kenyon supplemental essay

Kenyon College

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at Kenyon College?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Kenyon College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Application Materials

Admissions to the graduate/professional school of your choice depends on your application (including references, test scores, essay, etc.) and possibly an interview. Admissions committees not only look for people who have the ability to complete the academic work, but hope to find candidates who are thoughtful, mature, articulate, and well-prepared. They will determine whether you possess these attributes by readings your references and essay.

Faculty References

• Give faculty plenty of time to write your reference. Make your request for a letter in your junior year or early senior year.  If you intend to take a glide year or two, talk to your faculty references before you leave campus about the fact that you intend to go to graduate school. Then stay in touch after you leave, keeping them up to date on what you've been doing/learning. 
• your application essay and your CV/resume
• a list of the relevant courses you've taken (and the grades you obtained in them).
• a paper or lab from class (hopefully one on which you did well).
• information regarding the programs to which you are applying.
• an occasional prompting or gentle reminder.

Writing the Essay

(as paraphrased from Asher's "Graduate Admissions Essays — What Works, What Doesn't and Why")

Self Assessment

• As you write the first draft, you will want to start by assessing yourself. How did you become interested in your field of study? Why do you find this field interesting?
• Remember who and what influenced you intellectually. What writers have had the greatest impact on your development of thought? Who were your favorite professors, and why? How has each influenced you? What is the single most important concept you learned in college.
• Write "from the heart."
• Your essay will involve many rewrites. Allow time for this process.
• Get feedback from trusted faculty and friends.
• Answer the question, "Why should the school invest in me?"

Essays for Ph.D. Programs

• The essay counts 50% once you are past the qualifier or grades and test scores.
• Watch grammar and punctuation.
• Emphasize your passion and sense of mission. Don't list accomplishments; you can refer to attached documents (resume, CV, etc.) which describe them.

Strengthening Your Essay

• Use a strong opening.
• Substantiate your interest in that program.
• Substantiate your preparation and ability to perform, by referring to attached documents.
• Show a vision of your future contribution. If you want to be a professor, emphasize teaching experience.

Emphasize Your Research

• Use titles of your work.
• If possible, publish in student publications or start an appropriate student journal to get your research published.
• Get on an "et al." list in a professor's publication.
• Submit a paper to a journal for publication just before applying to graduate school. Have a professor help with publication.

For more detail on writing your essay, and examples of strong essays, stop by my office in Chalmers Library to review "Graduate Admissions Essays — What Works, What Doesn't and Why" by Donald Asher.

A Comprehensive Guide to Kenyon College

Kenyon College, located in Gambier, Ohio, is a renowned liberal arts institution known for its intellectual rigor, vibrant campus culture, and commitment to fostering a strong sense of community. Gaining admission to Kenyon is a competitive process that requires careful planning and preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to increase your chances of securing admission to Kenyon College and embarking on an inspiring educational journey.

Understanding Kenyon College: Begin by immersing yourself in the world of Kenyon College. Familiarize yourself with the college's mission, academic programs, campus traditions, and unique features. Explore the college's website, attend virtual information sessions or campus tours, and connect with current students or alumni to gain a deeper understanding of Kenyon's culture and how it aligns with your academic and personal goals.

Academic Excellence: Kenyon College values academic excellence and seeks students who are intellectually curious and eager to learn. Maintain a challenging course load throughout high school, taking honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses when available. Pursue subjects that align with your interests and showcase your academic strengths. Engage in class discussions, seek out research opportunities, and demonstrate a commitment to deepening your understanding of your chosen fields of study.

Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your unique experiences, values, and aspirations. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and how you will contribute to the Kenyon College community. Be authentic, reflective, and articulate your motivations for pursuing higher education at Kenyon. Share personal stories and experiences that showcase your character, resilience, and accomplishments, leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Extracurricular Involvement: Kenyon College values students who are actively engaged in extracurricular activities and demonstrate a commitment to their passions outside of the classroom. Pursue activities that align with your interests and allow you to make a positive impact. Show depth of involvement by taking on leadership roles, initiating projects, or participating in relevant clubs, sports teams, community service, or artistic endeavors. Highlight your achievements and any recognition received, demonstrating your ability to balance academics and extracurricular commitments effectively.

Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who can provide insightful and detailed accounts of your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success at Kenyon College. Select teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and collaborative nature. Provide them with sufficient time and information to write strong letters of recommendation that showcase your strengths and potential contributions to the college community.

Campus Visits and Demonstrated Interest: If possible, visit the Kenyon College campus or engage in virtual events to demonstrate your genuine interest in the institution. Attend information sessions, connect with admissions officers, and participate in virtual tours. Take note of specific programs, faculty, or campus initiatives that resonate with you. By expressing your interest in Kenyon College, you can underscore your enthusiasm and dedication to becoming a part of their academic community.

Supplemental Essays: Pay close attention to the supplemental essay prompts provided by Kenyon College. Tailor your responses to reflect your unique qualities, values, and how you align with Kenyon's educational philosophy and campus culture. Thoughtfully reflect on your experiences and aspirations, making connections to specific resources, programs, or opportunities offered by the college. Use these essays as an opportunity to showcase your fit and passion for Kenyon College.

Application Submission: Ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted before the deadline. Double-check that all required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters, are included. Proofread your application materials, including essays and short responses, to eliminate any errors or typos. Submit your application well in advance to allow for any unforeseen technical difficulties.

Conclusion: Securing admission to Kenyon College requires careful planning, academic excellence, and a genuine passion for learning and community engagement. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be well-prepared to navigate the application process, highlight your strengths, and present a compelling case for why you would be an excellent fit for Kenyon College. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, stay true to yourself, and best of luck on your journey to Kenyon!

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Section: Opinion

Lack of supplement drives diversity

By Hannah Lee Leidy

This past Thursday and Friday, hundreds of admitted students and their families arrived at Kenyon College for the first “Thumbs Up” program of the year. The campus is currently readying itself for the second group of admitted students this weekend. The result is simple: more and more students are applying to Kenyon each year, allowing Admissions to turn away more and more applicants.

Consequently, Kenyon is growing more selective in the increasing applicant pool each year.   Its prestige and admission ranks continue to garner national respect. Kenyon’s application process is more accessible since the removal of the writing supplement, but does that mean it’s too easy?

For the April 2 issue of the Collegian , Matthew Eley wrote an article titled “Drop Common App.” His piece describes the application process post-supplement as Kenyon’s way to up the number of applications it receives, thereby lowering its acceptance rate. Eley satirically compares Kenyon’s simple application process to Ted Cruz’s idea of mailing postcard-size tax forms to Americans.

However, while a post-supplement application does seem simpler, Kenyon isn’t lowering its standards in any way by using it. In fact, with merely the Common Application and no writing supplement, thousands of applicants have to sell themselves to Kenyon in a transcript, 10 extracurricular slots and a 650-word essay.   Having multiple chances to write about why a college should accept you is much easier than trying to nail it in one clean essay.

Kenyon also receives the Common Application free of charge, which offers low-income students the opportunity to apply to a school they might be unable to apply to otherwise due to submission fees. This is a benefit to Kenyon’s student body, which lacks economic diversity. Kenyon’s socioeconomically homogeneous population often turns off many Kenyon students and prospective students, but free submission of the Common Application (along with more scholarships) could change that.

Without a writing supplement, more students are able to apply to Kenyon because they don’t have to spend time writing multiple essays. The majority of high school seniors divide their time between taking AP/IB classes, participating in extracurricular activities and working jobs, all of which increase applicants’ chances of getting accepted to and attending colleges. It’s hard for these busy students to find the time to breathe, much less spend hours working on countless college writing supplements. Kenyon allows these students to make the best use of their time by focusing on their studies and submitting one simple application.

The admitted classes’ GPAs and SAT and ACT scores continue to climb higher each year, and since dropping the writing supplement, Kenyon has been able to mold classes boasting some of the most impressive credentials the College has seen yet. So is “Common Application only” a game the admissions office wants to play for the sole purpose of lowering its acceptance rate? Or is it Kenyon’s way of shaping the best incoming class it can while ensuring that anyone can apply? You decide.

Hannah Lee Leidy ’18 is undeclared from Elizabeth City, N.C. Contact her at [email protected].

Comments for this article have closed. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor for publication, please email us at [email protected] .

April 21, 2015 — 12:40 pm ET

I am not a current Kenyon student but applied early decision in 2013 and stumbled on this article. I am at another liberal arts college which I love so I am not complaining just voicing my opinion. In my junior and senior years of high school I fell in love with Kenyon and knew I wanted to apply early. I thought the hefty supplements were such a positive. I had a lot of things to do and I was very stressed but I viewed the supplements as a way to express my love for Kenyon as well as weed out the students who didn't really care much about Kenyon itself. I was upset when the supplement was no longer a part of the application but still showed my interest by applying early, visiting multiple times to Kenyon, interviewing and e-mailing the admission officers. (not to an inappropriate extent) Long story short I got deferred even with credentials that would have gotten me in any previous year. I think that the supplements are vital in ensuring that the applicants are very passionate about the school. I'm sure you Kenyon students are bright and passionate but the supplement allows students to only be up against the people who will take the time to show a certain college they really want to go. I'm very happy where I am now and glad that my school still kept it's supplements. I wish you all the best.

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