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Regular Decision:
The Requirements: 2 short essays of 100 words or less; 1 optional creative essay
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Short Answer
Think of this supplement as a “lightning round.” Each brief question targets a different part of who you are — from your academic ambitions, to your personality, to your deeper feelings. Prepare to write some short, sharp answers to wow TCU admissions.
You’ve only got 100 words to show TCU that you’re a match made in heaven! To ensure that each word has maximum impact, take some time to do your research on the school, your chosen major, and any activities that interest you. In any college essay, specificity is key, but in this case you just don’t have time to generalize. Focus on specific aspects of the TCU experience, and don’t forget to connect them to your life! Admissions wants to learn more about you, so aim to show how a TCU education would build on your current interests and pursuits.
(For reference, the paragraph you just read is exactly 100 words.)
Another 100 word shortie, this prompt gives you an opportunity to show a little bit more of your personality. (After all, you didn’t have much space to crack a joke or go off on a tangent in your why essay.) This super general question provides an excellent opportunity for you to tell admissions something they don’t yet know about you. So, focus on a single short story or anecdote about yourself. Go back to the scrap pile for your personal statement. Did you abandon any early ideas because they didn’t quite have enough meat to fill 650 words? What stories do you have left that will show admissions a new side of you? Maybe you have a morning routine that shows how detail-oriented you are. Or perhaps you want to tell a quick story about your first time babysitting your siblings to show what a helpful son and brother you are. Whatever the case, keep it short, specific, and focused on a single theme.
In general, we believe you should take every opportunity presented to speak to admissions in your own voice. In this case, we think it’s extra important because the other two supplemental essays are so short! What have you made in the past year or so that you are especially proud of? What might surprise an admissions officer who has read the rest of your application? While the sky’s the limit, we want to remind you that this is your first impression. If you plan to share a piece of your digital presence, be sure it’s polished and professional.