college essay guy rochester

College Essays: 4 Tips and Tricks

• Facebook Share on Facebook
• X/Twitter Share on Twitter
• LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn

Here are some tips and tricks for your college essays!

1. Be creative and take a risk

If your Common Application is slightly lacking extracurricular activities or you’re not as satisfied with your GPA, essays are a great outlet to make your application competitive. You need your essays to stand out and the best way to showcase this is to take risks with your writing. The best way to go about this is to be as honest with yourself as possible. Why do you really want to attend a certain university? What do you bring to the university? What makes you… you?

2. PROOFREAD

Not once, not twice, but a minimum of four to five times. Of course no one’s perfect, but a series of misspelled words carries through your entire application; it shows carelessness and tardiness. I strongly encourage you to read aloud your application multiple times prior to submission.

3. Revise and rewrite

Your first draft is never your best draft. Take time and work through your essays, paragraph by paragraph. Pay particular attention to grammar, sentence structure, and word choice. However, do not simply substitute words just because they sound “fancier.” It still has to make sense. “Astute” is a synonym for “intelligent,” but carries a much different meaning. It’s easy to spot such words. Your attempt to sound smarter can backfire quite easily. At the same time, do not shy away from such words! If “flabbergasted” describes the situation, use it! Just don’t bite off more than you can chew. 😉

4. Peer review

Getting insight from another individual can very useful. People can suggest remarks that you may have never thought of or had overlooked. The important things to note about peer review is that the remarks made are merely suggestions . If you disagree with a comment made, you are not obligated to make the said change. At the end of the day, it is still  your essay. I also suggest avoiding underclassmen edit your essays. If possible, have a teacher or qualified family member look over and provide feedback. It could even be your recommender!

All in all, the admissions process is extremely stressful. However, rest assured, everything will be okay. Every institution is comprised of individuals that are smart and talented. Your admittance or rejection into a certain university is not a reflection of your self-worth. It is not a reflection of your intelligence. That said, I wish you all best of luck with your application and hope to see some of you at Rochester soon!

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, need advice on writing the university of rochester essay.

I'm in the process of writing my application for the University of Rochester and I'm a little stuck with the essay part. Any tips or advice on what they might be looking for, or how to make my essay really stand out?

When approaching the University of Rochester essay, keep in mind that the admissions officers are looking for genuine interest, passion, and fit with the university's culture and values. Here are some tips to help your essay stand out:

1. Research the university: Get familiar with the University of Rochester's mission, values, academic programs, and campus life. This will help you write an essay that demonstrates a deep understanding of what the university has to offer and why you would be a good fit for the school.

2. Be specific: When writing about why you're interested in the University of Rochester, avoid general statements and cliches. Instead, mention specific programs, resources, or opportunities that the university offers that appeal to you. This could include research opportunities, faculty members you want to work with, or unique programs like the TAKE 5 Scholars Program.

3. Demonstrate passion: Show the admissions officers that you're genuinely passionate about the subjects you're studying or the extracurricular activities you're involved in. Make sure your essay tells a story that clearly conveys your interests and motivations, and how those passions align with what the University of Rochester has to offer.

4. Be yourself: Above all, be honest and authentic in your essay. The admissions officers want to get to know you and learn about your personality, values, and experiences. Make sure your essay reflects your true self and gives them a glimpse of what you would bring to their community.

5. Proofread and revise: Take the time to polish your essay by proofreading and revising it. This means checking for grammatical and punctuation errors, as well as making sure the essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your ideas.

6. Avoid cliche topics: Steer clear of overused topics or themes, such as writing about adjusting to a new place or learning a new language. Instead, focus on experiences that are unique to you and showcase your individuality.

Writing a strong University of Rochester essay isn't just about showing your academic prowess; it's also about demonstrating your personal qualities and how they align with the university's culture and values. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling essay that helps you stand out in the admissions process.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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

University of Rochester Essay Guide 2020-2021

University of Rochester is a well-ranked, mid-sized private research institution located in Rochester, New York. The undergraduate class of University of Rochester includes approximately 6500 students each year. In 2020, the acceptance rate was 29%. In this University of Rochester essay guide, we will give tips for applicants to best express themselves in their personal statements. 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.

Life as a University of Rochester Undergrad

The University of Rochester offers a well-rounded curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, with particularly strong departments in health sciences, optics, and music. The Rochester Curriculum does not consist of the typical general education curriculum that you might find at other schools. Instead, Rochester requires students to take “clusters” – sets of three courses united by one theme. In addition to several available themes, students are allowed to create their own, from medicine and inequality, to physics and philosophy. Undergraduate students are required to take classes in two areas, forming their cluster, and complete a writing requirement.

The undergraduate community at University of Rochester is tight-knit, with most activities happening on campus or in the nearby town. Students can be seen taking runs along the picturesque river on campus, or attending one of the many concerts or exhibits at Rochester’s own Memorial Art Gallery. One classic Rochester tradition is the Boar Head’s Dinner, where students line up in a procession, dressed in medieval clothing.

University of Rochester offers students a rich educational experience in the liberal arts and sciences. Its curriculum offers great flexibility for students to pursue their own passions and interests. The admissions officers at University of Rochester are selective, looking for candidates who are open-minded, interested in social activism, and intellectually curious. The supplementary essays provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you possess these qualities.

Prompt #1: The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” With that statement in mind, how will you use your University of Rochester experience to foster positive change in order to make the world, your community and those around you “ever better?”

You may answer one of three ways:

1. Essay Response: Write an analytical or creative response of 250 words or less.

2. Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

3. Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

The Admissions Office asks this question because they want to know that your intellectual curiosity and passions align with the learning goals and mission of University of Rochester. Offering three different ways to respond, this prompt is a unique take on the typical “Why School” essay. Your response should reveal that you are truly passionate about attending University of Rochester, and how you would contribute to the student community.

It is worth thinking carefully about which type of response you will choose for this prompt. What experiences in your application have not yet been elaborated on? Which type of answer would add the most to your application? If you’re considering multiple prompts, it might be worth drafting out several possibilities for each, and from there, deciding which one highlights your passions the most.

This may be self-evident, but the research and art questions, respectively, are geared towards students with those particular passions. Ultimately, connecting your passions back to the phrase “even better” is essential – you should explicitly relate your personal work and/or experiences to community engagement and the ways in which you are addressing issues in the world.

I decided to answer the research prompt. The wording of this prompt has changed slightly since my application cycle, but is ultimately very similar in style. My abstract was from a research program that I participated in the summer after my junior year, in the field of bioengineering with a focus on specialized forms of microscopy.

Editing the abstract so that a lay person would be able to understand your work, and the purpose of your work, is of utmost importance. In my abstract, I began with a description of the project I had been assigned to – imaging of a very particular molecule in our bodies. When you introduce the research, be sure to convey your passion and how you believe your work can impact or contribute to the field.

After doing more research, I found that this molecule, in its own way, had direct connections to certain spinal diseases that were chronic and often degenerative, slowly leading to a loss of movement in one’s limbs. In my essay, I then elaborated more on the details of the project , such as the skills I learned along the way in utilizing the cryo-electron microscope and preparing specimens, as well as learning to use imaging software.

Finally, finding a way to connect your research and its goals to University of Rochester is essential. Aim for detail and specificity — before you write your essay, visit the University of Rochester’s website to learn more about faculty members, academics, and even campus life. Make a list of the aspects, classes, or people that draw you to University of Rochester, and try to incorporate these into your essay.

I indicated that although I did not wish to pursue imaging specifically, I was able to name a specific professor that I was interested in learning from and working with, using the skills I’ve learned and the passion I gained for research. A direct connection from your past research experience to how you would contribute as a student researcher at University of Rochester in the future will help you best answer the “Why School” portion of the prompt.

This essay guide was written by Katie Chiou, Brown University ‘21. If you want to get help writing your University of Rochester application essays from Katie or other CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

• College Applications
• Standardized Tests
• Extracurriculars

University of Rochester essays

How to Write the University of Rochester Application Essay 2017-2018 College Essays , Essay Breakdowns 5 min read

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

How to Respond to the 2023/2024 University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

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

Learn about our editorial policies

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

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

The University of Rochester is located in upstate New York and is the home of “Rocky the Yellowjacket.” So, we bet you are buzzing to get into the University of Rochester, and that will require knowing how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts.

So, how can you make your responses stand out? Read more in our guide for how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts! 

Breaking down the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts

The University of Rochester offers applicants two mandatory University of Rochester supplemental essay questions they will have to respond to. However, there are a few options under each supplemental essay question that applicants can choose from. 

The first essay is one question that offers the following options to respond to: 

• Essay response
• Creative response
• Research response

The first essay needs to be completed in 200 words or less. This is not a lot of words! So, plan out your responses thoughtfully. You want to make sure that you are not repeating yourself, but instead, are revealing your interests and personality throughout your response.

Adding on to that, be sure you are selecting an option for essay 1 that stands out to you. You want to be as authentic as possible when responding to these questions. 

The second essay is a choice of three prompts. Essay 2 will need to be completed in 200 words or less as well. So, be sure both of your answers to Essay 1 and 2 reveal different pieces of information about yourself. 

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

“Get Inspired” TikTok Scholarship

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship

“Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (200-word limit).

You may answer this question in one of three ways: 

• Essay response : Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less
• Creative response : Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”
• Research Response : Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Essay response option

Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less

If you choose to select the essay response option, make sure that you are brainstorming and outlining your response from the start. 

The core values of the University of Rochester are blatantly laid out in this question. Therefore, make sure you understand them! Figure out which characteristics best represent yourself. 

To make this essay response very easy for you, write down a list of all of University of Rochester’s core values and then write down a time in which you possessed these values. For example, you can write about how becoming the captain of your varsity basketball team in high school helped you learn responsibility  and reap the benefits of being a leader. 

Completing this brainstorming method for each core value will help you narrow down the best narratives and examples of the traits that you possess. 

Once you create this list, select one core value from it that best represents “you.” Remember, there are only 200 words allowed for this response so selecting one will allow you plenty of room to add necessary details. 

After choosing this one core value, describe the narrative that best shows a time in which you displayed this core value. Be creative in your storytelling while also highlighting what you have learned from this experience. 

You do not want to just hype yourself up, but rather, detail how you learned an important lesson. In addition, you want to describe how this characteristic makes yourself, the community, and even the world a better place. 

Creative response option

Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

This response quite literally provides you with a lot of creativity. The University of Rochester is allowing you the freedom to show off your artistic and creative talents. Therefore, select a piece of work that is meaningful to you. 

Remember, although this response allows a lot of creative freedom, it is still a part of Essay 1. Therefore, be sure you are connecting your piece of art back to the essay at hand. Be sure to link your work to one of University of Rochester’s core values. 

Remember, do not upload something that you are not proud of or haven’t created completely by yourself–you want your authentic self to shine through! 

Research response option

Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

U of R is known for partaking in world-class research. Therefore, it is understandable why they would offer a research option for one of their responses to their supplemental essay question. 

If you completed any research in high school or have any published research, now would be the time to share it! This will definitely give you a leg up on the competition and show the University of Rochester that you will fit in amazingly at their institution. 

If you have not completed any research, do not worry (most high school students have not!). Therefore, it may make more sense to complete one of the other options. 

For the second University of Rochester supplemental essay, you’ll choose between one of three prompts to respond to.

American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman, Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education, by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and your world.

The University of Rochester is unique in the fact that it offers “curricular flexibility.” This means that U of R gives students the opportunity to double major, study abroad, take fun electives, and much more without falling behind. Be sure you are doing your research on the University of Rochester prior to applying and answering their supplemental essay questions. 

After researching the University of Rochester, you should begin writing your response to this essay question. The first thing you should highlight is what education means to you. 

Think about the following questions to help spark some ideas: 

• Why do you want to go to college? 
• What does higher education mean to you? 
• How has education helped your life so far? 

Detail how important and thankful you are for your educational opportunities. You should then highlight how U of R’s flexible curriculum will continue to help you achieve your goals. 

You could even describe a narrative detailing when you realized how important public programs for the needy are after volunteering at a soup kitchen. This can reveal how you learned from your experiences and want to continue to pursue your education at the University of Rochester to help others. 

Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique experiences will you bring to our community?

Everyone is different. So, how do you differ from everyone else? What makes you special? How can you continue to thrive while at the University of Rochester? This is the core of this question. 

To begin this prompt, you should reveal a quirk of yours. What makes you stand out from others? You should narrate a concise story that reveals this passion or interest of yours that makes you – you ! 

After, this is a perfect opportunity to reveal how well you did your research on the University of Rochester’s clubs and organizations. You should connect your quirk to an extracurricular offered at the University of Rochester! 

For example, maybe what makes you unique is that you love to go for runs because it helps calm you down and gives you the chance to see new scenery. Therefore, you are so excited to join the University of Rochester running club to meet like-minded running friends. 

It is important to connect what makes you unique to aspects of the University of Rochester that will allow you to thrive!

The University of Rochester benefactor entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist, George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have, what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward toward your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester? What will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

This question is very similar to option 2. The University of Rochester wants to get to know applicants by understanding what they will take part in while at their university. 

So, write what makes you excited about attending the University of Rochester! Detail specific examples of things that you want to participate in. For example, share about specific courses, clubs, or even something nearby such as a nature walk you want to go on!

The most important thing is that you are writing about something you are genuinely excited about and makes you want to attend the University of Rochester over other schools. 

Remember, take the time to find the specific names of clubs and explain why that particular organization at U of R will help you grow as a person. 

Final thoughts on the University of Rochester supplemental essays 

The University of Rochester’s supplemental essays can be quite overwhelming. However, when it really comes down to it there are just 2 essays you need to write! Therefore, do not get caught up on all of the options presented.

Rather, take it slow! Read each question and its options carefully and select the option that most closely aligns with your interests. If you do not immediately connect with a prompt do not select it! 

Once you have narrowed down your options to just your Essay 1 and 2 questions, begin to brainstorm and plan out what you want to write about! 

The most important thing is that you have done your research prior to answering the questions. This will ensure that you are prepared to name drop any organizations you are excited to participate in. 

Once you have done your research and selected your options, you are ready to respond to the questions! Best of luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to the University of Rochester

Once you have completed the University of Rochester supplemental essay questions, have a trusted person read over your responses to check: 

• For any spelling or grammar errors
• Repetition throughout your responses
• That your responses answer the questions

Now it is officially time to submit your University of Rochester application. Good job! Be sure check for any updates to your application status by looking at your: 

• University of Rochester portal
• Social media accounts run by University of Rochester

Additional resources

Before submitting your University of Rochester application, make sure that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect also! 

Have you taken the ACT or SAT ? If you are curious about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Check out our free scholarship search tool to help you afford your education. Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Frequently asked questions about responding to the university of Rochester essay prompts

How many supplemental essay prompts does the university of rochester have, when are the application deadlines for the university of rochester, are there any helpful tips for making my essay stand out from other applicants, is there a right option to select for the university of rochester essays, scholarships360 recommended.

10 Tips for Successful College Applications

Coalition vs. Common App: What is the difference?

College Application Deadlines 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Trending now.

How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion: Predict Your Score

What are Public Ivy League Schools?

3 reasons to join scholarships360.

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (51)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, carnegie mellon university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, clemson university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, coastal carolina university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of charleston 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, colorado college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, colorado school of mines 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, columbia university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, cornell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, dartmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, davidson college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, dickinson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, drexel university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, duke university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, elon university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emerson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, emory university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, flagler college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, fordham university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, george mason university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2024-25 essay prompt guide, georgia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, hamilton college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvard university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvey mudd college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, ithaca college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, malone university 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 2023-24 essay prompt guide, meredith college 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, northwestern university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, penn state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, roger williams university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, seattle university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, stanford university 2024-25 supplemental essay and short questions guide, stevens institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, the george washington university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, trinity college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of california (uc) 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts lowell 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of mount saint vincent 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina (unc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of san francisco 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california (usc) 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington university in st. louis 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, williams college 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide.

Contact us to learn more about our one-on-one advising services!

• I am a * Parent Potential Partner School Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which kind of private school application are you working on? * Preschool Primary School (K - 8) High School (9 - 12)
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• YouTube Tutorials
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Search Rochester.edu

• Preparing Your Submission

Essay Writing

Each fellowship or scholarship will require you to write at least one essay, which is arguably the most important part of many competitive awards.

This essay is your opportunity to explain to the fellowship selection committee:

• Who you are and how you became that way
• What's important to you and why
• Your short- and long-term goals and aspirations
• Why you are an excellent candidate
• Why your project is sound and vitally important
• How you embody the values that the fellowship program seeks to promote

Because of the emphasis placed on the essay, it is important to allow sufficient time to think about, write, obtain critical feedback on, and revise your essay so that it covers what is requested and reflects you at your best.

Before you get started writing, you’ll want to read the essay question very carefully. Typically, essay questions are comprehensive and fairly open-ended. If you address all the points thoroughly, your essay could go on for pages. Identify the most important points of the question–the points most relevant to you–and concentrate on those.

How to begin writing your essay:

• Organize your thoughts and make an outline.
• Just write. Don’t worry about the prescribed length of the essay. At this stage, you want to include everything. It is much easier to delete than to add.
• Look at the binders of essays submitted by past University of Rochester fellowship applicants.
• Identify faculty members who are willing to advise you and assist you as you write your essay.
• Consult with the fellowships coordinator throughout the process.

Revise, revise, revise. Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer once said, "There is no such thing as good writing–only good rewriting." You are strongly encouraged to establish a relationship early with a writing tutor from the Writing, Speaking and Argument Program .

We also recommend getting critical feedback on your essay from professors, mentors, the fellowships coordinator, a writing consultant, and friends who know you well. Consider their comments and suggestions as you revise your work.

When editing for content you’ll want to think about the following questions:

• Have you answered the questions?
• Are your facts accurate?
• Are all proper names spelled correctly?
• Did you spell out acronyms the first time you use them?

Also, please keep in mind that while your readers will be intelligent and well-educated, but not necessarily experts in your field; use jargon sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

You’ll also want to check the balance of your essay. Be sure that you have spent the most space in your essay discussing the most important thing.

Grammar and Style

It’s important to edit for grammar, tone, style, and usage. When editing you’ll want to make sure you:

• Avoid using contractions in formal writing
• Use active voice instead of passive voice wherever possible
• Make sure the transitions between sections are as smooth as possible
• Remember that specific examples are better than generalizations

Even if your essay is not too long, be sure that you have a concisely-worded document. If you can remove words without changing your meaning, do so. Then use the newly-created space to add more information to your essay. However, be cautious in including information in your essay that appears elsewhere in the application; once is enough for most items.

Make sure your essay adheres to any restrictions on the font or type size used.

Do not rely on the spell-checker in your word processing program. Review meticulously for correct grammar and usage. Look carefully at punctuation and spacing. Check for consistency in style and formatting. Presentation is critical.

Before submitting your essay:

• Make copies of the essay, if needed. Remember to make an extra copy for yourself.
• Follow the instructions from the fellowship sponsors as to signing, dating, and certifying the essay. (Each fellowship differs) You may need to sign, date, and certify each copy separately.