Villanova University 2026-27 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Villanova University 2026-27 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Oddball, Community

How to Write a Compelling Villanova Essay

Villanova offers five (5) prompts to choose from for your one (1) supplemental essay, so there’s something for everyone! They’re seeking students with “intellectual courage, global perspective and resolution in thought with mind and heart.” This may sound like a tall order, but by carefully considering your options and writing an essay that’s honest, detailed, and heartfelt, you’ll be right on track. Read on to discover our Villanova application essay tips!

For the Villanova-specific essay, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Choose one of the five topics below and submit a written response in about 250 words.

Prompt One:

As Pope Leo XIV (Villanova Class of 1977) has said, “no one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing, just as no one is so weak that they cannot play their part.” What have you done to play your part in advancing equity and justice in your community?

If you choose this prompt, then social justice is probably pretty important to you. And you don’t have to be a protest organizer to impress admissions here. It can be just as bold to engage in a dialogue with family members from older generations on controversial topics or utilize your creativity to draw informative comics breaking down complex issues to post on Instagram. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe start by thinking about the topics that are most important to you. What keeps you up at night? Gun violence? Corporate greed? Food deserts? Next, think about what steps you’ve taken in your life to create change, inform, and/or organize. Ultimately, the key to writing an excellent response to this prompt is in the details. Don’t just tell Villanova about something you’ve advocated for recently; tell them why you did so and maybe even share how you would like to continue engaging with or fighting for equity and justice in the future.

Prompt Two:

What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others at Villanova? 

If you find yourself drawn to this prompt, we’re willing to bet you’ve learned a thing or two in your life that you want to share with others. By all means, lean into your instincts. In order to ace your response, show admissions that you are capable of thoughtful reflection, changing your mind, and/or adapting to new circumstances. Maybe you learned a lesson about the gift of the “here and now” after losing a relative in an abrupt way. Or perhaps you wish to tell your peers, “They’re not judging you! They’re too busy thinking about themselves!” Whatever your life lesson may be, share why it is valuable and who you think will benefit from your advice. 

Prompt Three:

“Villanova” means “new home.” Why do you want to call Villanova your new home?

A classic Why Essay. This is the time to do some research on Villanova’s course offerings and extracurriculars and then show admissions why their university stands out from the crowd for you. Don’t be afraid to go deep! Beyond the classes and professors in your desired academic department, explore the options for other subjects you’ve always wanted to study. Learn about clubs and special events on campus to get a feel for student life. Read over the school’s mission statement to get to know the community both on and around the campus. If you’ve been on a campus visit, highlight the architecture, culture, city, or special traditions that speak to you. Since this is a Catholic school, feel free to talk about what it means to you to join a faith-based community. You might even want to read up on the notable alumni you admire (like the pope!) and provide examples as to how they inspired you to attend. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a whole list of reasons for wanting to call Villanova your new home. Now all you have to do is arrange them. Think about telling a story that illustrates your path to Villanova and shows admissions that their community is the perfect place for you to pursue your degree. 

Prompt Four:

Villanova embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a commitment to thoughtful, ethical use rooted in our Augustinian mission and values. How do you see technology helping you to lead, serve, and contribute to the common good?

This prompt isn’t only for the techies; with AI continuing to be a hot-button issue in our society, Villanova is asking you how you envision tech—and AI—supporting your values. Check out Villanova’s website to read more about their Augustinian mission and values and see how your relationship with technology intersects with them. Perhaps you believe technology can bring people together as long as truth is maintained and you imagine using AI to trawl historical records to help adoptees find their birth families. Maybe you think AI is your best partner for cleaning up the ocean, helping you contribute to the common good. You don’t have to have a grandiose vision of how you’ll use technology to change the world, as long as you clearly show how it will support your values and help you serve others. 

Prompt Five:

At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” Please detail a time when someone has borrowed some of your strength in their time of need. 

Life can be difficult—especially during college when you’re becoming a whole adult—and when it is, we often turn to loved ones for support. Lending your strength to others requires compassion and vulnerability, which are wonderful traits for any community member to have. After all, even though the word itself isn’t mentioned, “community” is at the heart of this prompt. Think about how you have supported others in your daily life, whether that be a sibling, a classmate, or a fellow volunteer at the soup kitchen. Maybe you started staying late at your barista job when your colleague’s partner was in the hospital and they needed to leave early. Perhaps you held a friend’s hand when they came out to their parents. Showcase your ability to connect, to identify others’ needs, and to see yourself as part of something bigger. Ultimately, the kind of person who can lend strength to others in times of need will make an excellent addition to any college campus. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Villanova Essay

We have been reading Villanova essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for the Villanova Essay

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the Villanova supplement for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to this short essay, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful Villanova essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances.