University of St Andrews 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of St Andrews 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: One essay of 800 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Please write in the space provided describing your interest in the subject(s) listed above in Academic 1. (Maximum 800 words).

In your response, please consider the following three questions:

The University of St Andrews offers a range of single (major), joint (double major), and triple honours combinations. Why do you want to study your chosen subject(s) at university, and how have your current studies and research into this degree developed your interest in this area?

What aspects of the faculty, academic community, or research at St Andrews have particularly motivated you to apply?

St Andrews’ flexible degree structure allows students to explore a variety of subjects during their first two years. How do you think this interdisciplinary approach will enrich your academic experience and shape your intellectual development?

Here we have a classic Why essay, albeit quite a long one. Admissions wants to both learn about your academic interests and see how their offerings will suit your passions. They’re looking for evidence of previous interest/experience in your major of choice, confirmation that you’ve taken the time to explore St Andrews’ resources and programs thoroughly, and proof that the flexible degree structure will suit your interests and development. Because the word count is so high, you have plenty of space to delve into the details of your own enthusiasm and incorporate all your research into St Andrews’ offerings. While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will expect you to connect your intended major with some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story and help them understand your journey to this moment. What excites you and why? Building a bridge between your own interests and the resources available at St Andrews will demonstrate your fit, so set aside an hour or two and commit to some serious research on the school website. (Sorry, there’s no way around this, folks!) Look up information about the flexible degree structure, news and research coming out of your department of interest, the professors and labs, and the opportunities other undergrads have had studying in your field of choice. Your ultimate goal is to show that your interest in St Andrews (just like your intellectual curiosity) runs deep!