in its applicants here .

A Note on Deadlines

Syracuse offers two early decision deadlines , which are the same whether you apply via the Common App or Coalition App. The first is November 15 th and the second is January 5 th . If you are very confident you want to attend Syracuse, you might wish to take advantage of one of these deadlines. In fact, doing so has the potential to increase your odds of admission. Keep in mind, however, that these deadlines are binding, meaning that you are committing to attend if you are admitted. 

Also, applying Early Decision does not mean you don’t have to write strong essays. If your intended deadline is November 15 th , plan to research, draft, and revise your Why Syracuse essay well in advance of this date. Just because there aren’t multiple Syracuse essay prompts, doesn’t mean the essay writing process is quick. Preparing early will not only relieve some of the stress of the college application process, but it will also increase the odds that you are giving your best effort. 

As you prepare to write your Why Syracuse essay, you might be wondering what the school is best known for. In the next section, we will explore some of the highlights of Syracuse University.

What is Syracuse University known for?

As we have shared, Syracuse University is a selective private institution. Still, you may be wondering what specifically Syracuse is known for and how a Syracuse education compares to other competitive schools. In fact, understanding the university and its values will be extremely useful when writing your Why Syracuse essay.

Here are a few highlights of what Syracuse University is known for: 

Rigorous liberal arts education

Syracuse is known for offering a liberal arts curriculum, meaning that students have the flexibility to choose from a range of courses among 200 majors and 100 minors. 

Research excellence

According to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Syracuse is an R1 research institution. As such, it is known for offering doctorate programs and receiving millions of dollars in research grants each year. 

Special programs

As we saw above, Syracuse offers specialized programs in architecture, engineering, and the arts. Some of these programs are among the best in the nation and draw applicants from around the world.

Study abroad programs

Syracuse is ranked #9 for study abroad programs in U.S. News. Through over 100 programs, students can access language exchange, internships, homestays, and seminars around the globe. Syracuse also has campus centers in Italy, Spain, and France, where students who are part of the Discovery Program can spend their first semester of college immersed in a new country.

Orange pride

Few schools are associated with color as strongly as Syracuse is with the color orange. From watching Otto the Orange cheer on sports teams to celebrating National Orange Day, Syracuse students wear the color orange as one of their most important traditions .

When writing your Why Syracuse essay, you might wish to include references to some of these special facets of the Syracuse experience. As long as you’re specific, what you write about matters less than its meaning to you. Therefore, regardless of which aspects of the Syracuse experience you choose to highlight, be sure that they are authentically important to you.

Syracuse Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

In this guide to the Syracuse supplemental essays, we explored the Syracuse essay prompts in detail. Specifically, we broke down the meaning of a Why School essay so that hopeful applicants can write their Why Syracuse supplemental essays with confidence.

Since the Syracuse acceptance rate is not extraordinarily high, it is important to put your full effort into the Syracuse supplemental essays. Remember that the Syracuse supplemental essays are your chance to stand out among many applicants. Your essays offer the opportunity to share parts of your experience and character that align with Syracuse’s values and culture. 

Undoubtedly, there is no clear formula for how to get into Syracuse. However, your Why Syracuse essay can offer information that does not exist anywhere else on your application. Take the time to reflect upon your experiences so you can showcase the most compelling parts of your personality.

Lastly, at the point of applying to college, your Why Syracuse essay is one of the few application components that you can control. While your grades may have suffered in an earlier year or you may not have been able to join the extracurriculars you wanted, you now have the opportunity to make your Why Syracuse essay extraordinary. Make the most of this valuable space on your application. 

If you are feeling stressed throughout the college process, remember that you are not alone. When you find that you are struggling to write your Why Syracuse essay, reach out for help. Whether you are talking to a teacher or a CollegeAdvisor admissions specialist, there are many people who can support you with writing your Syracuse supplemental essays. With effort and guidance, you are sure to find your way to the campus of your dreams.

This essay guide was written by Courtney Ng . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Syracuse University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Orange you glad Syracuse University only makes applicants respond to one Syracuse supplemental essay? We sure are! Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York and is home to the adorable “Otto the Orange” mascot.

The Syracuse University supplemental essay prompt

Syracuse asks applicants to respond to only one “Why us” Syracuse supplemental essay question. Although this makes your life easier because you do not have to respond to one million other questions, this means the supplemental else is your one opportunity for demonstrating why you are a good fit for Syracuse.

But don’t worry! Read our guide on how to answer the Syracuse supplemental essay question and you will be sure to excel! 

Essay question

Please be sure to respond to both parts of the following question:

Syracuse University is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. Explain why you are interested in Syracuse University and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. (250 words max.)

This is a typical “Why us” college essay with two parts. To begin, you should brainstorm and research thoroughly before answering this question. Think of what immediately comes to mind when thinking about what draws you to Syracuse University. Afterwards, you should spend some time exploring on their website and jot down a few notes with the following in mind:

• Is there a particular minor you are intrigued by? 
• Weird traditions you think you would have fun participating in?
• Study-abroad experiences that you haven’t seen at any other college? 

Once you have accumulated this list of aspects of Syracuse University that interest you, it is time to select 1-2 main things that you want to hone in on. Remember, you also want to simultaneously reveal bits of your personality and interests. Therefore, selecting something that truly interests you is key. For example, you can select something that aligns with your intended major such as a particular course or internship opportunity offered.

Part II of the prompt

It is now time to address the second part of this question. Think of a personal experience that you can speak on in regards to this prompt. How do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful campus community because of your personal experiences?

This question highlights Syracuse’s core principals. Therefore, admissions officers really want to see that you can align with these principals easily. Asking yourself a few questions is always a good way to start. Here are a few to consider:

• How will you help Syracuse remain diverse?
• In what way would you model inclusiveness on campus? 
• How do you demonstrate respect for the beliefs of others that might differ from your own?

Once again, you want to make sure this is tying back to your first half of your response. For example, you can discuss a particular science course you are interested in taking at Syracuse because you want to become a doctor in the future. You can then discuss how the lack of female support in the medical field needs to be changed and you hope that you can create a safe space for female’s studying to become doctors at Syracuse.

The most difficult part about this prompt is that it has a 250 word maximum, as you will likely want to write more than what you have space for. Getting your thoughts onto the screen and answering both parts of this question should be a breeze for you! 

Final thoughts on responding to the Syracuse University supplemental essays

Think about how you made a difference in any of your current communities. How much did that contribution demonstrate or serve as an example of how you could contribute to Syracuse in a similar way? The important thing is that you seamlessly tie everything together within this response. With 250 words to share why you are interested in and how you will contribute to the Syracuse community, every word counts. Outlining, brainstorming, and researching prior to writing your response is key!

Next steps after applying to Syracuse University

Once you have finished writing your Syracuse supplemental essay, what should you do? You should have a trusted adult or classmate read over your essay to make sure there are no silly mistakes. In addition, they should be checking that you are answering the prompt thoroughly. 

Once your essay has been read over and approved by at least one other person – it is time to submit your application! Congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a Syracuse student!

Now that your application is submitted, be sure to check your email, Syracuse portal and any Syracuse social media accounts to stay updated on any changes in your application’s decision.  Good luck to you in your future endeavors! 

Also see: How to show demonstrated interest in a college

Additional resources

Curious about what looks good to colleges ? We have a guide for that. Wondering whether you should send your SAT/ACT scores ? We have a guide for that. Wondering what a High SAT score is? We have a guide for that! We know how stressful it can be navigating the college applications and admissions process and are here to help! Whatever questions you may have, be sure to check back with us for answers.

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Syracuse University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

You Have: 

Syracuse University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

Please be sure to respond to both parts of the following question:

Syracuse university is a place that seeks to be welcoming to all – and has been since our founding. explain why you are interested in syracuse university and describe a personal experience in which you persevered through adversity, rejected discrimination, learned a lesson, or were inspired by the courageous actions of others and how you will apply what you learned to our community in a positive way. (250 words).

Syracuse wants to accept students from a wide range of backgrounds who will contribute to their community in a positive way, so tell admissions about a time when you persevered, challenged discrimination, learned a valuable lesson, or were inspired; how will you draw from your experiences to be a meaningful addition to the Syracuse student body? Admissions is giving you a broad range of topics to choose from, so take some time to meditate on your possible response before drafting. 

Once you have a topic in mind, be sure to summarize your personal experience in as few words as possible; that way you’ll have plenty of room to discuss what it meant to you, what you took away from it, and how you will apply that lesson or insight to your time at Syracuse. Finally, make sure you include at least a few sentences about why Syracuse is a great fit for you (and vice versa!). Admissions wants to accept thoughtful, reflective, and open-minded individuals to campus, so show them that you fit the bill!

About Kat Stubing

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What We Look For

Whether on campus or around the globe, at Syracuse University, we cultivate a proud and inclusive community of and for the bold and boundless.

The Potential To Go Beyond

Joining our campus community means becoming part of a vibrant academic ecosystem that encourages curiosity, critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.

As you begin the admissions process, you're likely contemplating what distinctive qualities set you apart. However, if you believe you have what it takes to take on the world, you’re probably in the right place. It's not just about what you bring to the table, but how you can contribute to a community that values your distinct voice and aspirations as well.

Here at Syracuse University, that translates to:

Preparation and Purpose

Your academic performance is a significant factor in our admissions decision, especially your senior-year pursuits accomplishments. Your participation in honors and advanced placement courses and/or meaningful electives demonstrates your commitment to make the most of your college experience.

Educational Background

Schools across the country differ in their curriculum, grading policies and overall quality. Your school’s profile will be a guide when putting your course selections and grades in context.

Standardized Test Performance

SAT/ACT scores will not be required for students applying for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 admission. Students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged and will remain eligible for merit scholarships. Read the full details surrounding this update .

If you choose to submit your test scores, your SAT or ACT score will also be considered as part of your application (whichever is higher). If you’re considering the Score Choice option for the SAT, please be aware that all of your test scores will be required. This works to your benefit—your application will be considered using the highest combination of your SAT scores. Both the old and new revised SAT will be accepted. If you take the new revised SAT, the essay is not required. If you take the ACT, the writing portion is not required.

At Syracuse University, we do not require or consider the SAT subject tests.

Personality

Grades are only part of our admissions equation. Your personal essay illustrates your goals, interests, experience and values. Though a personal interview is not mandatory, it is an ideal way to further personalize your application.

The Opinion of Others

An evaluation from your guidance counselor and a recommendation from one academic teacher give admissions representatives a sense of your gifts, capabilities and accomplishments. These testimonials help to round out who you are as a student—and a person.

Extracurricular Activities

The Admissions Committee will review your after-school activities, volunteer work and employment to see how each illustrates your organizational and leadership skills, as well as your commitment to helping others.

Special Talent

Several programs at Syracuse University have a talent component, including art and design, architecture, drama and music. Talent is evaluated by faculty members, and their evaluations are shared with the Admissions Committee.

Strength of Character

We look for more than academically prepared students. Syracuse students innovate and take risks—they’re people of integrity and good citizenship. You’re a strong candidate if you strengthen and support those around you, even as you work to develop yourself.

The Selection Process

Over 42,000 students applied for the Fall 2023 semester for a first-year class of about 3,700 students. Each college has specific enrollment goals. When your application and materials are considered, difficult decisions must be made. They are not always a statement of your ability, but a matter of competition. Keep in mind that you can always indicate a second-choice college for admissions and will be considered on a space-available basis.

What are your chances of acceptance?

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How to Write the Syracuse Essays 2016-17

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Syracuse University, founded in 1831, is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. Although originally founded by the United Methodist Church, the university became non-sectarian in 1920. It’s motto, Suos Cultores Scientia Coronat — “knowledge crowns those who seek her” — speaks volumes about the university’s nationally renowned academics.

Admissions to Syracuse are not as competitive as one might think. With an acceptance rate of 53.2%, Syracuse can be an appealing choice for students seeking a less competitive admissions process but still want a top-notch, private research university experience. The average high school GPA is 3.6 (out of 4.0) and the average SAT score is 1730 (old standard) and 1240 (new standard). The average ACT score is a 26.

Syracuse is a great fit for students who are looking for a school that is moderately sized. With roughly 15,000 undergraduate students, Syracuse is bigger than your average small liberal arts college yet not as large as a public state school. Most of the athletic teams at Syracuse, known as “the Orange,” compete in NCAA Division I in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Notable alumni from Syracuse include Vice President Joe Biden. Students who choose to wear the Syracuse Orange have a lot to be excited about.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Syracuse Application Essay Prompts

Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University? (Maximum: 250 words) Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this? (Maximum: 250 words)

An overarching note, both of the prompts are pretty short (only 250 words each). This means that pretty much every word and sentence has to be chosen with care; with such limited space, every bit counts. Both prompts are essentially asking you why you want to apply to Syracuse, and also what you hope to get out of a Syracuse education.

The first prompt asks you “who or what” influenced you to apply. This is a purposefully broad prompt, yet the limited word count demands concise responses. The key to navigating this tension is to focus on a short story or narrative that can be told quickly and leaves you plenty of space to connect that story to why you want to be a Syracuse student.

Another option would be to investigate notable alumni from Syracuse and talk about why that person inspires you and how that relates to your pursuit of a Syracuse education. Syracuse has a long list of notable alumni that can easily be found through a Google search.

The key here is to identify specific values that these people exemplify, and tie that into why Syracuse has those values and why you are attracted to them. For example, if you choose to write about Vice President Joe Biden (who is a Syracuse alumnus), consider writing about values such as public service, dedication, and courage that are nurtured at Syracuse.

That being said, clearly, individuals like the Vice President are very well known and it is not uncommon to write about an alumnus. Therefore, if you choose to write about an alumnus, the more specific the reference to your individual application, the better.

If you choose to write about something (answering the “what” part of the prompt), it is worth considering an experience or an event in your life that motivated you to apply to Syracuse. This can be a time when you faced adversity, or you felt challenged in a way that you hadn’t experienced before. Again, the goal here is similar to that of writing about a person: identify specific values or traits that you can connect to why you want to be a student at Syracuse.

A key point that should be demonstrated in your answer to this prompt is that you have done your research on the university. Pepper in a couple of details about the school you’re applying to, the location, and the specific Syracuse experience. For example, Syracuse has an interesting program supporting student entrepreneurship , it has 18 dining halls, and a particularly interesting mascot, “Otto the Orange.” These are all details that you can incorporate in subtly to show that your interest and the influences that inspire your application to Syracuse are genuine.

The second prompt asks you to describe the person you want to become as a result of a Syracuse education. This is an opportunity to describe specific aspects of the school that draw you to Syracuse and demonstrate a qualified interest in the school. Moreover, this is also your chance to communicate your ambitions for a Syracuse education.

It is important to be cautious about showing ambition without being perceived as cocky. If you have aspirations to develop the next revolutionary startup company, definitely mention that, but contextualize those goals by explaining how a Syracuse education best equips you to meet those goals. Mention the tools and resources that Syracuse has for student entrepreneurs, and why they’ll be so helpful to you.

This prompt also provides an opportunity to build on existing narratives of yourself as presented through other parts of your application. If your Common Application essay or extracurricular activities strongly emphasize a passion of yours, this prompt is an opportunity for you to explain why Syracuse is the best place to pursue those interests. If your Common Application essay was all about your passion for business and interest in economics, this is a chance to show that you’ve done research on Syracuse’s business major and the specific parts of it that are attractive to you.

Despite Syracuse’s relatively less competitive admissions, it is always important to have strong essays for your application that will persuade any undecided reader that you’re really serious about the school. A key challenge in both of these prompts is to fit in a lot of information and qualities — personal narratives, specific details, demonstrated interest in the school — in concise essays.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/29/24

If you're looking for a guide on how to ace the University of San Diego supplemental essays, you are in the right place .

Each year, many students try to get into the University of California, San Diego. Of every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted, indicating a 30% acceptance rate. As you prepare to meet UCSD's SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, you should also make adequate preparations for acing its supplemental essays. 

UC San Diego is known for training students in science and technology research programs. As a student, aside from your major coursework, you learn critical skills for the future. 

Graduates from UCSD are leaders in business, nonprofits, and government organizations across the globe. With a well-crafted supplemental essay, you are on your way to becoming the best of the best. 

The secret to writing a compelling supplemental essay is understanding the question. All your preparations, including reading this blog, will help you explain and provide winning answers to each prompt. This blog maps out all the tips for crafting outstanding supplemental essays for your application to UCSD.

University of San Diego Personal Insight Questions 2023-2024

How many USCD essay prompts must you write for the University of San Diego ? UCSD provides eight Personal Insight Questions. From these eight, you will need to answer four questions. Here are the eight questions to choose from:

“ Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.”

“Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistic, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”

“ What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”

“ Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.”

“ Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?”

“ Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”

“ What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”

“ Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California?”

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For the University of San Diego

After reading these questions, they may seem difficult. Do not worry; you can have the best answers among all applicants. Here’s how to write UCSD supplemental essays directly, captivatingly, and compellingly.

How to Write University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1:

The first question asks you to describe your leadership experience. They want you to focus on that role where you made the most impact and not just make a list of all your previous experiences.  

A leader has influence, strong values, and the ability to mentor, correct, and assist people needing help. Being a leader could be being the chairman of a committee or mentoring a student in junior year. Whether you have actively taken up a leadership role, here are tips on answering question #1. 

1. Pick a Role : We believe every student has had a leadership role at one point or the other. So, write up a list of each role, from the role of a president to the role of a group leader. Then, pick a role that allows you to tell an engaging story.

2. Be Authentic : Think deeply before answering this question. If you took up a role, consider the impacts you made there. Think about how people keep referring to your role as a leader. It could be that you were able to set up a reading club, or you helped a junior study to pass a course. 

3. Be Detailed : Take your time to tell this story in a way that catches your attention. You can mention the name of the book club or the junior you helped. Start by describing your thoughts about the idea and the steps you took until a delivery point. Admissions officers' interest lies in why you took up the role and the lessons learned. 

How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #2:

This question aims to bring out your creativity. To write a stellar essay , ask yourself these questions. Do I have a creative skill that I cherish? UCSD explores your creative side. In your essay, you will describe your creativity and how you use this skill to solve problems.

1. Know That You Have a Creative Side : This UCSD essay prompt needs you to be creative, so you should have creative skills. They need to know that this applicant is not only academia-oriented. So, think about your singing, painting, sewing, baking, or ballet skills. Note that this can boost your chances at the admission office, especially if your academic requirements are not strong enough.

2. Be Creative : Prompt #2 does not just ask you to discuss your creative side. It seeks to know how original and artistic your skill is and how it can be problem-solving. Being creative here involves writing about how you started baking every Sunday to keep the family together. Or how you go sculpting to let your emotions out. 

3. Bring your creativity into your major: If your major is engineering, you can describe how you choose to paint during your leisure time. Go further by describing how your classmates joined you in painting as a time away from academics. This way, you have revealed more about yourself besides your grades. 

How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3: The keywords here are talent/skill, develop and demonstrate. There's a chance for you to explain the places you've been to as a result of your talent. If you are an athlete, a songwriter, a performer, or a teacher, you can let your talent shine in this essay. How do you go about it?

1. Think About your Strengths : If you have any of the talents listed above, pick one of them for this question. But if you don't, there's no cause for fear. One who isn't an athlete can be a good organizer. Review your experience or ask family and friends to assess your strengths and skills. 

2. Share your Skill Development : Begin your essay as a story describing the training that helped hone your talent. You can talk about the different clubs you joined as a junior, your consistent role as a teacher in church, or how you always made your sibling laugh while growing up. 

And if you are a strong member of the debate club, describe how your skills began as an outspoken child of the family.

3. Share your Skill Demonstration : Now, you can explain your many awards in the award section. Your skill as the best winger made your soccer team the reigning champion for years. Or how you organized several events as a junior in high school and the many awards you bagged for the debate club.

How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #4: A significant educational opportunity is not just the high schools you attended. It is an educational platform that increases your experience as a student. Opportunities like advanced courses, a summer enrichment program, a debate club, and an unpaid internship with a physician, to name a few. 

Then, what were the barriers during these programs? It could be inadequate resources or physical or health challenges. How do you answer this question?

1. Showcase a Challenge not on Your UC Application : A student who previously had a learning disability will shine in this prompt. Remember that you have overcome this challenge, so you didn't indicate it in your personal data.

2. Be Vulnerable : It may sound unnecessary, but it will increase your chances. Explain how this challenge hindered your progress at the start of the educational opportunity. For example, your program may have been extended due to this barrier. 

3. Describe Your Success : Delve into how you overcame the challenge. Did you have to see a counselor? Did you join small study groups? Write about the specific events that led to your successful completion of such a program and how they helped shape who you are today.

How to Write University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #5: If you are familiar with supplemental essays , you will realize that most schools want to see your ability to handle challenges. The admission office wants to see this challenge and your approach to solving it. Here are tips for writing prompt #5 in the best way possible.

1. Be Real : To make a point, don't conjure a challenge you didn't go through. Choose the most significant challenge you experienced, even if it seems too minute. Every student will go through unexpected challenges. So, show UCSD that you will not run in the face of challenges.

2. Be Direct : While you may want to stick to multiple challenges, ensure you stick to one. Then, explain the one as much as you can. Describe how it affected you, given specific examples. 

3. Show Your Growth : You may lose some points if you fail to include your growth process during this challenge. Write about how you were able to come out of the situation stronger. Your answer should prove that if you come to any challenge, you will be ready to face it head-on and overcome it.

How to Write University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #6 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #6: This question begins with the keyword "academic" subject. This means you must not write about the novels you read during your leisure or the movies you discover. You may write about the textile creation course that inspired you as a medical student. 

The next step is to write about how you took the course and expanded your knowledge. Here's how to write this essay.

1. Show your Decision-making Ability : Many students can desire to pursue an interest, but it stays and remains an idea for a long time. But for you, you can show UCSD that you can decide to pursue your interests via this answer. By joining the literature summer class, you can pursue your literary interest as a maths student. 

2. Share the Lessons Learnt: Explain how your interest in this subject broadens your thinking process. For example, reading a book on history during a literature class informs you about things you were not privy to before. You can also talk about how this subject will spur you to join the creative writing club at UCSD. 

3. Use Specific Examples: Don’t overshare in one short UCSD essay prompt. If you pursue more than one academic subject, stick to one. You can showcase your decisiveness experience with one point. Pick one point and explain, staying within the word limit.

How to Write University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #7 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #7: This prompt seeks to discover how you contribute to your environment. Your interaction with your present school, home, or community shows what kind of future community member you’ll be. The admission officers expect to see your thoughtfulness, abilities, and impact during your contributions. So here are tips before you write.

1. Don't Exaggerate Your Role : While this prompt asks you to define your contributions, avoid bragging about it. Admission officers want to know about your workability. However, they also want to see that you are humble while working for the people. So, be sure to give a sincere description in this essay.

2. Describe your Inspiration : What spurred you to contribute? Was it a lingering problem in the street? Or a call for volunteers? This description shows that you have high emotional intelligence, boosting your chances of getting into UCSD. Also, you can write about how your inspiration increased your exposure to different areas in society.

3. Show your Team Spirit : This prompt is an opportunity to showcase your ability as a string team member, especially if you collaborated with others. For example, if you joined your school sanitation team to clean the dining weekly, that displays teamwork. 

How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essay #8 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #8: This prompt is an open question that requires any kind of answer. Hold on for a second. Think about it. What could be missing in the previous seven prompts? 

You can go ahead if you realize you have something to share that isn't covered in previous questions. Aim to answer the question, 'What makes you an excellent choice for UCSD?'

1. Share What Makes You Stand Out: This question is not an avenue to write about other extracurricular activities or events that are not significant to the school. It should focus on exceptional attributes and events. You can talk about a business you started during the holidays. 

2. Be Honest : The prompt is another opportunity to sell yourself. However, if you have done this in the previous questions, you need not answer prompt #8. So, don't be tempted to include information that isn't yours. 

Some ideas include writing about how you develop the ability to work under pressure, even as a student, or your ability to stay focused despite distractions in some study settings. 

Examples of the University of San Diego Supplemental Essays that Worked

After extensive explanations, the best next thing is to investigate practice examples of these essays. These essay samples were written by successful applicants at the University of San Diego. Let's go!

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : " Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time ."

Take a look at this sample.

"It was her fourth honor council. I sat on the committee for her third, which granted her one last chance. It was mid-April–just weeks before graduation, and she would walk across the stage with her diploma. The third honor council debated for hours about the best course of action. 

No student had ever been given four chances without separation from the school. One attendee argued for her future in retaining her college admission, while another suggested her negative impacts on the school community. After hours of debate, the honor council was split. It was left up to just a few of her peers to decide her fate. 

We reviewed her previous violation, and it appeared: “Any future violations of school rules will result in separation from the school”. I believe strongly in seeking to understand a person’s circumstances before drawing judgment, and I think there is great value in the second chance. Unfortunately, this student could not take responsibility after failing on multiple counts, and we eventually decided it would be best for the community if she separated from the school. She was allowed to receive her diploma with successful completion of online classes.

Hard decisions like these have been a driving factor in shaping my character and values caring for the greater good of the community. I faced discrimination as a person with learning differences, which prompted me to solve issues of inequity through leadership positions. I give back to the community by leading school discussions about acts of hate and aggression that happen on and off campus, and I strive to create diversity and inclusion by attracting new people to Norwich. 

I attempt to create a well-rounded incoming class of freshmen that will better the community and help to solve issues of discrimination and a lack of diversity on campus. Together, my roles have heavily aligned with my values of creating diversity and solving a wide range of issues on campus."

Why Essay #1 Worked

The first paragraph shows the author's role as a council member. This essay works because the author demonstrates their leadership skills and highlights an event expressing their qualities and characteristics.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : " Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistic, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side."

An example of how you can showcase your creativity goes thus:

"I believe in the strength of words because I know the power that just one can hold. Most of the time, it begins like that: I hear a word in a song that isn’t there, and an idea blooms. That word gives the sentence new meaning and great potential blossoms. So, I use that new phrase to write a new song.

Sometimes, the title of a book or a phrase in it takes me to the same place of raw creativity and expressive fervor. Something specific - a certain je ne sais quoi in my frontal cortex, which has long been dubbed creativity’s hub - ignites a thought in me that allows me to transform a creative piece of work into one of my own, something original, something new. 

The main way I’m able to explore this creative metamorphosis is through the transportability I experience with books. I write poems for the strength of Briseis and compose songs for the endless halls Piranesi roams, not to mention for the nostalgic memories of Tsukuru Tasaki. All these characters, and more, inspire me with their stories. I can write based on things I may never face as well as ubiquitously occurring feelings I haven’t yet felt because I can relate to them by reading about them in books written by others who have experienced those things (well, most of them).

It’s as if someone has created a cover-to-cover world and allowed me to enter it, a world which once I finish its final page, belongs once again to the author or musician - to his or her own experiences and feelings - but a world that I, too, can create, one that feels like home to me. I can write as if I’ve lived under the sea and dive into a wide range of themes in a limitless, fantasy-like way. 

Being able to write in this fashion gives me complete freedom on the angle I wish to explore with each theme and gives each of these themes a sense of universality and relatability to the reader or at least that’s the goal."

Why Essay # 2 Worked

You can see this author's creativity in creating lyrics from different inspirations, including a book title. They can create original, unique poems and songs from everything and anything in this diverse world. It also describes their problem-solving skill, as the original music will solve another musician's problem.

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : " What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?"

This author carefully explains their greatest skill in the sample below.

"When it comes to rooms, I’m a “reader”. I find reading books helps me improve my ability to read rooms because books help me understand events and individuals outside of my day-to-day experiences. Yet, this skill can also be problematic. For example, when I got my wisdom teeth pulled, I read “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. 

With my face all puffy, I predicted two of the twist endings by pages 100-120 and found myself thoroughly disappointed (and somewhat proud) that they came to fruition simultaneously. Sometimes, it sucks to be right with this superpower.

Another activity that has augmented my talent for reading a room is traveling. Traveling improves my worldliness, which undoubtedly plays a key role in reading different people and situations. While living in Columbia, I found reading rooms initially difficult and thus felt vulnerable, as if my semi-psychic superpowers had been stripped away. But over time, I sensed my ability returning and even broadening as I ventured further outside my comfort bubble. 

Traveling within and outside Latin America has exposed me to multifarious cultures and peoples, which have each, in their own way, bolstered my ability to read the rooms around me into an even more potent superpower of being able to read rooms around the world.

Not only did I travel to others around the world to expand my horizons, but they also “traveled” to me via the Elders Support Initiative, a volunteer group directed toward helping senior citizens digitally during coronavirus. Conversing at length with such seasoned seniors helped grant me the perspective to understand them despite our differing worldviews from disparate epochs. Time allowed me to eventually read them and the (Zoom) room just the same, which made leading and organizing activities they’d like far easier and more successful.

Last but certainly not least, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate, reading rooms allow me to resolve conflicts and mediate problems between parties. However, my favorite part of being a “reader” is being the one to whom my friends always vent and with whom they share exciting news because they feel heard and understood by me."(351 words)

Why Essay #3 Worked

This essay works because of the engaging story about a room reading skill. It embodies communication skills, conflict mediation, and of course, reading skills. This author displays the development and three practical instances where this skill was useful. Any admission officer will read and connect with the author before the end. 

Sample Essay #4

Prompt : " Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced."

Check out this author's essay sample.

"The test covered L’Hopital’s Rule and Related Rates – something I knew I’d need extra time to complete. But there I was. Waiting in the classroom patiently with everyone else for Dr Robert to hand out the Honors Precalculus exam. I had been given a written contract for accommodations, but he didn’t care. 

This was the third time this had happened. I spoke to him about the extended time that I was entitled to the test before, yet here I was- again- in the same room as everyone else without any accommodations. Then he handed me my paper. I scribbled down my name as fast as possible to give myself enough time to maybe get two-thirds into the test without him grabbing it from my hands. 

I flew through L’Hopital’s rule through the constant sneezing, sniffing, and occasional cough from my neighbors. Did the person sitting next to me have COVID? It didn’t matter. What mattered was getting through as much math as possible within the time I was allowed. After finishing the first half, I looked over to my left– only to see the student next to me flipping to the last page of the test. 

Just as I started on the second half, I heard the disappointing “5 Minutes Left”. I quickly jotted down anything that came to mind for the remaining few minutes. I wrote as fast as possible until he came around and grabbed the test from underneath my pencil. I stood up and left the class full of frustration and anger. I found my friends, who had finished theirs 30 minutes early. I listened in frustration as they exclaimed, “That was the easiest test I’ve ever taken!”. 

I ran furiously to swim practice, thinking about the injustice I had faced – just like every test before. The next day in class, he handed back our tests. “What did you get?” “How did you do?” “98 – easiest test ever” “96 – I didn’t even study!”. Then he handed mine back. It was face down. I stared in agony at the back page with a large red “X” on the unattempted problems. 

I flipped it over, which only made it worse: “78%”. Nearly everything I had attempted on the test was correct. The remaining 22% were all unattempted problems. This happened many more times – “86”, “79”, “80”, “Did you attempt this problem?”, “Why didn’t you try this one?”. 

The end of the semester eventually came, and grades were finalized. “B+”. Nearly every problem I attempted on any quiz or test was mathematically correct, but I had run out of time on almost every assessment. It didn’t matter how good I truly was at Precalculus. What mattered to the teacher was what was down on the paper – an incomplete test. 

The frustration over the discrimination I faced in the classroom got so intense that I decided to write Dr. Robert one final email to let him know just how much his injustice in the classroom affected me. Knowing there was nothing I could do to help my grade, I furiously typed out every article about the ADA he violated and how unfair this truly was to me. My advocacy not only for myself, but for all students with learning differences made a big difference in the classroom, and in the second semester, I faced much less discrimination." (555 words)

Why Essay #4 Worked

In this sample, the author describes a challenge quite common among students in the university. After stating the barrier, they describe the pain, shame, and discrimination this barrier had caused. It works because it shows their ability to persist till there's a solution in the face of challenges.

Sample Essay #6

Prompt : " Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom."

Here's what this author has to say about pursuing an academic interest. 

"The assignment was to scrape and organize many DNA sequences from a database. It was late on a Sunday night, and I hadn’t started the assignment. I opened my laptop and saw the article I had been reading earlier that day. “Coronavirus has now killed 250 thousand people in the United States”. I moved it aside to start the project that was due the next morning. 

After spending hours finding creative ways to scrape the data I desired, I began debugging. I spent another hour tirelessly fixing problems that wouldn't allow my code to run. I turned back to the web to see if Stack Overflow had the answers to my questions. Then I saw it again: “Coronavirus has now killed 250 thousand people in the United States”. 

I put it aside but pondered how I could apply web scraping to a real-world crisis like COVID-19. I began debugging but was overtaken by my curiosity. I diverged from my school project and began writing code to scrape a COVID database and organize it into data frames. Eventually, after scraping tons of data, I glanced at the clock: 4 AM, and I still had not finished my assignment. 

It was time to get to work. I drudged through another hour of debugging and eventually finished. I glanced outside my window and saw bright beams of sunlight poking through the dense fog on the mountains, so I quickly grabbed my things and ran out the door for school.

 I was energized by the real-world application of what I was learning in my directed study, “Using Python for Research.” It inspired me to continue taking courses in addition to those offered at my school, such as “Analyzing Data with R” and “Multivariable Calculus.”

Why Essay #6 Worked off

Most schools offer different courses outside your major course. In this essay, the author, a medical student studying DNA sequences, chose to pursue an interest in programming languages. This essay sample works because the author learned and used her newly acquired knowledge to solve a problem.

Sample Essay #7

Prompt : " What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?"

Here's how to write UCSD essay Prompt #7.

"Whatever your expectations of my musical talents are, just throw them on the ground,” said my brother as he prepared to play the bagpipes for Treasure Talent Hunt, our school’s talent competition. Although I admit my brother’s bagpipe playing wasn’t entirely musical, hearing him make the entire student body laugh was music to my ears after two and a half years without social activities. 

For me, school is more than didactic education. It’s a community, and my goal is always to increase camaraderie and boost our collective spirit.  Last year, we returned to in-person classes, but the only social event we held was the prom. My disappointment in the lack of extracurricular events moved me to make a change. 

As student body vice president, my mission has been to increase the number of programs my school sponsors. I enjoy gathering feedback and ideas from my schoolmates and bringing them to the council to discuss, but generating ideas is only part of the fun. Last year was chaotic, as everyone on the student council performed the same task regardless of their position. To offer more events, I felt it was important for the student council members to have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, so I set expectations. 

In planning the Treasure Talent Hunt. I delegated to the spirit coordinators the registration of participants and the organization of the events, and to the class representatives the purchase of the drinks and snacks, which the treasurer reimbursed. The whole school turned out for the event and cheered on their performing classmates. Everybody cheered for the eight students performing at Treasure Talent Hunt.

In my first few months leading the student council, I also organized seven new social events, including homecoming festivities and spirit week, which were met with equal enthusiasm from the student population. I slowly noticed a palpable change in the camaraderie among my schoolmates, as they now have more opportunities to reconnect with each other. While my brother might not expect much from his music, I expect to rebuild our school community one event at a time.

Why Essay #7 Worked

The author discusses her participation in bringing back a talent competition, an extracurricular activity. They define how the enthusiasm and cheering spirit was brought back to school via her initiative. The admissions officers reading this essay will likely stand for this student before the university.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

These sample essays have helped broaden your thoughts, no doubt. If you want more of these, check out our extensive essay database.

FAQs: How to Write the University of San Diego Supplemental Essays 

Perhaps we couldn't answer all your questions, here are some common questions regarding the University of San Diego supplemental essays.

1. How Important Are Essays For the University of San Diego? 

Essays are very important in the University of San Diego's application process. They allow you to showcase your personality, experiences, and skills, helping the admissions committee understand you beyond your academic achievements.

2. How Many Essays Does UCSD Require?

You need to write four UCSD essays. Generally, UCSD provides eight personal insight essays as part of the University of California application.

3. Which UC Essay Should I Write?

Choose the questions that allow you to provide unique answers best. Your essay should resonate with your story and provide a comprehensive picture of yourself.

4. How Long Should University of San Diego Essays Be?

Your University of San Diego essay should not exceed 350 words. Remember to adhere to each limit, as adhering demonstrates your ability to follow instructions and effectively communicate your ideas.

Final Thoughts

When you started reading this guide, the prompts may have seemed daunting. By now, you should see each essay prompt as an opportunity to demonstrate your personality beyond your grades and test scores.

Take your time to craft, edit, and write compelling University of San Diego supplemental essays today. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, ap us history exam prep tips.

Hey, I need some advice! I'll be taking the AP US History exam this year and I need tips to properly prepare for it. What are the best study methods, resources, and tricks you've used to get a good score? I could really use some guidance!

Preparing for the AP US History exam can be a daunting task, but with the right study strategies and resources, you can increase your chances of scoring well. Here are some tips for effective prep:

1. Understand the exam structure: The APUSH exam is divided into four sections: multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, a document-based question, and a long essay question. Familiarize yourself with each section, the question types, and the grading rubric to know what to expect on exam day.

2. Use reputable resources: CollegeBoard releases official course outlines, practice questions, and exam details. Leverage these materials to guide your studies. Additionally, consider using widely-praised review books like The Princeton Review's "Cracking the AP U.S. History Exam" or the Barron's AP U.S. History guide.

3. Analyze historical documents: Practice analyzing primary sources, as this skill is crucial for the document-based question (DBQ) and the long essay question. Work on understanding the main points, historical contexts, and differing perspectives within these sources.

4. Strengthen your historical thinking skills: Focus on the key historical thinking skills assessed by the APUSH exam – contextualization, comparison, causation, continuity and change over time, and argumentation. These skills are necessary for analyzing documents, writing essays, and answering short-answer questions effectively.

5. Create and review timelines: Develop a comprehensive timeline of key events, people, and themes in U.S. History. Regularly review this timeline to help solidify your understanding of the historical chronology and the connections between different events.

6. Leverage practice exams: Take full-length, timed practice exams to simulate the actual test environment. This helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, manage your time effectively, and become more comfortable with the exam format. Make sure to review your answers and understand why you got questions right or wrong.

7. Join study groups: Collaborate with peers in study groups to discuss difficult topics, exchange ideas, quiz each other, and support each other's learning. This can be a powerful way to retain information and stay motivated.

8. Break concepts into smaller chunks: Rather than trying to tackle the entire curriculum at once, break it down into smaller periods and themes. Focus on understanding key concepts, events, and people within each time period before moving onto the next.

9. Watch educational videos: Supplement your textbook reading and class notes with educational videos, like Crash Course, Khan Academy, or Tom Richey's YouTube channels. These videos can help explain complicated concepts in a more digestible format.

10. Stay consistent with your studies: Set aside regular study time each week to review material, practice questions, and complete practice exams. Avoid cramming in the days leading up to the test. Instead, approach your APUSH exam preparation with sustained effort, and give yourself ample time to master the content.

Remember, persistence, planning, and practice are the keys to success on the AP US History exam. Stay dedicated to your goal, and make the best use of the resources and study strategies mentioned above. Good luck!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.