oberlin college supplemental essays

The Admissions Strategist

Why oberlin how to write an authentic oberlin supplemental essay (example incuded).

Back in the 1830s, Oberlin College became the first college to accept both women and black students .

Today, Oberlin ranks #26 nationally among liberal arts colleges and has a 32.7% acceptance rate .

Whether you’re applying to the College of Arts and Sciences or the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College, you’ll complete the Common Application.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Oberlin also accepts the Coalition Application instead, so you can decide which application’s prompts you like best before choosing which one to fill out.

Important: If you’re completing the Common Application, you must submit the supplemental essay separately to have a complete application.

Why Oberlin in 250 words

In addition to a personal essay, which you’ll write as part of the Common App or Coalition App , you’ll need to write one supplemental essay with a 250 word limit.

This is the quintessential “Why This College” essay.

How did your interest in Oberlin develop, and what aspects of our college community most excite you?

Even though this essay is much shorter than the other essay you’ll write, you should spend a considerable amount of time crafting your response in order to stand out.

To make sure your response isn’t generic, use this guide to really figure out why Oberlin is your #1 choice.

Prompt Break Down

Oberlin’s supplemental prompt can be broken down into two parts, and you’ll want to be certain to address both parts of the prompt to provide a complete essay.

• How did your interest in Oberlin develop?
• What aspects of our college community most excite you?

For the first half of the prompt, you’re really being asked, “When did you first hear about Oberlin, and why did it keep your interest?”

Unless you’ve been dreaming of going to Oberlin your entire life, you’ll want to briefly mention what about the college attracted you to it in the first place.

• It could be anything from it being near your home or an athletics recruiter contacted you.

Make sure what you write is personal and authentic to you, or you’ll risk sounding generic.

• You should be able to address this portion in 2-3 sentences to allow most of the focus to be on what excites you about the community.

For the second half, if you haven’t already, do some research on the college and surrounding area.

The “college community” extends past the campus. Here are questions to get you thinking about your future at Oberlin.

• Why do I want to go to Oberlin over other colleges?
• What do I like best about Oberlin that other colleges don’t offer?
• What opportunities does Oberlin offer based on my interests?
• How do I see myself succeeding at Oberlin?

Writing the Oberlin Essay

With this being a short essay, there are ways to ensure you can make the most of your supplemental essay.

• Here’s a key piece of advice from Oberlin about completing the supplemental essay: “Remember, we aren’t looking for perfection.

We are looking for the human being behind the roster of activities and grades.”

Focus on Oberlin and how it ties into your interests.

Part of this reflection might find you comparing Oberlin to other colleges you’re applying to.

It’s important that you don’t write a compare/contrast essay.

• Instead, keep your focus and writing on why Oberlin stands out without mentioning other colleges.

Make sure to choose elements of Oberlin’s community that appeal to your interests and personal themes.

What does Oberlin offer that is unique to the college?

This doesn’t mean you should list all of the awards or rankings Oberlin has been recognized for.

The admissions reps already know about those, so make sure you express how that prominence is personal to you.

• For example, Oberlin received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for their community service and civic engagement.
• If you love giving back to the community, this might be something to research more and make a connection with to use as a foundation for your essay.

Does an aspect of the college intertwine with your major?

There’s more than majors offered at Oberlin. There are several offices that house a variety of initiatives the college holds in its core values.

• You may go in as an art major with a desire to create sustainable art. Oberlin’s Office of Environmental Sustainability could be a great place to learn more about sustainability practices to inspire your creative mind.

You might even have a goal to get your work displayed there. How can partnering with or participating in the college further your experience as a student?

What major would you create?

That’s right! You can create your own individual major at Oberlin by integrating curricula of multiple programs from the 50+ offered at the college.

• If you’re having trouble picking one major, this could be the focus of your essay.
• How will the combination of studies help you achieve your academic or professional dream?
• You could be the next notable alumnus that got their start at Oberlin, and admitting you is only the first step.

What clubs stand out to you that you can see yourself joining?

Oberlin has a community of over 175 clubs and organizations for students to become involved in while they study.

• You don’t have to be a part of the conservatory to join CHALLaH cappella.
• Anyone can join the Harry Potter Alliance.

Sift through the current clubs and organizations to see if one really excites you, and if there isn’t one, discuss what club you would create.

Oberlin will love knowing how you plan to be involved on campus outside of the classroom.

Are there any events that you’re already excited to attend?

Every college has their own traditions and annual events, and every college has its own unique ways of celebrating their campus.

How do you identify with a particular event or tradition at Oberlin?

Not every college has Bassoon Christmas or art rentals available for students for just $5 a semester.

Use Your Voice.

With a short prompt like this, you should focus on making your personality shine through words and portraying the confidence that Oberlin is the place you want to be.

Write about your personal experience with Oberlin rather than what you’ve heard about the college.

• Use the campus tour as a foundation for why you want to attend Oberlin. When someone asks about your visit to Oberlin, what’s the first part you tell someone about? Did you go back and visit a particular area again after the tour ended because you had to see more?
• Stay away from words you wouldn’t normally use in your daily life. You don’t need to use a thesaurus to make sure you’re not repeating words too often or try to sound like someone you’re not. The only words you might use in everyday life that should be excluded from this essay are any abbreviated words commonly used in text messaging. Besides that, be yourself. Think of it as writing a journal entry rather than a 5-paragraph essay.
• Have a friend or family member read your essay to see if what you wrote sounds like you. You are the one person who knows your best, and your friends/family are the ones who can tell if you’re trying to be someone you’re not. Aren’t they usually the people who sometimes say you’re different before you even realize it?
• Sentences should begin with phrases like “I can see myself doing….” instead of “I think I’d enjoy doing…” Confidence is what will best convince the admissions rep that you deserve a spot at Oberlin. If you only “think” you’ll like it there or “might” enjoy an aspect of the college, then they might think of offering admission to someone else. Words like “believe,” “can,” and “will” are more powerful and exude confidence.
• If you’re not completely sure why Oberlin is your #1 pick, take more time to reflect on why you’re applying in the first place, then revisit the supplemental essay. Oberlin is not a carbon copy of any other university, so there should be at least one thing that stands out to make you want to go there. Even if Oberlin isn’t your #1 pick, you should have a strong argument for wanting to be admitted, even if it’s just a feeling. If you lack a physical reason for aspiring to attend Oberlin and the only way to sum it up is emotionally, that’s something. When you think about the possibility of being a student at Oberlin, when else have you felt that emotion? Use this brainstorming guide to expand your thinking process.
• For those applying for the conservatory, relate your favorite song to your admiration for Oberlin. As a music-lover, you probably have a favorite song or artist. Regardless of genre, does the excitement of going to Oberlin match the excitement you have when you hear your favorite song? If you can genuinely describe that, your chances of getting admitted may have just gone up.

Oberlin Supplemental Essay Example

We’ve provided an example essay to give you a visual on what an Oberlin essay could look like. Never plagiarize. It’s a serious offense.

I’ve gotten a lot of college mail. Bland, repetitive taglines and cutesy phrases plucked straight from a motivational speaker’s repertoire, covering brochures and pamphlets all designed to stand out. On one occasion, when I took the time to flip through the most interesting, recycled packaging caught my eye: a booklet from Oberlin College and Conservatory. Unapologetically queer, committed to equality and sustainability, it became obvious that Oberlin shares the same basic principles that I do, and a passion for social justice and action. Oberlin’s commitment to interdisciplinary study and diversity in not just education but in students excites me. I’d love to combine my interests, however nontraditional the contrast may be; from history to international relations to music and feminist studies. It seems clear that at Oberlin, s tudents are encouraged to draw connections and delve into ideas that interest them. Between the subjects I’m passionate about, my education at Oberlin would help me critique existing and dysfunctional social institutions and discover solutions to help marginalized groups prosper. However, on the Oberlin campus itself, I know that each individual is valid and respected as a member of a community, which I greatly appreciate. A wide variety of students come together at Oberlin with a shared goal to make a difference somewhere somehow, tying any plethora of academics and extracurriculars together. I think that one person can change the world. Oberlin provides the resources and opportunities to help me do that.

Conclusion: A Short & Sweet Oberlin Essay

There is room to add details within your essay, but don’t go overboard when you’re in the final editing phase.

If you discover you didn’t stay on topic or used too many adjectives, those should be the first things to go.

• If you’re being recruited by the athletics department, focus on a specific conversation that was meaningful rather than the entire recruitment experience.
• Instead of describing how you can see yourself in various parts of campus, pick your one spot.
• Try a past, present, and future theme. The first half of the prompt will address the past, the second half will address the present, and then manifest the future you with the remainder of your word limit to create a 360-degree vision of your success at Oberlin.
• You can spend all 250 words describing the entire process of why you want to attend Oberlin but pinpointing the “aha!” moment will be more powerful.

Speaking of proofreading , go over your essay before submitting it.

No matter how amazing the content is, simple grammar and spelling errors could be what keep you from getting an acceptance letter.

• Double check that you spelled any names of professors, alumni, or buildings you mention correctly.
• Make sure Oberlin is spelled correctly each time you use it!
• Break up any run-on sentences to allow your thoughts to be interpreted clearly.
• Your style can be casual, but not twitter-style casual. All words should be spelled out rather than abbreviated.
• This is a persuasive essay, so have a point or edit your thoughts to make one. Oberlin says, “A well-written essay won’t help if your supplement answers are sloppy and uninformative.”
• After editing, read it out loud in the mirror. How convincing were you? If you can’t convince yourself with what you wrote that Oberlin is where you want to be, how will an admissions person believe you belong at Oberlin?

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Sample Supplemental Essay for College Admissions: Why This College?

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Most college applicants fail to put adequate time into a supplemental college essay. The Common Application's personal essay allows a student to write a single essay for multiple colleges. The supplemental college essay, however, needs to be different for every application. Thus, it's tempting to dash off a generic and vague piece that can be used at multiple schools, resulting in a  weak essay .

Don't make this mistake. Your "Why This College" essay must be specific, demonstrating a high level of interest in and commitment to this particular school. To better understand how to ace this supplemental essay prompt, let's analyze a sample essay written for Oberlin College .

The essay prompt reads:

"Given your interests, values, and goals, explain why Oberlin College will help you grow (as a student and a person) during your undergraduate years."

Sample Supplemental Essay

I visited 18 colleges over the past year, yet Oberlin is the one place that most spoke to my interests. Early in my college search I learned that I prefer a liberal arts college to a larger university. The collaboration between the faculty and undergraduate students, the sense of community, and the flexible, interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum are all important to me. Also, my high school experience was greatly enriched by the diversity of the student body, and I am impressed by Oberlin’s rich history and its current efforts connected to inclusiveness and equality. To say the least, I’d be proud to say I attended the first coeducational college in the country.

I plan to major in Environmental Studies at Oberlin. After my campus tour , I took some extra time to visit the Adam Joseph Lewis Center. It’s an amazing space and the students I chatted with spoke highly of their professors. I became truly interested in issues of sustainability during my volunteer work in the Hudson River Valley, and everything I’ve learned about Oberlin makes it seem the ideal place for me to continue exploring and building upon those interests. I am also impressed by Oberlin’s Creativity and Leadership Project. I’ve been a bit of an entrepreneur ever since second grade when I made a dollar producing and performing The Runaway Bunny for my extended family. I’m drawn to a program that supports the move from classroom learning to creative hands-on, real-world applications.

Finally, as the rest of my application clearly demonstrates, music is an important part of my life. I’ve been playing the trumpet since fourth grade, and I hope to continue performing and developing my skills throughout college. What better place than Oberlin to do so? With more performances than days in the year and a large group of talented musicians in the Conservatory of Music, Oberlin is an ideal place for exploring my love of both music and the environment.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

To understand the strength of the essay, we must first look at the prompt: the admissions officers at Oberlin want you to "explain why Oberlin College will help you grow." This sounds straightforward, but be careful. You're not being asked to explain how college, in general, will help you grow, nor are you being asked how attending a small liberal arts school will help you grow. The admissions offers want to hear how  Oberlin , in particular, will help you grow, so the essay needs to include specific information about Oberlin College.

A strong "Why This College" essay will make a case for why the school in question is a good fit for the student. The case should be made by connecting facts about the school—unique opportunities, educational values, campus culture, et cetera—with the student's goals, values, and interests.

From the Admissions Desk

"We want to see [in the "Why This School" essay] that students understand the unique educational model at High Point University. We know that students have access to more information than ever before and that most colleges focus on the classroom experience. We want students who desire 25% of their time to be experiential ... who want to grow as people of character with strong values and to fully immerse themselves in our life skills education."

–Kerr Ramsay Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, High Point University

A good way to see if you've responded to the prompt well is to swap out the name of the college you're applying to with the name of any other college. If the essay still makes sense once you do a global replace of the school name, you haven't written a good supplemental essay.

A Critique of the Supplemental Essay

The sample essay certainly succeeds on this front. If we were to substitute "Kenyon College" for "Oberlin College" in the essay, the essay would not make sense. The details in the essay are unique to Oberlin. Demonstrated interest can play a meaningful role in the admissions process, and this applicant has clearly demonstrated that she knows Oberlin well and her interest in the school is sincere.

Let's look at some of the essay's strengths:

• The first paragraph makes several important points. First of all, we learn that the applicant has visited Oberlin. This may not seem like a big deal, but you'd be surprised how many students apply to a large number of colleges based on nothing but the schools' reputations. Also, the student notes that she wants to go to a  liberal arts college , not a larger  university . This information isn't really specific to Oberlin, but it does show that she has thought about the options available to her. The final point in this first paragraph gets more specific—the applicant is familiar with Oberlin and knows the school's socially progressive history.
• The second paragraph is really the heart of this essay—the applicant wants to major in Environmental Studies, and she is clearly impressed with the program at Oberlin. She has visited the Environmental Studies building, and she knows of some of the unique opportunities offered at Oberlin. She has even talked with Oberlin students. This paragraph can't help but make a favorable impression on the admissions folks—the applicant is drawn to Oberlin, and she clearly knows exactly  why  she likes Oberlin.
• The final paragraph adds another important dimension to the application. Not only does the student find the Environmental Studies program attractive, but her love of music makes Oberlin an even better match. Oberlin has a top-rated music conservatory, so the applicant's dual love of music and Environmental Studies makes Oberlin a natural match for her.

Admissions officers can't help but feel that Oberlin is a great match for this applicant. She knows the school well, and her interests and goals line up perfectly with Oberlin's strengths. This short essay will certainly be a positive piece of her application.

A Final Word About Supplemental Essays

The content of your supplemental essay is extremely important, and poor decisions on this front can lead to a weak supplemental essay . But content isn't everything. You also need to focus on the presentation of your ideas. Make sure your essay is entirely free of any grammatical errors, and be sure to avoid common stylistic problems . The admissions officers need to conclude that you are sincerely interested in attending their school and that you are an excellent writer.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Oberlin College

Oberlin College, located in Oberlin, Ohio, is a renowned liberal arts college with a rich history of academic excellence, artistic exploration, and social activism. Gaining admission to Oberlin College is a competitive process that requires careful planning and preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance your chances of securing admission to Oberlin College and embarking on an intellectually stimulating and socially conscious educational journey.

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

Academic Excellence: Oberlin College values academic excellence and seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for learning. Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load throughout high school, including honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses when available. Pursue subjects that align with your interests and showcase your academic strengths. Engage in extracurricular activities that complement your academic pursuits, such as research projects, academic competitions, or involvement in clubs or organizations related to your interests.

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

Artistic and Extracurricular Involvement: Oberlin College celebrates artistic expression and encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities. If you have a passion for the arts, showcase your talent and involvement in visual arts, music, theater, dance, or creative writing. Highlight any performances, exhibitions, or leadership roles in artistic organizations. If you have other extracurricular interests, demonstrate your commitment and leadership in clubs, community service, sports, or social advocacy. Show how your involvement aligns with Oberlin's commitment to interdisciplinary exploration and social engagement.

Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who can provide insightful and detailed accounts of your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success at Oberlin College. Select teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your intellectual curiosity, creativity, and dedication to your pursuits. Provide them with ample time and information to write strong letters of recommendation that highlight your strengths and potential contributions to the college community.

Demonstrated Interest: Demonstrate your genuine interest in Oberlin College by attending virtual events, connecting with admissions officers, and participating in campus tours or information sessions. Take note of specific programs, faculty, or campus initiatives that resonate with you. Consider reaching out to current students or alumni for insights and perspectives. By expressing your interest in Oberlin College, you can underscore your enthusiasm and dedication to becoming a part of their vibrant academic and artistic community.

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

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

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

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How to Write the Oberlin College Application Essay 2016-17

Founded in 1833 as an Oberlin Collegiate Institute, Oberlin College is the oldest coeducational university in the United States. Located in Oberlin, Ohio, the college is a private liberal arts institution that boasts a small undergraduate student population of 2,500 and one of the largest undergraduate libraries in the country. Oberlin notably has the oldest music conservatory in the country, and the conservatory is available to all students studying at the college.

Admissions to Oberlin are fairly competitive. With an acceptance rate of 33%, a good essay could make the difference between acceptance and rejection for an on-the-fence application. The average SAT score is a 2069 using the old standard and 1440 with the new standard . The average high school GPA is a 3.59 and the average ACT score is a 31.

The music conservatory at Oberlin is an integral part of university: Even students who are not seeking to major in music can still stand to benefit from one of the nation’s best music conservatories. Oberlin also prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion; students who are attracted and inspired by social justice will easily feel at home here. Ultimately, Oberlin is ideal for students seeking an experience at a prestigious small liberal arts college.

Oberlin College Application Essay Prompt

How did your interest in Oberlin develop, and what aspects of our college community most excite you? (250 word limit).

The best part about writing the supplemental essay for Oberlin is that there’s only one prompt and it’s fairly short. This means, however, that you should focus extra attention on the prompt and make sure that every word and phrase is chosen with care.

At its core, this prompt is essentially asking you “Why Oberlin?” Generally, with “Why us?” prompts, there are two key factors that are necessary to writing a good essay: specificity and tone . Some degree of research into Oberlin as a school and details about the particular programs or majors that you’re interested in will be an important part of this essay.

The tone is also important in this essay. Given the short length, you should utilize every writing tool that will help you craft a better essay. The tone of this should convey a true and genuine desire to study at Oberlin College — it should include a few adjectives that stress commitment and conviction about wanting to becoming an Oberlin student.

A necessary challenge is to convince the reader that you have thought deeply about the school, done your homework on the school, and would be an amazing fit for the school. Look into the specific programs or majors that appeal to you and even go so far as to mention a specific professor or class that really draws you to Oberlin.

It’s important to note that a part of this prompt is also personal — they’re also asking you how your interest in the college developed. This is an opportunity to connect a short personal anecdote about a particular passion or interest of yours and connect it to specific traits that appeal to you at Oberlin College.

That being said, we would advise you not to focus too much on the first part that asks about how your interest in the school developed. Although it can be a useful starting point and provide a nice personal touch, given the required brevity of your response, it is more prudent to focus on the part of the prompt that asks you why you want to attend Oberlin, as this is likely to be more helpful.

If you’re someone who grew up playing an instrument, you can write a short story about how you are passionate about music as a complement to a rigorous academic curriculum. That kind of story would resonate with Oberlin admissions people in particular, given the musical tradition on campus. Alternatively, if you’re someone who’s really interested in social justice, consider mentioning Oberlin’s strong tradition of activism and protests about the issues facing the nation.

It’s generally not a good idea to speak generally of the values of a liberal arts education, given how nonspecific a liberal arts education in general is to an Oberlin education. Although it might be okay to briefly reference them, Oberlin knows that a large portion of the students who apply are also applying to other liberal arts schools; they already know that’s what you want. They want to know why Oberlin College specifically is the best liberal arts school for you and what about the school’s unique identity excites you the most.

Ultimately, the college draws some of the most competitive liberal arts applicants. Given that there’s only one prompt and it is fairly short, making sure that you have a strong supplement is ever more important in this application.

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Oberlin Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Oberlin's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Oberlin and build a strong application.

School location: Oberlin, OH

This school is also known as: Oberlin College

Admissions Rate: 34.9%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Oberlin is 34.9% . For every 100 applicants, 35 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . If you meet Oberlin's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you'll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Oberlin GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.7

The average GPA at Oberlin is 3.7 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.7, Oberlin requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.7, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Oberlin hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Oberlin will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Oberlin SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1390

The average SAT score composite at Oberlin is a 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Oberlin Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

Oberlin SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1380, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1500. In other words, a 1380 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1500 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Oberlin has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Oberlin will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Oberlin forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1500, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Oberlin ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Oberlin likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 30

The average ACT score at Oberlin is 30. This score makes Oberlin Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 30, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though Oberlin likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 30 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 30 and above that a 30 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Oberlin, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Oberlin considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission . If you're able to score a 1500 SAT or a 33 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as Oberlin, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1500 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Oberlin here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee No fee required
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes Audition for the Conservatory of Music, detailed portfolio for homeschooled students recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Optional
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 3
• Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 15 April 1
• Yes November 15, January 2 December 15, February 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 173 Oberlin, OH 44074
• Phone: (440) 775-8121 x8121
• Fax: (440) 775-8886
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Oberlin, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Oberlin.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Oberlin. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Oberlin, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Oberlin, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Oberlin is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Supplemental Essay

<p>The prompt: </p>

<p>"Please attach a brief statement (approximately 300 words or less) that addresses the following:</p>

<p>Given your interests, values, and goals, explain why Oberlin College will help you grow (as a student and a person) during your undergraduate years."</p>

<p>My essay is 435 words long. I feel as though it says what I want it to say and does so briefly, but I don't want to be seen as not following directions. Do you guys think going that much over the word limit is alright?</p>

<p>It’s fine, we don’t count words. If it really is well-written and informative, then it’ll be no problem at all. If it’s actually excessively wordy and boring, then, well, we’ll be bored, but thirty seconds later we’ll get on with our lives.</p>

<p>Thank you very much. Application sent! :)</p>

<p>Nooooo! That was a trap!</p>

<p>Seriously? Nooooo, my life is ruined and I’ll never find success or love or happiness or financial security.</p>

<p>Chin up. You can always transfer in later.</p>

<p>And to that hope I cling.</p>

<p>Well, it was about time you got some practical advice here that served you well. Remember, hope springs eternal! Good luck with your safety school applications and your subsequent transfer application.</p>

<p>I’m sure you’ll do better with those other applications now that you have learned your lesson: always be a slave to rules! A college application is no place for creativity, originality or showing that you are a non-conformist.</p>

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"“Give Oberlin a look” my father suggested. A schoo..."

Oberlin College

How did your interest in Oberlin develop and what aspects of our college community most excite you?

0 - 250 words

( Oberlin College )

“Give Oberlin a look” my father suggested. A school I knew little about. I casually added Oberlin to the long list of schools of which Tufts was perched atop. My father had gone to Tufts and I had convinced myself that I should follow.

Adding Oberlin to my list begat the serendipitous series of events that ultimately saw a fly-in invitation to Oberlin in my email inbox. My father encouraged me to go; “It doesn’t hurt to listen”.

The most influential component of Oberlin were the people. My host, Estrella, like every Oberlin student I met, was generous with her time and her experiences. It wasn’t 24 hours before I could imagine myself laughing with friends at the 10 pm dinner, dozing off on a swing bench in Tappan square, spending late nights at the library in a womb chair, or petting kittens in some little art store. Sharing a day with these people who were clearly in the right place brought some force to my mind that Oberlin was the right place for me. My short trip revealed that Oberlin offered me both the academic rigor I seek and the visceral experience of living in a community of people with broadly varying backgrounds─an experience that I had in this small Ohio town and nowhere else.

I don’t know whose essay I’d be writing right now if this opportunity had never presented itself, but I am very grateful it did.

Why This Essay Works:

What they might change:.

© 2018- 2024 Essays That Worked . All rights reserved.

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We have no affiliation with any university or colleges on this site. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Oberlin Supplement Essay

<p>Question: Why have you chosen Oberlin and what will you contribute?</p>

<p>It’s definately not that strong and needs some help. Please only ask for it if you are going to give some sort of critque on it. Thanks.</p>

<p>hey… I can help u!.. I need someone to critique my Middlebury supplement essay too. Maybe we might exchange thoughts?..</p>

<p>haha i just finished this in one hour…granted i would have spent more time on it if it were my dream school, but it was pretty heartfelt and honest. i wouldn’t mind looking at yours…</p>

<p>How long were your essays?</p>

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33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

This article 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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Kenyon College’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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April 5, 2024

Natalie Frank ’26

I slept through my first Oberlin College interview.

I woke up at 6:30 am, brushed my teeth, dressed, sat before my computer, and opened it up to find an ominous email titled “Interview This Morning.” 

Damn. I forgot about the time zone difference between Wisconsin and Ohio. I slept through an interview for a college that I liked. In my high school mind, interviews were the real deal. A student worker sat before a computer, quizzing me on elaborate details about said college. There was a checklist, probably something that looked like this:

Interview Check List:

Knew college mascot

+1 – correct response

0 – no response

-1 – incorrect response

Brushed hair

+1 – good hair

0 – okay hair

-1 – just-out-of-bed hair

Arrived on time

+1 – early

0 – on-time

-1 – late

-100 – missed the interview

3 – accepted into Oberlin

0-2 – waitlist

<0 – don’t even bother applying

And I had just scored a whopping -102. 

Forget getting to know the college better or meeting with an actual student; I knew that the interviews were an undercover assessment of me as a prospective student in the college. I had just failed massively. 

When I applied to Carleton College and interviewed there, I messed up even worse by professing my admiration for Carleton’s Creative Writing Major. The interviewer looked confused, clarifying, “We don’t have a Creative Writing Major.” Talk about awkward.

If I was good at anything, it was failing college interviews in every setting. I knew that they mattered.

Spoiler alert: the interview didn't ruin me. A few months and a redone interview later, I arrived at Oberlin for my Fall 2024 semester.

I applied for a few Admissions positions as a first-year student and worked as an Ambassador, Tour Guide, and Overnight Host. You can imagine my surprise when I realized the interviews… didn’t matter. 

Much to my disbelief, there was no grading, expectation of perfection, or quiz. There wasn’t an admissions counselor out of view of the camera, hanging onto my every word. There. Was. No. Checklist.

I felt like I had been lied to. You’re telling me that I flunked this interview for nothing? I slept through this interview with no consequences. How was that possible?

My conceptions about college interviews were entirely wrong. Of course, some simple research could have righted that for me, but alas, you are rarely so wise as an 18-year-old. If I can, I’d like to give you some guidance as to how to approach and ace your Oberlin College interview (not that it needs acing).

Here are my top eight tips. 

• It is an easy mistake but saves you and your interviewer time. Trust me, I know.
• No one expects a suit or tie, but make it clear that you are taking this seriously. Treat it as a blind date with a new friend.
• I thought of my interview as just that–an interview. I think that the word interview can be misleading. Instead, consider it a conversation. Get to know the student interview better.
• I love cities. Does Oberlin feel small?
• How easy is it to make friendships/relationships?
• Are you prepared for after college?
• Did you study abroad? Are you going to?
• Were you homesick?
• How is the Gibson case impacting the college? (This was 2022.)
• What is the nightlife like?
• Is Oberlin stressful?
• How did you go about getting a roommate?
• How is public transportation?
• What is the Creative Writing program like?
• What was your Oberlin College experience?
• How did you get to Oberlin?
• What do you like most about Oberlin?
• Be honest with your interviewer. It’s no fun to have a monosyllabic conversation.
• It goes a long way. I did not send an email after any of my college interviews, and I wish I had.
• Subject line ( Thank You for the Interview )
• Their name ( Good afternoon Billy Bob, )
• Reiteration of what you discussed ( I appreciated the chance to discuss my involvement in... and how Oberlin College offers... )
• Retiteration of your interest
• If this is a college that is important to you (as all colleges you are applying to should be), then show your interest.
• It helps to come up with three reasons why you want to come here. For example, I wanted to come to Oberlin because of the Creative Writing program, the Circus, and the queer community.
• It won’t make or break your application.
• If the interview went poorly, brush it off, roll your shoulders, and keep going. (:
• There is no one better to be.

Hopefully, these tips will provide some clarity on the interview experience. Remember that you are being interviewed by an Oberlin College student; they were in your shoes once too. They want to give you more information on Oberlin, sell it too, and understand why you want to come here. Don’t take it too seriously either – I asked Kate about the dating scene at Oberlin. There is no better place to get honest answers than in the interview!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. 

P.S. My second interviewer sent me a follow-up thank you interview. She attached resources for the Creative Writing Major, student publications (especially literary magazines), minors I would be interested in, and music opportunities. She also offered her email if I had any further questions. I really appreciated her care and attention to my needs.

P.P.S. Oberlin hired my second interviewer for a full-time job. She oversaw a department I wanted to work in and interviewed me again as a second-year student for the job I was interested in. (:

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