What are the Notre Dame supplemental essay prompts?

The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to a question you select from the options provided. In total, you’ll write two (2) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay.

Notre Dame University Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?

Notre Dame University Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

Additional Prompts - (You choose 1) People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are? Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in. If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it? What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for University of Notre Dame

How to write notre dame supplemental essay prompt #1.

This is a short “Why us?” essay. Because it’s short, the key will be finding 5-7 reasons that set Notre Dame apart from all the other schools you’re applying to.

To help get a strong understanding of how to write to this prompt, check out our “Why us?” essay guide —and pay particular attention to the Cornell example, which is one of our favorites. While that example is longer, you’ll also find advice in that guide on tackling shorter “Why us?” essays, and the Tufts essay is a great example.

Don’t have the time to read the full guide? Here’s the TL;DR version:

Spend 1 hr+ researching 5-7 reasons why Notre Dame might be a great fit for you (ideally one or two of those reasons will be unique to Notre Dame and connect back to you). Why this many reasons? You’ll likely only end up including only some of these, but it’s better to have more than you need. Plus, you’ll learn more about the school if you find this many.

Make a copy of this chart to map out your college research.

Create an outline for your essays based on either Approach 1, 2 (recommended for Notre Dame), or 3 in the full guide above.

Write a first draft!

As you write, try to avoid these common mistakes:

Five Common Mistakes Students Make on “Why Us?” Essays

Mistake #1 : Writing about the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking.

Mistake #2 : Simply using emotional language to demonstrate fit.

Mistake #3 : Screwing up the mascot, stadium, team colors or names of any important people or places on campus.

Mistake #4 : Parroting the brochures or website language.

Mistake #5 : Describing traditions the school is well-known for.

Mistake #6 : Thinking of this as only a "Why them" essay.

Here’s a great sample essay for this prompt. You may not be applying to the Mendoza College of Business like this student was, so don’t worry about that bit of detail. Instead, focus on the specifics and other details he uses, as we’ll discuss in the Tips + Analysis section below.

At the Mendoza College of Business, I am eager to develop my whole self, by incorporating liberal arts and theology into finance. Understanding finance and how it relates to societal functions fascinates me. Through following the NYSE after school, I’ve learned the ability to analyze markets is one of the most important skills in our ever-changing, diverse economic landscape. Professor Bergstrand’s article “Should TPP Be Formed? On the Potential Economic, Governance, and Conflict-Reducing Impacts of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement” captivated me. I agree there are limitations in computer business models, and in order to allow for greater diversity human analysts cannot be replaced. A business major is one thing, but Notre Dame’s unique Poverty Studies minor will expand my understanding of the life billions of people live everyday, allowing me to make financial decisions with a higher purpose in mind. I would be thrilled to couple this learning with working alongside the Center for the Study of Religion and Society, while also advancing my knowledge of the Catholic faith. I aim to study the magnitude of the statistical mark I make as an economist, while concurrently viewing the outcome as a humanitarian. — — —

Tips + Analysis:

Be specific. We’re talking about courses, professors, research studies, clubs: Use their formal names, and make sure to spell them right. Note how this student doesn’t just name a professor he’d want to learn from; he also researched his publications and spoke to why one in particular resonated with him (“I agree there are limitations in computer business models, and in order to allow for greater diversity human analysts cannot be replaced.”). That depth of detail is a great way to show you’ve done your research and aren’t just listing what you saw in the course catalog.

Demonstrate a range of interests. The broad scope of this prompt is intentional. It’s not just asking about your chosen major or your academic interests; it’s probing for details about the breadth of your interests. This student doesn’t do a whole lot of that, and it’s not a do-or-die must, but we definitely recommend it. So, after talking about, say, courses and professors and programs that interest you, talk about campus life—clubs, activities, sports or other extracurriculars. But note that the prompt asks you to share about more than how Notre Dame will transform your “mind”—school officials also want to know about your heart. Given this ...

Speak to your desire to give back. As a proudly Catholic institution (with over 80% Catholic enrollment), Notre Dame values a culture of service. In fact, the first goal in its strategic plan revolves around character : “We strive to build a community that inspires the pursuit of truth and teaches respect, love, and service so that our learning serves the Church and the world, particularly for those who are most in need.” Your budget limit is tight, so keep it brief. This student makes some nice “heart” connections in the final paragraph.

how to write Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

1. People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are? (200 words)

This prompt asks you to reflect on where you come from and how that has shaped who you are. It’s a diversity essay , as Notre Dame seeks to know how your experiences would add to the diversity of the college community. While diversity can refer to ethnicity, class, religion or sexuality, think broadly about the elements of your unique context that have influenced your character, which may also include geography, perspectives, ways of living, etc.

This is a new prompt for Notre Dame this year, so we don't have something exactly on point, but this essay, written for another school, would work great.

My great-grandpa’s eyes twinkle as my 5-year-old self struggles to stir the giant pot of cioppino. Like this traditional seafood dish, I too am an Italian-American originating from California. My very loud family crowds my house each holiday, relegating me to an air mattress, a sacrifice I’m more than willing to make. The rooms fill with stories and laughter as we down pizzelles and compete in a cutthroat cookie-decorating contest. Likewise, my California beginnings, though brief, had a sizable impact on my life. I was a year old when we left, but California’s adventurous culture is part of my identity, reinforced by annual trips to visit relatives. From hiking San Jacinto Peak, to days at Disneyland, where my grandparents and mom worked, each excursion left me giddily exhausted. The true centerpiece of our get-togethers isn’t the cioppino, but the stories and experiences that connect us as family. — — —

Tips + Analysis

Identify the identities and communities that have shaped you. This author presents themself as an Italian-American from California. What’s your particular personal constellation? Make a list. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by ...

Place: Groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: Groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: Groups of people coming together based on shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: Groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situation.

Give a taste of each one. Here, great-grandpa’s eyes twinkle as a five-year-old stirs a pot of cioppino. Brainstorm a detail or example for each identity or community using one of your five senses. What does each one look/smell/taste/sound/feel like? The details bring us into the experiences: sleeping on an air mattress when family comes, eating pizzelles, hiking San Jacinto Peak. Bonus points for proper nouns! Bring the reader into your world—the more specific the better.

Show why it matters. This student describes their cultural roots and traditions, but ultimately, they’re talking about the importance of family. Think about your values. How has the way you’ve grown up impacted how you perceive and engage with the world around you?

2. Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in. (200 words)

This prompt is wide open. That may make it feel more intimidating, but one way to narrow it down is to look at your Activities List and ask: Is there anything here that shows me championing a cause? Or advocating for change? Maybe it’s the recycling program you started in your school cafeteria. Or the BLM protest you participated in last summer. Look for something that, instead of a one-time effort, shows an enduring interest/belief/mission. The key will be talking about it in a way that shows it’s important enough to “fight for.”

It’s time to dig into an example to see what that might look like. This is also a new prompt for Notre Dame (they’ve been busy in the admission office this spring!), but this essay, written for a slightly shorter prompt, would work well here.

In eighth grade, I created an art piece addressing a stereotype I had faced and posted it online, encouraging my friends to do the same and hashtag it #StereotypeProject. The drawing snowballed into a viral movement, gathering the attention of over 1,000 youth artists worldwide, each contributing their own stories and drawings. The Stereotype Project has since grown, extending into local schools and calling on the next generation to stand strong against the biases they face due to race, gender, sexual orientation, mental illness, and more. In a time of increasing youth activism and reminders of the potential we have as young revolutionaries, the Stereotype Project is an outlet for creative expression, unity, and a means of imparting a positive impact on the world. Our website continues to be live and accept submissions: stereotypeproject.org. — — —

Don’t feel like you have to save the world. Writing about how you’re changing “the world for the better” may feel daunting. What if my actions aren’t having a global impact? Breathe. We have good news for you: Notre Dame doesn’t expect you to have started a non-profit at the age of 17 (but if you have, cool). The Notre Dame culture of service to others means they’re looking for students committed to making an impact—if not on the world at large, at least on the world around them. That “world” could mean your town, your school, your Debate Club, your friend group, or, as in this case, your online audience. The world you’re impacting isn’t as important as the action you’re taking to help make it better. With that in mind ...

Consider this an extracurricular activity essay of sorts. We have a full guide to that type of essay here . Comb through your extracurricular activity list , specifically looking for an example of how you’re taking action to effect positive change. The extracurricular essay guide has two great brainstorming exercises that can help you find a great topic: the BEABIES and the Elon Musk exercises. Pro tip: Focus on the problem-solving aspect in both exercises.

Keep the topic current. The prompt specifically asks you about “an action you are taking”—with intentional emphasis on the now. So choose something that a) you’re still actively working on, or b) you worked on/launched earlier but built it in a way that continues to effect positive change. The essay above offers a great example of the latter. Besides directly answering the prompt, writing about a current/lasting endeavor shows an ongoing commitment to action.

You don’t have to be tackling Society’s Biggest Challenges. Although we mention issues like racism and the environment in our introduction to this prompt, you don’t necessarily have to write about huge social justice issues for your answer to be legitimate. Even though this essay is on a somewhat relevant topic, the key to its success is in how the student spotlights an issue that has personal meaning to her (a stereotype she herself faced) and details 1) how she took action (posted her art piece online using a hashtag and urged others to do the same, and 2) its impact (“creating an outlet for creative expression, unity, and a means of imparting a positive impact on the world”). In short, the winning formula here is: Issue of Personal Importance + Action You Took + Impact It’s Having = Great Essay.

3. If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it? (200 words)

This is an essay focused on community service and civic engagement. That means you specifically want to talk about values that show how giving back has deep meaning for you (think purpose and enrichment, but also resourcefulness, leadership, empathy, even laughter and adventure). This Values List will help you identify those that resonate.

Do you have meaningful examples and anecdotes that bring those values to life—like the club you started to teach chess to fifth-graders, or the recycling project you led in your neighborhood, or taking care of your younger siblings or cousins? Your topic of choice should be something you genuinely care about and want to change for the better. You’ll find it much easier to write with enthusiasm if you talk about something you actually find important and interesting.

Like Prompt #2, you can approach this using the tools for extracurricular essays . Read through your Common App Activities List . If you can identify not just one but a few things you can talk about to show you’ve already contributed to the “common good,” they could become an excellent topic for this Notre Dame essay. Then invoke what we call the Elon Musk method ( head here for an explanation + examples), like in this sample essay (which was written for a different school but would work well for this new prompt).

Every school year, I walk around campus, arms and backpack chock full of heavy textbooks. In the classroom, I read the textbook, review a lesson, and complete a worksheet. Rinse and repeat. And not just me: nearly every other student has had this experience. Enter personalized learning. Personalized learning could mean allowing students to master concepts at their own pace, or it could refer to computer programs designed to match one’s personality. For example, some learn kinesthetically, while others learn visually. The possibilities to unlock true learning potential through personalized learning are endless. As an engineer, I want to develop teaching methods that help both the young and the old acquire new skills and enhance learned ones. Through computer science, I can devise an intelligent tutoring system. And after designing a personality quiz, I can create an algorithm to match the student’s preferred learning style and determine which multimedia is best to teach them. Although I personally do not have a learning disability, a close friend suffers from autism. Surprisingly, if you met him, you probably could not tell. From a young age, he was placed in a regular classroom, not a special ed one. As an extrovert, this personalized learning system enabled him to be a social butterfly while also learning at his own pace. Therefore, I believe that by advancing personalized learning experiences and minimizing inflexibility in education programs, we can reduce perceived learning disabilities. The future of intelligence will be much more well-rounded and diversified. — — —

Identify the problem. This student is beleaguered by the boring burden of traditional learning. What is an issue that really concerns you, and why? Help us understand why you care about it. Who is affected and how? What is the consequence if this issue is left unaddressed?

Lay out your plan to solve it. Be specific. The question asks how you’d accomplish your task. Describe the actions you’d take, the tools or programs you’d develop. Let your reader see how your brain works; how do you solve complex problems? Call on your strengths and previous actions. This student approaches the issue through their tools and experience with engineering and computer science. Are you already working on this issue? What have you done so far that you’d expand on?

Name the impact. What will the world look like when you’ve had a chance to do something about this problem? Who or what will be affected and how? Imagine yourself already having achieved it, and let your reader celebrate with you. For this student, this what impact looked like: “As an extrovert, this personalized learning system enabled him to be a social butterfly while also learning at his own pace.”

Think BIG. The prompt offers you unlimited resources to address the issue! You seek to join an institution that could give you access to deep financial support and networking opportunities. Notre Dame is signaling that it’s seeking candidates who are prepared to make a major impact with the resources the school can provide. Show you’ve got vision: How would you leverage these vast resources for the common good?

4. What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you? (200 words)

Also a new prompt this year, this one is your Time to Shine. You could try to remember the best compliment someone’s ever given you (and by all means, if it comes to mind, go for it) ... OR, you could think of that quality or skill of yours that you love the most and highlight that. What’s your superpower? What do people love about you? What do you most appreciate about yourself? Then roll back to a time you received a compliment about it and go from there. This is a great opportunity to reveal something about you that hasn’t come through elsewhere in your application.

Bring the compliment to life with examples. Where does this quality or skill show up in your life? What are some times it’s had an impact in your life, on other people or in your community? Give brief, descriptive details of these moments to show how this quality or skill is meaningful to you AND how it’ll contribute to the college community you’ll join.

Always bring it back to values. Something that people celebrate in you says a lot about what’s most important to you. What does this skill and your examples reveal about your core values? Connect each example to a value. You can use the Values List for inspiration.

End with insight. What have you learned about yourself or the world thanks to your superpower? Wink as you walk away (show your capacity for self-reflection).

Want advice on dozens of other supplemental essays? Click here

Special thanks to Shira for contributing to this post.

Shira Harris is an alternative educator, amateur ambassador, former civil rights attorney and queer activist, who received her BA from UC Berkeley and law degree from New York University. Currently, she studies Arabic, Hebrew, migration and mediation in the Mediterranean; upon completion of the masters program, she intends to work for peace in Israel Palestine. Shira loves hiking, camping, traveling, learning, cooking with friends, the CEG community and fourth-grader jokes.

Top Values: Integrity | Curiosity | Love

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University of Notre Dame's 2022-23 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?

Discipline and Misconduct Essay

If yes, please explain:

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Please provide a response to ONE (1) of the following questions:

People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?

Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.

If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?

What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

When it comes to applying to the top schools in the country, your application is vitally important. In order to give yourself the best chance of gaining admission, you need to make sure all aspects of your application are top-notch. In this post, we’re going to do a deep dive into how to write Notre Dame supplemental essays for 2022-2023 and everything you need to keep in mind as you write.

Notre Dame uses the common app, and this means that you will be asked to answer essay questions contained in the common app. But like many top schools, Notre Dame also requires that you complete a required essay as well as one essay from a list of topics. The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2022-2023 allow applicants a certain amount of freedom when choosing their supplemental essay topic, but we’re going to look at each essay prompt and discuss the best way to respond to each topic.

So, let’s start by looking at each supplemental essay prompt, and then we will discuss how to approach each one individually.

When it comes to answering the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2022, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. First, Notre Dame requires all applicants respond to a general essay prompt, but applicants are also required to choose another essay from a provided list. The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2022-2023 are as follows:

Required Question:

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?

Additional Prompts (You choose 1):

How to answer Notre Dame supplemental essays?

Because Notre Dame is a Catholic university, it tends to attract more Catholic applicants, but there is no requirement that Notre Dame students adhere strictly to Catholic principles in their own lives. That said, the Catholic faith is a part of attending Notre Dame, and this is something that students should consider.

When it comes to how to answer Notre Dame supplemental essays, there are several things applicants should keep in mind. We’re going to go through easy essay prompt individually and discuss the best strategy for your response.

Notre Dame claims that 36% of their student body attended a Catholic high school, but they do not make any claims about the percentage of their student body that identifies as Catholic. The first essay prompt acknowledges the religious nature of the school, but they don’t ask you directly about your views on religion.

Instead, the main focus on the first essay prompt is what excites you about attending Notre Dame. While you may be excited about attending a Catholic university, that isn’t your only option for a response. Notre Dame, in addition to being a Catholic school, offers a wide range of courses and degree options, and the prompt wants to know about this as well.

When responding to this prompt, keep in mind the things you are excited to study at Notre Dame, the people you will meet, and allow the concept of a Catholic education to underpin this. You can also discuss how your faith plays a role in your studies, and how attending an institution like Notre Dame will be even more beneficial to you.

The next series of prompts asks you to choose one topic that allows you to talk more about yourself and your background. Let’s take a look at each prompt.

Because Notre Dame students come from all over the world, your personal story is important. Notre Dame wants to know what your background has to do with your personal development as well as your future goals.

If you grew up in a city, your experiences in life will differ greatly from a student who grew up on a farm. But the goal of this prompt is to reflect on your background and write about why your background is necessary in understanding who you are. Did you grow up financially disadvantaged? How has this affected your worldview and path in life? Did you grow up surrounded by nature or in a different country? These factors are vital in understanding you as a complete person.

This prompt asks you to reflect on a time when you stood up for something you believed in. The key here is to focus on how you advocated for the thing, not how impressive the thing is. No one is expecting you to have argued a case in front of the supreme court just yet. Instead, it could be a conflict with a parent, teacher, or boss where you felt as though you needed to stand up for yourself or others. It could have been an event in which you advocated for social change in your community. The point is not the event itself, but rather how you showed integrity in the situation.

Notre Dame states that its students value service to others, and most of its applicants have participated in some form of community service in high school. This prompt asks you to reflect on a problem you have witnessed in your community. The fun part of this prompt is that it allows you to formulate your solution given unlimited resources. So, the goal here is to be creative and use your problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to a real-world problem.

This prompt also asks applicants to focus on their academic and intellectual integrity. As you reflect on all of the compliments you’ve received in life, consider what they meant to you. Why was one more meaningful than another? The example you choose does not need to be the most impressive compliment you have ever received. Your most meaningful compliment may have been for something small or mostly unnoticed. It may be for doing something that showed personal integrity. It might even be for something that surprised you. Notre Dame isn’t asking you to brag in your response. Instead, they want to get a sense of your values, and what is meaningful to you.

At AdmissionSight, our goal is to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The Harvard supplemental essays 2022 can seem daunting at first, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process with confidence. Hopefully, this guide to the Harvard supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.

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University of Notre Dame 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of notre dame 2020-21 application essay question explanations.

The Requirements: 3 essays of 200 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Community

The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and two (2) essay responses to questions you select from the options provided. In total, you will write three (3) essay responses. The recommended word count is approximately 150 to 200 words per essay.

Please provide a response to the following question:, the founder of the congregation of holy cross, blessed basil moreau, wrote, “we shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” how do you hope a notre dame education and experience will transform your mind and heart .

With this subtly-worded Why essay, admissions wants to know how you plan on using a Notre Dame education to not only accomplish your academic goals, but to enrich your emotional and cultural literacy as well. Beyond the typical reasons, why do you really want to join the Fighting Irish? What will you get out of this experience that you couldn’t possibly get at any other school? In order to give a cohesive, well-rounded response in under 200 words, we suggest you set aside a good portion of time to research the school and learn about what it’s actually like to attend. Will you transform your mind by signing up for the literature course called “#Wanderlust: Medieval Pilgrims, Instagram, Influencers, and Self-Love”? (Yes, this is a real class !) Will you transform your heart by taking advantage of the plethora of volunteer opportunities offered by the Office of Human Resources? Try to gather as much information as you can so that you can infuse your response with detail. The goal here is to demonstrate your commitment to the school, while also showcasing how this education and experience will propel you into adulthood!

Please provide responses to TWO (2) of the following questions in 200 words:

1. a notre dame education is not just for you, but also for those who will benefit from the impact you make. who do you aspire to serve after you graduate.

This prompt is giving you the opportunity to think ahead five or ten years. Once you’ve finished your academic studies, how will this education benefit not just you, but the lives of those around you as well? Will you be a top surgeon, helping to improve your patients’ quality of life? A go-to communications resource for your peers? Feel free to to think beyond your job here — what kind of contributions do you hope to make to society at large? Maybe the education you gain from Notre Dame will enable you to go back to your hometown and serve your community at the local level. Or perhaps your experience amongst some of this generation’s best and brightest student minds will set you up to effect change and expand research in your field, in a way that will benefit the world at large. Take some time to imagine how Notre Dame’s offerings will give you an advantage in the future when it comes to helping those in need.

2. In response to the rising momentum behind the Black Lives Matter movement during June 2020, G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean of the Notre Dame Law School, penned an open letter entitled, “I am George Floyd. Except I can breathe. And I can do something.” He issues a call to the Notre Dame community saying, “each of us must do what we can, wherever we are.” What is one action you are taking “to change this world for the better?”

If you choose this prompt, then there is obviously an issue or problem in the world that you would like to see resolved. And rightfully so — there are so many issues at the forefront of our consciousness right now. Maybe you, too, are incredibly passionate about the Black Lives Matter movement, or perhaps it’s global warming, domestic terrorism, or human trafficking that is on your mind. There’s no shortage of contemporary issues for you to address here, so the key is to pick the problem that you have taken the most steps to change or address. Are you organizing peaceful protests in your small Midwestern town? Do you use your social media platforms to educate and mobilize students in your area? Remember that Notre Dame is looking to accept passionate students who want to be a part of a solution.

3. God and the Good Life is an interdisciplinary course created by the departments of Philosophy and Film, Television, and Theatre that asks students to consider moral questions about what they believe and how they want to live their lives. What do God and a good life mean to you?

This is a very personal question, so we recommend taking some time to reflect on your relationship to God and what “a good life” looks like to you. Did you grow up going to church and participating in youth group activities? What have these experiences meant to you? Maybe you were raised agnostic but have developed an innate curiosity surrounding religions across the four hemispheres. What have you taken away from your research? There’s really no way to answer this prompt incorrectly, as long as you are being authentic and have put some consideration into your response. A good life will look different to different people: winning a Pulitzer Prize, giving back to the community, travelling the world, spending quality time with family. Whatever your vision is, own it.

4. Notre Dame has a rich history deeply rooted in tradition. Share how a favorite tradition from your life has impacted who you are today.

Admissions wants to know what consistent aspects of your life have made you into the person you are today. So, let them know! Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person, and how has that made your perspective unique? What you focus on here can either be reflective of a larger construct like your entire family background, or specific to you and you alone. Maybe every Halloween, your family sets up a spooky maze in your backyard for all the neighborhood kids to enjoy on Mischief Night. What has this spectacle meant to you? Has it made you feel more connected to your town? Perhaps every Chinese New Year, you and your folks walk in the parade in San Francisco. Has this tradition deepened your connection to your Chinese identity? Whatever your story may be, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Notre Dame is looking to accept students who will not only bring diverse perspectives to their campus, but who value commitment and tradition as well. What can you teach your classmates about traditions within your culture, religion, or community?

5. What brings you joy?

Ah, you love to see it. Admissions has given you an incredibly straightforward prompt in hopes that you’ll take this opportunity to geek out. There’s no wrong way to answer this question, so long as you are being authentic and detailed, you can go wild. You can write about movie nights with your friends (you bring the snacks!), hitting the slopes with your cousins, writing poems on your front porch, acquiring new skills in robotics club, etc. Just be sure to use immersive details to make the admissions officer reading your essay feel like they’re there with you. Finally, be sure to explain why and how the activity, pastime, or experience you choose brings you joy.

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Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays: 2021-2022

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays Guide 2021-22: Image of Stone campus building

Not sure how to approach the Notre Dame essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Notre Dame supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Notre Dame essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the Notre Dame essay prompts, create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Notre Dame Essay Guide Quick Facts:

Does Notre Dame have supplemental essays?

Yes, Notre Dame requires all applicants to complete supplemental essays. You will submit your Notre Dame supplemental essays in addition to your Personal Statement on the Common App or Coalition App .

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .

What are Notre Dame’s supplemental essays?

The Notre Dame supplemental essays are on the Common App site . You can also visit the Notre Dame Admissions site for details about the Notre Dame essay prompts. The Notre Dame website also offers a full list of their evaluation criteria beyond the Notre Dame supplemental essays.

In your Notre Dame supplemental essays, you will discuss your reasons for applying to Notre Dame as well as your background and experiences. As you write, then, remember the purpose of the Notre Dame essay prompts—to help the admissions team get to know you! View the Notre Dame essays as a chance to show your reader how you will fit into the Notre Dame community.

How many essays are required for Notre Dame?

Two. Both of the Notre Dame supplemental essays are required for all applicants. The first Notre Dame essay prompt essentially asks, “Why Notre Dame?” The second of the required Notre Dame essays, however, is more open-ended. Each applicant must choose one of three additional Notre Dame supplemental essay prompts.

Keep reading this guide for a breakdown of each of the Notre Dame essay prompts! Every Notre Dame application essay has a limit of 200 words.

How important are Notre Dame’s supplemental essays?

Well, how important are the Notre Dame essays?

The University spends time each year choosing the Notre Dame essay prompts. The admissions team changes the prompts at least slightly each year, sometimes unveiling entirely new questions. This year’s Notre Dame essay prompts are quite different from last year’s. This year’s requirements also mark a shift toward quality over quantity—in the second Notre Dame supplement, students used to choose two prompts rather than one.

So, what does Notre Dame look for in essays? Authentic and well-written stories about what makes you who you are. Use this essay guide to write Notre Dame supplemental essays that stand out. Engage your reader through interesting stories, vivid descriptions, and a clear plan for your education. These details will make your Notre Dame essays stand out.

How do I write Notre Dame’s supplemental essays?

Let's discuss some strategies.

The best Notre Dame supplemental essays will be genuine, personal, and specific. You should choose engaging and authentic topics for your Notre Dame essays. Remember, your readers judge your Notre Dame supplemental essays for both content and writing ability. It’s not only about what you say, but also how you say it.

It may feel daunting to fit all you want to say in two 200-word Notre Dame application essays. Accordingly, you should approach each of your Notre Dame essays with a plan. Brainstorm first, then make a detailed outline. Once you have an outline, then write and revise. Clear and concise writing will help you maximize your space. Every word matters!

Most importantly, include the “So what?” in your Notre Dame supplemental essays, particularly when describing your experiences. You should give enough context that your reader understands your narrative, but your Notre Dame essays should mostly discuss why this story matters. What skills does it highlight? What mindset shift occurred? How does your story reveal who you are? Finally, why did you tell this story?

Additionally, leave yourself time to proofread and polish your Notre Dame supplemental essays. Remember, your Notre Dame essays help your reader see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. So, don't underestimate their importance!

How to Write Notre Dame Supplemental Essays — Question 1 (required):

The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau, wrote, “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” How do you hope a Notre Dame education and experience will transform your mind and heart? (200 word maximum).

This Notre Dame application essay essentially asks you, “Why Notre Dame?”

While you've likely seen this sort of "why school" essay prompt, the best Notre Dame supplements will address the "mind and heart" per the prompt. Notre Dame essays should go beyond your education to discuss your growth as an individual and community member. How will Notre Dame help you achieve your academic and personal goals?

In this Notre Dame application essay, think about reasons why Notre Dame—and no other school—will help you achieve your dreams. As you write your Notre Dame supplements, be personal and specific. Write about particular things that made you decide to apply. Additionally, in your Notre Dame essays, include the programs, organizations, and groups that you plan to join. Why do these programs interest you? How will they help you grow and learn?

Mention your major

If you are applying to a specific major and/or minor , then mention it in your Notre Dame application essay. Are there classes that interest you? Professors you would like to do research with? Your Notre Dame essays also might discuss a unique intersection of fields you would like to study. Try to infuse your Notre Dame supplemental essays with details specific to you. Strong responses to the Notre Dame essay prompts will create cohesive narratives that show the reader how you will succeed at Notre Dame.

In your Notre Dame supplements, include opportunities that are less academic. Perhaps you want to get involved with Campus Ministry or the Center for Social Concerns. Do you want to play intramural sports? Study abroad? By including these elements into your Notre Dame essays, you will address the heart as well as the mind. This will show the admissions team how you will contribute to the Notre Dame community. Remember, you only have 200 words to write this Notre Dame essay, so make each one count.

Also, in your Notre Dame supplements, don't paint your college years as a means to an end. Notre Dame is a vibrant community where you will grow and change. Yes, you will be prepared for the “real world” and gain a vast network of alumni resources, but that’s not what the admissions team wants to read about in your Notre Dame essays.

Additionally, in your Notre Dame application essay, emphasize the personal reasons why you want to attend Notre Dame. Don't just write about common traditions, emotional connections, or your attachment to Notre Dame's Catholic theology. Instead, in your Notre Dame essay, focus on the specific parts of Notre Dame that interest you.

Notre Dame Essay Draft Key Questions:

How to Write Notre Dame Supplemental Essays — Question 2 (required):

Choose one (200 word maximum).

a. During the spring semester, Notre Dame faculty gave 3-Minute Lightning Talks on exciting topics within their fields of expertise. While you don't have a Ph.D. yet, we bet you're developing an expertise in something. If you were giving a Lightning Talk, what topic (academic or not) would you choose?

This Notre Dame application essay gives you lots of freedom; you could pick an academic topic or not. Be creative! You can be serious or funny, abstract or concrete. Regardless, your Notre Dame supplements should be well-articulated. This Notre Dame essay resembles other prompts that ask what you would give a TED Talk or teach a class about.

In Lightning Talks, presenters describe the focus of their studies, their work's importance, and a recent finding or project that excites them. You might watch samples to help you brainstorm for your Notre Dame essay. However, don't write a transcript for a talk in your Notre Dame supplements—just discuss your topic and why it interests you.

Narrow your focus

Though this Notre Dame essay gives you freedom, your focus should remain narrow. If you were talking, three minutes would fly by! Don’t choose a general field like medicine or law. Instead, pinpoint a question or concept to explore in depth. Successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will discuss why you chose your topic alongside what you would talk about.

You could be developing expertise in an academic area, interest, or hobby. Be creative, think outside the box, and feel free to give your talk a title!

b. There is a story or meaning behind every name or nickname—both those we’re given and those that we choose. What is meaningful to you about your name?

If you don’t have a story behind your name or a nickname, then this may not be the Notre Dame application essay to choose. However, if you have a specific connection to your name, this Notre Dame supplemental essay is a great choice!

This Notre Dame essay revolves around the personal and unique. Perhaps you were named after someone in your family. Does your name mean something in a different language? Was your nickname given to you by someone special to you? Did you come up with your own nickname or earn it for some reason?

Focus on you

Make sure the story your Notre Dame application essay tells is about you. Even if another person or event influenced your name or nickname, stay focused on how it connects to you. Additionally, "meaningful” can mean impactful as well as sentimental. In your Notre Dame supplements, then, you might discuss how your name has shaped how you interact with others.

Don’t feel limited to your first name in your Notre Dame essay. Successful Notre Dame supplements could also be written about your middle or family name! Also, if you haven’t yet discussed your background or identity, this Notre Dame application essay could be your chance.

c. What would you fight for?

This Notre Dame application essay prompt stems from Notre Dame’s “What Would You Fight For?” initiative. The series “showcases the work, scholarly achievements, and global impact of Notre Dame faculty, students, and alumni.” Successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will have a serious tone, but your essay doesn't have to be strictly academic. Additionally, strong Notre Dame essays will revolve around impact.

How and why

In your response to this Notre Dame application essay prompt, you should include how and why you would fight for your topic. Your Notre Dame essay, then, should teach your reader something about you—not just about your topic. Make it clear why you have chosen this fight. What does the fight you discuss in your Notre Dame application essay show about your identity and values?

Don't let the hypothetical nature of this Notre Dame application essay limit you. In your Notre Dame supplements, you could write about a cause that you have already begun to fight for. How could the resources at Notre Dame aid your fight?

Each of the Notre Dame essay prompts allows you to discuss something different. There's no right or wrong topic to choose. To select a Notre Dame application essay prompt, try brainstorming a topic or two for each. Write a few bullet points for what you would include in your Notre Dame essays. Then, choose the one that best lets you showcase your identity.

Additional tips for writing your Notre Dame supplemental essays

Leave yourself time to revise your Notre Dame supplemental essays! Notre Dame has two deadlines: Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2021, and Regular Decision on January 1, 2022.

Don’t worry about the Notre Dame acceptance rate while you work on your application. Instead, try to write the best Notre Dame application essays possible. After all, you have full control over your Notre Dame essays. Don’t agonize over the topic choice or prompt selection. However, do pay attention to the message your Notre Dame supplements send.

Consider the whole of your application before submitting it, and make sure that each of your Notre Dame essays says something new. No two successful Notre Dame essays are the same, just like no two Notre Dame students are the same. Each Notre Dame supplemental essay should reveal who you are and what is important to you.

Want to learn more about the Notre Dame admissions process? Check out this Snapchat take over from a current Notre Dame admissions counselor for tips on essays and insight into the university’s wholistic application review process.

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

Notre Dame is an undoubtedly special university to attend. Don’t try to tell the admissions committee what you think they want to hear. Instead, be yourself and tell your story. Finally, do your research to make sure each of your Notre Dame supplemental essays shows why you belong at Notre Dame. Good luck!

Notre Dame supplemental essays guide image: a banner that says

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Notre Dame was written by Caroline Marapese , Notre Dame ’20. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Notre Dame, click here . Want help crafting your Notre Dame supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Notre Dame Essay Guide 2020-2021

In our University of Notre Dame essay guide, we’ll be diving into some tips to help future applicants best represent themselves with the supplemental essays. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana is a private institution with storied athletic programs and a robust Catholic values system. The University has maintained its status as a top 25 school according to the U.S. News & World Report, and is ranked #15 in the 2020 report. Approximately 8,600 undergraduate students call Notre Dame their “home under the dome.” The campus community is enriched by approximately 4,000 graduate students who engage with undergraduates through extracurriculars, research, athletics, and mentorship programs, among the countless other interactions on campus. With eight undergraduate colleges and several esteemed graduate schools such as the School of Law, School of Architecture, and the Mendoza College of Business, there is no shortage of opportunities to build community across academic disciplines and classes.

Life at Notre Dame

The residential life at Notre Dame truly embodies the University’s call to community. One of the first questions anyone you meet on campus or any alumni you speak with will ask is not, “What did you study?” but, “Where did you live?” Each of the 32 single-sex dorms on campus has its own traditions, history, chapel, and layout. Whether you’re a Flaherty Bear or a Siegfried Rambler, you will undoubtedly have a strong opinion about whether North or South Dining Hall is superior and engage in healthy competition through inter-hall sports and campus-wide competitions.

The six undergraduate colleges are the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Engineering, Mendoza College of Business, the College of Science, the School of Architecture, and the Keough School of Global Affairs. It is important to note that students in the School of Architecture complete a five-year curriculum and spend the entirety of their third academic year abroad in Rome, Italy. There are ample opportunities to pursue supplementary majors and minors in colleges other than the one you are in for your major, although it is not currently possible to double major in the Mendoza College of Business.

One of the most helpful tools to use prior to brainstorming your Notre Dame essays is the University mission statement . Notre Dame has an unparalleled dedication to service, community, and justice rooted in the University’s affiliation with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. One of the most pivotal sections of the mission states “…the University seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice.”

When reviewing applicants, admissions officers are seeking students who not only aspire to academic accolades and a successful future career, but also who will strive to use their education as a force for good once they graduate.

Prompt 1 [required]: What excites you about the University of Notre Dame that makes it stand out from other institutions? (200 words)

This question is essentially asking “Why Notre Dame?” The application readers want to gain insight into how you see the offerings and opportunities at Notre Dame fitting with your personal, academic, and professional goals.

Due to the 200 word limit, you must strike a careful balance of breadth and depth; the best way to accomplish this feat is to be specific . Notre Dame (or any other university) is not expecting seniors in high school to have their entire lives planned out, but they do want to see that you have thoughtfully considered how Notre Dame fits into your future and researched the University prior to applying.

Rather than writing, “I would make the most of the opportunity to join business clubs while pursuing a degree in Mendoza,” it would be more effective to write, “While pursuing a degree in accountancy, I will explore my interest in entrepreneurship by immersing myself in the workshops and venture competitions hosted by the IDEA Center.” Paint a cohesive picture so your application reader can imagine you engaging in the campus community instead of reading about your general interest in getting involved.

Another element to consider is Notre Dame’s unapologetically Catholic identity. In no way should you be discouraged from applying if you are not Catholic, and you should strive for the utmost authenticity in your response. If your religious identity is not part of the reason you are applying, don’t force it. However, it is necessary to think about the values of a Catholic university when answering this prompt and the other Notre Dame prompts. Human dignity, justice, community, and service to others are key tenets of the school and should not be overlooked or contradicted in your writing.

Ask yourself “What actually excites me about attending Notre Dame?” Instead of trying to get in the heads of the admissions officers, take a moment to genuinely reflect on why you are applying and your voice will shine through your writing.

Prompt 2 [choose 2, required]: Please choose two of the following prompts and respond in about 200 words:

Option a: the founder of the university of notre dame, father edward sorin, c.s.c., was only 28 when he established the university with the vision that it would become a “powerful means of doing good.” we have always known that young people can be catalysts for change. what is one way that you have made an impact in your community.

As I mentioned previously with regard to the mission statement, Notre Dame seeks students who are community-oriented. This prompt is seeking evidence of your active community membership and wants to know both how you will benefit from the community, and how you will contribute to it. Communities come in all shapes and sizes, so this essay is broader than it appears at first glance. Potential communities include but are not limited to your family, your friends, a sports team, a bible study, and a high school class.

Though the definition of “community” is broad, your discussion of your impact should be specific. Due to the 200 word limit, it is most effective to select one community to focus on for your response. Think about specific interactions you’ve had with others, moments where you realized the impact you were having on others, or communities that challenged you. Perhaps you have engaged across differences in community or been a role model for others. If possible, focus your response around an example of leadership. You don’t have to have an official title or be selected to be a leader; something as simple as a one-on-one interaction with someone could bear witness to your track record of impacting the communities to which you belong.

Many high schools require service hours to graduate and initiate school-wide service projects. If possible, avoid using these in your essays to maintain originality in your essay; use this as an opportunity to discuss community as it pertains uniquely to you. As commendable as Relay for Life or raising money for a 5k is, these are overused.

Option B: If you were to bring a new friend to your hometown and give them a personal tour, what is a meaningful place you would show them?

This prompt demonstrates the importance of planning and brainstorming your essays prior to selecting the ones you will actually write. A place in your hometown may be highly relevant to the community you considered writing about for Option A, but that essay may fit more closely with Option B. Both Option A and Option B are broad enough that many essays could work for both prompts, so be intentional with your planning.

The two key words in this prompt are “personal” and “meaningful.” Think about the places that have sentimental value for you – the places where important moments in your life occurred, or the places where you return frequently. Being specific is key to successfully answering this prompt. A “place” could be a museum or restaurant, but it could also be a specific park bench or an aisle in the grocery.

Effective writers will carry the perspective of the new friend throughout the essay instead of focusing on the details of the place itself. Many people could have pivotal conversations on that same park bench that you discuss, but why does it matter to you ? Put yourself in the position of actually explaining your selected place; you likely wouldn’t describe the place itself to your friend – you would describe its significance in your life.

Option C: Defend an unpopular opinion you hold.

This essay can be very impactful when well executed, but could harm your application if executed poorly. Think of an “unpopular” opinion as more or a less common twist on a perspective or idea, or as an opinion that has lesser known intricacies. Many truly unpopular opinions are unpopular because they reveal intolerance and other undesirable traits. In general, avoid discussing politics or attacking a specific person.

Most importantly, keep the Catholic values of Notre Dame, as revealed through their mission statement, in mind when articulating your opinion. This is particularly relevant for political and social issues, as Notre Dame is even more conservative than most religiously affiliated universities. Writing about an unpopular opinion that contradicts Notre Dame’s core Catholic values could be detrimental to your chance of admission. However, don’t simply pick a popular opinion or pick an overused unpopular opinion just to be safe. Be creative and original while being aware. As with most essays, the success of this essay hinges on how you frame your ideas.

Option D: Many high schools have books that are required reading. Thinking beyond the common examples, what book do you believe should be on your school’s reading list and why?

This essay prompt appears to be distinctly different from the other supplemental essays for Notre Dame; in reality, your proposed addition to your school’s reading list can say just as much about you as an explanation of a meaningful place in your hometown.

The “why” in the question is the most important element of this two-part prompt. When selecting your book, think beyond the title, the author, and the storyline. Evaluate what you learned from the book. Did you identify with the main character? Change your perspective on an important issue or life decision after reading it? Be creative in the type of book you select. Though most books read in class are typically fiction, don’t hesitate to select nonfiction, poetry, or even a book of speeches/essays. Select something that reveals your curiosities. What do you wish you had learned about in school? Be careful not to devote too many words to summarizing; one or two sentences should suffice. Instead, elaborate on what your choice of book reveals about you.

I highly recommend brainstorming for each of the four options for Prompt 2 prior to selecting the two that you will write. You may surprise yourself by having more to say about a prompt than you anticipated. Also, you should evaluate your application to Notre Dame as a whole and select the two prompts that allow you to say the most about yourself without being redundant with other essays.

If you are interested in spending your college career at Notre Dame, consider applying early action – 44% of the class of 2024 was admitted during the early cycle. The waitlist at Notre Dame is unpredictable and the number admitted off the waitlist varies greatly from year to year.

This essay guide was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘20. If you want to get help writing your Notre Dame application essays from Caroline or other CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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Can You Answer These Bizarre (But Real) College Essay Prompts?

10 AUG 2022

With the release of universities 2022-23 supplemental essay prompts, we take you through some of the most unusual and bizarre US college supplemental essay prompts of all time, featuring universities such as UChicago, Tufts University and UPenn.

To get into a top US college , you’re going to need more than stellar grades, test scores, common application and extracurricular achievements. You’ll have to demonstrate, in your supplemental essays, that you are the kind of mature, driven, interesting person that would thrive at the particular university. This is much easier said than done — standing out from the crowd with a unique college essay can be very difficult.

Luckily, over the years some colleges have given their applicants a helping hand on this point by providing some really bizarre essay prompts. These warrant truly inventive responses, and let applicants really show off their writing prowess, creativity, and individuality.

Here’s out our list of some of the most creative, unusual and bizarre supplemental essay prompts from all time. How would you have responded to these questions? Check it out below!

Bizzare Supplemental Essay Prompts in 2022

We thought that it would be a good idea to include some of the more creative supplemental essay prompts from this year’s admission cycle (2022-23). We hope that this gets the creative juices flowing and helps you get a good early start to the essays!

University of Chicago

What advice would a wisdom tooth have?

Chapman University

Name one dish you would cook for the school’s admission team.

Pomono College

Marvel or DC? Pepsi or Coke? Instagram or TikTok? What’s your favorite ‘this or that’ and which side do you choose?

University of Vermont

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you?

In approaching these essays, it's essential to keep in mind why they are important and how they add context to your application. Admissions officers at top universities look for candidates that display creativity, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and a unique perspective.

Unusual Supplemental Essay Prompts From Previous Years

When it comes to asking creative and wacky essay prompts, the University of Chicago is the leader. To come up with the best and most creative prompts, the college takes suggestions and inspiration from their own students, who are allowed to email their ideas annually. If you look on the UChicago website you can even see who submitted each essay prompt.

UChicago also allows you to answer a past prompt making these options for you to choose.

Due to a series of clerical errors, there is exactly one typo (an extra letter, a removed letter, or an altered letter) in the name of every department at the University of Chicago. Oops! Describe your new intended major. Why are you interested in it and what courses or areas of focus within it might you want to explore? Potential options include Commuter Science, Bromance Languages and Literatures, Pundamentals: Issues and Texts, Ant History…

This prompt was an excellent opportunity for students to show their creativity and humour, as well as their academic interests. The best ideas that we could find online were probably Visual Arms (Visual Arts) and Pig Problems (Big Problems).

Have you ever walked through the aisles of a warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club and wondered who would buy a jar of mustard a foot and a half tall? We’ve bought it, but it didn’t stop us from wondering about other things, like absurd eating contests, impulse buys, excess, unimagined uses for mustard, storage, preservatives, notions of bigness…and dozens of other ideas both silly and serious. Write an essay somehow inspired by super-huge mustard.

Have you ever written an essay about a giant jar of mustard? In 2004 UChicago applicants had their chance, and while there are absurd elements to the prompt, there are many creative and serious directions essays took.

The elusive goal of mathematics, but with no context. What is “x”, and how did prospective UChicago students find it? We’re sure the students brought in a novel discussion of a diverse array of mathematical theory, as well as philosophical and personal matters.

Elvis is alive! OK, maybe not, but here in the Office of College Admissions we are persuaded that current Elvis sightings in highway rest areas, grocery stores and Laundromats are part of a wider conspiracy involving five of the following: the metric system, the Mall of America, the crash of the Hindenburg, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, lint, J.D. Salinger and wax fruit. Help us get to the bottom of this evil plot by constructing your own theory of how and why five of these items and events are related. Your narrative may take any form you like, but try to keep your theory to under two pages.

If there were any conspiracy theorists applying to UChicago in 1999-2000, they would certainly have been in luck with this prompt. Who would have been the mastermind behind your evil plot?

Tufts University

If UChicago is the champ of creative college essay prompts, Tufts might be considered a close second. Check out their unique prompts below.

Kermit the Frog famously lamented, 'It's not easy being green.' Do you agree?

This prompt is inspired by a Muppets song, whereby Kermit laments how green seems to blend in with so many other ordinary things and how he thus fails to stand out from the crowd. Of course, many students in their essays took this quote in a totally different direction, demonstrating their critical thinking and creativity.

The ancient Romans started it when they coined the phrase “Carpe diem.” Jonathan Larson proclaimed “No day but today!” and most recently, Drake explained You Only Live Once (YOLO). Have you ever seized the day? Lived like there was no tomorrow? Or perhaps you plan to shout YOLO while jumping into something in the future. What does #YOLO mean to you?

Back when this prompt was released, Tufts’ #YOLO question caused quite a stir. Lee Coffin, the dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Tufts admitted that the question was inspired by his affinity for pop music and his desire for applicants to have some fun when they introduce themselves to Tufts.

It’s been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can cause a typhoon halfway around the world. History is filled with such linchpins – small events or decisions that have huge effects on the future. Make your own change somewhere in history and show us the effects on the world.

This is one for fans of alternative history, perhaps invoking visions of a distorted universe where life as we know it has taken a turn for the better or worse. Again, a challenge for applicants would have been how to say something about themselves and their interests in a creative way.

University of Southern California

(Short Answer) Hashtag to describe yourself

It is common for college essay prompts to have a few short answer questions to get to know the student. For a few years starting in 2017 USC adopted a unique question, making students describe themselves with a #hashtag as they would on twitter or instagram. But what a difficult task that is - how would you describe yourself with a single hashtag?

Wake Forest University

Give us your top ten list.

Many Buzzfeed enthusiasts applying to Wake Forest in 2017-18 would have enjoyed the opportunity to make a top-ten list about anything of their choosing. What topic would you have written about, and what does this say about you?

UC Berkeley

If any of these three inanimate objects could talk, how would your room, computer or car describe you?

Imagine all of the time you’ve spent in your room, at your computer or behind the wheel; these objects might be the only things in the world that know your real identity. This question would have certainly prompted some deep reflection from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business applicants.

University of Notre Dame

You have 150 words. Take a risk.

Students could have taken this anywhere - so long as what they wrote was risky. There are even reports that some students took the ultimate risk and wrote nothing at all.

University of Pennsylvania

You have just finished your 300-page autobiography. Please submit page 217.

This is an iconic prompt that UPenn asked for about 20 years. It encourages students to consider their story, and to use this to introduce themselves to UPenn. For added realism, many students liked to start their responses in the middle of a sentence.

So, How Do I Write the Essay?

Since more than three quarters of US universities no longer require students to take standardized tests, college essays are becoming increasingly important in your application.

The key piece of advice we give to our students is to start on these essays early. If you are applying to several universities, you will have many different supplemental essays to complete, as well as the common application essay . Many of our students attest that writing all of their essays is by far the most stressful part of the application, and a part of the application that is easy to neglect.

Our other key piece of advice is to make the content of each supplemental essay very specific to the university you are applying to. You need to do your research about what each university looks for in a candidate and show a clear desire to attend that particular university.

As the world’s leading university admissions support company, we at Crimson know how to approach each supplemental essay and maximise your chances of gaining admission to a top university.

If you want to feel confident when submitting your college application essay, get your essay reviewed by us at Crimson. Our experts have assisted students who have gained admission to Harvard , Yale , Princeton , Stanford , Oxford , Cambridge and many other top universities!

What Makes Crimson Different

Start Your Journey To A Top University Today!

Crimson students are up to 7x more likely to gain admission into their dream university. book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you, you may also like these articles:.

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The 2022-23 Short Answer Prompts: A Quick Guide from a Notre Dame
Required prompt for all applicants: Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? This is your opportunity to tell us "why Notre Dame."
The 2021 Short Answer Prompts
This year's prompts include a variety of questions that allow you to introduce yourself to us, including one required response and one more of your choice from the remaining three. The one required question we always ask is why you are submitting an application to Notre Dame.
University of Notre Dame 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
The University of Notre Dame Writing Supplement consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to one of four questions you select from a list of options provided. In total, you will write two (2) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay. Required Question:
2022-23 Notre Dame Supplemental Essays
Below are Notre Dame's supplemental prompts for the 2022-23 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one. Notre Dame Prompt #1 Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students.
How to Write the University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2022-2023
The University of Notre Dame has two required short essay prompts for all applicants. The first prompt asks applicants to share what excites them most about attending Notre Dame, while the second prompt allows applicants to choose one prompt from an option of four.
4 Tips for Writing Amazing Notre Dame Essays
Some of the Notre Dame supplement essays involve talking about similar topics to the Common App and Coalition App essay prompts. Make sure you choose a Notre Dame essay prompt that lets you talk about something fresh and new! #2: Brainstorm every prompt Take an afternoon and write down potential ideas for every prompt below.
What to Know about Notre Dame's Supplemental Essay Prompts
The late Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Notre Dame's president from 1953 to 1987, served as a trusted adviser to U.S. presidents and popes. A champion for human rights, Fr. Hesburgh was one of the architects of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
How to Write the University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays: Examples
Notre Dame University Supplemental Essay Prompt #1 Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? Notre Dame University Supplemental Essay Prompt #2 Additional Prompts - (You choose 1)
University of Notre Dame's 2022-23 Essay Prompts
University of Notre Dame's 2022-23 Essay Prompts Read our essay guide Why This College Short Response Required 200 Words Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?
Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2022-2023
The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2022-2023 are as follows: Required Question: Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? Additional Prompts (You choose 1):
University of Notre Dame 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
Supplemental Essay Type (s): Why, Oddball, Community The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and two (2) essay responses to questions you select from the options provided. In total, you will write three (3) essay responses.
Notre Dame Essay
Both of the Notre Dame supplemental essays are required for all applicants. The first Notre Dame essay prompt essentially asks, "Why Notre Dame?" The second of the required Notre Dame essays, however, is more open-ended. For the second essay, each applicant must choose one of four additional Notre Dame supplemental essay prompts to answer.
How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2021-2022
Prompts for the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2021-2022 The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and one (1) essay response to questions you select from the options provided. In total, you will write two (2) essay responses.
How to Write the University of Notre Dame Essays 2020-2021
University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays. Prompt 1: The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau, wrote, "We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.".
How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2020-2021
The University of Notre Dame Writing Supplement consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and two (2) essay responses to questions you select from the options provided. In total, you will write three (3) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay. Required Question
Notre Dame Supplemental Essays: 2021-22 Essay Guide
CollegeAdvisor.com's guide to the Notre Dame supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Notre Dame essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the Notre Dame essay prompts, create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
University of Notre Dame Essay Guide 2020-2021
This essay prompt appears to be distinctly different from the other supplemental essays for Notre Dame; in reality, your proposed addition to your school's reading list can say just as much about you as an explanation of a meaningful place in your hometown. The "why" in the question is the most important element of this two-part prompt.
Can You Answer These Bizarre (But Real) College Essay Prompts?
With the release of universities 2022-23 supplemental essay prompts, we take you through some of the most unusual and bizarre US college supplemental essay prompts of all time, featuring universities such as UChicago, Tufts University and UPenn. ... University of Notre Dame. You have 150 words. Take a risk. Students could have taken this ...