Bryn Mawr College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Bryn Mawr College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words; 1 upload

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community

Why are you interested in Bryn Mawr? (250 words)

If you’ve looked at any other supplements before this one, you have probably already seen some version of this question: why here? In almost every case, the objective is the same and twofold: (1) You need to demonstrate a solid knowledge of what the school has to offer. And (2) you should leverage that knowledge to clearly demonstrate your interest in the school. So, start by researching Bryn Mawr (and yes, you will need to do this for every Why essay), directing your attention to the departments, majors, and other opportunities that interest you. What do you want to learn? Read about professors and notable alumni in your field—is there any research going on or awards that interest you? Pick out classes to take and clubs to join, visualizing yourself there. But remember, this essay is relatively short, so once you have at least a page of notes, try to zero in on one central idea as a foundation for your essay: Are you can’t-feel-feel-your-face excited about the prospect of studying at a women’s college in the Northeast? Will the Growth and Structure of Cities major set you up for a successful career in urban planning? (More bicycle lanes, please!) Whatever you choose, make sure your short answer reveals something important about who you are and what you value about Bryn Mawr.

The desire to make a positive impact in the world is among the qualities that unite Bryn Mawr students.  If you were granted a superpower that allowed you to eradicate one social inequity overnight, what would your cause be and why? (No word count provided; upload)

Bryn Mawr fosters a community of changemakers, and admissions wants to know about a social inequity that keeps you up at night. Maybe you would eradicate the homelessness epidemic overnight because you’ve seen loved ones struggle to find affordable housing and you believe every human deserves access to food and shelter. Perhaps, if given the opportunity or superpower, you would abolish the prison industrial complex, since you believe incarceration is a form of modern-day slavery disproportionately affecting BIPOC. The social inequity you choose should be one dear to your heart, and your response should show that you’re actively thinking about complicated societal injustices and wanting to be part of positive change.