Earlham College 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Earlham College 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: Why

Supplemental Essay Type(s): 1 essay of 250 words

Earlham is a really unique place, and it attracts a lot of really unique people. What is unique about you or your academic interests that makes you a good fit for Earlham? (250 words)

Admissions wants to know what makes you unique and why those qualities have led you to and piqued your interest in their school. They want specifics, they want details, they want the receipts! But they also want you to keep it brief. So, begin by taking a moment to think: What have you pursued in your short life so far that sets you apart from others? Maybe you opted to play rec league soccer for a few more years before going to competitive because your team camaraderie meant more to you than traveling to tournaments. Perhaps you saved up for a Nikon camera and have been photographing local businesses for posterity and historical record.  Once you’ve considered a few qualities about yourself, do some research on Earlham’s website and see what offerings appeal to you. Your desire for community and connection over competition could match with their culture clubs, or your attention to detail could fit with their student newspaper’s efforts to catalogue Earlham’s Quaker history. No matter what your reasoning is, be sure to make it clear that not only is Earlham a good fit for you, but you’re a great fit in return, too.