Hampshire College 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Guide

Hampshire College 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type: Oddball

At Hampshire College students take ownership of their learning and customize their curriculum. With that in mind, tell us something you recently learned about and find fascinating. What else do you want to learn about this topic and how will you continue to deepen your knowledge about it? (500 words)

This prompt reminds us a lot of the Common App’s prompt #6, which asks about a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Our advice is similar: start by brainstorming. What was the last topic/idea/event that you read an entire Wikipedia page about? If someone handed you a microphone in front of a group, what could you talk about to no end? Once you feel the invisible lightbulb above your head turn on, answer the second part of the question. Don’t worry too much about the topic or idea you choose; the question isn’t really about what you answer, but how you answer. Admissions wants to accept intellectually curious students who are passionate about learning and enriching their understanding of the world around them. (Our final advice: Try not to fall down too many Reddit rabbit holes while brainstorming for this prompt! 😉)