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The Requirements: 1 optional essays of 250-400 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Oddball
The admissions department at Mount Holyoke wants to know why you’re applying. First things first, take a look at the other two prompts below. If neither of them spark any ideas or inspiration, this might just be the perfect prompt to select, since you should definitely have material for this one. A classic “why” essay like this one is a time-honored supplement tradition, and your answer can reveal a lot to admissions about your potential fit and overall commitment to the school. Spend some time on the Mount Holyoke website (if you haven’t already) and get to know what they have to offer. Explore all areas of social and academic life to build your list of reasons, big and small. You’d be wise to include as many specific references in your response as possible; demonstrate your authentic interest in Mount Holyoke and admissions is sure to take note.
This prompt is the perfect outlet for you to showcase your more personal skills, interests, and/or quirks. If you choose to respond to this prompt, have fun with it! Even though we’re getting into the realm of fiction, root your answer in fact so they can get to know you. Maybe you’ve always had an uncanny talent for anticipating needs. Do your friends refer to you as a mind reader? Would you use telepathy to advocate for the voiceless or lead peaceful negotiations on the world stage? Maybe you have a superb memory which allows you to take orders at your local diner without writing anything down (substitutions, add-ons, and all!). If you really could remember everything, how would you deploy that superpower? If nothing immediately comes to mind, try working backward: What do you want admissions to know about you? What’s important to you? What kind of impact would you like to have on the world? Your answers to these questions will likely lead you to a powerful response (pun intended).
Mount Holyoke is interested in inviting curious and ambitious young minds to campus next fall, so it’s not surprising that they’d like to know more about how you use your outlets to engage with important issues. This prompt will naturally stand out to those of you who are active on social media and passionate about speaking up when it matters. When you have the opportunity to reach a wide audience, how do you leverage that power? Do you use Twitter to inform your peers about youth homelessness? Do you make TikToks to share tips on how to live more sustainably? Your essay should reveal more information about you to admissions, so don’t spend too many words breaking down the issue at hand or dissecting Instagram’s mysterious algorithm. Remember that Mount Holyoke is looking to accept passionate students who are informed and eager to be part of the solution.
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