Hey all, I'm applying to CU Boulder and I've heard there's a supplemental essay involved. Can anyone share their experience with this essay and some examples that worked for them? Please and thank you!
Hi there! CU Boulder does have a supplemental essay as part of their application process. This essay is intended to provide more insights into your personality, interests, and goals beyond what's covered in your main personal statement. It's an opportunity for you to stand out and show the admissions committee who you are as a person, as well as a student.
The prompt typically asks why you're interested in attending CU Boulder and how you plan to contribute to their campus community. While the specific wording may change slightly from year to year, the core idea remains the same—demonstrate your interest in the school, your alignment with its values, and your plans to make a positive impact once you're on campus.
To approach this essay, consider the following:
1. Research CU Boulder and identify aspects that appeal to you - academic programs, research opportunities, extracurricular activities, clubs, etc. Be specific in your essay and show genuine interest in the school.
2. Think about how your experiences, values, and goals align with CU Boulder's mission and culture. Reflect on your own strengths and how you can contribute to the community or particular campus initiatives.
3. Share a unique aspect of your story, passion, or plan that demonstrates your fit for the university. This is where you can make your essay stand out and showcase something that isn't covered in the main personal statement.
For example, if you're interested in environmental sustainability, you could discuss CU Boulder's commitment to eco-conscious initiatives, mentioning specific programs you wish to join, like the Environmental Center or the Zero Waste Ambassador Program. You could share your own experiences with sustainability efforts and how you plan to contribute to the university's environmentally-oriented community. Remember to be authentic and true to yourself, as this will help your essay resonate with the admissions committee.
If you want even more specific guidance on how to tackle this essay, consider checking out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down how to write a successful response: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-colorado-boulder-essays. Remember that CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, a second set of eyes is just the thing your essay needs to go from good to great!
Good luck with your application!
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