Carnegie Mellon supplement advice

Hi everyone! I'm working on my application for Carnegie Mellon and would love some advice on how to approach their supplemental essays. Any tips from those who have been through the process before? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Carnegie Mellon's supplemental essays are a great opportunity for you to showcase your personality, interests, and fit with the university. Here's some general advice for approaching these essays:

1. Be specific: When answering the "Why Major?" essay, make sure to mention specific programs, courses, professors, or research opportunities that appeal to you. Demonstrating your genuine interest in these aspects will make your essay more compelling and show the admissions committee that you've done your research.

2. Relate your interests to CMU: Focus on how your academic, extracurricular, or personal interests align with Carnegie Mellon's offerings and values. Try to make connections between what you've done in the past, what you hope to do in college, and how CMU can help you achieve your goals.

3. Show your passion: CMU values students who are intensely passionate and driven in their chosen field. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for your intended major, and if possible, discuss any accomplishments or experiences you have related to that subject.

4. Be yourself: Instead of trying to say what you think the admissions committee wants to hear, be honest about your experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. This authenticity will make your essay more engaging and help you stand out from other applicants.

5. Answer the prompt: Ensure that you're directly addressing the question that's asked in the prompt. Some of the prompts might seem open-ended, but it's important to stay focused on the specific topic.

6. Answer the optional prompts: If you really want to demonstrate your interest in CMU, make sure you fill out all the prompts, including optional ones. This not only allows you to share more information with the school, but it shows you are willing to put in more effort.

Remember, the purpose of these essays is to help CMU understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores, so use this opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and motivations. Good luck with your application!