Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Guide

Indiana University Bloomington 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200-400 words.

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. This essay may be used in scholarship consideration.

This supplemental essay prompt packs a punch. It’s a why essay combined with an optional additional info essay. Read it carefully and be sure to include each part they’re requesting, if applicable. Start by writing about your area of study and why you chose it. What sort of career is possible after you graduate? Are there offerings at IU Bloomington that will prepare you for your dream job? Get familiar with the IU Bloomington website to make sure admissions knows you’ve done your homework. 

The second part of this prompt is an additional info essay — and it’s only necessary if you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances that need to be explained (prolonged absences, a drop in GPA, etc.). Remember, it’s not how you fell down, but how you got up that’s important, so don’t be afraid to talk about what happened and what you learned from the experience.