Hidden Supplemental Essays: Don’t Forget to Answer these Hidden Supplements

Hidden Supplemental Essays: Don’t Forget to Answer these Hidden Supplements 

As we are nearing the due dates for early action and early decision essays, it’s important to make sure you have answered everything you need. Here is how to find those hidden supplements that will make you stand out from the rest. 

What Are Supplements or Supplemental Essays? 

Supplements are college-specific questions that often include a “Why us” and a “Why major essay.” Paired with these are short answer questions and essays that ask about how you will contribute to the college community. 

Where Can I Find Supplemental Essays and Hidden Essays? 

The College Information page will tell you what required prompts there are so you can use that as a guiding counter to see how many essays you will need to write. However, there are hidden supplemental essays that they do not list on the “College Information” page. Hidden supplements are often found after you select your major for that particular college. That’s why it’s important for you to fill out your application as early as you can so you are not surprised when the college presents a major-specific essay. They are often in the following sections: “Writing Supplement,” “Academics,” “Activities,” “General,” “Contacts,” and “Questions.” 

What Kinds of Questions Do They Ask? 

Since the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions, more schools are adding essays on identity and community. This is the colleges’ new way of finding out your demographic information and regardless of your personal background, it’s important to put your utmost effort in these essays as well. 

Hidden prompts generally pertain to the major. For example, Cornell’s 650 word essay does not appear on your application until after you have selected which college or school you are applying to. USC’s two 250 Viterbi School of Engineering prompts don’t appear until after you select an engineering major. Neither of these essays are listed on the College Information page, which can often be misleading. If you have not selected your major yet, it’s important to select it as soon as you can so you can allocate time for any additional essays. 

What to Consider When Writing Supplemental Essays 

You want to make sure your story is cohesive and presents a complex, holistic picture of who you are as a student, a member of your community, and prospective student at any college you are applying to. This will make you stand out. If you need guidance on how to write your supplemental essays and make you stand out, please feel free to reach out to us at SK Education. Our expert college counselors can help you personalize your story. 

Key Takeaways 

• Start early and fill in your answers to each question on every tab. 
• Hidden supplements can appear anywhere throughout the application.
• Most hidden supplements appear after you input your major.
• Make sure your essays are cohesive and consistent.