Occidental College 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Guide

Occidental College 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 optional essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Why are you applying to Occidental? Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests? (250 words)

This is a classic Why essay if we’ve ever seen one. How much thought went into your decision to apply to Occidental? Regardless of any long or short-standing personal connection you may have with the school, we still recommend starting with at least an hour to do some good old-fashioned research. Dig beyond the basic facts and figures to learn about your prospective major(s), uncover classes you want to take, find out about notable alumni who have inspired you, explore the greater offerings of L.A., and/or peruse the list of clubs and volunteer opportunities. Next, answer the second part of the question: Why do you think Occidental is the right place for you to pursue your interests? Given the tight word limit, you’ll want to be succinct, so focus on one key interest (a love of music?) and goal (to one day perform at Carnegie Hall?) and describe how an Occidental education will get you there. Then just fill in the details with examples from your stellar research!