Catawba College 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Catawba College 2025-26 Application Essay Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Oddball

For over 173 years, Catawba College has been recognized for its rich legacy and traditions, sometimes even referred to as a best-kept secret. Could you please share how you first learned about Catawba and what motivated you to apply to our institution? (250 words)

The first part of this question should not be rushed through. Really think back and try to pinpoint the moment that Catawba appeared on your radar. Maybe a favorite teacher went there and that sparked your interest in it. Perhaps it’s a popular college for students in your region. Write your truth. And don’t forget to answer the second part of the question: What motivated you to apply? Did the campus tour blow your mind? Does Catawba have a major that few other schools in your region offer? Do some research on the “rich legacy and traditions” and highlight some aspects that appeal to you. No matter your story, invite the reader into your mind and take them on your journey from exploring options to applying. Overachievers will include a sentence or two about their vision for the next four years as well! 

What are your future plans, and why are you interested in the academic program or major you selected? If you are undecided, please share which academic areas you wish to explore at Catawba and why. (250 words)

Now is the time to get nerdy. This prompt is not only about your intellectual curiosity, but also your ambitions for the future. There are so many reasons to pursue a degree in Mathematical Finance: because you’ve always wanted to apply your interest in math to the real world, or because you’re gunning for a career in bank regulation, or even because you hope to make policy changes one day. No one reason is more or less valid than another, so first and foremost, be true to your motivations. What makes Catawba the ideal place to pursue your higher education? How will their offerings and opportunities help you reach your goals? And if you’re going in undecided, take some time to explore Catawba’s academic offerings and choose a few to highlight in your response. Admissions doesn’t expect you to have your whole life figured out just yet, but they do expect you to put time and energy into your response.

Catawba is deeply invested in the greater good, cultivating a thriving and livable world for all. Our students, faculty, and staff learn, create, research, explore, and grow. Our good goes far. What “good” do you hope to make at Catawba and beyond? (250 words)

Community, community, community. Catawba wants to know what kind of mark would you like to leave on the world and in their community specifically. Think about the keywords in the second sentence: “learn, create, research, explore, and grow.” How will you do one (or all) of those things at Catawba? Maybe you’re passionate about sustainability and, as part of the Center for Environment, want to extend the campus push for green roofs on campus and in the region. Perhaps, as a Kinesiology and Exercise Science major, you look forward to supporting student athletes and later hope to work with Paralympians. Maybe you’ve had a pen pal in Madagascar for years and are excited to study abroad there to explore the island and inform your studies, research, and future in the biological sciences. No matter what you write about, make sure you focus on how you intend to contribute to the campus culture at Catawba and influence the world once you graduate.