Brandeis University 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide 

Brandeis University 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations.

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Oddball

The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (250 words max)

Brandeis wants to accept movers and shakers to campus next fall—students who take it upon themselves to see other perspectives and get informed about different subjects and ideas. So, tell admissions about a time when you employed your critical thinking skills to dive deeper into something stuck in the status quo or a hot take. 

Maybe you’ve recently taken steps to educate yourself about fatphobia and the body positivity movement. Has this caused you to question the weight loss ads and sponsored posts you see on social media? How have you changed the way you interact and internalize these images and messages? Perhaps one of your relatives engaged with you in a conversation about conspiracy theories at his barbeque this summer, and you questioned the validity of his statements. Were you able to clearly articulate your reasoning? College will present you with a plethora of opportunities to learn, listen, reflect and grow. Show admissions that you’re an independent thinker and knowledge seeker. 

*For international students only

What excites you the most about being an international student at Brandeis University? (250 words max.)

Dang! Brandeis is really making its international applicants WERK! Well, here’s a quick tip: this question may seem like it’s asking about the difference between you and the domestic applicants, but it’s actually in your best interest to think about what distinguishes you from any other international student! What do you bring to campus that no one else can? What have you learned from your life experiences? And there’s one last twist to this application: in order to explain how you would “enrich the campus community,” you should probably know a thing or two about that campus community. So spend a little time on the Brandeis website to get a feel for the school, the students, and the surrounding community. How is the culture different from your own? (Your differences are your strengths!) Where might the two intersect? And how might that point of intersection create an opportunity for mutual learning? For more information about acing the international essay, check out this video we made just for you!