Chapman University 2026-27 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Chapman University 2026-27 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 list of 200 characters max each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community, Oddball

The Panther Profile helps us get to know you through some quick questions. You should have fun with these and don’t overthink it.

Chapman Panther Profile Questions:

– The “Chapman Challenge” combines going to the mountains, Disneyland, and the beach in one day. If you designed a challenge to showcase your hometown or community, what three stops would be on the itinerary?

– Chapman students often line up at Philz Coffee, Bruxie, or The Taco Stand. What is a place that attracts a line in your community?

– Chapman students often gather with friends at the Attallah Piazza (heart of campus), Argyros Forum (student union) or the Masson Family Beach Club (on-campus outdoor pool). Where do you gather with friends?

– Pete the Panther (our mascot), our students, and our community love to show Chapman pride by using the catchphrase “Paws Up!” What is your catchphrase?

– Chapman’s location puts students in the heart of Southern California, with access to beaches, major cities, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and career opportunities. What part of the SoCal experience are you most excited to explore?

– Chapman’s student-led University Program Board hosts a concert each fall for students. If you could choose any artist, band, or entertainer to headline the fall event, who would you pick?

– Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts hosts many Master Classes featuring celebrities, open to all students, each year. This year’s classes included, amongst others, Ariana Grande, the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame (Chapman BFA, 2007), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Spike Lee. Who would you like to hear from in your first year at Chapman? 

Chapman wants you to have some fun. These quirky yet personal short answer questions present a prime opportunity to let your personality and sense of humor shine, and the random assortment of topics ensure you can reveal many facets of your personality, interests, and background. With a limited character count, there’s really just one trick for quickie prompts like these: go with your gut. Chances are, your first instincts will lead you to the most unique and genuine answers. Since you don’t have to produce much to answer each question, brainstorming is key. Set aside maybe 30 minutes to jot down as many ideas as you can think of for each question. Allow yourself to approach each question from a few different angles: funny, earnest, clever, surprising. The point is not to waste any time agonizing over what you think admissions wants to hear. Trust yourself!