Colgate University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Colgate University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: Optional essays of 250 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community, Diversity

Colgate offers applicants the opportunity to lend depth to their application through optional supplemental writing prompts. These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective. Responses to these prompts provide the Admission team greater insight into who the applicants are and the many ways they may flourish at Colgate.

Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the prompts, which will be available in their Colgate applicant portal after their application has been received. Applicants should submit responses to the optional supplemental prompts based on personal preference. Those who choose not to submit responses will be at no disadvantage in the application review process.

Prompt 1:

On Colgate’s campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 250 words or less, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.

Admissions wants to know that you value inclusivity and thrive in diverse settings. Unlike other Diversity Essay prompts, this one isn’t asking you to wax poetic about your own diversity; instead, Colgate wants you to talk about the benefits of a diverse community in general and how you will engage with their diverse community in particular. To ace this response, you’ll need to do a little research. Once you have a sense of Colgate’s culture, write about why you are excited to join this eclectic student body. Are you looking forward to getting involved in the ALANA Cultural Center to meet students from different backgrounds? Will you start an a cappella group focused on Bollywood music, introducing your culture to Colgate’s students? Are you excited to launch a monthly supper club with your future dorm-mates where you take turns sharing family recipes? However you approach this prompt, we encourage you to focus on how joining a diverse community will benefit your education.

Prompt 2: 

Colgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 250 words or less what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate.

Now is the time to get nerdy. This prompt is not only about your intellectual curiosity, but also about your interest in Colgate. First and foremost, be true to your motivations; there are so many reasons to study Econometrics & Quantitative Economics, for instance. Maybe you realized how important data was in analyzing your family restaurant’s fiscal performance and you’d like to expand your theories to a global scale. Perhaps you learned about the struggles facing developing nations on a church mission trip and got inspired to help come up with solutions to broad economic problems. Second, discuss what makes Colgate the ideal place to pursue your passion. How will their offerings and opportunities help you reach your goals? Is there a particular professor, course, internship, research lab, study abroad opportunity, or other part of the curriculum that excites you? Your goal here is to tell a cohesive story about your intellectual curiosity that demonstrates your fit with Colgate. 

Prompt 3: 

Please complete the following so we can learn a bit more about you. Each response should be no more than 13 words.

• I am fascinated by…(Stayed the same)

• My favorite book, movie, or television show is… (Previous: My Favorite Book is…)

• The person I admire most is… (New)

• In the future, I hope to … (Stayed the same)

• One historical figure I would like to meet is… (New)

• My favorite food is… (New)

• One thing I would change is… (Stayed the same)

• My favorite place is… (New)

• I am the best version of myself when… (New)

• Something that has changed my perspective is… (New)

• I am seeking a community that… (New)

• My favorite family/community/cultural tradition is… (New)

• I am drawn to Colgate University because… (New)

You’ve been limited to just 13 words for each answer, so you’d better make each one count! (No pressure or anything.) These prompts don’t have time for generalities or gentle introductions, so you’ll have to get straight to the point. The more specific your words are, the more likely they are to stick with admissions officers. If you can paint a funny picture or display a knack for wit, take this chance, but don’t force it; humor is not the only way to leave an impression. You also don’t have to think of this as filling in the blanks, but more like filling in any blanks still left in your application. Anything that doesn’t feel like it merits a full essay can go here as a hot take, punchline, or elegantly worded sentence. One word of warning: resist the temptation to write one or two-word responses to these; while admissions definitely cares about which historical figure you’d like to meet, they really want to understand why you chose that person, so aim for at least 7 words in response per prompt.