top colleges that do not require supplemental essays

33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

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

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Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

We recommend that most students apply to 8-12 colleges —typically at least two safeties, four targets, and two reaches. This strategy boosts a student’s odds of getting into multiple schools, increases their options, and even offers leverage to negotiate for more financial aid. 

Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don’t have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or personal statement, if you’re looking for schools to balance out your list without the additional writing.

Below is a list of 45 liberal arts colleges and universities without essay supplements. The list isn’t comprehensive, but it covers a spectrum of schools of varied selectivity. The list does not include any schools with optional essays, which are something we always encourage applicants to complete. 

Top Liberal Arts Colleges Without a Supplemental Essay Requirement

Update: We removed Grinnell College and Colgate University from this list because they’ve historically sent optional supplements to students after they applied.

Top Research Universities Without a Supplemental Essay Requirement

Should you only apply to schools with no supplement.

Applying only to schools with no supplement would limit your options severely, so we don’t recommend it. That said, supplements can serve as a litmus test for how much you care about a particular college. If you’re really excited to attend a particular college, you’re more likely not to mind extra application work (after all, it’s a chance to show a college why they should accept you). Conversely, if you’re turned off by writing a supplemental essay, it could indicate that you’re not as excited about a school as you thought you were.

Some essay prompts also give you insight into the personality of a college. For example, the University of Chicago is known for its quirky essay prompts—the 2021-2022 supplement has applicants explore ideas like What if the moon were made of cheese? and What’s so easy about pie? If UChicago’s unorthodox essay prompts make you cringe, it’s a possible sign that the school’s culture isn’t right for you. If they excite and inspire you, you could be a perfect fit.

Overall, a college’s essay requirements should not be a major deciding factor as to whether or not you apply to a school (unless you’re truly short on time). What’s most important is whether or not you will fit with the school academically and socially . Consider things like:

• Do you match the stats for admitted students? 
• Does the school offer strong programs in your areas of interest? 
• Are there resources to support your unique values and pursuits outside of the classroom? 
• Is the school located somewhere desirable for you? 

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance at these Schools?

If you’re trying to round out your school list, it’s important to know whether a particular school is a reach, target, or safety. CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing engine considers factors such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities to estimate your odds at hundreds of colleges across the country, along with providing tips to strengthen your profile.

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10 Amazing Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

Conventional wisdom claims that college hopefuls should apply to 12-15 schools to best increase their chances of getting into an institution that is a good fit for them. 

But it can be difficult for a lot of students to imagine pulling that off without such a process requiring months of laborious application crafting. 

Why? So many schools require their applicants to write pages upon pages of supplemental application materials. 

On top of this, many students won’t know what college they want to go to until they hear back from several schools regarding different scholarships and opportunities available to them. 

With some estimates showing that up to 55% of high school students feel unprepared for college, and up to 50% of college freshmen are undecided about their major, uncertainty is widespread during the college application process. 

It is only natural, then, that such a big decision would be made easier if students were able to compare and contrast many options after casting a wide net.

In trying to cast that wide net, some might think that the best schools must have the longest applications. But that isn’t always the case. 

This article breaks down 10 amazing schools that don’t require that students spend extra hours crafting an unnecessarily large number of supplemental essays. The following schools may require personal statements, but nothing beyond that. 

In laying out this list, this article shows that it’s a misconception that good schools must have time-consuming applications. 

As students begin to create their wide nets, any one of these schools would be fantastic additions that require little extra time spent on application-crafting.

University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

The University of Minnesota is the flagship institution of the Minnesota university system. Ranked 24th in academic and research excellence in the 2021 Shanghai Ranking, this campus, nestled within the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, has produced 26 Nobel Prize-winning alumni, 3 Pulitzer Prizes , 25 Rhodes scholars , and about 130 Fulbright recipients. 

The University of Minnesota has an especially impressive Ecology department, ranked second globally, alongside the world’s 10th best Management department, and the 11th best Biotechnology department. 

The University of Minnesota is also home to institutes specifically designed for the study of Law and the Environment, Cognitive Sciences, Translational Neuroscience, Environmental study, Population studies, and more , assuring that students interested in these fields of study have a home on campus.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

The University of Denver is a private research university in Denver, Colorado with incredibly strong Creative Writing, Astronomy, and Study Abroad departments. 

Denver is home to one of the nation’s oldest Creative Writing programs, founded by renowned novelist John Edward Williams in 1966. 

Their English department is also home to one of the most respected college literary magazines in the country, The Denver Quarterly. 

For students hoping to study abroad, Denver has one of the most robust study abroad programs in the world, with some classes having up to 71% of their students being offered the chance to study abroad. 

Finally, students interested in studying the heavens will have an unparalleled experience at Denver, as they have the 11th highest telescope in the world in terms of altitude at the Meyer-Womble Observatory . 

Furman University (Greenville, SC)

Furman University is the oldest university in South Carolina, and is frequently ranked as one of the top universities in the Southern United States. 

Students hoping to work towards a more sustainable future will find a home at Furman University. Furman University, lead by the Shi Institute for Sustainability, has won several awards for its sustainability initiatives, including Furman being ranked by the AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index as being the 10th most sustainable campus for all baccalaureate institutions. Furman also received the AASHE’s National Campus Sustainability Achievement Award in 2016.

For those looking to experience the serenity and beauty that a college campus can often provide to best enhance the overall student experience, Furman is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world, with USA Today ranking Furman as 4th in the nation in 2016.

Juniata College (Huntingdon, PA)

Juniata College offers its students a truly one of a kind experience by having its student not declare a major, but instead, a “ Program of Emphasis ,” through which students have the opportunity to create their own, self-designed major. 

Students may choose from a set of pre-planned Programs of Emphasis or create their own. 

In this way, Juniata gives students unique opportunities for academic exploration due to its more flexible curriculum requirements. 

Nearly forty-five percent of Juniata students design their own program of emphasis.

Furthermore, Juniata has truly unique college-wide events which give the school a charming feeling of community. 

The Madrigal Dinner , for example, features up to 700 students tenting outside Ellis Hall for up to a week for the chance at being the first in line for a massive, campus-wide feast. 

Juniata has several unique celebrations of this sort, and a wonderful community atmosphere.

Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY)

Skidmore College is considered one of the nation’s “ New Ivies .” Ranked as the 38th best liberal arts college in the United States, Skidmore College earns its reputation as one of the most prestigious in the nation. 

Skidmore has one of the most robust Student Media infrastructures in the country. With the Salmagundi, a literary journal that has published the likes of Christopher Hitchens and Seamus Heaney, The Skidmore News, The Skidmo’ Daily, SkidTV, and more, those hoping to get hands-on experience with media production will have all the tools available to them to succeed at Skidmore. 

With a focus on promoting creative thought, Skidmore provides its students state of the art artistic facilities via multi-million dollar theaters, music halls, and art galleries, so that those interested in honing their creative abilities can experience some of the absolute highest quality artistic institutions in the country.

Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, which is second to none in enhancing their students’ education via internships, academics-related jobs, and career services.

Regularly ranked #1 in the country for Best Co-Ops/Internships by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review, and ranked as having the best career services department in the nation by the Princeton review, those hoping to kick-start their career with on-the-ground employment/experience will be in wonderful hands at Northeastern.

Northeastern has one of the world’s largest and oldest co-op programs. In a co-op, students alternate between a semester of study and a semester of relevant work/internship experience, which is typically paid. 

While working, students do not pay tuition, and thus many students at Northeastern stay five years so that they can graduate with several years of work and academic experience under their belt.

Connecticut College (New London, CT)

Connecticut College has maintained a truly distinctive tradition for over eighty years. All students, faculty, and staff at Connecticut College operate under an Honor Code , a promise all college members make to uphold a standard of mutual respect, excellence, and communal values. 

The Honor Code is taken so seriously that the college has an Honor Council , which litigates violations. 

As such, it is no wonder, with a strict code of mutual respect that fosters community and cooperation among college members, that Connecticut College is ranked 25th among all liberal arts colleges for its contribution to the public good, as measured through the degree of social mobility a school provides, the service it does for the nation, and the good an institution’s research does.

With award-winning library systems, rigorous academics, and a slew of notable alumni, this college promises its students the chance to achieve both academically and as upstanding citizens. 

Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)

Seton Hall is a private, Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. As one of the nation’s largest religious universities, Seton Hall is ranked as the #29 Catholic university in the nation by Niche. 

Seton Hall produces the Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations , one of the largest diplomatic journals in the country, which promises students the chance to experience the forefront of international relations and diplomatic thought while studying at Seton. 

Related to this, undergraduate students produce the Diplomatic Envoy, a weekly newspaper regarding foreign relations, further demonstrating the kinds of projects students interested in international relations can engage in while at Seton. 

Furthermore, as an NCAA Division I, Big East Conference member, Seton Hall promises its students the full range of wonderful college athletics experiences to its students. 

Colby College (Waterville, ME)

Colby College is another “ Little Ivy ” school, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 17th best liberal arts college in the nation, and the 5th Best Value school. Colby received an A+ from Niche in terms of academics and value, and an A for diversity.

Colby College is a model for sustainable institutions globally, as Colby is the largest college to have net zero carbon emissions, and is ranked as the most sustainable college in the country by Second Nature . 

Colby is ideal for students wanting to pursue research or major projects, as Colby follows a 4-1-4 course schedule, where students take 4 classes in the Fall and Spring, and then take a single, intensive, “Jan-plan” class in the winter.

In this way, Colby allows students to dedicate themselves to one project, area of research, or specialization in the winter—a truly unique educational opportunity.

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)

Case Western Reserve University, a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, is truly one of the nation’s best.

Ranked as the #42 best university in the country by U.S. News and World Report, this university has it all, from the 18th best Theatre program in the world according to The Hollywood Reporter , to the world-renowned Electrochemistry and Electroengineering departments which recently received a grant of $10.75 million dollars from the U.S. Department of energy.

With over a hundred “centers” dedicated to the investigation of subjects ranging from Growth Studies to Nonprofit Organizing, any student in just about any discipline will find a center on campus specially designed for their area of study.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 64 great colleges that don't require essays to apply.

College Info , College Essays

If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?

The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.

Why Do Some Colleges Not Require an Essay?

In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.

However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:

#1: Limited Resources

It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.

At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.

Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.

They need to use those limited resources for coffee.

#2: Specific Admissions Cutoffs/Criteria

Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.

If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.

Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.

In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.

Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.

#3: Make Admissions Process Easy and Appealing

Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.

By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .

They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.

Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!

How to Find Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.

If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.

If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our  list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:

Public Universities in Your State

A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.

Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools  might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!

You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!

Schools With Automatic Admissions Criteria

A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.

However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.

At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.

Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions

Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.

Community Colleges

Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!

You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!

Complete List: 64 Colleges That Don't Require Essays

The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.  

Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.

Should You Apply to a College That Doesn't Require an Essay?

If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.

Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:

#1: You Want to Apply to the Most Selective Schools

If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.

#2: You Want a Scholarship

Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .

#3: You Have Special Circumstances to Explain

If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.

There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.

#4: You're a Good Writer

I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.

#5: The Essay Prompt Is Short

Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!

#6: You Can Get Help

Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.

#7: You Can Reuse an Essay for All Your Schools

For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.

So Should I Write an Essay?

If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.

If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.

Key Takeaways: Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:

• Limited resources—it takes a lot of time and effort to read an essay by each applicant
• They might have certain GPA and/or test score admissions criteria and feel as though the information provided by an essay isn't necessary
• To make it more appealing to students by having an easier application process

So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:

• Public schools in your state, especially smaller ones in case the bigger ones do require essays
• Schools with automatic admissions criteria—if you qualify for admission, you might not need to write an essay
• Smaller liberal arts institutions
• Community colleges

When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:

• The most selective colleges usually do require essays
• Scholarship applications for particular schools often require essays
• If you have special circumstances to explain, plan on writing an essay
• Strong writers should write essays to put their best foot forward
• Word limits are often very short—think 250-500 words (that's just a few paragraphs!)
• You're allowed (and encouraged) to get help with brainstorming ideas and revising drafts
• If you use an application system that can send applications to multiple schools, such as the Common App, Coalition App, or Universal College App, you might be able to write just one essay for all the schools you're applying to

Don't forget to also check out our list of 64 colleges that don't require essays!

No essay, no tears!

What's Next?

Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !

Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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Colleges That Don’t Require Any Supplemental Essays

• Adelphi University
• Alaska Pacific University
• Albion College
• Alma College
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Barry University
• Bates College
• Bay Path University
• Beloit College
• Bryant University
• Butler University
• Caldwell University
• Capital University
• Centenary College of Louisiana
• Christopher Newport University
• Clarkson University
• Colby College
• College of Saint Benedict
• Concordia University Wisconsin
• Cornell College
• Cottey College
• DePaul University
• Elmira College
• Gettysburg College
• Grinnell College
• Hanover College
• Hellenic College
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Iona University
• Juniata College
• Kenyon College
• Lyon College
• McKendree University
• Menlo College
• Middlebury College
• Northeastern University
• Northern Vermont University Johnson
• Northern Vermont University Lyndon
• Ohio State University
• Ripon College
• Pace University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Sacred Heart University
• Salisbury University
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• SUNY Binghamton University
• Susquehanna University
• Temple University
• Trinity University
• Union College
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Colorado Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Idaho
• University of Missouri – St. Louis
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of New Hampshire
• University of Rhode Island
• Wesleyan University
• Whitman College
• Wilkes University
• Woodbury University

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Category: Admissions , College Admissions , Uncategorized

Tags: Admissions , admissions help , advice , application , applying to college , college application , college applications , college essay advisors , college list , colleges , list

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Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2023

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date October 5, 2023
• No Comments on Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2023

Navigating the college application process can often feel like maneuvering through a maze of requirements, deadlines, and essays. Among the most daunting tasks can be the slew of supplemental essays many colleges and universities require. For many students, this makes the admissions process feel overwhelming, especially when applying to multiple schools.

What if there were some schools that streamlined the college application process? Well, good news—there are plenty of colleges and universities that don’t require ANY supplemental essays.

A WORD OF CAUTION

TTA Top Tip : Without supplemental essays, your Common App main essay MUST make an impression on admissions officers, highlighting what YOU will bring to THEIR community. Grades and scores remain the gatekeeper but, once you’ve overcome that hurdle, be sure to knock their socks off with your main essay, which should focus on your intellectual curiosity and unique contributions to your community.

Essay Guidance

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Rest assured, there are plenty of selective colleges and universities that don’t require supplemental essays. We’ve compiled a sample of these liberal arts colleges and larger universities below.

SAMPLE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Albion College (application essay – recommended, not required)   
• Allegheny College   
• Bates College
• Beloit College
• Coe College  (personal essay optional for students who meet Coe’s minimum academic standards )
• Colby College
• College of the Holy Cross
• Connecticut College 
• Denison University
• DePauw University 
• Dickinson University
• Drew University  
• Farleigh Dickinson (essays are optional, but welcome)
• Franklin and Marshall College
• Furman University
• Gettysburg College 
• Goucher College
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Hanover College (application essay – optional)
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Juniata College
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New College of Florida
• Oberlin College
• Ripon College (optional personal statement)
• Rhodes College
• Sewanee—University of the South
• Siena College  
• Skidmore College
• St. John’s University  (Personal Essay- recommended, Why essay for Pharmacy program)
• St. Lawrence University
• Susquehanna University 
• Thomas Aquinas College
• Ursinus College (optional short response)
• Wesleyan University  
• Whitman College
• Williams College (option to share academic paper 3-5 pages)

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SAMPLE UNIVERSITIES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Case Western Reserve University 
• Clemson University
• DePaul University
• Drexel University  
• Fordham University (optional personal essays)
• Miami University—Oxford
• New Jersey Institute of Technology  (Albert Dorman Honors College has an essay requirement)
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University   (Honors, Scholars, Morrill Scholarship Program and some majors have additional essay requirements)
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology  (Accelerated Medicine program has an additional writing question)
• SUNY Binghamton University  
• SUNY Buffalo  
• Temple University (optional essay)
• Tulane University (optional supplemental essays)
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado -Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton 
• University of Delaware  
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa  (personal statement required if not submitting test scores)
• University of Minnesota  
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln  (personal statement required to be considered for leadership and diversity scholarships)
• University of New Hampshire 
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh  (personal statement required to be considered for scholarships, essay required for Pitt Honors admission)
• University of St. Thomas  (essays recommended, but not required)
• University of Vermont  (optional essay questions recommended, but not required)
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Colleges that Don't Require Supplemental Essays

Padya Paramita

May 9, 2022

As you prepare for the college admissions cycle, you might be tempted to add schools to your list that require less work than others. While some schools like Yale have over five supplemental essays, there are colleges that have none! So, we offer you a list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays . Although most colleges definitely want to see students answer school-specific prompts to determine fit, there are several top colleges that don’t require supplemental essays , including Williams, Middlebury, and Northeastern. Take a look at the full list below.

Liberal Arts Colleges that Don’t Require Supplemental Essays

• Albion College
• Allegheny College
• Bates College
• Beloit College
• Coe College
• Colby College
• Colgate University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Connecticut College 
• Denison University
• DePauw University 
• Dickinson University
• Drew University
• Franklin and Marshall College
• Furman University
• Gettysburg College 
• Goucher College
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Hanover College
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Juniata College
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New College of Florida 
• Oberlin College
• Rhodes College
• Ripon College
• Sewanee—University of the South
• Siena College 
• Skidmore College
• Spelman College
• St. John’s College (essay optional except for Pharmacy program)
• St. Lawrence University
• Susquehanna University 
• Thomas Aquinas College
• Union College
• Ursinus College
• Wesleyan University (there are essays only for international students)
• Whitman College
• Willamette University
• Williams College

National Universities That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays

• Binghamton University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Clark University
• Clemson University
• DePaul University
• Drexel University
• Florida State University 
• Gonzaga University
• Miami University—Oxford
• Michigan State University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University
• Purdue University
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stony Brook University  (Honors College has essay requirement)
• SUNY Buffalo
• Temple University
• Tulane University
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado -Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton 
• University of Delaware
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln
• University of New Hampshire 
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of St. Thomas

How to Successfully Apply to Colleges That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays

So, since you don’t have to write essays, how exactly do you convince admissions officers that you’re a strong applicant? You must take advantage of the following components:

• Personal Statement - The personal statement is a common essay that goes to all of the colleges you apply to within one application system—and colleges that don’t require supplemental essays are no exception to this rule. The most common of these are the Common App personal statement prompts. You only have to write about one of the prompts provided by the Common App. The word limit is 650 words, which is a scant number to narrate a powerful story without leaving out too many important details. At the end of the day, you can write about anything, as long as it tells a story unique to you.
• Activities List - When it comes to building a strong extracurricular activities list, it’s important to prioritize your passions, career interests, and ways to establish yourself as a leader. Prestigious colleges want to see tangible achievements and commitment towards activities you enjoy. And if you see a gap in the activities at your school, or find an opportunity to involve a greater community, don’t be afraid to start your own initiative! Once you’ve built your extracurricular profile, make sure you take advantage of the Common App activities list and describe what you did in order of impressiveness.
• Letters of Recommendation - A college recommendation letter is a note from someone who knows you well in an academic or professional setting, highlighting your best qualities and why they recommend you for a position or institution you’re applying for. For most cases, colleges require letters of recommendation from two teachers, one from your guidance counselor, and provide the option of one additional recommendation that could come from a coach or club advisor. They should be written by teachers who know you the best. 

Now that you have an idea of which fall among colleges that don’t require supplemental essays , you can carefully conduct research to make sure you want to apply—and would genuinely be happy there. Don’t just blindly apply to schools just because there are fewer essay requirements. But, these should save you some time in terms of the essay load so take advantage of these if you want to add some targets or safeties as well. Happy searching!

Tags : Colleges that Don't Require Supplemental Essays , no supplemental essays , colleges with no essays , applying to college , supplemental essays , college essays

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Colleges That Don't Require Supplemental Essays

In This article we provide you a list of colleges that don't require supplemental essays during admissions. We also discuss why most colleges require supplemental essays

Updated by TCM Staff on 16th April 2020

Colleges That Don't Require Supplemental Essays

In this article we provide you a list of colleges that don't require supplemental essays during admissions. we also discuss why most colleges require supplemental essays.

16th April 2020

First of all, we need to understand why colleges require supplemental essays before we get into which colleges don’t require it. According to a report published by the national association for college admissions counseling in 2019, the percentage of first-time applicants applying to seven or more schools in 2017 reached 36%, up from just 9% in 1990 and 17% in 2005.  This would imply that the number of applicants is steadily increasing and as a result, a college must have more stringent application screening barriers. Since the application rates have infinitely increased the acceptance rates have steadily declined. Now students or potential candidates must not only submit a common application but also a supplemental essay as part of the admissions process. The overall admissions process is composed of a variety of steps. The first is submitting a common application followed by the submission of an essay entailing your interests and characteristics. Lastly, an interview will take place in order to reaffirm your place in the university of your choosing. 

Most colleges buy into the universal appeal of a supplemental essay as it tests a candidate’s ability to draft and think on the spot. It also gives the admissions board an insight into the person they are potentially considering for admissions into their university. Most supplemental essays are based off a prompt. These prompts could vary in terms of dexterity and complexity. For instance, the prompts in Dartmouth university are rather eccentric like the importance and meaning of the unlimited breadsticks in the olive garden. A supplemental essay also has the ability to turn a candidate from a mere statistic to a real eligible contestant. 

On the other hand, when you are picking a college you should not base your choice on the fact that they require a supplemental essay. According to recent polls, the main reason people are apprehensive of essays is because of the amount of time it takes to draft as well as the level of personal information and details it requires. But these details are trivial compared to the opportunities you will be exposed to once your admissions have been confirmed. If you seem to be hesitating on a certain college due to their requirement of a supplemental essay we request you to apply more effective criteria for selection. These criteria include location, financial requirements, course material, and load as well as the overall demographic of the college. Once you have researched all of these things then you can take into consideration the requirement of a supplemental essay.

Colleges that do not require supplemental essays

Given below are a number of colleges that do not necessarily require a supplemental essay as a part of their admissions process:

Clark University

Clemson University

DePaul University

Drexel University

Miami University

Northeastern University

Seton Hall University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stony Brook University

University of Arkansas

University of Colorado–Denver

University of Iowa

Franklin & Marshall College

Grinnell College

Middlebury College

Providence College

Sarah Lawrence College

Connecticut College

Adelphi University

Alaska Pacific University

Albion College

Alma College

Baldwin Wallace University

Barry University

Bates College

Bay Path University

Beloit College

Bryant University

Butler University

Caldwell University

Capital University

Centenary College of Louisiana

Christopher Newport University

Clarkson University

Colby College

College of Saint Benedict

Concordia University Wisconsin

Cornell College

Cottey College

Elmira College

Fordham University

Gettysburg College

University of Connecticut

University of Idaho

University of Missouri – St. Louis

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

University of Miami

University of New Hampshire

University of Rhode Island

University of Vermont

Wesleyan University

Whitman College

Wilkes University

Woodbury University

In conclusion, most colleges require a supplemental essay in order to discern what kind of person they are admitting into their university or college but in the spirit of lending a helping hand, The College Monk has provided an extensive list of colleges that don’t require a supplemental essay. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what colleges don't have supplemental essays.

Hey everyone! I'm starting to put together my college list and to be honest, the thought of writing dozens of supplemental essays is overwhelming. Can anyone list some good colleges that don't require supplemental essays? It would really help me balance my college list with a mix of schools.

Hello there! I completely understand how the prospect of writing multiple supplemental essays can seem daunting. It's great that you're planning ahead to balance your college list. There are indeed several good colleges that don't require supplemental essays. For starters, consider looking at schools such as Middlebury College, Colby College, and Wabash College. Additionally, some public universities tend to have more streamlined applications; for instance, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the University of Iowa typically do not require supplemental essays for general admission.

Just a word of encouragement, though: while it's good to have options that require less writing, don't shy away from applying to schools with supplemental essays if they're a good fit for you otherwise. Sometimes those essays can be a great opportunity for you to shine and demonstrate your interest in the school. Good luck with your applications!

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

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Articles & Advice > College Admission > Articles

3 Great Reasons to Apply to Colleges With No Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are time-consuming. Maximize your admission chances by applying to colleges that don't require them—including the 85+ listed here.

by Lindsey Conger College Counselor and Tutor, Moon Prep

Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024

Originally Posted: Nov 20, 2023

The college application process is daunting and time-consuming. Most students will apply to anywhere from five to 15 colleges, with some applying to more than 20 schools if their colleges of interest are high-ranking or competitive like direct admit medical programs and Ivy League schools. While applications like the Common App or Scoir aim to streamline the process by allowing students to write one universal personal statement that gets sent to all the schools they’re applying to, many schools also require applicants to write school-specific supplemental essays. These essay topics range from "Why do you want to attend our school?" to "Tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome." Most students commit months of effort to complete all their supplemental essays. But luckily, not all schools require them, which could help you bulk up your submitted applications without adding much more effort. Here are a few benefits of applying to schools with no supplemental essays.

1. Less stress

Applying to colleges that don't require supplemental essays means you’ll have less pressure on you to complete and keep track of as many materials. Instead of spending hours each week on multiple essays, you can focus on a few of your top schools that do require supplemental essays and really put your all into them. And with less to do during the application process, you can also concentrate on keeping your grades up instead.

2. A broader range of options

Despite not requiring supplemental essays, many of these colleges and universities are high-ranking institutions with a lot to offer. By not having to write additional essays, you can apply to a wider range of schools , giving you a higher chance of acceptance and likely more options to choose from come decision day. The more options you have, the easier it will be to find what type of school fits your career goals and learning abilities best—whether it’s a public research institution, a private liberal arts school, or something else.

3. It helps even out the admission field

Students who don't think their talents are in writing but have solid grades and test scores can benefit greatly from applying to more schools that don't require supplemental essays. Without these essays, you’ll primarily be judged based on your personal statement, GPA, extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. Students who don't have the resources or guidance to craft compelling supplemental essays should take advantage of those universities.

Related: How Are Application Elements Weighed by Admission Counselors?

85+ schools with no supplemental essays

The schools on the following list don't require supplemental essays to apply for the 2023–2024 academic year. However, they might have additional essay requirements if you apply for a specific program. Some of these schools will also have optional essays if you want to write one . For example, Drexel University offers the following optional prompt:

“Drexel is committed to preparing each new generation of students to become productive, professional, and civic-minded members of the community while continuing to focus on how we can contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges. What do you view as a challenge facing society that you would like to contribute to solving? How would a Drexel education aid you in taking the first step toward a solution? (250 words or less).”

Optional prompts may give students a competitive edge because they can help demonstrate interest in the school, but they are not required to apply to the following colleges and universities:

• Albion College
• Allegheny College   Connect me with Allegheny!
• Augusta University
• Bates College
• Case Western Reserve University Connect me with CWRU!
• Clemson University
• Coe College Connect me with Coe!
• Colby College
• Colgate University
• College of the Holy Cross Connect me with Holy Cross!
• Denison University
• DePaul University
• Dillard University
• Drew University Connect me with Drew!
• Drexel University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Florida State University
• Fordham University Connect me with Fordham!
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Furman University
• Gannon University Connect me with Gannon!
• Gettysburg College Connect me with Gettysburg!
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Hampshire College
• Hanover College
• Hollins University Connect me with Hollins!
• Howard University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Kent State University
• Kenyon College
• Louisiana State University
• Mercer University
• Miami University—Oxford Connect me with Miami!
• Michigan State University Connect me with MSU!
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New College of Florida
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• New York Institute of Technology Connect me with NYIT!
• Northeastern University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Oberlin College
• The Ohio State University Connect me with Ohio State!
• Ripon College
• Rhodes College
• Rowan University Connect me with Rowan!
• St. Lawrence University
• St. Mary’s University
• Seton Hall University Connect me with Seton Hall!
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• Stony Brook University
• Susquehanna University
• Temple University
• Union College (Schenectady, NY)
• Union College (Lincoln, NE)
• Union College (Barbourville, KY)
• University at Albany Connect me with Albany!
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Arizona
• University of Cincinnati Connect me with Cincinnati!
• University of Colorado Denver Connect me with CU Denver!
• University of Connecticut Connect me with UConn!
• University of Dayton
• University of Delaware Connect me with UD!
• University of Denver Connect me with DU!
• University of Houston
• University of Iowa Connect me with Iowa!
• University of Kansas
• University of Kentucky
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• University of New Hampshire Connect me with UNH!
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh Connect me with Pitt!
• University of the South
• University of South Alabama
• University of South Florida
• University of Toledo
• University of Vermont Connect me with UVM!
• Wesleyan University
• Whitman College Connect me with Whitman!
• Williams College

Related: A Look at College Admission From a Top Official

When adding these schools to your list, be sure to review all the requirements for each one before you apply. And be extra cautious to keep your materials organized so you aren’t sending the wrong things to the wrong school. Good luck! You’ve got this.

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Colleges You May Be Interested In

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Pullman, WA

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Caldwell, NJ

Angelo State University

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List of Supplemental Essays Required By Top Colleges

By Michaela • October 31, 2021 • College Application Early Admission

Looking for a quick reference to the essays required by the colleges on your list? Check out our list of supplemental essays required by many of the top colleges students apply to each year. If you need help with these essays schedule a meeting with one of our essay coaches today!

Previous Post

Highly-selective colleges and universities often require supplemental application materials. These materials help further personalize the admissions process so that each college’s admissions committee has the information it needs to select a vibrant and diverse incoming class. 

In this article, we will look at 10 supplemental essay prompts from top colleges and universities for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Once you get a better sense of what to expect from a supplemental essay prompt, we will outline key strategies for answering these prompts, as well as provide practical writing tips to help you get started.

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What are supplemental essays and are they important?

Each college has its own sets of values and criteria that it looks for in applicants. This is why determining college fit is so important. By carefully researching each school on your college list and having several clear and compelling reasons for wanting to attend, you will increase your overall chances of admission.    

One way that colleges gauge whether or not a student would be a good fit for their university is by posing unique supplemental essay prompts. This is why knowing how to write a supplemental essay is so important. Most colleges with supplemental essays will have applicants write the “why this college” essay . 

Many selective colleges will require additional supplemental essays as well. In some cases, you will need to prepare an additional five essays per school, so give yourself plenty of time to complete each essay thoughtfully, write multiple drafts, seek out feedback, and proofread. The college application process can feel overwhelming at times, so make sure you brainstorm ways to stay organized during the college application process . 

Although the style and content of the actual prompts can vary greatly, at the core these prompts have one thing in common: They are designed to get to know who you are as a person, what your values are, and whether you demonstrate compatibility with the university’s overall mission. 

How to write supplemental essays

If you’re looking for supplemental essay tips, you’ve come to the right place! In this section, we will discuss how to write a good supplemental essay, by providing several key application essay tips. 

To start, it’s important to remember that the process of writing supplemental essays is similar to the process of writing a successful personal statement . Review components of a strong personal statement to give yourself a fresh perspective before beginning your supplemental essays.

Tips for writing supplemental essays

Supplemental essays are typically pretty brief. This is why it’s important to learn how to write concisely and powerfully. Having very few words to respond does not mean that you should prepare your responses casually or that your responses shouldn’t include lots of details. Rather, approach each word limit creatively. Whether you have 50 words, 200 words, or 500 words, try to use each sentence and detail to your advantage. One of the best ways to do this is to begin by freewriting. Write down everything that comes to mind. Take time to fully flush out your ideas. Then review what you’ve written and see what feels most important. These are the details you will want to highlight in your response.

Some colleges will require three to five additional essays. Maybe even more! This is why it’s important to be prepared and plan ahead. Supplemental essays are an important part of your college application and they require a lot of time and effort. While some supplemental essay prompts may be similar between schools, in general, you want to avoid recycling your college essays. Admissions officers can tell when a student is tweaking an existing essay to fit a prompt.

While some essay prompts are required, others are optional. In general, try to answer each prompt thoughtfully and creatively. After all, it’s no secret that college admissions are highly competitive so it’s great to give your application “an edge” whenever possible. That said, there are times when you should pass on writing an optional essay. If you’re not sure whether or not you should submit an essay for an optional prompt, begin by drafting a response. Then ask yourself if the essay feels forced or genuine. Does the essay convey something new about you that isn’t included in the rest of your application? If the question doesn’t seem to apply to you and you are genuinely unsure what to contribute, you should probably skip that particular essay. After all, no one wants to read an uninspired essay that doesn’t contribute to your overall application.

2022-23 supplemental essay prompts

As mentioned, supplemental essay prompts can vary significantly. Some prompts ask you to respond in 50 words while other prompts ask you to respond in 500 words. Some prompts focus on academics while others ask you to reflect carefully on your cultural upbringing or life philosophies. Still, other prompts will ask you to introduce who you are as a person or discuss something that you enjoy.

Just as supplemental essay prompts vary in style, your responses will also vary. Some prompts will require you to be thoughtful and serious, while other prompts may encourage you to be humorous or creative. It all depends.

Brown University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Brown University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

Columbia University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Columbia University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list of 75 words, 1 list of 125 words, 3 essays of 200 words each, and 1 short answer of 35 words. One of their supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

For the following questions, we ask that you list each individual response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. No explanatory text or formatting is needed. (For example, it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.)  

List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

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Dartmouth college supplemental essay prompt.

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Dartmouth College requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself in 200-250 words. 

Duke University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Duke University requires at least one supplemental essay, with the option to submit an additional two supplemental essays. One of the optional supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Emory University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Emory University requires two supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Emory If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Harvard University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Harvard University requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

MIT supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, MIT requires five supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows:

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.

Princeton University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Princeton University requires three supplemental essays and three short responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

Please respond to each question in 75 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?

What brings you joy? 

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

Stanford University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Stanford University requires three supplemental essays and five short answer responses. One of the short-answer prompts is as follows:

How did you spend your last two summers? (50-word limit)

UPenn supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, UPenn requires three supplemental essays. One of the supplemental essay prompts is as follows: 

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)

Yale University supplemental essay prompt

As a part of the 2022-23 college applications, Yale University requires the following supplemental materials: 1 list; 6 short answer questions; 1 additional short essay of 400 words. One of the short answer prompts is as follows:

Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters or fewer)

Supplemental essay examples

One of the best ways to prepare your supplemental essay responses is to look at successful past examples. In this section, we will look at three examples and explain why each response is successful. 

This first example was submitted as a part of Harvard’s college application. This essay is in response to the prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words).

Feet moving, eyes up, every shot back, chants the silent mantra in my head. The ball becomes a beacon of neon green as I dart forward and backward, shuffling from corner to far corner of the court, determined not to let a single point escape me. With bated breath, I swing my racquet upwards and outwards and it catches the ball just in time to propel it, spinning, over the net. My heart soars as my grinning teammates cheer from the sidelines. While I greatly value the endurance, tenacity, and persistence that I have developed while playing tennis throughout the last four years, I will always most cherish the bonds that I have created and maintained each year with my team.

This essay uses rich, descriptive language to evoke a clear sense of movement and place. The first paragraph shows a creative and expert control of language, whereas the second paragraph uses straightforward language to highlight key characteristics. Overall, this response is creative, well-balanced, and uses each word to its advantage. 

Source: https://www.collegeadvisor.com/essay-guides/harvard-university-essay-examples-and-why-they-worked/  

This essay was submitted as a part of an MIT college application. The supplemental essay prompt that it addresses is: Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

We were moving away from my home of thirteen years to go miles and miles away, from my whole life. Worst of all: away from New York City – the only place in the world worth knowing – or so I thought. The town might as well have been called “Miniscule Ville”. I resented every second of it. The real shocking thing to me was almost that anything existed outside of New York City. NYC is a world of its own, with its own pulses and lifeblood. I still think it’s a great place, and I’ll likely at least visit it someday, but right now, I want to visit everywhere. My move humbled me. I began to love nature walks, the friendly camaraderie of the small town, and saw a world I never imagined. I thought I knew it all just because I lived in New York. Here was a great place, hidden from view. I loved experiencing that new world, learning local history, and most of all, learning the life stories of my new neighbors, each one of whom had a fascinating life. My greatest dream is to be a journalist, covering other countries, and learning about new worlds and neighbors. My old perspective feels so limited. If I can share global stories, I can open up my perspective, and I can share those stories with a thousand homes so readers can learn about other perspectives as well. The world is full of different lives. Everywhere is somebody’s home.

This essay covers a lot of material; most impressively, it shows a shift in perspective and its effect on the student’s lived experience. It also clearly explains the student’s academic and professional goals. The tone of this essay is both confident and humble. It demonstrates who this student is as a person, what their goals are, and what they value.  

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/mit-supplemental-essay-examples  

This essay was submitted as a part of a Duke college application. The essay addresses the prompt: What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Most teachers who taught me talked a big game about wanting students to engage in debate, or “dialectic” as they called it, and to challenge their ideas. In my experience, most of this was a fabrication. The best essay grades and participation marks were found through parroting what was dictated from on high. Did the teacher think such-and-such is the “correct” interpretation of a novel? You did, too, or you lost points. None of that was true for Ms. Jackie Winters. The first essay I sent her came back with the note, “This doesn’t sound like you; it sounds like me.” I asked her about the note, and this initiated a marvelous learning environment, in which I grew faster than I ever have in any other class. Discussions were lively, and the more I presented my authentic views, the more I was respected. My grades were dependent on being backed up by rhetoric, sources, and logic, not by compliance. Due to this engagement, this was the most enjoyable English literature class I had, and I feel like my viewpoints were challenged. I learned to question my ideas and dig into a text for the best results. Best of all, I was putting in more and more effort to find good, quality sources to back up my arguments. I was held to a high standard and shown respect, and I believe that those qualities made for the best learning environment possible

This essay clearly shows a shift in perspective and the effects it had on this student’s ability to think, speak, and write critically. Structurally, this essay uses an anecdote to introduce and contextualize a topic, but the essay itself isn’t overly narrative. Rather, the student explains, in detail, how this teacher’s encouragement and guidance have influenced their willingness and ability to engage with the source material and academic discourse.

Source: https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/duke-supplemental-essay-examples  

Key takeaways and moving forward

Supplemental essays are an important part of your college applications. In fact, they are a key factor in what college admissions officers look for in an applicant . Highly-selective colleges and universities use supplemental essays to further personalize the college admissions process. After all, thousands of qualified students apply to Ivy League institutions each year and only a small fraction are admitted. Supplemental essays allow you to share more about who you are as a person and as a student. Use each prompt as an opportunity to add something new to your college application. If you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance throughout this process, reach out to learn more about our services .

Frequently asked questions and answers

Still have questions about supplemental essays and the effects they have on college applications? Review the following frequently asked questions and answers for further insight on supplemental essays. 

How important are supplemental essays?

Supplemental essays are an incredibly important part of your college applications and should be properly prioritized. If a college didn’t care about your response, they wouldn’t ask you in the first place. Put plenty of time and care into your responses. Write several drafts, seek out feedback, and always proofread.

How long should supplemental essays be?

Always follow directions. Colleges will specify how long each supplemental essay should be, usually right after the prompt itself. Depending on the college, and the prompt, a supplemental essay’s word count may range anywhere from 50 to 500 words.

Do supplemental essays change every year?

It all depends on the college. Colleges often reuse past prompts, but there are no guarantees. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and make a list of supplemental essay prompts early on in the college application process.

Are supplemental essays required?

Sometimes colleges will have both required and optional supplemental essays. That said, the essay prompts are clearly labeled. In short, each college will specify whether supplemental essays are required. 

Do all colleges have supplemental essays?

No, not all colleges have supplemental essays. Highly-selective colleges, however, often require at least one additional essay.

• December 14, 2022

Supplemental Essay Guide for 2022-23 Prompts

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