Colorado School of Mines 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Colorado School of Mines 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: Two optional essays of 250 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball, Why

The following writing questions are optional but strongly recommended for best consideration.

What element on the periodic table best represents you and why? (250 words)

For an oddball prompt like this, the best strategy is just to have fun. If this kind of prompt gives you agita, fear not! This question is optional. To answer this question, use our patented (note: not actually patented) Backwards Brainstorm method! Start by thinking about your own values or characteristics. What important aspects of your personality and beliefs have yet to make an appearance on your application? Once you’ve identified what qualities you’d like to highlight, take a gander at the periodic table and see which elements you can associate with those qualities. Maybe like chromium (Cr), you are resistant to tarnishing, keeping your sunny outer disposition regardless of what conditions you find yourself in. Perhaps like terbium (Tb), you’re extremely outgoing and work well with others to form alloys—or allies in your case—turning luminescent when you get excited about an idea or project. There’s no right or wrong answer here, so just get creative and have fun! 

Why do you want to be an Oredigger? You can share what you want to study, your future involvement and activities, or anything else about the Mines experience that excites you. (250 words)

This supplemental essay prompt is as classic as apple pie. In order to knock it out of the park you need to (1) demonstrate a solid knowledge of what Colorado School of Mines has to offer, and (2) leverage that knowledge to clearly demonstrate your interest in the school. We recommend starting by researching Mines (and yes, you will need to do this for every Why Essay); direct your attention to the departments, majors, organizations, activities, and other offerings that interest you. Look up notable alumni in your field, explore research opportunities, and pick out clubs you’d like to join. Maybe you’re excited to not only study Mechanical Engineering but also take part in the M Climb as both a freshman and an upperclassman. (If you don’t know what that is, look it up!) Make sure your response shows that Mines is the right fit for your interests and personality.