Earlham College 2026-27 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Earlham College 2026-27 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: Why

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

What distinguishes Earlham from other colleges/universities you’re considering, and why is that difference important to you? (250 words) 

Admissions wants to know what about their unique school has led you to apply. They want specifics, they want details, they want the receipts! But they also want you to keep it brief, so begin by doing some research on Earlham’s website to see what offerings appeal to you. (There’s no way around this, folks!) Are you attracted to the school’s Quaker values and how that encourages student participation in major school-wide decision-making? Are you eager to embark on a fully funded internship that will help you solidify your future goals? As you identify the courses, professors, research opportunities, clubs, and cultural aspects that appeal to you, make sure to consider why these unique offerings matter to you. Maybe your desire for community and connection make you well suited for Earlham’s culture clubs or your attention to detail could fit with their student newspaper’s efforts to catalogue Earlham’s Quaker history. As you investigate how Earlham differs from the other schools on your list, 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.