georgia tech essay word limit

Undergraduate Admission

• Application Review Process
• Academic Preparation
• Standardized Tests
• Contribution to Community

Personal Essays

• Recommendations
• Interview for International Applicants
• Major Selection
• Institutional Fit

The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit, and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.

Application Essay Prompts

Below are the Georgia Tech essay questions for 2023 applications. Both prompts are required of all applicants.

• Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App.
• Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max 300 words): Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

Start Your Essays

What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?

Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:

• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness.
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness.
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar.
• Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s Values . The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

Our Advice for this Portion of the Application

• Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays!
• Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.
• Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!
• Don’t blow off the essay! We wouldn’t ask you to write it if we didn’t find it to be an important way to get to know you, and what you could bring to Georgia Tech.
• In the same way you would not copy directly from any other source you may incorporate into the writing process, you should not copy and paste directly out of any AI platform or submit work that you did not originally create. Instead, approach and consider any interaction with an AI tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Ultimately, we want to read and hear your unique and valuable writing style.

Per Georgia state law and Georgia Tech policy , all admission staff are mandatory reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate authorities. Any statements in written materials, including anywhere in a student’s application or supporting materials, that give admission staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to the Georgia Tech Police Department. Learn more about reporting requirements .

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips for writing stellar georgia tech essays.

College Info , College Essays

Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?

Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.

Feature Image: Wally Gobetz /Flickr

What Are the Georgia Tech Supplement Essay Prompts?

The Georgia Tech application includes a total of two essays . For one of these, you'll choose one of the seven Common App prompts to respond to, and the other is specific to Georgia Tech. Here's the Georgia Tech prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

How to Write the "Why Georgia Tech?" Essay

This prompt is a version of the "why this college?" prompt . Specifically, this prompt is a "why us?" prompt: It's asking you to elaborate on why this college and the major you've chosen are best suited to you and your aspirations. In other words, what about Georgia Tech and the field of study you want to pursue there will help you achieve your future goals?

To answer this question, you'll need to do some research on Georgia Tech and the academic program you're applying to . The easiest way to do this is to go to the Georgia Tech website to get an overview of what's offered by your program, including the kinds of classes, study abroad options, professors, and internship opportunities.

If possible, I suggest visiting the campus to sit in on classes and meet professors so you can get a clearer feel for the academic program as well as the environment at Georgia Tech as a whole.

In your essay, try to pick a specific characteristic to focus on —don't just say you want to attend Georgia Tech because it's prestigious or well-known. Lots of colleges are!

Next, you'll need to know how your education at Georgia Tech will help you after college . For example, you could write about how you think Georgia Tech's cooperative education program will help you gain relevant professional experience and make connections with like-minded peers.

Regardless of what aspects of Georgia Tech and your major you want to write about, make sure to clearly connect the essay back to you and your own interests and goals .

Here are some possible topics you could use for your "Why Georgia Tech?" essay:

• An anecdote relating some sort of positive personal experience you had at Georgia Tech (such as while on a campus tour)
• A positive interaction you had with someone affiliated with Georgia Tech, such as a current student or professor involved with the major you're applying for
• Your excitement about getting to work with a particular faculty member  and how this opportunity will help you further your career goals
• Your enthusiasm for getting to study in a program, major, or minor that's not usually offered at many schools or that has a unique, interesting angle at Georgia Tech
• A special facility or piece of equipment you're looking forward to being able to work in or with that isn't offered on other campuses or is very rare

Georgia Tech Essay Examples + Analysis

We've written two Georgia Tech essay examples to help give you an idea as to what and how you could write your Why Georgia Tech essay. Additionally, we go over what makes them good essays for a Georgia Tech application.

Georgia Tech Essay Example 1

"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to Georgia Tech."

Katrina was a few years older than me and the sister of my best friend, Troy, who'd given me her email address so I could ask any questions I had about her time at Georgia Tech. This was the last line of her response—and by far the most memorable.

Like Katrina, I can't imagine myself not attending Georgia Tech. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I see Georgia Tech as a gateway to not just learning but also professional success. The flexibility of the major would allow me to focus specifically on my passion for reducing the negative effects of climate change and securing access to clean water. As a senior, I plan to take several hydraulics-focused electives.

In addition, through the InVenture Prize, which I hope to participate in at least twice, I'll be able to utilize the knowledge I've gained through my classes, projects, and fieldwork by translating it into a concrete vision—specifically, an invention that will increase the availability of fresh, healthy water for disadvantaged communities.

After graduation, and as a proud Georgia Tech alumnus (ideally with an InVenture Prize), I plan to implement the skills I've gained through my environmental engineering major in the nonprofit sector.

I haven't met Katrina yet, but I feel as though I know her—perhaps it's that shared sense of joy at having discovered the perfect school for the paths we've chosen.

Here's why this Georgia Tech essay works:

• It's got a creative hook that draws you in. This Georgia Tech essay opens with a quotation that immediately makes it feel as though you're reading a compelling story. It then goes on to connect this hook directly to the narrator who "can't imagine … not attending Georgia Tech," ensuring the focus remains on the applicant and not Katrina.
• It mentions specific features of Georgia Tech. The applicant doesn't just write about how prestigious Georgia Tech is but specifically mentions opportunities she's interested in taking advantage of, such as hydraulics courses and the famous InVenture Prize competition.

The mark of a good college essay is an acceptance letter!

Georgia Tech Essay Example 2

Atlanta has been my home all my life, and I've always known that I want to be one of the people who help make it such a wonderful place to live. My dream is to create my own business that makes it easier for other start-up businesses to get up and running. Georgia Tech is my dream school because I know it will give me the absolute best chance of achieving my goals.

The course catalog for Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business makes it clear that all business students receive a top-notch and comprehensive business education no matter what area they choose to focus on. However, what really interests me is Scheller's emphasis on entrepreneurship. I'm so excited to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, like LBAT and study abroad programs that focus on starting a new business, the certificate in entrepreneurship, and the Enterprise Innovation Institute where I hope to collaborate with professors, business leaders, and peers to learn how to create and grow and successful business of my own.

Growing up in Atlanta, learned early that it has many resources for people hoping to go into business, and I know Georgia Tech will help me take advantage of them. Under the school's internship program, I hope to work for a start-up company, learning about what makes some new companies thrive while others fail, and getting on-the-ground experience learning what new companies need to do well and avoid common pitfalls. I'll also use Georgia Tech's extensive connections with local business leaders to continue to expand my business acumen outside the classroom.

I have so many ideas for what I want to do with my career, and I can't wait to attend Georgia Tech to learn the skills I need to make these dreams possible.

• It goes in-depth on what Georgia Tech offers. Like the first essay, this one also gets specific on exactly which parts of the school the writer plans to take advantage of the most. From mentioning the course catalog, specific business programs, and the school's connections with the community, it's clear the writer did her research and knows which of Georgia Tech's resources will be of most value to her.
• It has a clear vision of a career path. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate college, but having a general idea can really help you show the admissions committee how you're going to take advantage of what Georgia Tech offers. In this case, it's the entrepreneurship and business opportunities at the school, which will help the writer start her own business after graduation.

How to Write a Great Georgia Tech Essay: Three Essential Tips

Now that you know the specifics of the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt, here are three key tips to use while writing your essay.

#1: Be Specific and Concise

The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so limited in terms of length, you'll need to make sure you're using the space you have wisely. Don't write super flowery, verbose descriptions or rely on overly vague examples.

Instead, be as specific as you can be so that you're emphasizing only the most important parts of the story you want to tell. Specificity will make your essay more concise and easier to follow.

#2: Show, Don't Tell

You've probably heard this refrain a million times, but it's especially important for college essays: show your experiences, emotions, and perspectives instead of simply telling them to your readers . Doing this will make your Georgia Tech essays sound vibrant and alive rather than dull and boring.

One of the very best ways to catapult your descriptions to a whole new level and to lend a stronger voice to your writing is to use a variety of literary devices , including flashbacks, anecdotes, imagery, and euphemisms.

#3: Polish and Proofread

Before you submit your Georgia Tech essays, make sure to take some time to read them over, edit them, get feedback, and proofread them.

The best way to do this is to start by writing a rough draft. Once finished, put your essay away for a little while—from a couple of days to a week or so depending on the amount of time you have left before college applications are due —and then take it out again.

As you read your essay, mark any areas that are unclear, awkwardly worded, or irrelevant . You should also proofread your essay for any glaring typos and errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Once you've repeated this process a few times, it's time to get a new set of eyes to look it over for you. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor, to read your essay and offer comments and corrections on it.

Doing all of this will ensure that your essay is completely polished by the time you turn it in to Georgia Tech!

What's Next?

If you're reading this, you're likely not only applying to Georgia Tech. Get more tips with our expert guides to the Stanford essays , the Northwestern essay , and the Harvard essay .

Applying through the Common App? Check out this comprehensive list of schools that accept the Common App , and learn more about how to write the Common App essay .

To learn more about Georgia Tech and how to get in, take a look at its admission requirements page .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Georgia Tech Essay 2022-2023

Georgia Tech Essay 2022-23

Georgia tech essay: quick facts.

• Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate: 18%— U.S. News ranks Georgia Tech as a most selective school.
• 1 ( ~ 300 word) essay
• Georgia Tech Application: Students must submit their Georgia Tech application through the Common Application . Make sure to double check all Georgia Tech application deadline and requirements. 
• Early Action I: October 17th  
• Early Action II: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 4th
• Georgia Tech Essay Tip: In addition to the Common App essay , there is only one Georgia Tech essay to complete. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully and authentically complete the Georgia Tech essay. 

Does Georgia Institute of Technology have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, you will craft a why Georgia Tech essay that explains why you want to attend Georgia Tech. However, there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

Applicants must only complete one Georgia Tech application essay and the Common App essay .

Since the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is rather low, you should ensure your essay thoroughly explains why Georgia Tech best fits your goals.

While this task may seem daunting, the Georgia Tech application essay is not intended to trip you up. Make sure your Georgia Tech application essay shares new information while also explaining specific reasons why Georgia Tech is the place for you. Emphasize specific details that help the reader understand who you are and why you would fit in at Georgia Tech. Successful Georgia Tech essays will answer the why Georgia Tech essay completely and thoughtfully.

How to Write Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay–Question 1

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech (300 max).

The why Georgia Tech essay gives you the chance to state your educational goals within the context of Georgia Tech. Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays will resemble those of many colleges. This means that while you won’t be able to reuse your Georgia Tech application essay (after all, that defeats the purpose of the “why school” essay), learning to write a strong response to this prompt might help you in your other applications.

Also, keep in mind that your Georgia Tech application essay should largely look toward your future rather than your past. You can—and should—mention specific ways that your academic interests have developed. However, you should devote most of your Why Georgia Tech essay to why you hope to pursue these interests at Georgia Tech. Below are some ways to ground your why Georgia Tech essay:

Focus on Academic Interests

First, and most importantly, you should consider your academic interests. Remember, this Georgia Tech essay prompt asks both why you want to study your chosen major and why you want to do so at Georgia Tech. Your response to the why Georgia Tech essay should address both of these questions—that is, you should explain the origins and development of your academic passions alongside your interest in Georgia Tech.

Think a bit about your future college major when contemplating the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Which programs at Georgia Tech most interest you? Maybe some courses excite you because they connect to your professional goals. Perhaps there is a professor whose research lights your intellectual spirit on fire. Look for reasons why Georgia Tech is the perfect place for you, and highlight them in your Georgia Tech application essay. 

Your Georgia Tech application essay should be grounded in what intellectually excites you about college and how Georgia Tech specifically quenches that academic thirst. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts; so, make sure that your response to this prompt is unique and passionate about your future academic interests. 

Consider discussing c ommunity

Second, successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will consider Georgia Tech’s community, particularly in the academic sense. Why does Georgia Tech’s campus culture appeal to you? Why would you thrive in an intellectually engaged community like Georgia Tech? 

For inspiration, you might check out Georgia Tech’s admissions office website as well as their YouTube channel . There, you can see what Georgia Tech wishes to emphasize about itself to prospective students. You can also hear from students past and present about their lives on campus. Incorporating these themes will help you prepare an excellent Why Georgia Tech essay.

Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, the Georgia Tech application essay is a snapshot of your current interests. Since there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, students should place special attention on writing strong Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

Many college students change their major, and the Georgia Tech admissions team understands this. Perhaps your future professors will inspire you to change direction. Or, maybe, an internship or volunteering experience might reveal a new passion. Admissions officers know that your prospective major may shift once you arrive at Georgia Tech. Don’t feel constrained by “choosing” a future major —instead, use the Georgia Tech supplemental essay to reflect on your current interests and illustrate your overall intellect.

Georgia Tech Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your Georgia Tech application essay provide specific examples that show you have researched why Georgia Tech is a good fit for you?
• Do you avoid extended lists of reasons why you want to attend Georgia Tech and instead focus on one or two specific things?
• Will your Georgia Tech application essay stand out amongst a pool of competitive applicants?

How do I write the Georgia Tech essay?

Writing the Georgia Tech essay can seem challenging at first, especially because you don’t have multiple chances to get the essay right with various Georgia Tech essay prompts. Still, there is a method to the madness. Students should begin these Georgia Tech supplemental essays by brainstorming what about Georgia Tech appeals to you. As you draft responses to the Georgia Tech essay prompts, a structured outline will help focus your thoughts.

Keep in mind that your Why Georgia Tech essay isn’t just about Georgia Tech—it’s about you. Your Why Georgia Tech essay should not only highlight the specific resources and opportunities that draw you to the school; it should also speak to how you hope to develop your interests and passions in college. Georgia Tech supplemental essays should demonstrate that students have thought intentionally about their ideal college environment and how it relates to their goals. In evaluating your Georgia Tech essay, the Georgia Tech admissions team will consider both what sort of student you will be and what you will bring to their college community.

As the Georgia Tech acceptance rate continues declining, admissions officers sift through more and more applications. As there aren’t various Georgia Tech essay prompts, this makes it even more important that your one Georgia Tech essay shines. Your Georgia Tech application essay should capture your accomplishments, your goals, and why Georgia Tech is an ideal next step.

Why School Essay: Three tips for researching Georgia Tech

When writing your why Georgia Tech essay, or any why school essay, you should be as detailed as possible. The biggest mistake students can make when writing Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being too general. Therefore, one of the first steps in writing your why Georgia Tech essay is to do some research on Georgia Tech. You may have some useful information from your college search that led you to complete a Georgia Tech application. For their Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students can use that initial research as a base for the why school essay, especially if a certain academic program initially caught their interest. 

Your why Georgia Tech essay should aim to impress Georgia Tech admissions while still being authentic. Georgia Tech admissions is selective. Your why Georgia Tech essay is only a small portion of your overall Georgia Tech application, albeit a very important portion. Before even beginning your why school essay research, check out our guide on how to get into Georgia Tech. You’ll also want to read all about Georgia Tech admissions to understand the selection process. Without multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, you have time to put all of your focus on this why Georgia Tech essay. 

You may already have an idea of a major or program that you want to pursue. That’s great. Students who know their intended major have an easy place to start researching when starting their Georgia Tech essays. However, maybe you’re still choosing a major . That’s no problem. Georgia Tech essays aren’t meant to be a formal declaration of your major. Rather, Georgia Tech admissions just wants to get to know you and your academic interests in relation to Georgia Tech and its programs. 

Three tips to get you started when researching for Georgia Tech essays: 

#1- start with the mission statement.

Georgia Tech admissions wants you to show in this why Georgia Tech essay how your goals align with their values. Georgia Tech states that the institution is “ committed to improving the human condition through advanced science and technology. ” You’ll need to demonstrate, through your chosen major, how you would fulfill that mission. Students who write successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will keep that mission statement in mind as they research academic programs for the Georgia Tech application essay. 

#2- Find a major

When writing your Georgia Tech essay, search through the majors offered at the university. You’ll likely have an area of interest even if you are still undecided on a major. In order to write impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students should lean into those intellectual interests in order to find a major that they can passionately and authentically write about. Students should use their Georgia Tech essay prompts to reference specific opportunities only offered at Georgia Tech. These could be the research facilities, faculty, or internship opportunities. 

#2- Learn about the campus culture

Georgia Tech admissions wants to see through students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays how you align with their mission and values. Showing how you would excel on the campus is important. Georgia Tech supplemental essays may reference clubs or organizations that you would get involved in. How would those opportunities add to your intended major?

Take your time

Once you’ve done all the research, focus your attention on answering the prompt in its entirety. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts so give yourself all the time it takes to answer exceptionally. Expand on your most relevant research for your why Georgia Tech essay by relating it back to you and your goals. How do the specific values, programs, and campus community relate to you? What will you bring to this academically rigorous program? How will you apply that to your future career? Students should think about all these questions as they write their Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

It may be helpful to look at what works when writing a why school essay. Many schools require a why school essay. Students responding to the Georgia Tech essay prompts will make their answers specific to Georgia Tech, however, the basic goal and structure of the why school essay will be the same. Check out the why school essay examples for Yale , Northwestern , and NYU to see how to ace the Georgia Tech application essay. 

Is the Georgia Tech essay required?

Yes—all students must complete the supplemental Georgia Tech application essay.

The Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic application review process. This means that your how to get into Georgia Tech strategy will require presenting a cohesive application narrative. When reading Georgia Tech supplemental essays, admissions officers want to understand your academic potential as well as who you are as a person. 

In addition to thoughtful Georgia Tech supplemental essays, the Georgia Tech admissions team wants to see demonstrated interest (DI) from you. Demonstrated interest is a tool of measurement that universities use to gauge how enthusiastic students are about attending a particular school. Essentially, if an admissions officer has two similar candidate profiles in front of them—similar test scores , extracurriculars , and achievements—the final decision may come down to which student better demonstrates their interest in attending. In a Forbes article on how best to use DI in your college applications, they highlight the power of the essay. In this case, your Why Georgia Tech essay can be a powerful tool to demonstrate your interest in attending.

Recently, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive. Many students are vying for a spot at this top science , technology, and eng i neering school. Given that there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, make sure to make the most of the 300 word count as you show the Georgia Tech admissions team what makes you unique. Remember, well-written Georgia Tech supplemental essays can make or break your admissions odds.

Is the Georgia Tech essay important?

Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays are absolutely important. The Georgia Tech application essay helps readers understand who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. In fact, Georgia Tech supplemental essays can even provide important context to grades and activities. This can help you stand out to admissions officers.

As you write the why Georgia Tech essay, remember to share both the exciting features of Georgia Tech and how they connect with your own experiences and goals. Georgia Tech admissions are not only looking for your academic credentials in this Georgia Tech application essay—they also want to see who you are and how you can contribute to the campus culture. Given the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate, students want to do all they can to maximize the impact of their Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

What is the Georgia Tech acceptance rate?

As a public institution, Georgia Tech has a commitment to educating Georgians as well as students from all over the country and the globe. This means the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is twofold.

For in-state applicants, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate this past year was 35% . As for non-Georgians, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate was only 13%. Georgia residents may also want to consider applying to Georgia’s HOPE scholarship , as it’s only available to them. It’s a merit-based scholarship largely based on your GPA. 

How to Win a HOPE Scholarship

Whether or not you’re a resident of Georgia, students who make the most of the Georgia Tech application essay, will have a better chance against the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate. Since the competition is so keen, you should give it your all when crafting your Georgia Tech essay. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts. That makes it even more important for applicants to write the best Georgia Tech essays possible. It’s your chance to show admissions who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the Georgia Tech community. 

What are the admissions requirements for Georgia Tech?

As a globally recognized research university, Georgia Tech provides excellent educational opportunities to its students. The Georgia Tech acceptance rate has decreased in recent years, and Georgia Tech admissions have become increasingly competitive. Successful applicants will not only have impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, but also strong GPAs, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars. 

Considering applying to Georgia Tech? Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions exclusively accepts undergraduate applications (including students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays) via the Common App . 

The Georgia Tech admissions requirements include:

• Strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
• High grades/ GPA
• Evidence of academic rigor in high school courses
• Strong Common App Personal Statement and Georgia Tech application essay
• Evidenced contribution to your community
• Optional recommendation letters from your high school counselor and one teacher in a core academic subject

While many schools have opted to go test-optional , Georgia Tech does require standardized test scores. Be sure to plan early in order to get the strongest score possible. Extracurriculars are another vital piece of your application narrative. Check out tips on crafting the best extracurriculars list possible. 

Acing the Georgia Tech admissions requirements

Want to stand out in Georgia Tech admissions? Make sure to take challenging courses at your high school to demonstrate your academic drive. You should also consider including optional recommendations from your high school counselor and a teacher (ideally from a core academic subject, which generally is a course you need to take to graduate, such as English or math). 

Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions officers use a holistic application review process. This review process includes your contributions to your community and, importantly, your personal essays . You will submit all materials for your Georgia Tech application—including your Georgia Tech essay—through the Common App.

You will also submit letters of recommendation from your teachers through the Common App platform. Additionally, the Common App will allow you to address any notable disruptions due to COVID-19, if applicable.

Keep in mind that although the Georgia Tech admissions process considers all aspects of your application, a weak Georgia Tech application essay can prevent you from getting in—even if you have high grades and scores. To maximize your admissions odds, you should put as much thought into your Georgia Tech essay as possible. Well written Georgia Tech supplemental essays will maximize your chances of admissions. 

Five Tips for Writing the Georgia Tech Essay

The why Georgia Tech essay can seem vexing. You don’t have multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so you may feel even more pressure to get this one right. How do you craft an answer that reflects both your own interests and specific details about Georgia Tech? 

Five tips for writing the Georgia Tech Essay: 

Start early.

There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts for applicants to answer. There is only one Georgia Tech application essay (in addition to the Common App personal essay ). However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your Georgia Tech essay the time and care that it deserves. Successful Georgia Tech essays will take more than a night to complete. Your essay is extremely important when considering how to get into Georgia Tech. You need time to brainstorm, research, draft, edit, and repeat. To stay organized, check out these tips on building your college application timeline . 

Do your research

The key to successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being specific. To make your essay count, research how you can explore your interests at Georgia Tech. You might incorporate a quote, a specific course, or a faculty member to boost your essay’s impact.

Connect the dots

In your “Why Georgia Tech” essay, make sure each detail about your interest in Georgia Tech that you include to highlight your interests also gives the reader a sense of your identity. For instance, the courses you mention could link back to ideas you have studied outside the classroom. A professor’s research that excites you could connect to a club you run or a project you did. By building these connections, you can use your Georgia Tech supplemental essay to show both the depth of your intellectual engagement and how you’ll fit in at Georgia Tech.

Be authentic

While understanding what Georgia Tech admissions is looking for in its applicants is important, you don’t want to write a Georgia Tech essay that is just what you think admissions wants to hear. Write about your genuine interest in academic programs at Georgia Tech. And show through your authenticity and passion why you’re a perfect fit for the program. 

Make sure to proofread

Georgia Tech supplemental essays are evaluated not only for content, but also for mechanics and writing style. Make sure that you carefully proofread your final draft of the Georgia Tech essay before submitting. Have someone else read it over for grammatical errors and content. If implementing someone else’s feedback, be sure to maintain your own voice and style. 

Georgia Tech Essay – Final Thoughts

Grades and numbers can only do so much. Your Georgia Tech application essay has the power to illuminate where you have been, where you are, and where you hope to go. Without various Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, admissions will be carefully examining each why Georgia Tech essay. Do everything you can to make it stand out. It may be helpful to find inspiration in other successful essay examples .

It is natural to see the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate and wonder how to stand out. Still, keep in mind that the Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic review process that extends beyond grades and test scores. This gives you the power to curate a strong Georgia Tech essay—and application—that sheds light on why you’d be a great fit on campus.

Who you are and what matters to you

The Why Georgia Tech essay lets you share both who you are and how your passions align with Georgia Tech’s offerings. Going in with a plan, such as an outline or brainstorming sheet, can help you get off to a strong start. You might also ask another person to proofread your Georgia Tech application essay and offer feedback. 

Remember that outstanding Georgia Tech supplemental essays can lead to an acceptance letter . There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so admissions is looking for excellent responses to this one essay. Keep focused on creating the best Georgia Tech essay possible and hopefully you’ll be looking into Georgia Tech enrollment by spring. Good luck!

This Georgia Tech essay guide 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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How to write the georgia tech supplemental essays 2021-2022 (with examples).

Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Tech is a school well-known for its engineering and computer science programs.

Its admissions rate has decreased over the years, hitting 21% in 2020 as it becomes more selective.

As such, you need a great application to be considered for admission to Georgia Tech.

While your academic success and extracurricular activities are all important aspects of the application process, Georgia Tech takes your essay responses seriously and treats them as “an important way to get to know you, and what you have to bring to Georgia Tech.”

Luckily, you don’t need to be a future English major to create a personal, powerful essay.  

Georgia Tech takes both the Common Application and the Coalition Application.

• On top of the Common or Coalition App general essay , you are expected to write one short answer response.  

In this article, we will guide you through Georgia Tech’s short answer question to give you an idea of how to approach it .

Click above to watch a video on Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays.

General Guidelines: Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay

The essay response is 300 words long, translating to about 2-3 paragraphs in length. However, you need to be economical with your words and make every single one count. That means there is no room for generalities.

• You need to be specific and get straight to the point.
• Every word should contribute to showing your personality, your motivations, your ambitions, or your successes. 

You should also focus on topics that you haven’t covered elsewhere in your application.

Georgia Tech wants the essay to bring out what they can’t already figure out from your transcripts and club participation.

• Georgia Tech wants the essays to bring out what they can’t already figure out from your transcripts and club participation.

Above all else, be authentic. Don’t write what you think the admissions officers want to read. Be honest in your interests and your accomplishments, and show Georgia Tech what you have to offer them.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay – Why This Major at Georgia Tech?

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (Max. 300 words)”

The wording of this question is a little tricky. At first, it seems like it’s asking why you’ve chosen your desired major. While this is a point you’ll want to make in your essay, you’ll want to keep it brief. The real answer Georgia Tech wants here is why you want to study your major at Georgia Tech.

• It’s more of a “ Why This College ” essay than a “Why This Major” prompt.

However, it’s not just about why you love Georgia Tech. They want to know specifically why you love Georgia Tech’s version of your major program.

If you’re planning to major in Chemistry, did you choose Georgia Tech for their outstanding research opportunities?

• If you’re going for engineering, is the school’s “best of the best” reputation your main selling point?

Think about why your field of study will be special at Georgia Tech, and craft an essay from that.

• Tip: It’s always a good idea to show Georgia Tech that what you’re doing now will carry over to your major program (if you can squeeze it into the 300 word limit).

For example:

• Share a sentence or two about your research project that won the state science fair last spring, and explain how you’re wanting to continue to challenge yourself through similar opportunities.
• Write a little bit about the club you founded in your high school, and share that you want to take that same entrepreneurial spirit and begin your own business someday. Point out how Georgia Tech’s hands-on business program will prepare you for your goals.

You can approach this question in a few different ways:

The first way is to approach this from an academic perspective. Remember, they don’t want you to tell them they’re highly ranked in engineering and computer science – they already know that. They want you to be specific in your desire to earn a certain major from Georgia Tech.

• What pieces of your major program are unique to Georgia Tech?
• How will these qualities benefit you directly?

Look at some of the research happening at Georgia Tech.

For instance, Georgia Tech is currently researching ways to improve worldwide sanitation by reinventing something that is used by every person multiple times per day– the toilet. They are aiming to create a toilet that turns human waste into clean water, specifically for the parts of the world that do not have access to adequate amounts of clean water or sanitation,

• If you’re interested in new technology and how it can make a lasting difference in humanitarian issues around the world, this type of research may be why you’re interested in attending Georgia Tech.

Second, consider looking into faculty members and their research interests.

If their research interests fall in line with what you plan to do, mention them in your essay. You may even want to reach out to the professor, forming a connection that could lead to future opportunities.

• Doing so shows Georgia Tech that you have both initiative and interest in the research that is happening at Georgia Tech, and that you’re committed to learning from GT faculty.

Third, study your major’s plan at Georgia Tech and how it compares to programs at other colleges and universities.

• Are there any classes that are unique to Georgia Tech?
• Will your program have internships or other hands-on experiences?

Figure out what makes your specific program unique at Georgia Tech, and make a list of all the ways these differences will support you throughout your college journey and in your future career.

• After you show why Georgia’s Tech has standout opportunities in your major , make sure to demonstrate your ambitions or post-undergraduate plans.

It’s important to note that you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do with your life after college – you might not know quite yet, and that’s just fine. Even if you do have a solid plan, it’s possible it will change as time goes by.

With that said, you should have a general idea of the field you want to enter.

With that said, you should have a general idea of the field you want to enter and it should be closely related to the major you choose.

• Overall, you must demonstrate that you know about Georgia Tech’s offerings (within your major) and have a vision for taking advantage of them.

Colleges want students who will utilize as many campus resources as possible to build a personalized education, and to become successful professionals.

Thus, be specific about Georgia Tech’s offerings that you want to become a part of.

A few more tips:

• If possible, try scheduling a campus tour and asking questions about the various aspects you’re interested in.
• Look at Georgia Tech’s website and its various faculty directories for current research and campus events.
• For even more inspiration, check college forums, such as College Confidential, to get perspective from current and former students.

Once you’ve got all of your information and inspiration gathered, you’re ready to write.

Why This Major at Georgia Tech Example Essay 1

We’ve provided you GT essay examples throughout this guide. They will help you visualize your essay outline.

Remember, never plagiarize. Colleges, naturally, frown upon this. You should always create your own work.

After my three-hour commute to Rutgers University, my advisors and I would huddle over a whiteboard, brainstorming mathematical models of pricing strategies. I spent the remainder of the day poring over my laptop, coding and debugging Python programs, translating these models into computational simulations. At the end of my two-year research project, I will determine the optimal pricing strategies for wireless service providers and publish a paper in the Gaugers Conference. I intend to continue my passion for research by participating in ongoing projects at Georgia Tech’s Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. My primary interest is advancing robotically assisted surgery technologies, giving patients access to the best medical minds. By working in the “Medical Robots and Human Augmentation” strategic research area and collaborating with professors like Dr. Jaydev Desai, I aim to provide struggling communities with the resources to utilize sophisticated robotics developments. I wish to further my passion for robotics by leading design teams on the Georgia Tech RoboJackets robotics team. Whether it’s coding an autonomous robot to play soccer or creating powerful mechanisms to break robots, I believe the RoboJackets have a niche for me. My desire to join Georgia Tech was reinforced after speaking with Tomas Osses about the endless possibilities on the RoboJackets. Diving deeper into robotics, I hope to enroll in the intelligence thread of the School of Computing to further my knowledge of autonomous machines and AI. I am eager to enhance my computer science skills as a Yellow Jacket.

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Why this major at georgia tech example essay 2.

I heard my name spoken into the microphone, and my teammates jumped from their seats. We had just taken first place in the New York State Science Fair with our Insulin Resistance research project. Our project had not only won, but it lead to wide open pathways that could someday make a difference in the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. I want to attend Georgia Tech because I know that the Biomedical Engineering program will provide me with access to similar experiences. Professors like Dr. Hee Cheol Chol (with his scholar status in Pediatric Bioengineering) would give me the tools and knowledge necessary to make a true impact throughout my future career in the medical field. Georgia Tech will give me the specific courses, research opportunities, internships, and expert faculty members that I need to become one of the best in the field. With my passion for science and difference-making, I know that Georgia Tech is the only place that will allow me to reach my full potential.”

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay #2: From Previous Years

In this section, we’ve added essays from previous years. This should give you context into the quality of essays Georgia Tech is looking for.

Each prompt provides you with an opportunity to showcase an accomplishment or passion outside of an academic context. Because of this, it’s important that you choose the essay that shares your best qualities or achievements.

For both of these essays, you should focus on what makes you a unique asset for the Georgia Tech community. It’s not so much about why you want Georgia Tech, but why Georgia Tech wants you .

• Keep in mind that your accomplishments don’t have to be extraordinary. You don’t have to cure cancer or end world hunger to be considered.
• Small differences you’ve made in a person’s life or steps you’re taking to change the world around you can create just as much of an impact.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Prompt A

Georgia Tech is committed to creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Tell us how you have improved or hope to improve the human condition in your community.

This prompt asks what you have done (or what you want to do) to make a difference in your community.

As shown in the question, you can take one of two paths when writing this essay:

• Explain something you’ve already done to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. This can be a large or small task; maybe you’re bilingual and you started an after-school tutoring club to provide direct support to younger kids who are learning English for the first time. Maybe you’ve gotten a group of friends together to make meals for the homeless population in your town.
• If you haven’t had the chance to make a difference directly (or if you’ve got a bursting idea that you dream of bringing to life), pour it out on the page. Write about a problem you’ve witnessed firsthand in your community, and how you want to solve it.

Remember to reflect on the impact this action had (or will have) on the community you live in.

Don’t write about improving life in another country if you don’t live there. This is about fixing the problems that occur on the same streets you grew up on.

• Be sure to share a concrete plan if you’re writing a problem you hope to solve in the future. Be specific and really show how your skills can make a positive impact in your community.
• Keep the description of the issue brief; Georgia Tech wants to know about how you can solve this more than they want to hear about the problem at hand.

When showcasing the skills you used to make a difference, also share what the experience has taught you:

• You learned how much back-end work goes into solving a humanitarian issue.
• You gained leadership skills while providing guidance to a large group of students.
• You found independence and realized your actions can lead to significant change with an intense focus and the correct use of your personal skill set.

While there are a lot of different ways to take this essay, it may not be the ideal essay for every applicant. Make sure your action or plan shows off both your skill and desire to change the world around you.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Prompt B

“If you feel that your personal or community background can provide additional insight to your application that we have not already seen elsewhere, please take this opportunity to share that information with us.”

This is a fairly vague prompt, but it provides you with an excellent opportunity.

It eliminates the problem that arises when applications only show your academic successes, and lets you showcase anything you want the admission team to see.

Maybe you have a health condition that has motivated you to succeed in academics, so you can someday work toward finding a cure. Maybe you’re a LEGO expert and want to turn your design skills into a future engineering career.

• Take the first part of your essay to explain an important piece of who you are that is not shown on your application.
• Make sure this characteristic or experience shows off why Georgia Tech is the perfect school for you (and why you’d be a perfect addition to the GT student body).

Now, how can Georgia Tech benefit from the characteristic or experience that makes you stand out?

• Does Georgia Tech offer study abroad programs in a third-world country you’ve always wanted to make a difference in?
• Are they currently conducting a long term research study in an area that personally relates to your or someone close to you?
• Is there a club or organization that you’d be a perfect fit for? Or one that would give you the tools you need to make an impact in the world around you?

Be specific, and show Georgia Tech something unique about yourself. Show them why you need their school, and why they need you as a student.

Make sure to look through Georgia Tech’s website to see if any of their core values, programs, or opportunities line up with a piece of your life that is not already shown on your application.

Georgia Tech Personal Background Essay Example From Previous Year

I moved to the United States when I was just six years old. I started first grade the following week, without knowing a word of English. I had an ESL teacher to meet with once a day and a computer program to teach me a whole new language. I couldn’t make new friends because I didn’t know how to speak to them. I couldn’t participate in class because I did not understand my teacher. Fast-forward to my Freshman year of High School. I’m now fluent in Spanish and English, and I wake up one morning with an idea that I absolutely need to bring to life. I’ll start a club for students in my local elementary school who are learning English as a second language. Fast-forward to today. For the past three years, my club has met three times per week during lunch and recess. My students have had a safe space to share their challenges (with translator apps, so they do not need to feel alone like I did). They have learned English quickly, they have made friends with each other, and they have triple the amount of English language learning time as was previously available. I know my club has made a difference in their lives, and also in my own. I’ve gained independence and leadership skills, and I now know that I am capable of making a significant impact in the world around me.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Example From Previous Year

It’s 5:50 a.m. on a Wednesday as I wake up to the shocking blast of the Mission Impossible theme song. It feels like I was up only a few hours ago, slogging through the assignments and projects that are due soon. I hop on the hour-long bus ride and try to get sleep to refresh myself for school. At school, I participate in classes, group projects, and labs, all of which have developed my critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills. On the ride back home, I socialize with friends about the latest sports news and listen to music. After I arrive home, I play piano and get some physical activity to calm my nerves and collect myself. After an hour of playing piano and exercising, it is off to volunteering at the the Iverness Hospital and then Iverness Orchards. Volunteering has taught me that not everything is about my life. I want to help those who cannot help themselves. After returning home and eating dinner, I clean the dishes and kitchen to alleviate my parents’ stress. Now comes the storm. I embark to complete math, physics, and biology projects and read up on literature and history. It’s 11:00 p.m., and while my parents and sister have gone to sleep, I still have so much to do. After working until 1:15 a.m., I finish my assignments and hit my bed. Today was a short Groundhog Day.

Conclusion: Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay

Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay allows you to demonstrate why Georgia Tech is the perfect school for you and why you’re a student that Georgia Tech needs.

Remember, this short answer essay gives you a chance to communicate with Georgia Tech’s admissions officers in a way that your test scores and transcripts can’t. Use this opportunity to your advantage.

Overall, you will write one, 300-word maximum, supplemental essay to show your interest in a specific major at Georgia Tech.

When you show Georgia Tech who you are and what you have to offer, you’ve got a much greater chance of getting in.

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Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

Georgia Tech has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a less selective institution to a highly competitive university. In the era of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech welcomed over two-thirds of its applicants. Fast forward to 2023, and the acceptance rate has plummeted to just 12% for out-of-state applicants, with nearly a third of freshmen being valedictorians or salutatorians. This shift underscores the heightened competitiveness of gaining admission to Georgia Tech, where even stellar academic credentials are no longer a guarantee.

With its rigorous admissions standards, Georgia Tech requires applicants to present compelling applications to stand out in the crowded field. Despite featuring only one general essay prompt, the supplemental section offers a valuable opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualifications for admission. Crafting an effective essay is key to making a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Below, we provide insight into Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2022-23 admissions cycle and offer advice on how to craft a winning essay that highlights your strengths and aligns with the university’s values and mission.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays Prompt for 2023-2024

For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, Georgia Tech poses a straightforward yet crucial question to applicants: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? With a tight 300-word limit, this essay prompt requires candidates to artfully blend elements of both the “Why Us?” and “Explain Your Major” prompts, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to their passion for their chosen field and their alignment with Georgia Tech’s offerings.

Georgia Tech emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and thoughtfulness in applicants’ essays. Additionally, they value attention to detail in terms of topic, style, and grammar. To help applicants navigate this essay prompt effectively, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls and focus on characteristics that make for a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay.

Also read Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate | Strategies and Insights for Admission Success 2024

Common pitfalls to steer clear of include:

• Generic responses lacking specificity about Georgia Tech’s programs or the applicant’s chosen major.
• Overly verbose or convoluted writing that detracts from the clarity and coherence of the essay.
• Failing to address both aspects of the prompt—why Georgia Tech specifically and why the chosen major.
• Neglecting to tailor the essay to Georgia Tech’s unique culture, resources, and opportunities.

On the other hand, a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of Georgia Tech’s programs, faculty, research opportunities, and campus culture.
• Articulates a clear and compelling rationale for choosing the selected major, highlighting the applicant’s passion, goals, and alignment with Georgia Tech’s academic offerings.
• Showcases the applicant’s self-awareness and authenticity, offering personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate their motivation and fit for their chosen field and the university.
• Is well-organized, concise, and free of grammatical errors, demonstrating the applicant’s attention to detail and communication skills.

By avoiding common pitfalls and embodying the characteristics of a winning essay, applicants can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with Georgia Tech’s admissions committee and enhances their chances of securing admission to their desired major.

Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay include

• Relying on generalities about Georgia Tech’s reputation: Simply stating that Georgia Tech’s engineering, business, or computer science programs are highly ranked and prestigious does not provide any insight into why the applicant is specifically drawn to these programs at Georgia Tech. Without personalized reasons or details, this approach lacks depth and fails to differentiate the applicant from others.
• Focusing too much on Atlanta: While Atlanta’s location may be a factor in choosing Georgia Tech, merely discussing the city in broad terms without connecting it to the applicant’s academic or personal interests does not add value to the essay. Avoiding generic descriptions of Atlanta’s appeal and instead highlighting specific aspects of the city that align with the applicant’s goals or experiences is more effective.
• Overusing generic expressions of feeling: Phrases like “I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me” may sound passionate, but without specific reasons or evidence to support this claim, they come across as cliché and insincere. Instead, applicants should focus on articulating genuine reasons for their interest in Georgia Tech, backed up by personal experiences or insights.
• Recycling statements from other “Why Us?” essays: Copying and pasting content from essays written for other colleges can lead to generic, irrelevant, or inaccurate responses. Each “Why Us?” essay should be tailored to the specific institution and highlight unique aspects of the school that resonate with the applicant. Reusing content without customization diminishes the essay’s impact and undermines the applicant’s genuine interest in Georgia Tech.

By avoiding these common pitfalls and instead focusing on genuine, personalized reasons for choosing Georgia Tech, applicants can craft compelling “Why Georgia Tech?” essays that effectively showcase their fit for the university.

Also see Georgetown Pre-College Online Program 2024

Crafting a compelling “Why Georgia Tech?” essay Requires strategic thinking and attention

Here are some tips to help you write a needle-moving essay:

• Align with the school’s mission: Start by demonstrating how your academic and personal goals align with Georgia Tech’s mission statement. Highlight your commitment to advancing technology and improving the human condition, and explain how your aspirations resonate with the university’s values.
• Be specific: Instead of relying on generic statements, cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities, internship/externship programs, study abroad options, or student-run organizations that interest you. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what Georgia Tech has to offer.
• Highlight your contributions: Articulate how you will contribute to the academic community at Georgia Tech. Whether it’s through your academic achievements, leadership experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact on campus.
• Connect past experiences to future goals: Show evidence of how your past or current endeavors have prepared you for success at Georgia Tech. Discuss relevant experiences, projects, or challenges you’ve faced and explain how they have shaped your aspirations and ambitions.
• Utilize resources: Emphasize how you plan to take advantage of Georgia Tech’s resources, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it’s access to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship opportunities with faculty members, or networking events with industry leaders, illustrate how you will leverage these resources to enhance your academic and professional growth.
• Address fit: Finally, explain why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you and why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech. Share specific reasons why you are drawn to the university’s culture, values, and community, and discuss how your background, interests, and goals align with what Georgia Tech has to offer.

By following these guidelines and crafting a well-researched, thoughtful essay, you can create a compelling case for why you belong at Georgia Tech and why Georgia Tech belongs in your future.

Crafting a compelling “Why this Major/College” essay

Crafting a compelling “Why this Major/College” essay requires more than just regurgitating information you found online. While research is crucial, your essay should go beyond a robotic recitation of facts. Instead, it should demonstrate a genuine connection between your interests, goals, and values and what the school has to offer.

Here are some big-picture thoughts to keep in mind when writing your essay:

• Show genuine interest: Admissions officers can spot a generic essay from a mile away. Make sure your essay reflects your authentic interest in the school and its programs. Share specific details about the classes, professors, opportunities, and campus culture that excite you.
• Make it personal: Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personality, talents, and aspirations. Connect the resources and opportunities offered by the school to your own values, talents, and goals. This will help you stand out and make a memorable impression.
• Connect the dots: Don’t just list off features of the school—explain how they align with your interests and goals. For example, if you’re interested in computer science, talk about specific research opportunities or projects that appeal to you and how they relate to your career ambitions.
• Be specific: Avoid vague or generic statements. Instead, provide concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what sets the school apart from others.
• Tailor your essay: Customize your essay for each school you’re applying to. Highlight aspects of the program or campus that are unique to that institution and explain why they appeal to you specifically.

How important is the essay at this school?

In terms of importance, the essay is a crucial component of the application process at Georgia Tech. Along with factors like rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities, the essay plays a significant role in the admissions decision. Make sure to give it the time and attention it deserves to make a strong impression on the admissions committee.

In conclusion, crafting a standout “Why this Major/College” essay for Georgia Tech—or any institution—requires thoughtful research, personal reflection, and genuine enthusiasm. By demonstrating your understanding of the school’s offerings and articulating how they align with your goals and values, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions officers.

Remember to avoid clichés and generic statements, and instead, focus on providing specific examples and connecting the dots between your interests and the opportunities available at Georgia Tech. The essay is a crucial component of the admissions process, so invest the time and effort to make it shine. With a well-crafted essay, you can showcase your unique strengths and make a compelling case for why you belong at Georgia Tech.

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2 Georgia Tech Essay Examples

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Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the foremost schools in the country for STEM-related majors, such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Situated in Atlanta, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get real-world experience in their field through internships and study abroad. 

While writing any college essay can be intimidating, admissions officers at Georgia Tech are especially selective, so make sure your essays are top notch! In this post, we will be going over two essays real students submitted to Georgia Tech. In addition, we will explain what each essay did well and where they could improve to inspire your writing.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Georgia Tech essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)

I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.

The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.

In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.

What the Essay Did Well

The strongest part of this essay is the hook. It captures the attention of the reader and immediately draws them into the story. Yet, still, the reader is left with a desire to know how the anecdote ends; this sets a great flow and general outline for the essay. Another important aspect of the in medias res technique is how to “zoom out” from the story to the main point of the essay in a way that remains personal to the author. This essay does this very well by tying the computer game into the student’s passion for computer science in the second sentence.

This essay also does a great job of answering the prompt. “Threads” are something unique to the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, and this student makes it clear that the path they want to pursue is only possible through this program. We can also see their personality shine through in this essay. This student is someone who is invested in equality and justice, as evidenced by the reference to Spiderman, their past as an English tutor, and their interest in the People thread.

What Could Be Improved

This essay does a good job covering the basics of the prompt, but it could be elevated with more nuance and detail. The biggest thing missing from this essay is a strong core to tie everything together. And no, the student’s major is not enough of a core. So what do we mean? We want to see a common theme, anecdote, or motivation that is weaved throughout the entire essay to connect everything. Take the Spiderman quote for example. If this was expanded it could have been the perfect core for this essay.

Underlying this student’s interest in AI is a passion for social justice, so they could have used the quote about power and responsibility to talk about existing injustices with AI and how once they have the power to create AI they will act responsibly and help affected communities. They are clearly passionate about equality of education, but there is a disconnect between education and AI that comes from a lack of detail. To strengthen the core of the essay, this student needs to include real-world examples of how AI is fostering inequities in education. This takes their essay from theoretical to practical. In addition to establishing a current issue, they also need to include concrete details about their aspirations, more than simply a hope to “ integrate AI technology into the teaching process .”

Bringing details to every level of your essay makes it infinitely easier for your reader to conceptualize what you are saying, thus allowing them to see how the entire essay fits together as one.

Essay Example #2

Climate change is a human rights issue.  

There the headline was, screaming on my phone screen. I think about those suffering from a lack of clean water. I think about those suffering from a lack of clean air. 

I often think back to that headline – it’s what drives my passion for environmental engineering. As an environmental engineer, I can mitigate air pollution and design water treatment systems that address the water injustices that people face. However, it’s not just about creating a technology that cleans water; it’s about changing people’s lives. New technologies can make a lasting difference in humanitarian issues worldwide; Georgia Tech’s research on creating a toilet that turns human waste into clean water for those in need of improved sanitation aligns perfectly with my interests.   

At Georgia Tech, through the student-led organization, Engineers for a Sustainable World and the InVenture Prize, I can translate the knowledge gained from my classes into a concrete vision. I can design and implement hands-on sustainability projects around Atlanta and invent a water sanitation system for the on-site acquisition of clean water. 

Georgia Tech can also provide me with ample research opportunities, such as the broad area of Healthy Communities in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. I can further pursue my interest in developing solutions to deliver clean water while welcoming new areas of inquiry. An area I would like to explore would be the controlling of dangerous matter in the air to reduce health hazards; reducing the impact of climate change is of utmost importance to me. 

Studying environmental engineering at Georgia Tech would well prepare me to develop solutions to climate-related issues. With the countless opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know there is nowhere else where I can receive a better environmental engineering education.

This essay immediately tells the reader exactly what this student is passionate about with the attention-grabbing phrase “ Climate change is a human rights issue ,” and each subsequent line delivers on that statement. The student was true to themself and picked a particular environmental issue that they cared about—clean water—and they thoroughly demonstrated how they will make that their primary goal at Georgia Tech.

Choosing one specific issue that you care deeply about and finding unique programs at a school that directly relate to your social problem makes for a vastly stronger essay than one that generally talks about climate change and the need to address it. Because this student honed in on clean water, they could talk about the sanitation toilet designed by Georgia Tech (demonstrating a high level of research on the school), Engineers for a Sustainable World (showing the hands-on experience they will gain with water sanitation), and the intersection of their interest with the topic of Healthy Communities (illustrating their intellectual curiosity).

This student knows exactly what they want and how Georgia Tech will get them there. Their direct tone makes them sound confident, driven, and determined to make the world a better place.

The biggest thing that stands out in this essay is the lack of a personal connection to the student. Especially when they begin the essay with a statement that climate change affects human rights, meaning the rights of everyone, it is ironic that this student never discusses their personal rights. Instead, they “ think about those suffering from a lack of clean water ” and the “ water injustices that people face. “

One downside of separating yourself from a global humanitarian issue like climate change is that it paints you as a savior, which isn’t always received in the best light. Even more importantly, you miss out on the perfect chance to include personal anecdotes and your emotions—the best way to reveal your character to admissions officers!

Rather than telling us how this student thinks about others suffering, they should have shared a story about the polluted water in a nearby stream they can’t swim in or acid rain that corroded the playground that was a staple of their childhood. These are just examples, but they get at the idea of including concrete examples about the way polluted water has personally affected this child and the mental toll seeing the world around them be threatened has on them.

Where to Get Your Georgia Tech  Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Georgia Tech essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Application Essays 2020-2021

Padya Paramita

July 13, 2020

The Georgia Institute of Technology recently made headlines with the announcement that it will no longer accept the Common Application personal statement . They will still use the Common Application system, but will “ will no longer utilize the long essay portion of the Common Application.” Instead, the school has introduced its own essay prompts that students will answer alongside the rest of the Common App sections . While keeping their “why Georgia Tech” essay from last year as it was, the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 have added two new prompts.

Writing essays on top of the “why school” prompt might sound intimidating at first. However, since chances are that you’re also writing a personal statement for other schools on the Common App, you likely already have content that can be repurposed for the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 . The new prompts are somewhat similar to the personal statement questions and ask students to reflect on their character, background, and interests. To guide you through each of the questions, I’ve gone over them in greater detail and added tips on how to make your essay specific to the university, and unique to your application profile.

Prompts for the Georgia Tech Application Essays 2020-2021

Both prompts below are required for all applicants. The school suggests that your answers stay within 50-300 words. Since you don’t have a lot of space, it’s important that you use your words strategically.

Essay Prompt 1

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

This is an accelerated version of the “why this school” essay, with a more clear focus on your choice of major. Your response shouldn’t revolve around broad categories that make Georgia Tech wonderful - everyone knows it’s a strong STEM college. This essay is not asking you to highlight extracurricular, cultural, or other resources at Georgia Tech; this essay is explicitly asking you to speak in depth about Georgia tech’s academic resources —major, curriculum, classes, professors, and more. When you get start, think about how a Georgia Tech education pertains to your goals, specifically. This means that you have to identify your goals in the first place. Then, whether you are applying for Industrial Design or Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies, demonstrate how Georgia Tech will help you accomplish your specific goals. The key is to connect experiences and aspirations with academic reasons for why  you’ve chosen the school. 

Research is the key to any “why this school” essay. Before you write this response, it’s important to sit down and look through Georgia Tech’s majors and course offerings in great detailOnce you’ve decided which major appeals to you, it’s time to think about your own experiences. How did your love for the field begin? How have you honed your skills in the discipline since then? If you’ve taken any challenging courses or started relevant clubs, how is Georgia Tech the perfect place for you to continue your exploration? No matter which major you’ve chosen, it’s important to show admissions officers why your interest makes sense for you and that your dedication to the field is real. 

Essay Prompt 2  

All applicants must choose one of the two questions below:

Option 1: Georgia Tech is committed to creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Tell us how you have improved or hope to improve the human condition in your community.

Competitive schools are looking for students who will graduate from their schools and later go on to change the world for the better. With a STEM-oriented school like Georgia Tech, it is looking for students who will use their skills and ambitions to bring innovative solutions to issues in today’s world. When approaching this essay, you need to identify a community, think of a problem it has faced, and show concrete evidence that you’ve worked on solving this problem. 

Since the prompt hasn’t specified which kind of community, think about a place where you’ve actually made the biggest impact. Think about how to differentiate yourself from other applicants. While you can definitely improve the human condition through service trips abroad, this experience isn’t necessarily unique.. You could write about the smaller circles such as your family, friend group, or neighborhood. You may have helped the community as a whole or you could have helped one or two individuals who belong to it. 

To think about the kinds of contributions to elaborate on, ask yourself the following questions:

• How have you collaborated - or hope to do so - with others in your community?
• What is different in your community as a result of your involvement?
• Have you taken any risks to help others? How have they paid off?
• Have you spearheaded any initiatives towards change?
• Are there any service examples that portray your curiosity and creativity?
• Why do you care about this community? How have you shown it? 

If you choose a larger community - like your whole school or city - make sure your essay still focuses on your own contribution and role. A response to such a prompt needs to follow the classic “show, not tell” advice. Admissions officers won’t be satisfied with just “I helped my family.” You need to dig deeper and convince them through the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 that you are the kind of hardworking and passionate individual who can thrive at Georgia Tech.

Option 2: If you feel that your personal or community background can provide additional insight to your application that we have not already seen elsewhere, please take this opportunity to share that information with us.

This question is very similar to a prompt from the Common App essays and is a very open-ended prompt. You can pretty much go any direction with your essay since it’s asking about your personal background or a community that has shaped you. You could also write about how you hold certain beliefs that have defined the course of your life. You can choose to elaborate on a cultural tradition that you look forward to and how the ways you’ve celebrated it changed with time. You can focus your essay on your career interest - for example, is there a compelling story that changed everything for you and developed your desire to pursue a career in engineering after college? 

The key here is “we have not already seen elsewhere. ” Remember that Georgia Tech will receive the rest of your Common Application. So don’t directly copy/paste words from your activities list or honors section. Make sure your response adds new information about you that isn’t present anywhere else in your profile.

Additional Tips

• Know what the school is looking for: An important part of doing school research includes digging in to find out what the school wants out of these essays. On its website , Georgia Tech adds that it’s wants your responses to achieve the following:
• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar
• Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s mission statement: “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”

Make sure your answer fits this bill. If you’ve got any doubts, make sure you ask another reader such as a teacher, parent, friend, or college counselor to see if you’re meeting the criteria.

• Use Your Common Application Profile As Inspiration - Chances are, other schools on your list also use the Common Application. You’ve likely already written a personal statement. While you don’t want to repeat yourself, you can likely repurpose your personal statement content to fit Prompt #2. If there’s anything in your Common App essay that you haven’t gotten a chance to express for the Georgia Tech essay, you can use your essay as a base, and cut down words to fit the limit the school has set.
• Cut unnecessary words: It’s obvious that the Georgia Tech College supplemental essays 2020-2021 provide you very little room to write your answers. Between the two essays, you only get around 600 words! It can be tricky to get your point across in so little space. But, you can’t change the limit. So don’t waste your time sulking or complaining about the fact that you’re 300 words over on your essay and start cutting words. Use a thesaurus, ask a teacher or friend for feedback, and read sentences out loud to see if they’d still make sense if you shorten them. 

The Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 provide you with the chance to tell the admissions officer who you are. While the first prompt is all about showing that you really have done your research, the optional essays enable you to share more about your background and interests. Both are golden opportunities to solidify your interest in Georgia Tech and convince them how you embody the values they look for in students. So, take advantage of the supplemental essay component. Your knowledge of the school and stories exemplifying Georgia Tech’s ideal characteristics might end up getting you admitted.

Tags : georgia tech application essays 2020-2021 , georgia tech essays , georgia tech application , applying to georgia tech , how to write the georgia tech application essays

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Suggested knowledgebase articles:

How do i know how many characters my short answer and essay prompts allow if i go over this amount, what do i do.

Each text box will indicate how many characters are remaining once you begin typing. Some programs allow applicants to upload a pdf. In this case, you should begin typing your response in Microsoft Word to keep track of the character count and spelling. It is recommended you follow the character count, be concise, and answer the questions being asked.  

Article Details

Georgia Tech 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

You Have: 

Georgia Tech 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: Why

Supplemental Essay Type(s): 1  essay of 300 words

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)  

Admissions wants to know how you plan on using a Georgia Tech education to accomplish your career goals. Some schools ask students why they want to attend or why they like different offerings, but Georgia Tech isn’t messing around. They’re asking you to specifically speak about academics here, so don’t waste your time researching the dining halls. Why study here? Why study this subject? And finally, why study this subject at Georgia Tech, specifically? Spend some time learning about Georgia Tech’s majors, classes, professors, resources, and alumni network. Pore over the website for the department you’re interested in and soak up information about faculty, research, guest speakers, and special opportunities for undergraduates. Jot down the details that appeal to you and by the end of your research session, you’ll have everything you need to plead your case. Connect the school’s offerings to your personal interests and goals and you will demonstrate your fit and commitment to the school. What career path do you see for yourself? Is Georgia Tech known for producing successful graduates in that department? The more details you can provide, the better.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, help with georgia tech's supplemental essay.

Hey everyone, I'm applying to Georgia Tech and I want to make sure I nail the supplemental essay. Can anyone share their experiences or tips on what to include to make a strong impression? Thanks a ton!

Hello! It's great that you're focusing on the supplemental essay, as it's an essential part of your Georgia Tech application. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong essay:

1. Reflect: Start by reflecting on your reasons for applying to Georgia Tech and what aspects of the university's academic curriculum genuinely excite you. Consider your long-term goals and how Georgia Tech can support those aspirations.

2. Research: Get specific in your essay by researching and mentioning unique classes, programs, opportunities, or faculty members at Georgia Tech that align with your interests and goals. This demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of the school and ensures your essay is tailored to Georgia Tech.

3. Personalize: Share personal anecdotes or experiences relevant to your academic or career aspirations, and how Georgia Tech can help you achieve them. This shows how you'll contribute to or benefit from the Georgia Tech community.

4. Be genuine: Make sure your essay authentically represents who you are and what you're passionate about. Avoid exaggerating or using clichés just for the sake of impressing the admissions committee. Being genuine will make your essay more memorable.

5. Be concise: Stick to the word limit and ensure your essay is organized and easy to follow. Each paragraph should have a clear focus, and you should avoid including irrelevant information.

6. Proofread: Don't underestimate the importance of proofreading your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This demonstrates care and professionalism in your application.

7. Utilize CollegeVine's resources: CollegeVine has a blog post breaking down how to respond to Georgia Tech's supplemental essay ( https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-georgia-tech-essays) , and also offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews from expert college admissions advisors. These resources can help ensure your essay is as strong and polished as possible before you submit it.

For example, if you're interested in computer science, you could mention Georgia Tech's Threads program and how it would enable you to explore your interests in multiple areas like artificial intelligence and systems. You could also include a personal anecdote about a project you've worked on and how Georgia Tech's resources, such as the GVU Center or specific faculty research, would help you further develop your skills.

Best of luck with your supplemental essay, and remember to take your time and be genuine in your approach!

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Blog > Essay Advice , State School , Supplementals > How to Write the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay

How to Write the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University Admissions

Key Takeaway

In addition to your Common App personal statement , Georgia Tech also asks you to write the Georgia Tech essay.

The Georgia Institute of Technology—or Georgia Tech, for short—is one of the best state schools in the country. We know from their Common Data Set that your essays play an important role in their application review process.

In particular, your Georgia Tech supplemental essay helps you show intellectual and school fit.

Let’s take a look at the one and only prompt.

The Georgia Tech Essay

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech* (300 words).

Yep, that’s it! That’s the whole prompt. It’s a straightforward why this major essay.

As with any why this major supplemental essay, your main goals are to a) show academic fit and b) demonstrate good intellectual curiosity. It’s always a plus when you can incorporate tidbits of information about yourself along the way, too.

Be sure to read the prompt closely. Georgia Tech isn’t just asking why you want to study your chosen major. They’re asking why you want to study it specifically at Georgia Tech. That means you’ll need to start with some research.

A safe place to begin is usually the departmental website of the major you’re applying for.

Put on your detective glasses and do some digging. You’re looking for courses, faculty, resources, opportunities, etc. that align with your interests and experiences.

Let’s say you want to major in biology and are interested in going on to a graduate program in microbiology.

Well, Georgia Tech has a wonderful research option within their biology department that would set you up for success and allow you to build on the research you’ve already done in high school. You’re also stoked about the possibility of becoming a Petit Scholar or working with Professor Han , whose research interests align with yours. Oh, and as a cherry on top, you can’t wait to join the GT American Red Cross Club and put all your Red Cross volunteer hours in high school to good work.

See? Spending a little time combing through web pages, following interesting rabbit holes, and reading up on your academic interests can help you find organic connections.

Once you’ve done your research, get to writing.

Key Takeaways

Writing a good Georgia Tech supplemental essay is all about drawing out the specific ways in which you are a good match for your major—and that match goes both ways. Show not only what you’ll gain from being part of the intellectual community but also what you’ll add to it.

You’ve got this.

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