Hey! Just wanted to ask if anyone knows what supplemental essays Harvard asks for? I'm planning to apply there and I want to start brainstorming as early as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Harvard University requires one essay supplemental, along with an optional additional essay for the 2024-2025 application cycle. The required supplemental essay is the traditional "extracurricular" activity essay where the prompt asks you to elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences (150 words).
For the optional essay, you have more freedom and can choose a topic that you feel will add something to your application that was not covered in the other sections. It has no strict word limit, but it would be practical to keep it to around 500 - 650 words which aligns with typical college essay length. Some students find writing this optional essay beneficial to elaborate on any unusual circumstances, outstanding experiences, or interesting personal narratives.
Remember that you should always focus on providing new information and insights in these essays. They are your chance to showcase what makes you unique, so you should definitely take advantage of them!
Good luck, and feel free to ask any more questions you may have about Harvard or college applications in general!
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.