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How to Write the Indiana University Bloomington Essay 2023-2024

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University Bloomington — often known as IU — is a large public research university with a reputation of being known as a “ Public Ivy .” Offering a more affordable, yet intensive education, IU is a popular choice among applicants who are looking for a rigorous environment. The school is consistently ranked in the top 100 national universities.

With programs such as the Kelley School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, IU provides students with a wide array of academic opportunity. Beyond coursework, however, the university also boasts an active social life, with a decent portion of its student body participating in Greek life.

IU’s supplemental essay is an important part of the college application process. There is no need to worry — CollegeVine has prepared the following guide to help you tackle this essay.

Indiana University Bloomington Supplemental Essay Prompt

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interests (e.g., undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at indiana university. if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in completing your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words).

This prompt is essentially a “ Why This Major ?” and “ Why This College? ” essay combined. Readers are looking to understand which of IU’s programs and opportunities you will take advantage of to further your career. First, discuss your academic and career interests and goals; second, explain how Indiana University specifically would help you reach these aspirations.

The first part of this essay should ideally answer the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? This part of the essay should present a cohesive picture of your passion in a specific academic field. Start off with a personal anecdote that showcases your interest in a single course of study or future career.

Keep this introduction concise, yet vivid, grasping the reader’s attention. For example, you could begin with a description of performing the oboe in a dark, packed auditorium on a bright stage at the state symphony, or the immense pride and relief you feel after distributing the school newspaper you and your staff worked on for countless hours.

Next, detail your accomplishments and experience in this field — remember to show more than tell. Provide evidence of your interest through your actions during a research project or an extracurricular activity. For example, instead of saying “I like both science and art,” illustrate the year you spent researching the brain’s ability to store memories through Dali’s paintings, and how this caused you to view the process of recollection as more of an art rather than a hard science, leading to your desire to study both neuroscience and art history. Not only does this show your interest in both fields, it also implies you are curious and innovative.

This paragraph is also a chance to portray your ability to grow and conquer challenges in your given field. So, rather than writing “I won state for Mock Trial,” describe the struggles you overcame and the growth you experienced in your role as president of your school’s mock trial team. By weaving narration throughout the paragraph, you will be able to portray a more authentic and unique story.

Lastly, connect your aspirations to IU. Specificity is key here. Avoid being vague and general with sweeping statements like “Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business is perfect for me” or “As a student at IU, I could study abroad.” Vague statements demonstrate a lack of interest and lack of effort. Research and learn about the qualities and programs that make Indiana University unique and special to your needs. What are unique programs or extracurriculars at Indiana University, and what will they teach you? What is a quality of IU that is important to you? Avoid generic responses that could apply to any other university.

If you want to be an investment banker through Kelley, describe the focused skillset you will gain from the school’s investment banking workshop, or the network you will create from the small classes and tight-knit community of the Kelley Business Honors Program. An aspiring global correspondent could describe the IU’s worldly approach towards learning and interning in London through the Media School’s “Summer in London” program.

Your primary goal is to connect your accomplishments and aspirations with the opportunities that await you at IU; however, avoid listing every possible activity you could participate in and stay focused.

• Start with a personal, vivid anecdote conveying your interest in a single field.
• Share a narrative of you overcoming an obstacle in this field; provide evidence of your experience in this interest.
• Describe the essence or quality of a program or activity at IU that would help you grow in this area.

Where to Get Your IU Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your IU essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Ready to apply to IU? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re applying to college for the first time, transferring from another school, or going back to college, we can help you through the process. Here’s how it works.

How to apply to IU

Organize your info.

Before you start, you may want to make a list of all your senior-year classes and high school extracurricular activities so you’re ready to enter those in your application. Also consider whether you want to include your SAT and/or ACT test scores in your application. Test scores aren’t required to apply to IU, and admission decisions are always based on a range of factors, including your GPA, your high school courses, your extracurricular activities, your test scores (if you include them), and other achievements.

Interested in financial aid?

Your very first step is to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA may be available for you to complete as early as October 1 each year. This form is used to determine which federal grants and loans you qualify for to reduce your tuition and help you pay for college. Deadlines vary by campus, but the earlier you complete this form, the better!

To learn about other financial support options at IU, visit our Scholarships and Awards page .

Pick your campus(es)

You can apply to any IU campus using the Apply IU app. You can apply to as many campuses as you like. You’ll apply to one campus at a time, but you can resubmit the same application to each campus, plus any materials specific to that campus’s application. If required, you’ll pay one application fee based on where you apply.

If you only plan to apply to IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, and/or IU Northwest, you can choose to apply through the Common App .

If you want to earn your IU degree completely online, visit IU Online .

If you are applying for a graduate or professional program, visit that program’s website to find application instructions.

Applying from outside the U.S.?

You’ll pay an application fee for each campus you apply to.

Create your online application

Once you know what campuses you want to apply to, start your application. Remember that each campus accepts one or more of the following application types:

Review the table at the bottom of this page to find out which application types your campus(es) will accept.

Applying for a graduate or professional program?

Head straight to the Admissions website for the campus or program you’re interested in.

Start the application

Follow the on-screen guidance to complete your application. With Apply IU, you can save your application at any time (without submitting it) and finish it later.

Applying to IU Bloomington?

An essay is required as part of your application. If you are applying through the Common Application, you can choose from any of the essay prompts in the application. If you are applying through Apply IU, you’ll be asked to write a 200- to 400-word essay on a prompt you’ll see in the application, and you can upload the document directly to your application (look for “Essay Question” in the Additional Information section).

Tell us what majors or programs you’re interested in

You’ll be required to choose a major* you’re interested in at each campus (or a degree program** if you’re applying to IU Online). This just helps us to do a better job of guiding you based on your goals and interests. You can always change your major later.

*A major is a general area of focus for your undergraduate studies. **A degree program is a specific course of study for earning a certain degree.

Not sure what you want to major in?

That’s totally okay—lots of incoming students start college without declaring a major! Just look for the Undecided or Exploratory option, or choose a General Studies option. Your choice won’t affect your campus admission decision, and you’ll be able to choose a different major later if you change your mind.

Check your deadlines

If you’re applying to multiple campuses, they may have different application deadlines. You’ll want to submit your completed Apply IU application by the earliest deadline (see the application requirements table on this page for a handy list).

When can you expect to hear something?

You’ll hear directly from the campuses you applied to about decisions and next steps, but each IU campus has a slightly different schedule for reviewing and responding to applications. Head to the Admissions section of each campus’s website to find more info.

Application requirements by campus

Along with official transcripts, here’s what each individual IU campus requires. Remember that IU is test-optional, which means ACT and SAT scores are not required to apply.

NOTE: U.S. applicants will, if required, pay only one application fee for all campuses equal to the highest fee on the list of campuses they apply to. International students will pay a $65 application fee per campus. All fees are per term, so if you apply to IU again for another term, you’ll need to pay the application fee again.

While some campuses accept multiple application types, you only need to submit one.

For incoming first-year applications: If you want to apply to multiple campuses, you should complete the Apply IU application by the earliest deadline of the campuses you select.

*To be considered for IU Academic Scholarships, you must submit a complete application by the early action deadline, November 1. The early action deadline is non-binding, meaning that even if you’re accepted, you’re not required to enroll at IU Bloomington.

**If the campus you’re applying to has a Priority Admission deadline, this is the deadline to submit your application for scholarships and financial aid. If you miss this deadline, you may still be eligible for some scholarships or financial aid, but you’ll need to contact the Admissions office on that campus to confirm.

What’s next?

Learn more about paying for college, visiting IU campuses, or choosing a major.

Read about cost and financial aid

Find info on lowering your tuition and covering college costs.

Visit a campus

Find out about virtual and in-person campus visits.

Get tips for transfer applications

Learn more about applying as a transfer student.

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Indiana University-Bloomington (IU) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to write an Indiana University supplemental essay? CollegeAdvisor.com ’s guide to the Indiana University application essay will show you exactly how to write an engaging Indiana University supplemental essay and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help crafting your IU application essay, create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272 .

Indiana University Application Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• U.S. News considers Indiana University a more selective university.
• The IU acceptance rate is 80.4%.
• Indiana University is ranked #68 in the U.S. News list of National Universities.

Does Indiana University Require Essays?

Yes. In addition to the Personal Statement that you’ll write for the Common App or Coalition App , you’ll also complete one Indiana University supplement essay. Since there’s only one IU essay prompt, you should do everything you can to make sure your essay stands out. 

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

What is Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay?

There is only one school-specific IU essay prompt, which is required for all applicants. There are no additional IU supplemental essays for first-year applicants. Your Indiana University essay should be between 200 and 400 words. 

Indiana University application essays can cover a breadth of topics. Above all, the Indiana University application essay aims to help the admissions team get to know you. The IU essay prompt gives you the freedom to write about the topics that best illustrate who you are and how you will use an education from IU. Take advantage of the Indiana University application essay to maximize your admissions odds. 

How do I Write Indiana University’s Supplemental Essay: Question 1

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration. (400 word maximum)

This IU application essay is a combination of the classic “why college?” and “why major?” prompts. In 400 words, your Indiana University essay should clearly articulate your reasons for applying to Indiana University. It should also show your vision for your time as a Hoosier. 

The IU essay prompt also lets you discuss challenges that have impacted your education. Often, you can integrate these challenges into the narrative of your Indiana University essay since you overcame them in pursuit of your goals. Your IU application essay should focus on connecting your experiences to your future at Indiana University. 

When brainstorming for this IU essay prompt, ask yourself what you want to be when you grow up. Write down your dreams, goals, career interests, academic pursuits, and hobbies. When reading your IU supplemental essay, the admissions team should learn what is important to you and how you would spend your time on their campus.

An effective Why IU supplemental essay will think beyond the IU acceptance rate and Indiana University ranking. When answering this IU essay prompt, don’t just think about IU as a means to an end. Instead, think of this Indiana University application essay as a “why fit” essay. Your college experience is a two-way street; you will both contribute to and benefit from the IU community.

Tell a story

In your Indiana University application essay, try to tell a story. Your college essay shouldn’t read like a five-paragraph essay. To draw your reader in, try opening your IU supplemental essay with an anecdote. How can you immediately put the reader in your shoes? Establish an element of mystery? Dramatize your opening? Select a story that shows growth, curiosity, determination, or another positive trait that you’ll highlight in your Indiana University essay. 

In your IU application essay, make sure you include personal details. Whenever you make a claim about yourself in your Indiana University essay, provide examples to support it—show, don’t tell. If you write that you have an entrepreneurial spirit, back it up with a story from your life. If you include that you have a passion for mentoring others, provide a story from a time you mentored someone. IU does not expect that you will be involved in the same activities in college that you were in high school; still, your IU application essay should show the reader your character and skills. 

Be specific

As well as being personal, your Indiana University application essay should be specific. There are many great options for college, and you could succeed at many different schools. So, why do you want to attend IU? In your IU supplemental essay, strive to answer this question: How will the opportunities at IU make your goals a reality? There are countless majors and minors to choose from at Indiana University.  So, what will your educational path look like?

Do your research on reasons to attend IU. What specific classes, research opportunities, professors, clubs, and organizations will you take advantage of? When answering the IU essay prompt, clearly state how you would make the most of the specific opportunities you discuss. Don’t just name-drop professors. 

Writing a personal and specific Indiana University essay will help you stand out amidst thousands of other Indiana University application essays. Don’t write things in your Indiana University application essay that you could write about any other college. Conversely, avoid writing about topics that many students could also discuss in their Indiana University essays. 

Show don’t tell

Throughout your Indiana University essay, show instead of telling. This will help you convey the most interesting and effective story. When discussing a program that sparked your interest in your major when answering the IU essay prompt, paint the picture and help the reader understand your daily work. If you write about an extracurricular activity in your IU application essay, detail how it felt to accomplish something in that activity. Use vivid descriptions instead of just stating the facts.

When answering the IU essay prompt, make sure to clarify the stakes of your story. As you respond to the IU essay prompt, clarify why your interests matter. Why should the reader admit you? In your IU application essay, show the reader why accepting you would make IU a better place. Use your Indiana University application essay to highlight your potential!

Throughout your Indiana University application essay, use self-reflection to tell an authentic story. Discuss what matters to you and why. What values do you prioritize? Your IU supplement essay should emphasize your defining traits. 

In your Indiana University application essay, you should also avoid cliches. Don’t just name a program or extracurricular because it sounds impressive; authenticity will help your application the most. Also, avoid general statements about the school in your Indiana University essay as well as simple emotional appeals. Don’t just compliment the school—instead, discuss what you will bring to IU in your IU supplemental essay. 

Remember to discuss both your skills and IU’s offerings in your Indiana University application essay. College is a two-way street and “fit” is extremely important. So, use your IU supplemental essay to show how you would fit into the IU community.  

Indiana University Application Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Is your Indiana University supplemental essay both specific and personal?
• When discussing challenges, do you explain how you overcame them?
• Do you tell a cohesive and interesting story in your Indiana University essay?
• Did you proofread your IU application essay for grammar and clarity?

Additional Tips for Writing the Indiana University Application Essay

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise your IU application essay! Indiana University admissions has two deadlines : Early Action on November 1, 2021, and Regular Decision on February 1, 2022. 

Before submitting your application, think about how every aspect of it will be perceived by the IU admissions team. Do you tell them as much as you can about who you are? Make sure that your IU supplemental essay paints a clear picture of your goals, motivations, and future plans. Your IU application essay should be consistent with the rest of your application; it should also add details to your profile that the reader doesn’t glean from the rest of your application. 

What is the Acceptance Rate for IU?

The IU acceptance rate is approximately 80%. However, the IU acceptance rate for the Kelley School of Business as a freshman is around 40%. The median GPA for applicants accepted to IU for the fall 2021 class was 3.91, while the median SAT and ACT scores were 1300 and 29, respectively. Read the full list of admissions requirements here . 

Don’t focus too much on the IU acceptance rate. Instead, spend your energy making your Indiana University application essay the best it can be. Since so many factors impact the IU acceptance rate, focus on the ones within your control. 

Want more tips on how to use the IU acceptance rate (and any other school’s rate) to build your school list? Check out our expert’s guides on acceptance rates and rankings . 

Indiana University Application Essay – Final Thoughts

In your IU essay, be unique and original but also genuine and honest. Instead of trying to predict what the admissions team wants to hear, focus on telling your personal story. Do your research on your future major so you can connect yourself with opportunities at IU. Be clear, concise, and specific in your responses to the Indiana University essay prompt; you only get one chance! There is no cookie-cutter IU student, so highlight what makes you stand out. Good luck!

This guide was written by Caroline Marapese , Notre Dame ’22. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Indiana University, click here . Want help crafting your IU University supplemental essay? Create your account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Everything you need to know (and do) to transfer to IU Bloomington

IU Bloomington is a great place to finish your degree, and the campus welcomes approximately 1,000 transfer students each year.

Students who are enrolled at an accredited, two- or four-year college, including another IU campus, and meet published IU Bloomington eligibility requirements will be guaranteed admission to the IU Bloomington campus. Once admitted, students have the opportunity to pursue and complete the admission requirements for their preferred academic program.

Use the following step-by-step instructions to learn what you need to do before you start your application , when you are ready to apply , and after you have submitted your application .

International applicants should visit the Office of International Services .

Download our transfer guide

Get your copy of the IU Transfer Guide and learn more about applying for admission, transferring credits, and gaining admission to your school or college.

Ready to become a Hoosier?

Go straight to the Apply IU Application if you’re ready to apply to IU Bloomington as a transfer student.

Apply Today

Even though the June 1 deadline has passed, we are still accepting applications for fall 2024.

Before you apply

Before you begin the application process, learn what you need to do to get ready to apply.

Identify what kind of transfer student you are

If you’ve completed at least 12 semester hours of college coursework following your graduation from high school, you’re eligible to apply as a transfer student. If you have completed fewer than 12 semester hours, please complete the freshman application .

If you have completed fewer than 26 semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable college coursework, you also need to submit your official high school transcript as part of your application to IU.

If you have been a degree-seeking student at any IU campus, or any other regionally accredited two- or four-year institution, please complete the Apply IU application .

Know our deadlines

Find out when to apply, when you’ll be notified of acceptance, when you need to pay your enrollment deposit, and more. Please note that the deposit is nonrefundable and will be credited toward your first-semester tuition expenses.

See all deadlines

Review admission standards

These are the minimum requirements to transfer to IU Bloomington. In most cases, admitted students exceed these standards.

We pay particular attention to grade trends, your cumulative and most recent term grade point averages (GPA), and the breadth and depth of your previous college program. It’s also important that you have maintained good standing with your previous institution.

Grade trends

If you have grades that are consistently above average, or show steady improvement in a challenging academic program, your application will likely be competitive for admission. If your transcript shows declining grades, grades below C in the most recent term, or a less demanding academic program, we may ask you to take additional coursework to demonstrate your readiness to be successful at IU and reapply for admission for a future term.

Cumulative college grade point average (GPA)

• Indiana residents should have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0-point scale before applying to IU Bloomington.
• Nonresidents should have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Because of the competitive nature of our applicant pool, few transfers are admitted with a GPA below those listed above.

High school record

If you have completed fewer than 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of college coursework, your high school transcript will be reviewed as part of the holistic admissions process.

Generally, a transfer student who earned a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average and met the high school curriculum requirements set by faculty could be considered for transfer admission after only one semester of college level work after high school. Transfer students who earned less than a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average could still be considered based on a holistic review of their application and early success in college level work, including AP, IB, and Dual Credit earned while in high school, but may be asked to complete additional coursework at the college level prior to admission.

Please review the “When you Apply” section for details as to how to send your high school transcript.

Other decision-making factors

SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer students. However, you may submit test scores if you would like to have them considered as a part of your admissions review.

Self-reported race or ethnicity information will not be made available to individuals responsible for reviewing admission applications and/or making admission decisions.

Research academic programs

Before you apply, make sure you spend some time exploring our different schools and 200+ majors .

When you fill out your application, you’ll be asked to choose an intended major. If you know what you’d like to major in, select that major.

If you don’t know what you want to major in, that’s OK. IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students. It’s fine to spend time discovering the path that’s right for you. Indiana University promotes academic exploration above all else. It’s why over 40 percent of freshmen begin their studies in University Division (UD) , where they fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn more about our philosophy on academic exploration

Learn how transferring your credits will work

If you are admitted to IU, we will evaluate your transcript(s) to determine if your coursework from another institution translates into credit at IU Bloomington. You will receive an email with information on how to check your online transfer credit report via One.IU. It will take approximately four to six weeks to complete a transfer credit evaluation once a transcript arrives in our office.

Here are a few important notes about transfer credit:

• Only coursework earned at a regionally accredited institution will transfer.
• Only courses in which you received a C or higher will transfer.
• Transfer credit may count toward your degree at IU, but it will not count toward your GPA at IU.
• Individual schools and departments at IU determine how transferred credits will apply toward your degree requirements.
• Courses for which IU does not have an equivalent offering can sometimes be transferred as undistributed credits. Your academic advisor will be able to assist you with how undistributed credits may count toward your degree.
• Adult learners may be awarded credit based on assessment of non-academic prior learning experiences.
• Veterans may earn college credit for educational experiences in the armed services.

Learn more at our Credit Transfer Service

Review AP, IB, and other credit guides

IU awards AP and college credit that can help you get a head start on your degree program.

Read more about advanced placement, credit, and exemptions

Transferring from another IU campus

If you’re currently taking classes at one of our nine IU campuses , we invite you to apply to IU Bloomington! Every year, hundreds of students transfer to IU Bloomington from another IU campus.

Learn more about intercampus transfer

If you want to complete a summer class or a semester of coursework in Bloomington before returning to your home campus, learn about enrolling as a visiting student .

Find info for Guaranteed Admission, Indiana College Core (ICC), and Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP)

Students who earn the ICC milestone at any Indiana state public institution prior to enrolling at IU Bloomington would not be required to complete this general coursework at IU.

Learn more about ICC

Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) provides an opportunity for students to complete a bachelor’s degree at IU Bloomington in 60 credit hours, following completion of the corresponding TSAP associate degree at either Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. 

Learn more about TSAP

Indiana University Bloomington and Ivy Tech Community College have also collaborated to establish Guaranteed Admission Agreements in each of the following areas: Biology, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Informatics, and Psychology. 

The bachelor’s degrees earned by TSAP and Guaranteed Admission students at IU Bloomington are the same four-year degrees earned by students who matriculate as freshmen, and the degree requirements are also the same.

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission Agreements

Find Jacobs School of Music requirements

If you’re interested in the Jacobs School of Music, you may apply using the Apply IU Application . After your application, you must complete the Jacobs Schools of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Please Note:  The deadline to submit the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application is December 1.

Learn more about Jacobs School of Music requirements

When you apply

Find out what to do when you’re ready to send in your application.

Submit your complete application

Transfer applicants apply using the Apply IU Application.

Start your Apply IU Application

You will need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• The application. Transfer applicants apply using the Apply IU Application .
• IU specific-essay:  In 200–400 words, you’ll be asked to describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them. Find more information about completing your essay on our FAQ page .
• The $65 application fee. The application fee is nonrefundable. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .
• Your official college transcript(s) , which your college(s) should send directly to the IU Office of Admissions.

If you have completed fewer than 26 semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable college coursework, you also need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• Your official high school transcript , which your high school should send directly to the IU Office of Admissions.
• SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer students. However, you may submit test scores if you would like to have them considered as a part of your admission review.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .

Make sure you read through the information on this page and our FAQ page before you get started.

Request to have your transcript(s) sent

College transcripts

We require an official transcript from each college or university you have attended. If your school sends transcripts electronically and the transcript vendor requires an email address for delivery, please use [email protected] . You can also have your official transcript mailed to the following address:

Office of Admissions Indiana University Bloomington 940 E. Seventh Street Bloomington, IN 47405

High school transcripts

If you have completed fewer than 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of college coursework, we will review your high school transcript as part of the admissions process.

Ask your high school to send your transcript to the address noted on this page.

In general, if your high school record does not meet IU’s future freshman admission standards , you will not be considered for admission as a transfer student until you have completed at least 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable academic work at another institution.

After you apply

We’ll let you know if you’ve been accepted four to eight weeks after we receive all your application documents.

Check your application status and any needed materials

To check the status of your application, log in to your IU Portal. An email was sent to you once you started your application with login information.

In the IU Portal, you'll see a Checklist of any items our office still needs to receive. Please be aware that after your items are received, it may take up to four weeks for them to be updated in your Checklist. Please be patient and check back frequently.

To check the status of your application and your checklist

• Go to your IU Portal.
• Log in using the username and password you created.

If you have any outstanding items listed on your checklist, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please upload your items in the IU Portal or contact us if you have questions.

Create your IU computing account

Your University ID will be listed in your IU Portal. (If your university ID number is not listed, contact the Office of Admissions .) Use your university ID number to create your IU computing account , which will be used for important tasks during the admission process. Please note: This computing account is different than your IU Portal account and the account you created to apply.

If you have not set up your computing account to check your admission status, you can also use the steps below to take care of this task. If you already have a computing account, you can follow the prompts to create your IU email account. 

• Open Create My First IU Account in One.IU .
• Read and agree to the Guidelines for Appropriate Usage.
• Enroll in the Passphrase Self-Service Reset System . If you forget your passphrase, this tool will let you reset it yourself without having to visit a UITS Support Center location in person.
• Save or record your account information in a secure place. You will need this information each time you log in to your IU computing account.
• Exit. It may take up to 24 hours before you can log in to some services.

What to do if you have forgotten your ID or other information

• Forgot your 10-digit university ID number? If you are an ACP student, use the Information Recovery Form . All other students should first try the Student Self-Service University Lookup Form . If you still need assistance, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected] . (In order to help you, we will request additional information.)
• Forgot your username? Contact the UITS Support Center .
• Forgot your passphrase? Reset it here .

Please note that if you have previously been enrolled in or participated in a program at any IU campus and were given a 10-digit university ID number and username, you will use the same university ID number and username to access (or set up) your IU computing account.

Make changes to your application

To learn how to make changes to your application, visit the Make a Change to Your Application page . Please note that if you change your intended major, your application for admission will be reviewed again, even if you already received a decision.

Contact us with any questions

Cancel your application

If you’d like to cancel your application after you’ve applied, send a message using our contact form. Select "Application" as the topic, then choose "Cancellation" in the drop down menu and put your cancellation request in the comment box.

Access your Transfer Credit Report

If you are admitted, you will be able to access your detailed Transfer Credit Report approximately two to three weeks after admission. This report will list all courses taken at other institutions, indicate whether each course will transfer, and note the equivalent course at IU Bloomington for which you'll receive credit.

To view your Transfer Credit Report:

• Log in to One.IU .
• Type "transfer credits" into the search box at the top and click on the "Transfer Credits" app box.
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see how your course work from another college or university transferred to IU.

If you have general questions about transferring credits, please visit the Credit Transfer Service site or contact the Office of Admissions . If you have questions about a specific course equivalency or how your credits may count towards an IU degree, please contact the school or college in which you plan to enroll.

Admitted Students

If you’re admitted to IU Bloomington, you’ll need to reserve your space by indicating your intent to enroll.

Reserve your space

Campus safety and security reports

Indiana University’s annual security reports , which contain policy statements as well as crime and fire statistics for Indiana University campuses, are available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected] .

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Applying to optometry school

Applying to optometry school can be complicated, but we are here to help! Advisors at Health Professions & Prelaw Advising can help you develop your best strategy and troubleshoot problems you encounter in your application. Make sure to attend one of our Personal Statement Writing Workshops so you can get started early on your application essay.

Consult the information below for helpful advice.

OPTOMCAS application #

Applicants apply to optometry schools through an electronic, centralized application administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry called OptomCAS . Once you complete your OptomCAS application, it will be processed and sent to all the optometry schools you select to receive it. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United States participate in OptomCAS.

For the OptomCAS application you will create your own User Name and Password that will allow you to create your electronic application. You can log in, fill out part of the application, and save your changes before logging out. Once you are satisfied that everything is accurate and complete, you submit it electronically and it is sent to OptomCAS for processing.

Coursework section #

On the OptomCAS application, you will fill out information regarding every college course you have taken, so you will need to refer to transcripts from every college or university you have attended. You will also need to order official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended to be sent to the application service. At IU Bloomington, you can order your transcript from Student Central .

OptomCAS will not process your application without all of your transcripts. You can check the status of your online application to see if your transcripts have been received.

OptomCAS will verify that you have entered your coursework correctly on the application by matching your application against the transcripts from the colleges and universities you have attended. After OptomCAS processes your application, they will send it to the schools you have selected to receive it.

Experiences and achievements #

The OptomCAS application includes a section where you can provide information on experiences and achievements such as employment, extracurricular activities, optometric experience, shadowing, volunteering, awards and honors. Shadowing of optometrists should also be listed here. For further information, please refer to the application instructions on the OptomCAS website.

Supplemental program materials and personal essay #

The “Program Materials” section of the OptomCAS application will ask you to submit supplemental materials for each individual optometry school where you are applying.

In the “Program Materials” section, individual optometry schools will ask that you submit an essay. Most of the schools ask that you write an essay no more than 4500 characters (including spaces) responding to this prompt: “Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career goals.”

The admissions committee will read your essay to learn why you want to become an optometrist. An effective approach is to write about the series of events in your life that have led you to optometry. What started you on the path toward the goal of becoming an optometrist, and what kept you on that path once you started, even at times when it wasn’t easy? Drawing material from your prehealth journal can provide useful insights and help bring your writing to life.

Make sure to attend one of the Personal Statement Writing Workshops offered by Health Professions & Prelaw Advising to help you begin a draft of your essay. Schedule an appointment with a HPPLA advisor for feedback on a draft of your essay.

Letters of recommendation #

Optometry schools require that you submit letters of recommendation written by others on your behalf along with your application.  Letters of recommendation can provide admissions committees insight into your personal qualities. Recommendation letters can tell them about your communication and interpersonal skills, and your readiness for optometry school.

Developing relationships with your professors is an important part of your intellectual growth and will help you obtain strong letters of recommendation.

Optometry schools vary in their requirements for letters of recommendation. Most optometry schools will require a minimum of three letters of recommendation. The Indiana University School of Optometry requires three letters of recommendation. At least one should be from a science professor.

Consult the individual optometry school websites for information on the recommendations each school requires or reference the OptomCAS website's page on letters of recommendation .

Letters of recommendation are sent to optometry schools directly from the recommenders through the OptomCAS application system.  For more information please consult the instructions on the OptomCAS website.

On this page...

• OPTOMCAS application
• Coursework section
• Experiences and achievements
• Supplemental program materials and personal essay
• Letters of recommendation

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Our Analysis of the 2023-2024 Supplemental Essay Prompts

This year's batch of supplemental essay prompts was released on august 1st. here's what those prompts reveal about the changing priorities at colleges and universities..

Thanks to the perceived essay loophole Chief Justice Roberts’ Supreme Court decision language created—establishing that students can write about racial identity when tied to other experiences and characteristics—there has been much speculation that colleges would scramble to add diversity-related questions to their applications. Now that the Common App has reset for 2023-24, we can see colleges’ new supplemental questions. Did this bear out? So far, we’d say: yes. Yes it did. Here are a few overall trends and changes we’re noticing in the 2023-2024 supplemental essay prompts.

An increase in DEIB-related essays

This comes as no surprise. It’s important to note that many colleges already had prompts that asked students to reflect on their identities, on their communities, or on how they would contribute to diverse campuses; schools like Duke, Michigan, and Syracuse have included questions like this on their supplements for years now. But other schools have made notable changes since June’s decision: University of Miami, for example, replaced their question about the ibis (which, admittedly, we are not terribly sad to see go); American University scrapped their “why AU?”; and UVA retooled the essay questions they had only just retooled last year (even though UVA’s Dean J admitted she really liked last year’s version).

Here are the new versions of those schools’ supplemental essay questions:

University of Miami

“Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute. Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.” (max 250 words)

American University

“At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community.” (max 150 words)

All Applicants (300 words or less):

“What about your background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA?”

(…and read more about UVA’s new legacy-based optional question here ).

More choice for students

Many colleges who have introduced new questions have included these questions as one of several choices. BU, for example, introduced a new question—“Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?”—but kept their classic “Why BU?” as an alternative option. Offering prompt choices—which schools like Tufts, Boston College, Villanova, Emory, and University of Richmond have done for quite some time—allows for students to write about their identities if they wish and on their own terms.

…Except at Harvard

As one of the defendants in the Supreme Court case, Harvard has lots of eyes on its post-SCOTUS decision making. Its response to the decision? Eliminating the previous optional (er, “optional”) essay and instituting five required essays. Very Harvard of them. And yes, one of them is directly about diversity:

“Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?”

Less emphasis on “why us?” essays

While this isn’t true everywhere, we saw a few surprising changes at some “why us?” stalwarts. Perhaps most notably, Tulane’s “why us?” essay—which, for many years, famously had an 800-word limit—is now a mere 250. And while last year Tulane had three different robust supplemental essay questions, now it’s just the one. Truly, our jaws are on the floor (yes, at this time of year, this counts as Very Exciting News. We essay editors don’t get out much in August). Equally shocking: no “why Indiana?” question for Indiana University in Bloomington. In fact, no supplement at all! That’s one way to lower the barrier to entry and boost application numbers (just ask Northeastern).

For tips on how to tackle these essay questions, check out our College Essay Hub . And if you’re looking for more in-depth, one-on-one support, reach out to our college admissions team!

Caroline Hertz

2024-2025 Supplemental Essay Questions

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date July 29, 2024
• No Comments on 2024-2025 Supplemental Essay Questions

WHY SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS MATTER

While your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities paint a picture of your academic and social achievements, supplemental essays offer a platform to express your individuality. Admissions officers use these essays to understand who you are, what motivates you, and how you might contribute to their campus community.

Through your responses, you have the chance to demonstrate your writing skills, critical thinking, and genuine interest in the institutions to which you are applying. A well-written supplemental essay can tip the scales in your favor, providing context to your application and making a memorable impression.

2024-2024 SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS: A SNEAK PEEK

We are still seeing the effects of last year’s Supreme Court decision to overturn the legality of race-conscious admissions . Many colleges have reacted by using school-specific supplements to give students the opportunity to write about their lived experience, which may include their racial background.

To get you started, we’ve gathered a few examples of this year’s supplemental essay prompts from various top tier institutions with some ideas about how you might approach them:

University of Chicago:

• “Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”
• Known for their quirky prompts, UChicago encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. This prompt challenges you to think metaphorically and philosophically about language and history. Your response could explore themes of individuality, belonging, or the search for identity in a complex world.

Dartmouth College:

• There is a Quaker saying: Let your life speak. Describe the environment in which you were raised and the impact it has had on the person you are today.
• Dartmouth’s prompt emphasizes storytelling and cultural heritage. Whether you choose to write about a personal story, a family tradition, or a historical narrative, this essay provides an opportunity to highlight your background and the experiences that have shaped you.

Yale University:

• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
• This is a classic “Why Us?” essay, which requires thorough research and a personal connection to the institution. Articulate your passion for Yale, detailing specific programs, faculty, or opportunities that align with your academic and career goals.

Personal Boot Camp

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OUR WHOLE TEAM ON YOUR TEAM

For students seeking one-on-one guidance building a wise application strategy, deepening their academic niche and crafting authentic applications and essays, book a Personal Boot Camp and work with our expert team over an intensive, personalized three-day period.

Students who don’t require the immersive guidance of our Personal Boot Camp benefit from working one-on-one with our team of experts to craft unique, stand-out essays with our Essay Guidance Program . Or consider our Essay Guidance and Common App 911 bundle for a complete application package!

Essay Guidance

Get our expert guidance on your college essays.

THE VARIOUS APPLICATION PLATFORMS

• Coalition App  
• Universal College App  
• UC App (University of California system)
• UCAS (UK Schools)

Note: Some schools, like Georgetown University and MIT , use their own application. The University of California also uses their own application for all nine campuses.

We’ve provided a deep dive into both the Georgetown and MIT applications and offer customized guidance in their completion. For the UC network, we’ve gone a step further and created our official “Mysteries of the UC App,” exclusive to our Top Tier family! If you’re interested in Georgetown, MIT, UCLA , UC Berkeley or any of the remaining UC campuses, we can help with a step-by-step walkthrough of each!

Common App 911/UC App 911

Step-by-step strategic support.

2024-2025 SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS

We are compiling the 2024-2025 supplemental essay questions for you on our College Application Essay Prompts page and we’ll continue to update all supplements as they are released. In the comments, feel free to note any schools you’d like to see included.

Grades and scores are king in determining your range of schools. But keep in mind: once you’re in-range of a school, the authenticity, content and quality of your college essays MATTERS !

If you enjoyed this post, follow us on Instagram @toptieradmissions for more tips and subscribe to our blog for expert insights & college admissions news !

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Indiana University Bloomington - Supplemental

I remember looking at the CommonApp during the summer and seeing IU-Bloomington had a supplemental essay. Now, I'm ready to submit the application and I literally cannot find the supplemental anywhere on the CommonApp. Does anyone know if they removed it??

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Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | IUPUI

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | IUPUI?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | IUPUI’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

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?

Application Requirements

Applications for fall 2025 are open.

So, what goes into your application to Penn? We've broken down each component for you below!

To be Submitted BY Your Application Deadline:

Application forms.

Penn accepts applications from the Common App and Coalition Application . We have no preference for either format and treat both applications equally in our process. We encourage you to review the features of each application format and use the platform that suits you best. You should submit only one application per admissions cycle and not mix-and-match across platforms.

Penn is also a proud QuestBridge partner institution and participates in the National College Match program for high-achieving students with significant financial need. We will accept the QuestBridge Application from QuestBridge National College Match Finalists and non-finalists alike in lieu of the Common App or the Coalition Application.

We encourage you to learn more about QuestBridge and the National College Match program .

These applications will include prompts to share:

• autobiographical information about you and your family
• how you spend your time inside and outside of school
• your accomplishments
• your personal essay, which is sent to most schools

Application Fee or Fee Waiver

The application fee to apply to Penn is $75. If paying the application fee is a significant financial burden for you and your family, please request an application fee waiver through either your Common App or the Coalition Application in the “fee waiver” section.

Penn-Specific Essays and Short Answers

2024-25 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to a specific undergraduate school. Some of our coordinated dual-degree or specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree school choice.

Students will be asked to respond to the following three prompts in their application to Penn:

• Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, only required for first-year applicants)
• How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
• The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section).

Official High School Transcript and School Report (SR)

You will need to request that an official transcript is sent by a school counselor or another school official for all high schools you have attended. 

Your counselor will also need to submit a School Report form (available on the Common App or Coalition Application website). You may need to invite your school counselor or another school official to complete these steps.

Letters of Recommendation

Your counselor or another school official will need to send a Counselor Recommendation on your behalf. You will also need to request recommendation letters from two other teachers OR one teacher and a non-academic supporter.   

Early Decision Agreement (only if applying for Early Decision)

If you decide to apply through the Early Decision round, you, your parent or guardian, and your counselor will be prompted to sign and submit an Early Decision Agreement form which confirms you will attend Penn if you are admitted. 

Financial Aid Materials

To apply for financial aid, you will need to submit a separate application for aid in addition to your application for admission. Here’s what you’ll need to submit: 

• FAFSA 
• CSS Profile 
• Penn Financial Aid Supplement (PFAS) 
• Federal Tax Returns 

Standardized Testing (Optional for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle)

Penn will not require applicants to submit the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests for the 2024-25 application cycle. This applies to both first-year and transfer applicants. If you decide not to submit SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Test scores, you will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. Students who are able to take the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject Tests and wish to report them may continue with that plan.

• Early Decision: Last Test Dates Accepted—October 2024 (ACT) or November 2024 (SAT)
• Regular Decision: Last Test Dates Accepted—December 2024 (ACT) or December 2024 (SAT)

Alumni Conversations

Penn alumni make efforts to arrange informational conversations with applicants to provide an opportunity to get to know the Penn alumni community and for applicants to share information about themselves. These optional conversations are not evaluative and are subject to alumni volunteer availability . After you submit your application, keep an eye on your email for an invitation to interview with an alum. You are not required to have this conversation, but it can be a great opportunity to learn more about you, and for you to learn more about Penn! 

• Early Decision:  Mid-October–Early December 
• Regular Decision:  December–Early March 

Supplementary Materials (Optional)

All of the information that we feel is crucial in making an admission decision is included within our required documents. While most students who apply to Penn do not submit supplemental materials, you may choose to share other materials if you feel there is information essential to your application which was not able to be captured within the required documents. 

To be Submitted AFTER Your Application Deadline:

Mid-year report.

Ask your school counselor or another school official to complete and submit your mid-year school report when your grades become available. Your mid-year report should include your grades for the end of your first semester of 12th grade. If you have already completed high school by November/December and we already have your grades, you will not need to submit this.

• Early Decision:  Required by February 15, 2025 (for deferred applicants only) 
• Regular Decision:  Must be submitted directly by your high school as soon as mid-year grades are available 

Final Transcript (for matriculating students)

If you are accepted and decide to enroll at Penn, matriculating students must submit their final transcript for the end of their 12th grade semester in June. 

Verification Policy

All application materials, unless otherwise stated, must be official and sent directly to the University or the University’s designated application platform from an official source (e.g., high school), not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the following exceptions: submissions by government and partner organizations and/or submissions by non-profit, community-based organizations when schools are unable to provide this information on behalf of the student.  

Applicants are required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to the University of Pennsylvania. Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants and/or school officials may be required to assist Penn Admissions in the verification of application documents and statements.  

All applicants to the University of Pennsylvania must confirm on their application that they understand and agree to adhere to the above expectations. Questions about this policy can be directed to Penn Admissions at  [email protected] .  

Submitting Supporting Documents

If sending supporting documents via email, they should be sent to  [email protected] . 

If sending supporting documents via mail, they should be sent to:  3535 Market Street, Suite 850  Philadelphia, PA 19104 

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Admissions

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Ready to Write Your App Essays? Advice from an Admissions Counselor on the Notre Dame Supplement

Published: August 01, 2024

Author: Maria Finan

Now that the applications have officially opened for the 2024-2025 application cycle, you may be eager to dive into working on your essays. Hopefully, you’ve been able to spend some time thinking about your personal statement, which will be shared with all of the colleges you apply to this year. Like many universities, Notre Dame also has its own supplemental writing section , which gives applicants an opportunity to share more about themselves and what they’re looking for in their college experience.

You will respond to one (1) required short essay question and three (3) short-answer responses from the five options listed below.

You will have up to 150 words to respond to the short essay question, and 50-100 words to respond to the short answer questions.

There is no magic combination of questions that you should respond to—pick the prompts that will best enable you to share more about yourself, your values, and what makes you unique! We value each student’s distinct lived experiences and can’t wait to learn more about you from your supplemental responses.

If you’re struggling with what to write about, here are some suggestions to get you started!

The Short Essay - Required

Prompt: Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

This question is as much about you as it is about what you’re looking for from your college experience.

Think about what you’re looking for in your future university.

• Do you want to attend a faith-based Catholic university like Notre Dame?
• Are you drawn to a school that has a strong community and residential life experience?
• Does your future home need to be a place where serving others and working for the betterment of society are important values?
• Are you someone who wants to conduct undergraduate research?
• Do you want a spirited environment full of tradition and an engaged student body?
• Are you seeking a collaborative academic environment?
• What programs or activities or opportunities are you specifically hoping to participate in when you get to college?
• What values do you hold that you hope your future institution will also exemplify?

There’s no right answer to this prompt, but if you take some time to think about it, there are likely a few things that are driving you to apply to Notre Dame. Take this opportunity to reflect on them and share how you hope to engage with such “non-negotiable” factors during your time as an undergraduate student.

The Short Answer Questions - Choose 3

How does faith influence the decisions you make?

If faith is a guiding force in your life, this might be one of the questions you’re most excited to respond to this year. As a Catholic university, Notre Dame is guided by our Catholic faith, social teachings, mission, and the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Each student’s faith journey is unique and we invite you to share how faith influences the decisions you make. Whether you’re Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Protestant, another religion, or have your own distinctive version of faith and spirituality, we are excited to hear about how you are guided by your faith.

You may also want to reflect on how your faith has shaped your own sense of mission and values for your life, the role those have played in the decisions you have made, and the path you are hoping to take in the future.

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

There is only one you in the world and we want to hear about who you are and what has shaped you.

There are infinite life experiences that have helped make you who you are, so think about which people, places, communities, and life events have influenced your personal development. This is an opportunity to share your lived experiences with us and to reflect on how you hope to share who you are with the Notre Dame community. Don’t forget to tell us why this/these experiences have been so important in your life.

Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

For students applying to Notre Dame through QuestBridge, this is the second question you will respond to on the Notre Dame supplement.

This question is asking you to reflect on how you care for your community. This may be through service work, advocacy efforts, research with a social justice dimension, allyship actions, policy or curricular change, or even by dedicating your time to your community.

Consider community in a broad sense—it could be your family, your neighborhood, your town or city, your peers, your school, a religious organization, a local service organization, or something else entirely. If you are dedicating your heart and time to others, you are likely fostering service in your community.

What compliment are you most proud of receiving and why does it mean so much to you?

This is an opportunity to share something that someone else has recognized you for (it doesn’t need to be an accomplishment; it can be for an action you took or a trait that you possess).

Oftentimes, the compliments that are most meaningful and memorable are those that we receive for being ourselves. You may want to share who complimented you or what prompted the compliment. This is a moment to let others speak to something important about you and to tell us why that matters so much to you.

What would you fight for?

With the Fighting Irish as our mascot, the Notre Dame community is all about “fighting” for what matters. The University has shared over 100 stories about members of the Notre Dame family who are fighting to bring solutions to a world in need.

This is your opportunity to tell us what (or who) you would fight for at Notre Dame, in your career, in your community, through your research, or in whatever other space in which you hope to make an impact.

Give yourself time to think and write. The best responses usually aren’t the ones written the night before the deadline. Take some time to think about which questions you want to respond to and what you want to share about yourself and then give yourself time to write (and edit)!

It’s always easier to write too much than too little. We’re asking you to be brief in your responses, but it’s often easier to write a little too much and edit your responses down to focus on what’s most important. Make the most of the space you have to respond to these prompts.

Don’t be afraid to pick a different question. You have to respond to the short essay prompt, but if you’re stuck on writing a response to one of the short answer questions, try writing something for one of the other questions. Sometimes, the questions you think you want to respond to may not be the questions you have the best responses to (it’s okay to try different prompts and pick the ones that best reflect who you are and what you value).

Be your authentic self. We want to get to know the real you. The best questions for you to respond to are the ones that reveal your true self. We don’t have favorite questions, but you might just write one of our favorite responses!

Get started on the Notre Dame Writing Supplement.

Maria Finan is a senior assistant director of admissions and counselor for the Bay Area, California, Northern California, Hawaii, Alaska, Hong Kong, and South China. Learn more.

University of Vermont 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

University of Vermont 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 optional short answer of 500 words

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

UVM has come up with six very different prompts to help you show admissions a little bit more about who you are and what matters to you. So pick whichever question suits you and take this unique opportunity to speak to admissions in your own voice!

The optional short answer question is a chance for us to get to know you better–a wonderful way to share your interests while demonstrating your creativity. Applicants can submit their optional short answer through the Common Application or the Coalition Application; you can also submit it after the application deadline by uploading through your application status page.  

Answer one of the following questions:.

When all else fails, there’s always the classic Why essay. And we say this with praise! The why essay is not a fallback option, but it is a great choice for applicants who don’t feel inspired by the other prompts, or who just feel more inclined to plead their case in a more straightforward way. The secret to a successful why essay is research, so take some time to explore the school website or even visit campus and get to know all that UVM and Burlington have to offer. Jot down everything that excites you! When you have a solid list in hand, consider how it connects to your own interests and goals. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to find a way to lower your carbon footprint, and you see a lot of potential in studying Environmental Sciences at UVM and shopping at the Burlington Farmers Market. Just remember that the goal is to share something new about yourself, not to rattle off a list of facts about the school! Talk about your interests, goals, and dreams so admissions can understand what a UVM education will mean to you.

Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The “Save Our Swirled” flavor raises awareness of climate change, and “I Dough, I Dough” celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why? 

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Our mouths started watering just reading this prompt. Like with all Oddball prompts, admissions just wants to give you the opportunity to get creative and think outside the box. UVM is going a step further this year by also asking you to talk about an issue that is dear to your heart. Don’t get too caught up in crafting the perfect blend of sweet and salty; instead,  start by choosing the social issue that you’d like to raise awareness for and/or celebrate and then break down the elements and see if they relate to tastes. Let’s say your topic is wanting to close the gender pay gap. Maybe it’s called “82% Vanilla” (since, in 2022, it was reported that women make 82% on the dollar that men make on average) and it features a mostly vanilla base with a topping of chocolate fudge and cherry swirl that represent the 12% women deserve to reach equal pay. WIth a thin layer of crispy bruléed sugar on top to symbolize the glass ceiling that needs to be broken! There’s really no wrong way to answer this prompt, so long as you are being creative, true to yourself, and revealing new information about an issue that is important to you.

UVM is a community that celebrates the unique identity of every student, faculty and staff member. Tell us how your identities have shaped the ways you interact with the world. 

We all wear many hats, and UVM wants to hear about the ways in which your intersecting identities have shaped you. You’ll want to go beyond the standard “I’m a daughter/student/athlete” here and, instead, mine your life for other roles you play. Perhaps you’re a Vietnamese midwesterner foodie who can whip up fresh spring rolls with cilantro and shrimp for lunch and a steamy green bean casserole for dinner. How has cuisine and culture played a role in your identity and worldview? Maybe you’re a body-positive performer living with a physical disability who knows a thing or two about standing out in a crowd. How have the ways you move through the world and take up space impacted the way you interact with your surroundings? However your identities merge, get specific and explain what it’s like to be you and what the world looks like through your eyes.

From the Green Mountains to Lake Champlain to our campus, UVM students are inspired by our location to think about their relationship to the environment. What does your relationship with your environment look like? 

Calling all nature lovers! Do you feel a profound connection to this planet we call home? Then this prompt is for you. UVM is proud to exist among mountains, forests, and farms in Burlington, Vermont, and admissions wants to learn more about what the environment means to you. Whether you’ve always been the outdoorsy type—spending weekends camping, ice skating, or fishing—or you’re a city gal excited to study somewhere where you can bike, hike, and kayak all in one day, take this opportunity to elaborate on how your environment inspires you. Are you hoping to major in Environmental Studies? Do you like to sit in the woods, meditating on the breeze in the trees and how connected all living things are? Does nature ground you? Your experience with the environment is personal, and if you feel comfortable, admissions would like to hear about it in your own words.

If you could pick one song to be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be? What is your connection to the song?’

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey…Alright, fine, maaaybe that song is a bit cliché at this point. But don’t underestimate the first few songs that pop into your head. You don’t have to say that your soundtrack song would be “Requiem” by Mozart or something by Enya to impress admissions here (unless you really feel that way, and, if that’s the case, rock on 🤘). Be true to yourself. Maybe the soundtrack of your life would be “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, because A) you’ve been itching to explore the world since you could walk and B) you and your sister sing-scream it at the top of your lungs anytime it comes on in the car. Or perhaps your song would be “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys 🔥 because you’re a tenacious competitor who has always had the fire in her belly. Whichever song you choose, be sure to include a brief explanation of your selection that reveals your personal connection to it, as well as new information about your interests or personality.

What is your favorite sentence from your application essay?

This is a tricky prompt, and we’d recommend that you respond to one of the previous five options unless this one really jumps out at you. In responding to this prompt, you risk retreading some of the material you wrote about in your Common App essay , and thus, missing out on the opportunity to reveal new information about yourself to admissions. You also risk coming across as self-congratulatory, which you definitely want to avoid. If, however, you have an idea for how to expand upon a sentence from your personal statement that will offer admissions greater context as to your goals, worldview, and/or background, we encourage you to follow your instincts. Just make sure that this essay is about you and not your writing prowess!

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