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Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Tips

September 12, 2023

Emory’s 16% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 came after they received approximately 33,000 applicants for admission, numbers that have held steady over the past several years. Whether applying to Emory College, Oxford College, or both, applicants to this prestigious Atlanta-based research university face an epically challenging admissions process ahead. Emory is a rare school where a 1500ish SAT and 3.9 GPA are often necessary, but not sufficient for admission. In addition, application components like the Emory supplemental essays need to be exceptionally well done.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Emory? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Emory University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The good news is that this school does ultimately admit over 5,000 students each year. If you have the academic chops, then getting into Emory is an achievable goal. However, you’ll need to make sure that you use the two supplemental essays to showcase your writing ability by generating powerful and detail-rich essays that will stand out to an admissions officer.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 1 – Academic Interests

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why ? (200 words)

We all have a story of what drives us to pursue a certain academic pathway and career. How did your interest initially develop? What was the spark? How have you nurtured this passion and how has it evolved over time? If you desire to go into engineering, for example, use this as a chance to talk about everything from your childhood fascination with how things work to your participation in an award-winning robotics program at your high school. Share a compelling narrative about how your love of your future area of study has blossomed to its present levels.

In addition to the above, Emory also wants to know why you desire to pursue your studies at their institution. Tie your passions into specific  academic opportunities  at Emory including courses, professors,  hands-on research programs , or any other aspects of your desired major that appeal most to you. The more specific, the better.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 2 – Getting to Know You

In addition, answer one of the following questions.  Your response should be no more than 150 words.

In the university’s own words, “We encourage you to be thoughtful in your responses and not stress about what the ‘right answer’ might be, as there really isn’t one.”

a) Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

What is your favorite (or most thought-provoking) book, character, monologue, or piece of short fiction or nonfiction? Why do you identify with it? Is it the protagonist’s tenacity, empathy, sense of justice, big heart, humor, resilience, uncompromising integrity, loyalty, self-awareness, or courage? Is it the overall theme, topic, or life lesson? Use the 150 available words to explain the powerful connection you feel to your answer. If you go the song route, explain why you connect so deeply with the music and lyrics.

b) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Some students may have more direct experiences related to cultural awareness than others. But—no matter your background—this is an opportunity to demonstrate that you care about justice and fairness in your local community as well as the global community. If applicable, speak about a time when you spoke up for a peer in a moment of need. Alternatively, you could describe an instance when you became involved in a larger cause or movement. This could be in the realm of politics, activism, or volunteer work.

If you don’t happen to have a deeply personal story to tell in this realm, you’ll probably want to select a different prompt. While there’s nothing wrong with simply articulating your basic beliefs in the values of inclusion, equity, tolerance, and diversity, it doesn’t necessarily make for the most compelling essay, particularly when the school is asking for a specific “experience.”

Emory Supplemental Essays (Continued)

c) Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

There’s a lot to unpack in this prompt before you even enter the brainstorming phase of the essay-writing process. First, they want to know a bit about what “flourishing” means to you. This could be:

• Degree-oriented
• Career-focused
• A combination of two or all three of the previous options.

Does “flourishing” mean that you have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research? Or does it mean taking advantage of internship opportunities? Does it mean continuing your advocacy work with a specific population? Does it mean exposing yourself to new perspectives and viewpoints?

Next, you’ll want to take note of the fact that the prompt wants to know how you hope to flourish at Emory specifically (not just at college in general). As such, you should consider discussing Emory-specific offerings that reinforce your ideas and are distinct from those mentioned in the earlier “Academic Interests” prompt.  Such school-specific detail can take an essay from good to great.

d) Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

To truly understand where Emory is coming from with this question, one needs to look no further than the school’s own mission statement: “Emory University’s mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.”

If you have been involved in some type of charitable/community service endeavor throughout your high school years, this is a great opportunity to speak about that venture in more detail. Looking forward, how might you continue the work you’ve been doing? You can also connect your aspirations in this realm to specific service opportunities that are available at Emory.

e) Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

“Community” can be defined in myriad ways: it could be large-scale, like an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community, or small-scale, like a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project.

Most applicants to Emory are involved in at least one “community.” You may be the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, a member of your town’s trail clean-up team… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to  show  what type of community member you are rather than merely  telling . What is your role within your chosen community? Within that role, how do you lead, guide, or interact with others? What have you learned and how have you grown? How have you positively impacted your chosen community? Strive for personal detail here rather than re-hashing your resume.

f) Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

You know the old saying “Hindsight is 20/20”? Think about the transition to your freshman year of high school: What were you nervous or anxious about? What did you spend too much time thinking about? What didn’t you spend enough time thinking about? Is there anything you wish you had done or approached differently? Did you face any significant personal or academic obstacles? If any of those questions resonate, this could be a great prompt for you. Think about how you’ve grown and changed over the past four years, and what you’d tell fourteen-year-old you as a result. The goal here isn’t to lament your decisions or be hard on yourself, but instead to show the admissions committee that you’re thoughtful, self-compassionate, and capable of growth.

One piece of advice here: given the tight word count, don’t get too caught up in the “personal email” directive and spend too much valuable space on creative formatting.

How important are the Emory supplemental essays?

Emory views six factors as being “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. They are: the rigor of one’s coursework, the GPA earned, recommendations, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability. The essays are “important,” alongside standardized test scores and volunteer work.

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If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Emory supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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Emory University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

You Have: 

Emory University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words, 1 essay of 150 words Supplemental Essay Type: Why , Oddball

Academic Interests

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college (200 words).

This required prompt is nothing more or less than an academically inclined Why essay. As you dig into the writing, aim to answer these two key questions: (1) What do you love about the subject? (2) How does Emory’s specific program meet your needs or excite your curiosity? In other words, your goal is not just to geek out (although that’s highly encouraged!), but also to demonstrate your fit for Emory specifically. If you can display a knowledge or curiosity for your chosen major alongside some school-specific facts, you’ll show admissions that you’re motivated and dedicated to their institution. If that’s not a winning combo, we don’t know what is! So, before you start scribbling away (or pounding out 300 words on your computer), remember that the backbone of any good Why essay is research! Give yourself some time to dig through the Emory website and get to know your department as well as any related programs, centers, and opportunities.

Getting to Know You

In addition, answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

In this prompt, Emory University is looking for more than just a summary of your favorite book. Admissions wants to know why a certain work of art is meaningful to you, and how it connects to your identity, history, or values. As with all supplemental essays, your goal should be to use this prompt as an opportunity to tell admissions something new about yourself through your relationship to a particular piece of art. Does “ Still I Rise ” by Maya Angelou resonate with you as a young woman of color overcoming obstacles with courage and determination? Have you always felt that you and Allison from The Breakfast Club were cut from the same cloth? How come? Be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices rather than writing about works that truly speak to you. Don’t write about Charlotte Brontë unless you genuinely feel connected to her life and work. When you give admissions insight into the art that you feel is representative of your personality, experiences, or background, you will be revealing a fascinating, newfound piece of the complex puzzle that is you.

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Emory wants to accept applicants that are curious, open-minded, and socially aware. Admissions wants to bring students to campus who will not be afraid to question their own beliefs or biases, or to strive to consider different perspectives and points of view. So, how have you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness? Maybe you saw Juneteenth trending on Twitter this summer and had never heard of it before. Did you read articles to educate yourself? Reach out to friends or family members who were celebrating? What did you learn? Perhaps one of your friends put the kibosh on a joke you told during a Zoom party, so you took it upon yourself to better understand the subject matter and why your joke may have been insensitive or offensive. All of us are constantly learning and growing, so there’s no shame in being wrong about something as long as you seek to listen, retain information, and expand your horizons.

Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

This is another variation of the Why Essay . In this case, Emory wants you to discuss the aspects of campus life that you feel will help you become your best self. To ace this question, you’ll need to do some self-reflection and research. How do you think college life will change you for the better? Spend some time on the school’s website researching the campus, academic programs, and student culture. Is there a certain theme community that speaks to you? Are there clubs, religious organizations, or volunteer groups that you’re excited to join? Maybe the city of Atlanta holds a special attraction? Remember to keep the essay focused on “flourishing.” How do you interpret that word? Does it mean being academically successful? Becoming a leader in student government or a fraternity? Embracing your authentic self? How will your experiences at Emory facilitate this flourishing and prepare you for life after college?

Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

Service to humanity” can sound lofty and intimidating, but fear not! Emory’s not expecting you to cure cancer or invent perpetual motion; “service to humanity” can be as simple and personal as tutoring other students at the writing center, running psychology experiments in a lab class, or using your History major to educate your roommates about internment camps. We recommend—say it with us—research! How will your time at Emory prepare you to serve humanity when you leave? Check out the website to see if there are service groups or volunteer organizations you might join on campus; maybe there’s a special capstone project for your proposed major. And if you do plan to cure cancer, write about that, too!

Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

This is a classic Community Essay, through and through. Admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today and how you have impacted your community. First of all, let us remind you that your “community” can be just about anything, from your neighborhood to your family to your Taylor Swift fan club. Pick a community that means something to you and in which you’ve been very involved. Maybe you come from a tiny town where you revived a long-lost harvest festival tradition. Perhaps you suggested team-building exercises for your baseball team that brought you all closer together. Maybe you started cooking a weekly pancake breakfast for your younger siblings after your parents got divorced. No matter your starting point, be sure you tell a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end. It might be tempting to pen a vivid description of your community and leave it at that, but the point of an essay like this is to tell a story about you and your contributions.

Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

Emory wants to see how you’ve grown and matured over the last three or so years. The transition from middle school to high school can be almost as daunting as the transition from high school to college. Think back to eighth grade and what aspects of high school either scared you or surprised you. Maybe you worried about getting lost navigating a larger school building. Perhaps you thought biology would be a piece of cake and it was unexpectedly challenging. Maybe you were afraid to be your authentic self until you found an Anime Club where you met like-minded friends. Perhaps you moved to a huge school and encountered people with different backgrounds, beliefs, or opinions. Now that you’ve lived through it, what would you tell your younger self that would help ease those tough transitions? Try to give yourself as much time as possible to reflect on your mindset back in middle school and how it’s changed over the last few years. As always, it’s your job to tell admissions a story, one that reveals information about who you are, what you care about, and/or what inspires you. 

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Emory University is a highly selective, private research university in Atlanta , Georgia , with only an 18% acceptance rate . Due to its competitive application process, there are two required Emory supplemental essays . This helps the admissions committee personalize their admission decisions among a large pool of equally qualified high school applicants with impressive GPAs and high test scores . Emory supplementals are key factors in the admissions process, so its important to familiarize yourself with past Emory University essay prompts , Emory essays that worked, and tips for writing compelling Emory supplemental essays that will help you stand apart from other applicants.

Emory University has an esteemed liberal arts college, noteworthy professional and graduate programs, and is well-known for its healthcare system. The school attracts lots of medical students and is recognized as one of the nation’s leaders in research. There are lots of reasons why Emory University receives so much attention, and there are lots of qualified applicants who would like to take advantage of the great opportunities Emory has to offer. Read on to gain insights and tips on how to write a successful supplemental essay .

Before you get started on your Emory University supplemental essays for 2022-23:

As a highly-selective institution, Emory University requires two Emory supplemental essays as a part of its application. These brief essays, both of which are under 200 words, help Emory’s admissions officers get a feel for applicants’ individual personalities, passions, and opinions. Test scores and statistics are important, but each Emory University application essay helps narrow down prospective students and personalize the admissions process. Focus on writing personal, compelling Emory supplemental essays in order to stand out and give the admission committee a reason to want to admit you. Emory supplemental essays are typically announced around the end of June. In the meantime, in order to prepare for the college application season, familiarize yourself with the Emory supplemental essays of 2021. 

How to answer the “Academic interests” Emory essay prompts

The first Emory University supplemental essay is always the same and is devoted to your academic interests . This essay is 200 words and is often referred to as the “why this major?” essay. The specific Emory essay prompt is: 

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? 

Of course, not all incoming freshman know what they want to major in; don’t let this dissuade you. Use this Emory application essay to convey your passion for and commitment to learning — regardless of whether or not you know what you’d like to study. 

Generally, though, your college essay should answer the following questions:  Why this major? How will this major help you achieve your goals? How will  Emory University  help you specifically?  In terms of organization, addressing these questions, in this order, is straightforward, flows well, and is well-structured.

Step 1: Brainstorm

Brainstorm thoroughly before you start writing your Emory personal statement . Jot down bullet points, record your stream of consciousness, or discuss the Emory essay prompt aloud with a friend. Whatever works best for you. The point is, in order to write a powerful, concise supplemental essay (remember, you only have 200 words!) , you need to have a clear focus and already know what you want to say. Do your best to communicate your personal connection to your chosen essay prompts when drafting your short answer responses. Otherwise, you risk rambling. Take time to reflect deeply before you jump into this part of college admissions . 

Step 2: Why This Major?

Start your Emory supplement essay by explaining why you are passionate about your prospective major. How did you develop an interest in this subject? When did you encounter or experience this subject for the first time ? How will it help you personally and professionally? Why do you believe it is important? 

Be as specific and personal as possible. Ideally, you want to tell a story. A good way to begin this essay is to share a short personal anecdote. Remember though, you only have 200 words so be concise. Just because the essay is brief does not mean it cannot be filled with lots of unique, interesting details.

Step 3: Goals and Aspirations

Discuss some of your greater, post-college goals and aspirations in this Emory University supplemental. This might be highly specific (i.e. a detailed career path), or it may be more abstract (such as pursuing a set of values or ideals). The point is to contextualize your course of study. How does your major fit into the world? Why is it important? What do you hope to accomplish by pursuing this major? Use lots of details.

Step 4: Why Emory?

Conclude your essay by discussing how Emory University , specifically, will help you reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. Again, you want to be as specific as possible, so research the university and your major carefully. Mentioning specific courses, resources, and professors by name will help communicate to the admissions officers that you are committed not only to your education, but to Emory University as well. The admissions officers want to create a dynamic campus community. Therefore, they prioritize admitting applicants who are serious about making the most of Emory University ’s unique resources. 

Step 5: Edit and Proofread

Give yourself enough time to proofread and edit. Ask for feedback on your Emory University application essay from your teachers, peers, guidance counselor, parents, etc. Be confident that your essay is free from grammatical errors.  

How to answer the academic interests Emory essay prompts

There are five essay prompts to choose from for the second Emory supplemental essay . Consider each prompt carefully. Your Emory University essays should feel genuine and natural. There are no “right” answers, so don’t get distracted by what you think might sound impressive. The admissions committee wants to get to know you, so always be truthful and genuine. 

Although the specific essay prompts change year to year, they are typically centered around something meaningful in your life that has changed you in some way. This could include an experience you’ve had, a personal insight, or a field you’re passionate about.

Emory Essay Prompt 1

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness..

Should you choose this prompt?

Certain areas of the country are much more diverse than others. Only choose this Emory essay prompt if you have real, first-hand experiences of cultural diversity. This is a good prompt to choose if you are an international student, a cultural minority, or grew up in a culturally diverse community. Don’t choose this prompt if you are merely interested in cultural diversity, but do not have any actual, lived experiences to discuss.

The right strategy for this prompt

Like with all of the Emory supplemental essays , be specific, direct, and honest. Do not make up details to make your experience or your reaction seem more impressive. The admission committee wants to see how you interact with others and are able to gain personal insights and integrate them into your actions and worldview. Emory University has a diverse campus culture, so use this essay to show how you can contribute to Emory’s diverse student body and overall sense of community.

Emory Essay Prompt 2

When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true.

Choose this prompt if you can easily think of a time when you questioned a religious, political, or otherwise deeply personal view. For instance, did you decide to become a vegetarian after watching a documentary about factory farming? Were you raised in a homophobic household but realized that you wanted to be more open and welcoming? 

To answer this prompt well, you will need to focus on a specific event. Show how this instance inspired, challenged, and changed you. Emory University values students who are willing and able to challenge their existing beliefs and grow.  Are you intellectually curious? Are you able to change your mind? Are you comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone?

Emory Essay Prompt 3

If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why.

This essay prompt gives you the opportunity to show some of your passions, interests, and values. Choose this prompt if you can think of an answer that clearly resonates with you. Have you always been fascinated by a specific moment in time or a historical event ? Perhaps you wish you could go back in time to experience an event that was particularly impactful for a loved one so that you can understand them better. Or maybe you are passionate about Ancient Egypt or Ancient Greece.

Set the scene and describe the event in detail. Use literary devices such as imagery and metaphors. Then explain why this event is important to you personally. Use the beginning of your essay to share your passion for and knowledge of the subject. Then use the remainder of your essay to explain why you’d like to witness this event.

Emory Essay Prompt 4

Share about a time when you were awestruck..

Are you a thoughtful, reflective person? Do you regularly experience awe or feel inspired by nature, music, etc.? This is a great Emory essay prompt to choose if you can think of a powerful instance of feeling inspired.

Choose a specific instance to focus on. Even if you are routinely inspired by nature, choose a specific memory and describe it in detail. The admission committee wants to know what moves you and where you find inspiration. Then focus on how this instance of inspiration has had a positive impact on your life. Make sure you clearly communicate how your experience of awe changed you.

Emory Essay Prompt 5

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you why.

This prompt is great for avid readers, musicians, and other creative types. Your connection to this book, character, song, etc.  should feel natural and genuine.

Choose something that holds personal meaning to you. Do not try to choose an “impressive” answer. Start your essay by describing the work in detail and then showing how it connects to your larger personality, interests, and passions.

Emory essays that worked: 3 inspiring Emory essay examples

Thankfully Emory University provides top-tier examples every year of successful Emory secondary essays. In this article we will look at several Emory essay examples and discuss why each of these Emory personal statements is successful. 

Related post

How To Answer Common App Essay Prompts: 2024-25

Emory essay example 1.

My interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies was sparked in my eighth grade Civics class when we studied topics pertaining to sexual equality. I went into the class knowing I believed women had a right to make choices for their own bodies and that view remained the same, but I discovered the complexity of abortion debates. I challenged myself by thinking about the disparity between actual and potential personhood and the moral rights of unconscious lives. If pregnancy had the same consequences for men as it does women, how might the debate be different? Would this debate even exist? 

A year later, I shadowed an OB/GYN at a nearby hospital. On my first shift, I watched an incarcerated woman receive a postpartum exam after giving birth in her cell toilet with just Advil, and the issues discussed in Civics suddenly became urgent and real.

My school projects have often focused on reproductive rights. I’ve spent numerous hours delving into summaries of Supreme Court cases on abortion and contraception, and I’m even known as the “Tampon Fairy” at school because I frequently restock the school bathrooms with tampons and condoms.  

I’m interested in exploring how Gender and Sexuality Studies connect to Public Health and Reproductive Biology, as well as Public Policy and Law. The interdisciplinary nature of this major will allow me to investigate many other areas of study and create a more nuanced understanding of how this particular field interacts with our world and society. 

There is no one “right” way to write successful Emory supplementals. In fact, Emory University says “We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. We simply want to get to know you better.” A general sense of direction can be helpful, however, so here are some helpful tips to get you started on your Emory essays. 

Why did this essay work?

This essay is concise, contains interesting details, and follows a clear narrative arc. The student shows how she is willing to change her mind and follow her passion in interesting ways. This student is clearly passionate about her course of study and shows a commitment to the subject matter, academically through her research, and personally through their unique actions as the “Tampon Fairy.” This Emory personal statement is detailed, emotional, passionate, and grants the reader insight into the student’s various ways of learning and interacting with the world. 

Emory Essay Example 2

“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” the book goes, then the mouse will ask for a glass of milk. If you ask me a question, I’ll answer with another question. 

I’m naturally inquisitive. As a girl, I’d interrogate my parents during 13-hour flights to Beijing: “If we’re traveling to a later time zone, does that mean we’re entering the future?” or “If planes have autopilot, why do we need pilots?” 

Today, my curiosity has transitioned to topics like thermodynamics. Through questioning, I’ve made boring lectures more engaging for me and my peers, while also helping us better internalize the information and develop an appreciation for scientific theories—the ideal gas law and atomic configuration—that help us make sense of our surroundings. 

Questioning my surroundings has allowed me to find my voice in the crowd, letting me step out of my comfort zone while furthering my and my peers’ knowledge.

The opening of this essay is creative and concise. This fictional mouse is known for its dizzying insistence and humor and is an effective cultural touchstone. It hooks the reader, is witty, and demonstrates the student’s personality clearly. Overall, this essay covers a lot of ground in a short amount of space, spanning from childhood to present day. It is humorous, warm, and clearly demonstrates the student’s inquisitive nature and how this will enhance Emory’s academic culture.

Emory Essay Example 3

In 2018, I was eager to see the Senate vote on DACA, an issue I only knew through debate, so I sat in the Senate gallery for 8 hours, surrounded by DREAMers in neon-orange shirts. When Senator McConnell quoted the White House calling the DREAMers unlawful immigrants, we exchanged grimaces. When Senator Schumer listed all he was willing to give up to save DACA, I smiled at the woman next to me. 

As we sat for hours with no food, water, or bathroom breaks, I began to understand the gravity of the issue, realizing the impact 60 people can have on millions, through just one vote. After the government shut down without passing protections for DREAMers, I understood the human impact of our immigration policies. This experience expanded my awareness of the struggle that immigrants go through, and I recognized my responsibility in seeking justice for others. 

This Emory secondary essay hones in on a specific event and shows how the student is willing and able to learn and form new opinions, and apply personal insights to policy. The fact that the student attended this Senate Vote shows that they actively seek out new learning experiences, surround themselves with new people and communities, and are eager to enact change.

Extra tips for a killer Emory supplemental essay

Include lots of details. Try to be as specific as possible. Use precise words. You only have 200 words or less to communicate something important in each of these supplemental essays . Do your best to make each word count . 

Establish a tone. Emory University wants to know who you are, so try your best to convey your personality. Try to write the way you talk. If you’re bubbly and personable, do your best to convey that. If you’re shy and thoughtful, try to communicate that. If you have an interesting sense of humor, use that!

Choose a unique topic or approach your topic in a unique way. You want to be memorable so brainstorm interesting topics or unique ways to structure your essay. For example, if you love theater,  write your essay with stage directions. If you’re involved in orchestra, use music theory vocabulary to discuss something non music-related. Your topic itself could be fairly common and straightforward, but if you have an interesting, unique way of discussing it, you’ll have a better chance of being remembered.

Connect your story with the present. The experience you write about doesn’t necessarily have to be recent, but try to convey how your experiences continue to have meaning in the present. The admission committee wants to know how you learn, grow, and create meaning. 

Key takeaways on Emory essays

There are lots of factors to consider when writing a successful Emory supplemental. There are countless decisions to make about your topic, which Emory essay prompt to choose, vocabulary, style, etc. but there are also some more logistical questions to consider. In the following section, we will go over some of these frequently asked questions and answers.

Emory requires 2 supplemental essays . The first essay is academic-focused and is 200 words. The second essay is more reflective and should grant the admissions committee insight into your personality. Emory supplemental essays give you the opportunity to make your application stand out and be memorable.

Emory University is a test-optional school that allows students to either self-report or send official score reports. The test-optional application component, along with the two ways of reporting is meant to increase student accessibility. The writing portion of the SAT is also optional for this reason. 

Emory supplemental essay prompts come out during the summer, typically around the end of June. The first essay prompt , however, is always the same: What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? The five essay prompts for the “ getting to know you ” essay vary year to year. Past essay prompts , however, can help you begin brainstorming before the prompts are available. Check the Emory website to stay up to date. 

Think outside the box! How can you be creative while still being genuine? If your essay is gimmicky, the admissions staff will know. Authenticity is key. There are lots of ways to stand out. Think about what makes you unique and brainstorm from there. The possibilities are endless!

Emory University is a highly-selective institution with an 18% acceptance rate . Lots of qualified students apply, but there are only so many available slots. Emory supplemental essays give you a chance to stand out from your peers by sharing who you are as a person and what you care about. Choose your essay question carefully; ideally, choose a prompt that differs from your common app college essay . 

• November 10, 2020
• 12th Grade , College Admissions

How to Write Emory Supplemental Essays: 2022-23 Guide

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Emory Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Emory University is one of the country’s leading liberal arts research schools. If you are hoping to gain admission to Emory , it’s a good idea to focus on acing your Emory supplemental essays. Emory requires each student to write a 200-word essay on what academic areas interest them. For the second essay of 150 words, students can choose their topic from six prompts. We will help you stand out with your responses and identify the prompt best suited for your story. Let’s begin!  

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words)

This prompt is pretty common as far as supplemental essays go. Beyond indicating your intended major, schools want to know why you are drawn to that subject. A solid way to organize your response is to start by describing your academic interest. Think of when your curiosity with the topic first began. What story can you provide to invite readers in and make it personal? 

Next, discuss the ways you have pursued this interest since. Did you start a club in high school centered around this topic? Have you shadowed anyone who also does what you’re interested in? Does your high school coursework reflect this interest? 

Finally, connect this passion to Emory . What about this school will help you accomplish your goals in this academic field? Is it a class? A certain professor? Internship opportunities? In addition to connecting Emory to yourself, this section can help an admissions counselor know that you have done your research, that Emory is not just a random school you picked, but rather one that you have heavily invested in getting into. 

Also see: Top 15 college majors for the future

The “Getting to Know You” short answer section

For this section of the Emory application, you will be allowed to choose to respond to any one of the following prompts in 150 words. 

1. Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why? (150 words)

Any piece of media is on the table here. Select something that is emblematic of a key piece of your identity. Your chosen work should be genuinely meaningful to you! Have fun with this question! You can use the questions below to get some ideas flowing! 

Questions to consider:  

• Is there a character from a book or movie that you can relate to? 
• If you had to write your biography, what famous quotes or writings would you draw on?
• Is there a book, song, or tv show that you routinely go to for comfort/entertainment/inspiration? 

2. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness (150 words)

When have you taken educating yourself and broadening your perspective into your own hands? The admissions team wants to hear about it! 

You could write about a current event that sparked your curiosity and pushed you to learn more, a time that you learned about another culture before traveling there, a historical event that you learned about and moved you to learn more, or anything you can think of really. The point of this question is to speak about intentionality. Good students don’t just let what they learn wash over them, they are intentional and colleges want to see that you have exemplified that. 

Questions to consider: 

• When did you realize your ignorance about a social issue and took steps to address it?
• Have you ever exposed yourself to people of a different cultural, socioeconomic, religious, etc. background? 
• What tough conversations have you had to initiate in order to gain greater awareness?  

3. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you. (150 words)

This is a great question to answer because there are no right or wrong answers! Emory wants to know what flourishing looks like to you. This may mean partaking in clubs and activities during your first year, making stellar grades, or a mix of several things. Take some time to assess for yourself what flourishing means to you!

4. Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity. (150 words)

If you’ve spent any time in high school volunteering or giving back to your community in other ways, then this might be a great question for you to answer. If you know of a specific organization you’d like to volunteer with on campus, this might also be a good place to speak about that. Be careful with being too vague with this question. Your answer should be specific to show that this isn’t just something you’ve thought about in theory, but also something you’ve made actual steps toward working towards. 

5. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better. (150 words)

This is a question that you should only answer if you have a strong answer to it. That being said, the community you may have been impactful in does not need to be a big one. Maybe you were very influential in a club that you participated in at your high school, a sport either at your school or in your community. Take some time to think about the communities you are a part of, big or small, reflect on the impact that you have had on them and that they have had on you. 

6. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school. (150 words)

This prompt is one that you can certainly have fun with! Take some time to reflect on this question. There is no right or wrong answer, but it certainly will be noticeable which students put thought into this question and which did not. Think about how you’ve grown and matured since the start of high school, as during college you will likely also experience a tremendous amount of growing and maturing.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Summing up the Emory supplemental essays

Phew! We made it through all of the prompts for your Emory supplemental essays. Fortunately, you only have to select one of the last six. We recommend choosing a few questions that stick out to you and brainstorming ideas for each. Land on the prompt that you believe best conveys your core attributes. Also consider which prompt most lends itself to a unique response. 200 words and 150 words are tricky word limits. We recommend you get your thoughts down, no matter the length. You can cut them down later to share your powerful story succinctly!  

Key Takeaways

• Emory only has two required supplemental essay prompts
• For the second prompt, make sure you take time reading through all of your options before choosing one
• Be sure to use some additional resources from our website as well to help you write the best application possible
• For more help with your application, you can also check out some of our top ten tips for a successful application

Other supplemental essay guides

• Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• Duke University (Durham, NC)

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How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/6/24

Writing a compelling supplemental essay can be your key to getting accepted into Emory University. 

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Emory University is known for its rigorous academic environment, vibrant student life, and strong emphasis on community engagement. As such, the supplemental essay is not just a formality in the admissions process; it's an opportunity for you to showcase your unique personality, intellectual curiosity, and how you align with the university's values.

In this article, we will guide you through the nuances of crafting a standout essay. We'll explore strategies to effectively convey your story, align your goals with Emory's ethos, and demonstrate your potential as a future member of their community. 

Whether you're an aspiring scientist, a budding entrepreneur, or a creative thinker, this guide is designed to equip you with the essential tools for crafting an Emory supplemental essay that truly resonates with the admissions committee. 

Emory University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

For the 2023-24 application cycle, Emory requires applicants to respond to two short-answer essay prompts.

"What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?" (200 words)

Applicants must also write a response to one of the following six essay prompts in a recommended length of 150 words.

• Option A : Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?
• Option B : Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• Option C : Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.
• Option D : Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity.
• Option E : Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.
• Option F : Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

These essay prompts are a vital opportunity for applicants to highlight their unique attributes and articulate their suitability for Emory University.

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for Emory University

Here is a guide on how to approach Emory’s essay prompts, including key strategies for crafting captivating responses. It's important to tailor your essays to reflect the university’s unique values and culture, ensuring that your voice and experiences shine through.

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : This prompt seeks to understand your academic passions and how they align with Emory's offerings. Begin by introspecting on the subjects or fields that ignite your curiosity, drawing from your academic and extracurricular experiences. 

Reflect on why these areas intrigue you, whether it's due to personal experiences, career ambitions, or a drive to solve specific challenges.

• Show Why You Care : Dive deep into your personal motivations and experiences that drive your academic interests. Emory seeks students who are genuinely passionate about their fields of study. Reflect on experiences that sparked your interest in a particular subject and how they have shaped your academic journey.
• Fill Your Essay with "How You Will Contribute" Language : Discuss how you plan to use Emory's resources to further your academic and personal growth. Be specific about Emory’s clubs, organizations, or research opportunities that you are excited to be a part of, and discuss how you see yourself making a positive impact.
• Engage with Emory's Unique Culture and Values : Discuss how your personal beliefs and experiences align with Emory's ethos. Mention specific cultural aspects, traditions, or initiatives at Emory that resonate with you and how you plan to actively participate or contribute to these facets of university life. 

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-A + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-A : This prompt invites you to explore your deep personal connection with a piece of creative work and articulate why it resonates with you. It's an opportunity to reveal your values, interests, and the aspects of your identity that align with the chosen work.

• Paint a Vivid Picture : Create a well-phrased hook that captures the essence of your chosen work, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of why it resonates with you.
• Consider Incorporating Annecdotes : Share anecdotes or specific instances from your life to illustrate the deep connection you have with this piece, emphasizing its role in shaping your perspectives.
• Move Beyond the Surface-Level : Explore the nuances of the characters, themes, or lyrics, and discuss how these elements resonate with your own beliefs, experiences, or aspirations. Analyze specific passages or moments that have left a lasting imprint on your mind.

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-B + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-B : Reflecting on a moment where you actively sought to understand a culture different from your own shows openness, adaptability, and a commitment to diversity. This prompt values personal growth and the recognition of a global community.

• Craft a Compelling Narrative : Use descriptive language to transport the reader into the experience, focusing on the sensory details that made this cultural journey memorable.
• Emphasize the Impact : Dive deep into the impact of this experience on your cultural understanding and personal growth. Reflect on how your perspectives evolved, detailing the moments of realization or revelation. Don’t be afraid to also explore the emotional and intellectual shifts that occurred as a result of this intentional cultural exploration.
• Bridge Awareness to Action in Diverse Communities : Provide concrete examples of situations where your heightened cultural awareness played a role in fostering positive interactions or overcoming challenges within diverse communities. Illustrate how the lessons learned have shaped your attitude, communication style, and overall engagement with diverse individuals and groups. 

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-C + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-C : This prompt seeks to understand your vision of personal and academic success within Emory’s unique environment. It reflects on your expectations for college life and how you envision taking advantage of the opportunities at Emory.

• Consider a Holistic Definition : Clearly define what flourishing means to you in both academic and personal contexts. Articulate your vision for success, encompassing not only scholarly achievements but also personal growth and fulfillment. 
• Align Yourself With Emory : Relate your definition of flourishing to specific aspects of Emory's culture, resources, or opportunities. Showcase a deep understanding of what the university offers, tying in elements such as academic programs, extracurricular activities, or unique campus traditions. 
• Illustrate Personal Growth :  Choose anecdotes that highlight your adaptability, resilience, or moments of self-discovery. This helps the reader understand not only your vision for success but also the journey of personal transformation you anticipate at Emory.

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-D + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-D : Emory’s mission emphasizes social responsibility and service. This prompt asks you to reflect on how your personal goals and experiences align with this mission, showcasing your commitment to making a positive impact.

• Use Concrete Examples : Share a specific example of how you have served others or outline a tangible plan for future service. Whether through past volunteer experiences, community projects, or a detailed proposal for future endeavors, provide a clear and impactful illustration of your commitment to service.
• Highlight Your Strengths and Passions : Connect your personal strengths, passions, or experiences to the broader mission of service to humanity. Articulate how your unique attributes make you well-suited to contribute meaningfully. Discuss specific qualities, skills, or experiences that position you as an advocate for positive change.
• Showcase Your Fit : Discuss how Emory’s resources or community can help you further contribute to the mission of service to humanity. Highlight specific aspects of Emory's environment, programs, or support systems that align with your service goals. Illustrate how being part of the Emory community will enhance and amplify your impact.

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-E + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-E : Emory values community engagement and transformation. This prompt allows you to demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to a community, highlighting leadership, empathy, and initiative.

• Specify Your Role and Contributions : Describe your specific role and contributions within a particular community. Provide a detailed account of the responsibilities you undertook, the initiatives you spearheaded, or the unique role you played in fostering positive change within the community. Ensure your narrative highlights the depth and breadth of your involvement.
• Highlight Changes and Impact : Emphasize the changes or impact that resulted from your participation in the community. Quantify the measurable outcomes or qualitatively describe the positive shifts that occurred as a direct result of your contributions. 
• Explain How You’ll Make a Positive Impact at Emory : Reflect on the lessons learned from your community engagement and how they prepare you to contribute to Emory’s community. Discuss how your experiences have shaped your understanding of effective community building, leadership, and empathy. 

How to Write Emory University Supplemental Essay #2-F + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt 2-F : Offering advice to your younger self encourages introspection and demonstrates growth. This reflective exercise reveals your capacity for self-awareness and your values.

• Be Authentic and Personable : Adopt a sincere and personal tone, as if you're genuinely advising your younger self. Create a conversational atmosphere that reflects the depth of your introspection. Speak from the heart, offering insights that you wish you had known during your early high school years.
• Be Insightful and Share Practical Advise : Be specific about the lessons you want to impart, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. Consider moments of growth, resilience, or self-discovery that have left a lasting impression on you.
• Relate Your Lessons Back to Emory : Tie your personal growth directly to the values and ethos of Emory University. Illustrate how these lessons have not only shaped you as an individual but have also equipped you to thrive within Emory's community that values reflection and personal development.

When writing your essay for Emory University, make sure it's straightforward and to the point, but also share a story or example that shows who you are. This story should help the reader understand you better, showing how you've grown or what you're passionate about. It's important that your essay sounds like you and reflects your own views and goals. 

Make it clear how you fit in with what Emory values and how you see yourself making the most of what Emory has to offer. By keeping your essay clear, personal, and true to your own voice, you'll be able to show Emory why you'd be a great addition to their campus.

Examples of Emory University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Each of the essays highlighted below was written by a successful applicant to Emory University. We have also provided feedback on these Emory essay examples , explaining why the admissions committee found them compelling.

Sample Essay #1

Strategy and management consulting as a primary area is exactly what I have always wanted to do in college. After researching this area, I see it can bring together and develop my diverse interests such as psychology, economics, and political science. Entrepreneurship would be the perfect secondary area. It can teach me the strategy of starting a venture, and also give me a practical approach to bringing value. Emory’s Goizueta School of Business is an amazing school and can teach me all the skills to become an effective leader in the business world.

I honestly can’t remember a time when business hasn’t been my chosen path, so naturally the Strategy and Management BBA program at Emory’s Goizueta School of Business is my primary academic area of interest. I’m especially keen to complete coursework in the psychology of leadership, negotiation, and Goizueta’s marketing consultancy practicum while pursuing a secondary focus in entrepreneurship. 

Currently, I’m interning for an executive coaching company. My internship has exposed me to the psychology of leadership as well as how a business works. I’ve also been able to assist with the company’s online marketing strategies and evaluation of marketing tactics. In years past, I’ve run a dog-walking business, dove for and peddled sand dollars to tourists at the beach, and volunteered for nonprofit enterprises such as [NAME OF ORGANIZATION]. I often spend time brainstorming ideas for new companies as well. Meanwhile, I love exploring the business of sports, specifically football, and am endlessly researching blockbuster deals, contracts, and trades. For all these reasons, I’ve become enamored with business as my chosen pathway to making a significant impact on the world around me. At Emory, I look forward to uplifting both my community and my business propensity to new heights.

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay effectively communicates the applicant's passion and commitment to a career in strategy and management consulting. It successfully links the applicant's diverse interests in psychology, economics, and political science to their chosen field, demonstrating a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to their academic and career goals. 

Including specific examples, such as the internship experience and entrepreneurial ventures, also provides concrete evidence of the student’s engagement and skills in business. 

Additionally, the essay clearly articulates how Emory’s Goizueta School of Business aligns with their aspirations, showcasing a strong fit between the applicant's goals and the program's offerings.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why? ”

The hair stood up on my arms the first time I heard Frederic Chopin’s “Suffocation” (Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No.4). After just two musical phrases, I was gripped. I’m convinced that, in 1839, Chopin composed this piece just for me. In a way, it's like that movie scene in The Shining where Lloyd the bartender says to Jack, “You are the caretaker. You’ve always been the caretaker.” I am the pianist, I’ve always been the pianist. 

“Suffocation” contains precious little composer notation, so it’s my job to interpret it. To start, Chopin notates espressivo piano, so I show my soft, kind side. He writes stretto, and I build with confidence and exuberance. Scattered crescendos/decrescendos highlight my intensity and spirit. A final smorzando pianissimo exhibits my calm and grounded nature. Mr. Hallorann from The Shining says, “Some places… shine, and some don’t.” For me, this piece shines.

Why Essay #2 Worked

Essay 2 effectively resonates with the prompt by vividly illustrating a deep, personal connection with Chopin's "Suffocation" (Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No.4). It skillfully intertwines the music with the writer's identity as a pianist, demonstrating how the piece mirrors and expresses their own characteristics and emotions. 

This personalization, coupled with references to "The Shining," adds a unique and compelling layer to the narrative, making the essay stand out.

FAQs: How to Write the Emory University Supplemental Essays

Below are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about the supplemental essays:

1. Does Emory Have Supplemental Essays?

Yes, Emory does require supplemental essays as part of its application process. These essays are an important component of the application, providing applicants the opportunity to showcase their individuality, interests, and how they align with Emory's values and community.

2. How Many Essays Do You Need to Write for Emory?

You typically need to write two supplemental essays for your Emory application.

Final Thoughts

The Emory supplemental essay is your chance to highlight the unique attributes that distinguish you from other candidates. Your essay should be thoughtfully composed and captivating while effectively conveying your values and aspirations. 

A well-written essay can significantly enhance your prospects of securing a place at Emory University. Best of luck!

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Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its strong education programs. Known for its rigorous programs and innovative research, Emory attracts students from all corners of the globe. It boasts a rich history dating back to 1836.

It has since evolved into a university that offers a multitude of undergraduate and graduate degrees, recognized for its contributions to the arts and sciences, business, law, and healthcare. The university’s reputation is anchored in its commitment to empowering students not just to learn but to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

For the Class of 2027, Emory University accepted only 16% of its roughly 33,000 applicants, a consistent trend over recent years. Here, scores around 1500 on the SAT and a 3.9 GPA are common among hopefuls, but these alone don’t guarantee a spot. A standout application for Emory University must also include top-notch supplemental essays.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Emory University Have?

Applicants are required to answer two additional short answer questions , one about their academic interests and one to help the admissions committee get to know them better. The academic interests question asks applicants to write about 150 words on what academic areas they are interested in exploring at Emory University and why.

The second question is a choice between six prompts, and applicants are asked to answer one of them in 150 words or less. The prompts include topics such as a book, character, song, or piece of work that seems made for the applicant, reflecting on a personal experience where they intentionally expanded their cultural awareness and Emory University’s unique mission of service to humanity.

What Are Emory University’s Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024?

Emory University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. In addition to The Common Application’s Personal Statement, applicants to Emory’s Class of 2028 are asked to respond to two 150-word short-answer essay prompts. The first prompt is about academic interests, and the second prompt allows applicants to choose from several options to help the admissions committee get to know them better.

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why? (150 words recommended length)

In addition, answer one of the following questions. Your response should be no more than 150 words.

• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?
• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.
• Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.
• Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.
• Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

How to Answer Emory University’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

Before you start writing, read the questions thoroughly. Emory’s prompts are crafted to draw out specific aspects of your personality and intellect. There’s often a deeper question beneath the surface. What they are really asking is, “Who are you?” and “How do you fit within the Emory community?”

This prompt is focused on understanding a student’s academic interests and motivations for wanting to study those areas at Emory. The university is seeking insight into the student’s passions, intellectual curiosities, and how they align with what Emory offers. Here are four key points a student should consider when answering this prompt, along with detailed explanations:

1. Specific Academic Interests and Programs at Emory: Students should start by identifying specific academic areas they are passionate about and then research how Emory University supports these interests through its programs, courses, faculty, research opportunities, and resources. Mentioning particular courses, professors, or unique aspects of Emory’s academic offerings demonstrates genuine interest and informed decision-making. Following this identification, students are encouraged to conduct thorough research into how Emory University actively supports and cultivates these academic interests. This involves delving into the university’s programs, courses, faculty members, research opportunities, and available resources that align with the identified interests. For instance, mentioning unique courses that Emory offers, distinguished professors in the chosen field, or specific research initiatives demonstrates not only a genuine interest but also a well-informed decision to apply to Emory.

2. Personal and Intellectual Growth: Explain how these academic interests have developed over time. This could include personal experiences, high school subjects, extracurricular activities, or specific incidents that sparked or deepened their interest in these areas. Connecting past experiences to future aspirations shows a clear trajectory of growth and intellectual curiosity. Students should explore and highlight personal experiences that have played a pivotal role in shaping their academic interests. This could involve sharing anecdotes, challenges overcome, or meaningful moments that sparked their curiosity. For instance, a volunteer experience, a family background, or exposure to a specific event might have contributed to the development of their academic interests.

3. Alignment with Career Goals: Discuss how studying these subjects at Emory will help achieve long-term career goals. This involves showing an understanding of how Emory’s curriculum and opportunities can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the chosen career path. It’s about making a clear connection between academic interests, Emory’s offerings, and future ambitions.

4. Contribution to the Emory Community: Reflect on how these academic interests will enable the student to contribute to the Emory community. This might involve participating in specific clubs, research projects, or community service initiatives. It’s about demonstrating a readiness to engage with the university community actively and how their unique perspectives or skills will enrich the campus environment.

In crafting the response, students should aim for conciseness due to the word limit, while also ensuring their passion and genuine interest in Emory University’s offerings shine through. The essay should be personal, specific, and reflective, painting a picture of a student who is not only academically driven but also ready to contribute and grow within Emory’s community.

These questions are designed to explore various aspects of a prospective student’s personality, experiences, and aspirations. Each prompt is crafted to elicit thoughtful, personal responses that reflect the student’s individuality, cultural awareness, potential for growth, commitment to service, sense of community, and reflective abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the prompts and some brainstorming ideas for each:

1. Personal Connection to Creative Works: This prompt asks for a work that resonates deeply with you. Consider a book, character, song, or other creative pieces that you feel was almost created with you in mind. Reflect on why this work is meaningful to you. Does it mirror your experiences, aspirations, or challenges? Has it shaped your worldview or inspired your creativity? The key is to reveal something personal about yourself through your connection with this work.

In elaborating on this connection, students should reflect on why the chosen work holds particular significance. Does it mirror their life experiences, aspirations, or challenges? Are there elements within the creative piece that resonate with their identity or journey? By examining these aspects, students can unveil the personal layers of their connection, revealing how the creative work has become a meaningful part of their lives.

Furthermore, students should explore whether the chosen work has played a role in shaping their worldview or influencing their creativity. Has it sparked new ideas, prompted self-reflection, or inspired a particular way of thinking? By delving into these questions, students showcase not only their personal connection to the work but also its broader impact on their intellectual and creative development.

2. Cultural Awareness and Growth: The focus here is on a deliberate effort to expand your understanding of different cultures. Think of a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to engage with a culture different from your own. This could be through travel, community service, learning a new language, or engaging in cultural events. Discuss what you learned and how it altered your perspective.

In detailing the experience, students should discuss the specific circumstances, such as the location, the community involved, or the nature of the cultural exchange. They should then delve into what they learned from this experience and how it influenced or altered their perspective. This might involve gaining insights into different traditions, customs, values, or ways of life.

For instance, if the student participated in community service in a culturally diverse neighborhood, they could reflect on how interacting with individuals from various backgrounds enriched their understanding of diversity and fostered a sense of cultural sensitivity. Alternatively, learning a new language might have opened a gateway to a different culture’s nuances, leading to a deeper appreciation of linguistic diversity.

3. Vision of Flourishing at Emory: This prompt invites you to envision your life at Emory University, focusing on personal growth and success. Consider what flourishing means to you. Is it academic achievement, personal development, involvement in campus activities, or forming meaningful relationships? Describe how Emory’s environment and opportunities align with your vision of flourishing.

Firstly, students should reflect on what success and personal growth look like in their perspective. For some, it might involve excelling in their chosen field of study, while for others, it could entail personal development and acquiring new skills. Involvement in campus activities, such as clubs, sports, or community service, might be a crucial component of their flourishing. Additionally, forming meaningful relationships—whether with peers, professors, or mentors—could contribute significantly to their overall vision of success.

Following this self-reflection, students should then draw a connection between their vision of flourishing and the specific aspects of Emory University’s environment and opportunities that align with this vision. For instance, if a student envisions academic achievement as a central part of their flourishing, they might discuss Emory’s rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, or research opportunities. If personal development is key, they could explore how Emory’s emphasis on a well-rounded education, extracurricular offerings, or mentorship programs align with their goals.

4. Service to Humanity: Emory values service. Reflect on how you can contribute to this ethos. Think about your skills, passions, and experiences. How could these be used to benefit others at Emory and beyond? Examples could include volunteer work, leadership roles, or initiatives you hope to start or join.

Firstly, students should identify their skills, passions, and experiences that can be leveraged for meaningful service. This could involve specific talents, academic strengths, leadership abilities, or experiences that have shaped their worldview. For instance, if a student is passionate about healthcare, they might consider how their interest in biology or previous volunteer work at a hospital aligns with Emory’s commitment to service.

Next, students should envision concrete ways in which they could contribute to the service ethos at Emory. This might include participating in established volunteer programs, taking on leadership roles within service-oriented organizations, or initiating new initiatives that address specific needs within the community. For example, a student with a passion for education might envision starting a tutoring program or joining an existing initiative that promotes literacy.

It’s crucial for the response to include specific examples and to convey a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Whether through previous volunteer experiences, leadership roles in high school, or personal initiatives, students should highlight instances where they have actively engaged in service and express a sincere desire to continue this commitment at Emory and extend it beyond the university community.

5. Building and Shaping Community: This prompt is about your experience in community building and improvement. Discuss a community you were actively involved in. What role did you play? Focus on specific contributions that led to positive changes or growth in the community. This could be a school club, local organization, or even an online community.

Firstly, students should identify a community they have actively engaged with. This could be a club, team, organization, or any collective group with a shared purpose or goal. The chosen community should be one where the student played a meaningful role in fostering positive changes or growth.

Next, the response should focus on the specific contributions made by the student. What initiatives, projects, or actions did they undertake to impact the community positively? Whether it’s organizing events, implementing new programs, fostering inclusivity, or addressing specific challenges within the community, students should provide concrete examples of their active involvement.

The emphasis should be on the outcomes of their contributions—how these efforts led to positive changes or growth within the community. For instance, if the student was part of a school club, they might discuss how their leadership role resulted in increased membership, improved engagement, or the successful execution of impactful projects.

6. Reflection and Personal Advice: A unique prompt asking you to write an email to your younger self, emphasizing reflection. Think about the lessons you’ve learned since starting high school. What advice would you give your younger self? This could be about academic decisions, social interactions, handling stress, or pursuing passions. The goal is to showcase your growth and self-awareness.

To effectively respond to this prompt, students should start by reflecting on their personal journey since the beginning of high school. What experiences, challenges, or achievements have shaped their character and perspective? Identifying key turning points or pivotal moments allows them to craft a narrative that demonstrates personal growth.

The email should be structured as if it were addressed to their younger self. In this format, students can impart valuable insights and advice gained through their experiences. For example, they might advise their younger self on the importance of time management, the significance of balancing academic and extracurricular pursuits, or navigating the complexities of social relationships.

Including specific anecdotes or instances where lessons were learned adds authenticity to the reflection. For instance, if the student initially struggled with time management but developed effective strategies over the years, sharing this journey provides concrete evidence of personal growth.

In each response, students should aim to be authentic, reflective, and specific. The essays are a chance to show Emory University who you are beyond grades and test scores. Incorporating the term “Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024” can be done naturally by tying your responses to how they align with Emory’s values and what you hope to bring to and gain from the university during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Additional Strategies

1. Start with Self-Reflection: Begin by reflecting on your experiences, values, and aspirations. Think about moments that have shaped who you are. What stories can you share that highlight your unique qualities? Emory wants to see the person behind the grades and scores, so choose anecdotes that give them a peek into your life.

2. Research Emory University: Spend some time on the school’s website researching the campus, academic programs, and student culture. Give yourself some time to dig through the Emory website and get to know your department as well as any related programs, centers, and opportunities.

3. Create a Connection: Your essay should connect your personal narrative to Emory University’s ethos. Does a particular Emory tradition excite you? Can you see yourself contributing to a specific campus organization? Make it clear that you’re not just looking for any college experience—you’re looking for the Emory experience.

4. Be Authentic: Honesty is your best ally. Admissions officers can spot insincerity from miles away. Speak in your own voice and be true to yourself. Authenticity makes your essay memorable and helps you stand out in a sea of applicants.

5. Keep It Structured: Good storytelling has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Your essay should follow this structure with an engaging introduction, a body that builds on your story or argument, and a conclusion that ties everything together. This will keep your writing focused and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively.

6. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of just stating your qualities or achievements, demonstrate them through your experiences. If you’re talking about leadership, for instance, don’t just say you have leadership skills—describe a situation where you led a team and the outcome of that effort.

7. Get Personal: The supplemental essays are your opportunity to share what’s not on your transcript. Use this space to talk about your personal journey. What challenges have you overcome? How have these experiences prepared you for college?

8. Be Specific: Vague statements don’t leave an impression. If you’re passionate about a field of study, explain why. If a particular professor or course at Emory excites you, mention it by name. Specific details show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in Emory.

How to Structure Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays, particularly for Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, plays a crucial role in conveying a clear, coherent, and impactful message to the admissions committee. A well-structured essay not only makes your ideas more digestible but also demonstrates your ability to organize thoughts logically and effectively. Here are three key points for structuring these essays:

1. Introduction with a Hook and Thesis:

Start each essay with a compelling introduction that includes a hook – a creative opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. It could be a vivid description, a provocative question, or an intriguing statement. Follow this with a thesis statement that briefly presents the main idea or theme of your essay.

For example, in the Emory University Supplemental Essay about a cultural experience, open with a vivid memory or a striking cultural observation that directly leads to your thesis about the growth and insights gained from this experience.

2. Body with Clear, Focused Arguments:

Divide the body of your essay into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or example that supports your thesis. Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph, followed by supporting details, such as personal anecdotes, reflections, and relevant experiences.

In the context of Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, if you’re discussing how you envision flourishing at Emory, dedicate each paragraph to different aspects, such as academic goals, community involvement, and personal growth, ensuring each point ties back to your overall vision.

3. Conclusion that Reflects and Projects:

Conclude your essay by succinctly summarizing the key points and reflecting on what they reveal about you. This is also an opportunity to project forward – how your experiences and insights prepare you for your time at Emory.

For instance, in an essay about contributing to Emory’s mission of service to humanity, conclude by articulating how your past experiences have shaped your perspective on service and how you plan to apply these lessons at Emory University.

Remember, the Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 are not just about responding to the prompts; they are about presenting a story – your unique story – in a structured, engaging, and meaningful way. Use this structure to guide the reader through your experiences, insights, and aspirations, connecting each element to how it prepares you for and aligns with the values and opportunities at Emory University.

Final Checklist

Before you consider your essays complete, go through a final checklist:

• Did you answer the essay prompt completely?
• Have you included specific details and examples?
• Are your essays within the word limit?
• Did you avoid repeating information that’s already in your application?
• Is each essay free of grammar and spelling errors?

Once you are satisfied with your essays, it’s time to submit them. Double-check that you’re sending them to the right place, and keep copies for your records. With your essays polished and ready, you’re one step closer to becoming part of the Emory community.

The Importance of Supplemental Essays in the Admissions Process

When applying to Emory, students quickly discover the pivotal role supplemental essays play in the admissions process. These essays are not just a formality; they are a window into an applicant’s soul.

They offer a narrative that grades and test scores cannot convey, providing a platform to demonstrate one’s unique perspective, experiences, and aspirations. In a pool of academically qualified applicants, it’s the supplemental essays that often make a candidate stand out, showcasing their potential to contribute to the Emory community in distinctive ways.

Discussion on Emory’s Mission and Values

Emory University is grounded in a mission that seeks to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. This lofty goal is underpinned by values such as integrity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.

At Emory, education is seen as a journey of moral and ethical discovery, where students are encouraged to engage with global challenges, seeking solutions that serve the public good. The university values diversity of thought and experience, and it fosters an environment where students can learn from each other and grow together.

How Understanding Emory’s Culture Can Guide the Essay Writing Process

To write a compelling Emory supplemental essay, applicants must first understand the university’s culture. This understanding informs how they approach their essays, ensuring that their writing reflects the values and ethos of the institution.

Prospective students should reflect on how their personal goals align with Emory’s mission, considering how their unique experiences and insights can contribute to a dynamic campus environment. Through their essays, applicants have the opportunity to show that they are not just seeking education from Emory but also a chance to be part of a community that values social responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge to better the world.

In essence, the essay becomes a platform for applicants to showcase their potential to not only thrive academically but also to actively contribute to a community that shares their values and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

What to Expect at Emory University

Upon setting foot on campus, students are greeted by a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a robust educational environment.

At Emory, students can expect a rigorous academic experience with a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire. The university is home to a diverse and inclusive community where open dialogue and academic inquiry are encouraged.

Emory’s faculty includes leaders in their fields, offering students the opportunity to learn from researchers and professionals who are actively shaping the future of their disciplines.

Emory also places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to cross traditional academic boundaries and explore complex real-world issues from multiple perspectives. This approach prepares graduates to be versatile thinkers and problem solvers, equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Beyond academics, Emory’s vibrant campus life includes a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, ensuring that students can pursue their passions and interests. From arts and culture to athletics and community service, there is no shortage of ways to get involved and make lasting connections.

Prospective students should also note Emory’s commitment to service and leadership. The university encourages students to engage with the larger community, both locally and globally, through service learning and volunteer opportunities.

This dedication to civic engagement is woven into the fabric of Emory’s ethos, fostering a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on society.

With all that Emory has to offer, students here are not just earning a degree; they are being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to lead and succeed in an interconnected world.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

Revising and proofreading are critical steps in ensuring that your Emory University Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are polished and impactful. Here are four detailed strategies for effective revision and proofreading:

1. Step Away, Then Revisit

After completing your initial draft, take a break before revisiting your essay. This allows you to return with a fresh perspective, making it easier to identify areas that need improvement. When you look at your essay again, read it as if you are an admissions officer. Does it capture your unique voice? Does it align with the ethos of Emory University?

For the Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, revisit each essay after a day or two and evaluate whether your response effectively addresses the prompt while showcasing your personality and ambitions.

2. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources:

It’s valuable to have someone else read your essays. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide constructive feedback. This could be a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a mentor. Their insights can help you see aspects of your essay you might have overlooked.

For the Emory University Supplemental Essays, ask your reviewers specific questions, such as whether your essay authentically represents you and if it clearly demonstrates why you are a good fit for Emory University.

3. Focus on Clarity and Conciseness:

During revision, prioritize clarity and conciseness. Remove any redundant phrases, and ensure each sentence adds value to your essay. Pay attention to the flow of ideas; transitions between sentences and paragraphs should be smooth and logical.

With the Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, ensure that each sentence contributes directly to answering the prompt. If a sentence doesn’t serve this purpose or reveal something meaningful about you, consider revising or removing it.

4. Proofread for Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation:

The final step is a thorough proofread to catch any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or punctuation issues. Don’t rely solely on spellcheck. Read your essay aloud or backward (starting from the last sentence and moving to the first); this technique helps to catch errors that you might skim over otherwise.

For the Emory University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, pay extra attention to proper nouns, such as the names of programs or professors at Emory, ensuring they are spelled correctly. This shows attention to detail and respect for the institution.

Remember, effective revision and proofreading can transform your essays from good to exceptional, significantly enhancing your chances of impressing the admissions committee at Emory University.

As you near the end of your Emory University application, the supplemental essays stand as a pivotal component of your journey. They offer a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and how you resonate with Emory’s ethos. Remember, while grades and test scores are significant, your essays breathe life into your application, providing a voice to your achievements and aspirations.

Approach your essays with both earnestness and creativity. Emory seeks students who are not only academically capable but also ready to contribute to their vibrant community. Take this chance to reflect on what you can bring to the campus and how Emory can help you reach your potential.

Be mindful of the submission deadlines. Late applications typically do not get considered, and you wouldn’t want a timing issue to stand in the way of your opportunity to join the Emory University family.

Good luck with your application. We hope your essays are just the beginning of a successful and fulfilling experience at Emory University.

It is important to have all the necessary information before making any decision. AdmissionSight is always here to help you with any questions or concerns. We have over ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the challenging admissions process.

Consult with AdmissionSight and find out how we can help you get into the school of your choice by ensuring that you are fully informed and prepared for the application process. We will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. We will also provide you with access to our team of experts who can help you with everything from choosing the right schools to writing your essays .

Don’t let the admissions process overwhelm you. Contact AdmissionSight today and let us help you achieve your dreams.

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College Essays

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University is a prestigious private university ranked within the top 25 universities nationwide . To apply here, you'll have to submit your transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a few essays. But what do you actually have to write for your Emory essays?

Below, we present to you this year's Emory University essay prompts and offer you tips for figuring out which prompts you should choose for your application. We will also look at admissions officers' feedback for real Emory essays that worked.

Let's get started!

Feature Image: Nrbelex /Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Emory Essays?

All first-year applicants to Emory must submit one longer essay in response to either the Common Application or Coalition Application essay prompts and two short answers as part of the Emory supplement . For the first Emory essay, you must respond to the single prompt provided, and for the second essay, you can choose any one of the five prompts listed.

Here are the Emory University essay prompts for the 2022-23 application cycle:

Academics Essay (200 words max)

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?

Reflections Essay: Respond to one of the following (150 words max)

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

When was the last time you questioned something that you had thought to be true?

If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Share a time when you were awestruck.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Fortunately, Emory offers a little advice on how you should answer these essay prompts: "We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. We simply want to get to know you better."

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the Emory University essay prompts.

How to Write the Emory Academics Essay

This is standard college essay prompt, asking you to elaborate on your academic plans. Emory is asking this because they want to get a better understanding of what you plan on studying in college and why you're excited about it. Students who have a solid plan for college and are genuinely passionate about their academics are more likely to do well in college and after graduation, and they're more likely to be involved on campus and give back as an alum.

As a reminder, this prompt is required for all applicants, and you can write up to 200 words.

So, what should you write about? Start with describing the academic area(s) you plan on focusing on in college. Then, dive into it more. If you want to major in biology, what areas of biology are you most interested in? What about these topics excites you? What career are you hoping to pursue with a biology degree? Are there internships/research opportunities you hope to do? You don't need to include all those parts, but be sure to give an in-depth answer that makes it clear what your academic interests and plans are.

But what if you don't know what you want to study? That's OK; this isn't a binding document that requires you to follow up on what you write about. Choose an area or areas that you're thinking about, and go with that. Don't write that you have no idea what you're going to study because that can cause Emory to worry that you won't be interested in your studies/won't be able to commit to anything.

How to Write the "Reflections" Emory Essay

For this essay, you'll have to select one prompt to answer (out of five possible prompts). These prompts are pretty varied, but they all ask you to reflect on something meaningful to you and that has helped you become the person you are today , whether that's an experience you had, an insight you gained, or a field you're passionate about.

As a reminder, your essay must be no longer than 150 words.

Now then, let's go through the "Reflection" Emory University essay prompts one at a time and give you tips on how to answer each of them effectively.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 1: Cultural Sensitivity

Emory is a competitive school and admits students from all over the world. In order to be a good member of the Emory community, you'll need to understand and thrive in a diverse environment. To that end, this essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your cultural sensitivity.

But what is cultural awareness? The National Center for Cultural Competence defines cultural awareness as "being cognizant, observant, and conscious of similarities and differences among and between cultural groups." So to answer this prompt, you'll have to share an experience where your understanding of cultural awareness grew.

A good place to start is to think about your experiences with people from different cultures. When have you been in this situation before? And what did you learn?

On the other hand, you may be a member of a cultural minority in the United States. If you are, this would be a great prompt to talk about how that has impacted you, and how that has shaped your own unique understanding of how cultural awareness works in American society.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to learn from others and your capacity to be thoughtful about your own actions. The kiss of death for this prompt? Bragging. No one is perfectly culturally aware: developing our cultural sensitivity is a lifetime process. Acting like you've got it all figured out isn't going to impress anyone, especially admissions counselors.

Should You Choose This Prompt?

Do you have a good understanding of diversity and what it means to be "culturally sensitive"? This goes beyond just knowing the definitions of these terms. Have you had experiences where diversity played a key role? You'll need real, first-hand experience if you want to tackle this prompt well. If you haven't had that, then this might not be the best prompt for you.

Tips for Answering This Prompt

• Be honest and specific about your experience. Do not make something up to try and answer this prompt! Additionally, make sure you're being honest about the experience in general. Don't try and make yourself into the "hero" of the situation. Instead, admissions counselors want to see that you can be thoughtful about cultural differences, and that you've learned something about being part of a diverse community.
• Explain how this will make you a better Emory student. Like we mentioned earlier, Emory is a diverse campus. How will you bring what you've learned about cultural awareness to Emory? Explain how what you've learned has prepared you for your Emory experience, and touch on how your experience will help you be a better member of the Emory community.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 2: Questioning Beliefs

Emory uses this question to get to know more about your opinions and how you have learned to think more objectively .

In other words, the admissions committee wants to see how you have become more open-minded and that you are ready and willing to explore outside your safe comfort zone. Are you intellectually curious? Are you willing to admit when you're wrong?

This is the type of student Emory is looking for—someone who can be honest and open with themselves , who is introspective and always willing to learn.

If you can easily think of a time when you questioned any major beliefs you used to hold—whether it was something religious, political, or otherwise highly personal—this would be a great prompt to choose for your first Emory essay.

For example, maybe you used to eat meat but became a vegetarian after visiting a slaughterhouse as part of a school trip.

Or maybe you used to think that libraries were completely useless and should simply go away. But after getting help from a kind librarian one day, you realized that libraries are necessary to have in society, especially considering that people of lower-income backgrounds typically do not have easy access to computers, books, and other repositories of knowledge.

• Follow a clear structure. Present what you used to believe, explain what or who caused you to question this belief, and finally clarify how this process has (positively) impacted you.
• Focus on a unique moment from your life. Don't just talk about how you used to believe in Santa Claus and eventually grew out of it—most, if not all, of us have had similar experiences. Try to find something unique to you and that will set you apart from other applicants.
• Think beyond religion and spirituality. It's not inherently bad to write an essay about how you used to practice a certain religion and now practice another one or none at all, but don't feel limited to only topics regarding faith or religion just because this prompt is asking about your beliefs!

"Tell Us About You" Emory Essay Prompt 3: Historic Event

This next Emory essay prompt is a fun and interesting way for admissions officers to get a clearer sense of what your interests, passions, and values are .

There are no limits to what you can put down here—you could focus on a big event from as recent as the late 20th century, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, or something that happened thousands of years ago, such as the building of the great Egyptian pyramids.

Your goal should be to choose something that highlights a critical aspect of your personality and/or interests.

For instance, perhaps you want to minor in architectural studies, which is why you're so fascinated with how the pyramids were constructed. Or maybe your mother was present when the Berlin Wall fell and you'd love to have seen her expression of joy at having helped reunite her country.

Is there a specific moment from the past that you have always wished to see because it genuinely interests, excites, or fascinates you? Is there a certain event from history that means something special to you and/or your family, and that you wish you could have actually been there for?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, then this would be a great prompt to choose for your second Emory essay.

• Describe the event in detail. Before you jump into the "why" part of your essay, take care to set up the details of the scene by using literary devices such as images and metaphors. Doing this will show admissions officers that you're passionate about both this event and the details of how it happened.
• Clearly and cogently explain why this event is so important to you on a personal level. Once you've set up your essay with some details of the event, it's time to dive into the "why" with full force. A historic event could be special to you for a number of reasons: for example, maybe you've got a burning desire to study physics at Emory after learning about the Wright brothers' first successful flight.
• Try to find a more positive or empowering event. While it's not off the table to write about horrible (but important to know) things that have happened, such as the assassination of JFK or the Holocaust, make sure you manage to tie this back to yourself in a meaningful, positive way. For example, maybe you've always felt that witnessing the Holocaust with your own eyes could help you better relate to your great-grandparents who suffered through it.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 4: Awe

The purpose of this essay prompt is for the admissions committee to understand what really moves you.

To answer this prompt, think back to the times when you were overcome with a sense of wonder or awe. Did it happen when you reached the summit of a long hike and stared at the vista surrounding you? Or when you heard a particular piece of music for the first time? Or when you traveled to a new city that's nothing like your hometown?

As you think about what to write about here, remember that the most powerful answers will involve telling a story of some kind. Let's say you were awestruck the first time you got a clear view of the Milky Way Galaxy. You were ten years old, on a camping trip with your dad, and, since you'd grown up in the city, you'd never seen so many stars before. The sight of all of them made you appreciate the vastness of the universe, and ever since you've had a passion for outer space. Including those details will make your essay more memorable and unique to you.

As you tell the story, always remember to connect it to the most important part of your essay: your discussion of who you are as a person and what about you makes you a good fit for Emory.  In this example, you could say that you use that memory to remind yourself you're just a single person in a vast place, and it helps you stay humble and put your challenges into perspective.

This prompt is great for people who've experienced awe that caused some sort of change in their lives . If you're a thoughtful person who can reflect on that experience in positive ways, then this prompt is a good fit for you!

• Pick one experience and focus on that. Even if you regularly feel awe when you fly in an airplane, pick one specific example and focus on that for this essay. Discussing a single experience will make it easier for you to tell a story as well as keep within the wordcount for this essay. 
• Think about the long-term impact it had on you. In the moment you felt awe, but what were the lasting impacts of the experience? How did feeling awestruck convince you to change yourself/your plans/your view of the world? Emory wants to see the bigger picture in all of this, so make sure you include that in your essay. 

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 5: Artistic Representation

The point of this prompt is for Emory to get a clearer, more holistic sense of not just who you are, but also how you see yourself. What qualities do you feel represent your personality? Your goals? Your best traits? Your challenges?

Remember that you should aim to tell the admissions committee something new and unique about yourself that they haven't yet gleaned from your application or other essays.

When thinking of how a piece of art represents you, don't think literally—try to go beyond generic and superficial traits and think about the deeper meaning and symbolism that speaks to you.

For example, maybe you've always felt a strong connection to the character of Forrest Gump—not because you literally fought in a war, started a restaurant, and met the president, but because you were always supported by your family, especially your mom, and believed that your optimism and positive outlook is what ultimately helped you attain some of your biggest goals in life so far.

My recommendation is to choose this prompt only if you can immediately come up with a specific piece of art or character you've always felt a strong personal attachment to. Remember that it's not just about something you like but something that truly gets across the essence of who you are .

If nothing comes to mind right away, it's probably best to go with another prompt. You don't want to write this essay and have it feel heavily forced or contrived!

• Choose a topic that emphasizes your most prominent and best qualities. Obviously, you don't want to compare yourself to something or someone that's notoriously corrupt, bigoted, immoral, mean, or unlikable. The point here is to show the Emory admissions committee key positive traits you have, such as your selflessness or ability to see the best in everyone.
• Avoid exaggeration. No matter how strong of a connection you might feel to Batman, your life is most certainly not a carbon copy of his. Don't hyperbolize any traits you (think you) share with your character or art piece by making ridiculous claims, such as how you're a real-life superhero or secret genius.
• Don't just choose something because it's famous or "impressive." If you've never actually read Great Expectations or have but never had any real connection to it, Emory admissions officers will be able to tell. So don't worry—it's OK to pick something that's less well-known or not very intellectual or scholarly, just as long as you can cogently explain how this piece of art or character encapsulates you .

Admissions Feedback for Emory Essays That Worked

One thing that can really help you while applying to Emory is seeing examples of real Emory essays that worked and secured students admission. Fortunately, the official Emory website has an entire series dedicated to going over their applicants' best personal essays .

The downside is that these are all for the Common App/Coalition App essay prompts, so they are a lot longer and do not respond directly to any of the short-answer supplemental questions above.

Still, you can use these essay examples and their feedback from admissions officers to get a better sense of what to write about, how you can effectively structure your thoughts, and what Emory is ultimately hoping to learn about you through your writing .

We've consolidated the most important ideas from admissions officers' feedback for you. Here's a basic overview of what Emory is looking for in your essays:

• "Expressive language," "interesting vocabulary," and showing instead of telling
• A sense of maturity
• Clear connections between your interests, experiences, and/or goals
• Authenticity
• The ability to reflect on your experiences (and learn from them)
• Either a unique topic or a unique approach to a more common topic

Make sure your Emory essays have most (ideally all!) of these essential qualities.

How to Write the Emory Essays: 4 Essential Tips

Here are four tips to keep in mind as you write your Emory University supplemental essays.

#1: Write Concisely

You have just 200 and 150 words for the supplemental Emory essays, so don't waste space— include only the most essential facts and information you want to present to the admissions committee .

Use these essays as an opportunity to practice writing more succinctly. Take your time to try to cut out any irrelevant or ineffective words or phrases that don't answer the prompt or reveal anything important or unique about you.

#2: Be Highly Specific

Don't make the mistake many students make by not being specific enough in your college essays—especially considering how little space you have for the Emory essays!

The trick here is to not dawdle in your writing : get straight to the point and overarching topic of your essay, and then dive right in so that you're fully answering the question.

To truly make your writing come alive, you must home in on the most essential info about yourself. Use examples, anecdotes, and plenty of details to paint an accurate picture of who you are and how you see yourself.

#3: Avoid Repeating Yourself

You have to write two short essays for the Emory supplement and one longer essay in response to one of the Common App or Coalition App prompts. Because some of these Emory University essay prompts are similar to the Common App/Coalition App ones, you'll want to check that you're not repeating anything you already wrote .

The point of all these essays is to give you the chance to introduce a range of different, but equally important, sides of yourself. Repeating yourself shows a lack of creative thinking and will most certainly not leave a good impression on the Emory admissions committee.

#4: Don't Forget to Proofread

Last, but certainly not least, remember to edit and proofread your Emory essays several times before you submit them with your application.

Once you've got a rough draft finished, put it away and don't look at it. After a few days, take it out and reread it, looking for areas that feel out of place, irrelevant, or unclear, and tweak as needed.

Lastly, give your draft to someone you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them read it over and give you some feedback. Ask them to also correct it for any technical or stylistic errors.

Do all this and you should have one unforgettable Emory essay ready to go!

What's Next?

Curious about what it takes to get into Emory as a freshman? Check out our Emory admission requirements page to learn the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of admitted applicants.

Interested in applying to colleges in the South? Our expert guide walks you through all the very best schools in the South, including Emory .

Did you know that Emory University is one of a select number of schools that offers full-ride scholarships? To see even more colleges that do this, take a look at our complete list .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Blog > Essay Advice , Private University , Supplementals > How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays

How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University Admissions

Key Takeaway

You can thank Emory now, because you’ll only be writing two short supplemental essays for your Emory application. Together, they’ll total no more than 350 words.

Let’s take a look at the prompts.

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words)

You’ll kick things off with a pretty straightforward academic interest essay. Notice that Emory is asking you to write about more than one academic interest. You might have academic interests come immediately to mind. If so, great. If not, think about your overall application narrative . You’ll probably want to choose an academic area related to what you hope to major in. For the other(s), you could choose a secondary academic interest, perhaps something you want to double major or minor in. Or you could take it in the opposite direction and focus on a subject area you haven’t yet had the chance to explore. Of course, any academic interests you write about should be ones that Emory is suited to help you explore.

Please answer one of the following questions: (150 words)

You may seem daunted at all the options for this question, but we always like to advise students to pick a prompt that 1) resonates with them and 2) adds to their application narrative . Consider how your answer to the previous prompt and your personal statement complement each other. What parts of you are represented? What’s missing? The prompt you choose here can help you fill any gaps.

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

This question could be a great way to demonstrate maturity and growth. You can also use it to discuss how your own identity has intersected with those around you.

When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?

If you want to show that you have an open mind and are willing to consider the perspectives of others, then this prompt might be a good choice. Your answer may also communicate some of your core beliefs.

If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

This prompt is pretty quirky, especially because you can pick a historical event that you think will happen in the future (time travel, anyone?). Your answer could show creativity and intellectual curiosity. You could also highlight an academic interest or an event that you find personally meaningful.

Share a time when you were awestruck.

If you haven’t yet shown much vulnerability in your application, this prompt may be your opportunity to do so. It’s a time to be reverent and genuine. You could focus your attention on a person or event or moment, but it should ultimately communicate something about your core strengths or values.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

The key to answering this question is the “why.” What you pick doesn’t matter as much as your explanation. You could take a more serious approach, or you could show a sense of humor and lightheartedness.

Again, as you weigh your options, consider what’s in the rest of your application, and write this question in a way that creates a cohesiveness and balance to your overall narrative.

The Bottom Line

You won’t be writing a whole lot for your Emory supplemental essays, so make every word count. If you have any more questions before you get started writing, see our supplemental essay guide for more step-by-step help.

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Letters of Recommendation

Carefully select teachers to write your recommendations . They should come from teachers who taught you in a core academic area (English, math, science, social sciences, global/foreign language, or visual performing arts).

You do not have to pick the teacher who gave you the highest grades. Consider the teacher who challenged you the most, can share details about your strengths, or can tell us how you overcame obstacles.

Personal Statement & Short Answers

We get inspired hearing about you. Your test scores and grades are an important part of demonstrating your academic achievements, but your essay and short answers tell us just a bit more about you and allow us to hear your voice. 

In this example of a well-crafted essay , the admission committee member who reviewed this student’s file had this to say:

This essay is all about honesty. Being honest about their background, honest about their relationship with friends, and honest about their own feelings toward their community. The essay shows growth and reflection. While the simple topic of the essay is essentially not attending a high school dance, it is about so much more. The writing style is straightforward and simple—in a good way—and it is an edited and polished piece. The author of the essay is reflective about their community and does not try to be anything they are not. They understand that if they expect change, they themselves have to be a part of that change.

We hope you use your essay to give us a compelling glimpse of the real you.

Standardized Tests

Only after we’ve reviewed your high school transcript, personal statement, short answer responses, and extracurricular activities, do we turn to your standardized test scores. Usually, they confirm the impressions we have from the rest of your application.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what makes the emory supplemental essay unique, and how should i approach it.

Hey, guys! I'm applying to Emory and I've heard their supplemental essays are a big deal. What's different about Emory's essays compared to other schools, and do you have any advice on how to make my response stand out? Also, how do they use these essays to assess applicants? Any tips are much appreciated!

Absolutely, Emory's supplemental essays are indeed a significant part of their application process. What makes Emory's supplemental essays stand out is that they tend to be thought-provoking and value a deep understanding of self and community. They often ask you to connect personal experiences or interests to Emory's unique opportunities or values, looking to see how you will contribute to and benefit from the Emory community.

To approach these essays, my best advice is to be introspective and genuine. Instead of repeating information from your main Common App essay or list of extracurriculars, use this space to share new insights about yourself. Reflect on what aspects of your life have shaped you, and how those parts will translate to your time at Emory.

Make sure your response stands out by providing specific details and examples. For instance, if you're discussing your interest in Emory's sustainability initiatives, talk about your own experiences with environmental advocacy rather than just stating that you care about the environment. Emory uses these essays to assess not only your writing ability but also your fit for the university's culture and values.

Lastly, research Emory thoroughly and, if possible, connect your essay to specific programs, professors, or opportunities that are available at Emory and align with your interests. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and that you've done your homework. Good luck with your essay – show Emory what makes you unique, and how that uniqueness aligns with their community!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Emory University Essays that Worked

Emory essays that worked.

Are you wondering how to get into Emory University? As a sought-after college for many students, applicants interested in Emory must pay great attention to each application requirement. Therefore, the Emory essays are critically important. This guide will give you examples of Emory essays that worked and other resources for writing effective Emory supplemental essay examples. 

Before we review our Emory supplemental essay examples, let’s learn a little bit more about the institution that is often referred to as one of the “ Ivies of the South ”.

Emory Admission Statistics

First, Emory University is a private research University in Atlanta, Georgia. It has been consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top universities and currently ranks #22, according to U.S. News and World Report . The Emory rankings are so impressive that last year Emory Admissions received over 30,000 applications. The Emory acceptance rate was also just 11%, which places it amongst the most selective institutions in the nation. 

However, don’t let the Emory rankings and Emory acceptance rate intimidate you. Writing Emory essays that work isn’t an impossible task. And you’ll likely feel especially prepared after reading our tips on how to approach your Emory supplemental essays.

We’ll learn more about how to get into Emory by seeing a few Emory essays that worked. In this guide, we will review several Emory supplemental essay examples and discuss why they were successful. So, you can use our Emory supplemental essay examples to develop your own unique supplemental essay!

Emory Supplemental Essay Requirements 

All students applying to Emory University are required to submit a Personal Statement through the Common Application. Each year the Common Application releases its essay prompts on August 1 st . This gives you plenty of time to review the prompts and begin choosing the question that interests you most. The Common Application personal essay range is 250-650 words. The personal statement is an essay that will be submitted to all the colleges you are applying to. 

In addition to the Common Application Personal Essay , Emory Admissions uses Emory supplemental essays to learn more about applicants. Later, we’ll review several Emory essay examples, to give you a better idea of what Emory essays that worked look like. 

Exploring Emory Essay Prompts

As we’ve mentioned, there are two short answer essays: the “Academic Interest” essay and the “Getting to Know You” essay. The short answer essay on academic interest should be no more than 200 words. On the other hand, the Getting to Know You short answer essay should be no more than 150 words. 

Emory University Essay Prompts

#1- why major essay (200 words).

• #1- What academic interest are you planning to explore in college?

# Getting to Know You Essay (150 words)

• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• When was the last time you questioned something, you had thought to be true?
• If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?
• Share about a time when you were awestruck.
• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Check the essay prompts each year

The Emory supplemental essays can change from year to year. That said, these Emory essays that worked will serve as strong writing examples across the admissions cycles. Any changes to short answer supplemental essays are typically announced on the Emory admissions blog . So, keep an eye on that as you prepare for your Emory application. 

In this guide, we will discuss some of the Emory essays that worked in previous admissions cycles . While the short answer prompts may change, you can still use Emory essay examples from any application cycle to help you write your own essays. 

Emory supplemental Essay Examples: Getting to Know You 

For the “Getting to Know You” essay, past applicants have had several topics to choose from. These, include the Emory roommate essay, Emory supplemental essays about personally influential books and films, or essays about their values and beliefs. In each of these Emory essay examples, the goal is for the applicant to talk about themselves. Sometimes this can feel uncomfortable, but the Getting to Know You essay is exactly what the title implies. This is an opportunity for the Emory admissions committee to better understand you as a person. Notice how introspective each of the Emory essays that worked are.

Holistic review

The Emory admissions committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing your Emory application. This means you are far more than your GPA, standardized test scores, or the number of AP courses you completed. The Emory admissions committee is also interested in your background and culture. They care about your passions outside of the classroom, and how you interact with your community. The Getting to Know You supplemental essay allows the Emory admissions committee to better envision you on their campus. Through this essay, they should be able to imagine you thriving and making an impact at their institution. 

Emory Essay Examples — Films, Books, and You 

You’re in luck, we have a few Getting to Know You Emory essays that worked to analyze in this guide. Each of these sample college essays can be used to better approach your supplemental essays. Remember, these Emory essay examples can be used as a general guide, but it is up to you to make your essay uniquely yours. Below is the first of our Emory supplemental essay examples. It responds to the following prompt:

What is your favorite fiction or non-fiction work (film, book, TV show, album, poem, or play)? Why? (150 words)

Emory essays that worked #1.

Watching Jane the Virgin, a telenovela, I became transfixed with the life of Jane Villanueva, the main character on the show. I enjoy watching the show because I am able to relate to Jane who successfully gets through newfound challenges and surprises in her life (i.e. giving birth to a child through artificial insemination, though she was a virgin) because of her undeterred religious faith. Her determination, persistence, and perseverance through obstacles that appeared out of nowhere inspire me, particularly in how she handled these difficult situations with her humor, bravery, and trust in others. Though becoming a writer was a huge risk for her, she still took it and ended up being prosperous. Jane’s drive for exploring her passions by following her writing aspirations also struck a chord with me as I also am eager to discover concepts unknown to me, and investigate them further.

Why this Emory essay example worked

In this sample college essay, the author uses the modern telenovela, Jane the Virgin , to answer the Getting to Know You prompt. Instead of simply describing the television show, the author spends the bulk of this college essay example discussing how they relate to the character. The author quickly tells you what the television show is about and then moves on to how they relate to the show. 

The author draws parallels between their personality, passions, and academic interests. While the author does not state outright that they want to become an author like Jane, they discuss being eager to discover new concepts. The author applauds Jane’s risk-taking and notes her ability to withstand adversity. Even though most of this short answer essay revolves around Jane, we are consistently reminded of the traits that the writer and Jane have in common.

The author of the first installment of Emory essays that worked shows they have spent time in self-reflection and carefully thought through this prompt. This prompt gives the author a large amount of freedom in what to write. This allows applicants to write about a topic that they are truly passionate about.

Similar Emory essay examples

As we mentioned, the Emory essay prompts change from year to year. Let’s look at some more Emory essay examples written in response to past prompts. The second of our Emory essay examples responds to a similar prompt as the first, but the prompt’s wording is slightly different:

Which book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) represents you, and why?

Emory essays that worked #2.

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco was the first book I ever loved. It’s the story of a little girl, terrified of thunderstorms, who goes outside in the rain to collect milk, eggs and bakes a cake. “A precarious yet bold refusal of common sense,” Ocean Vuong (one of my favorite authors today) called it.

There was something about the concept of standing at the cusp of danger and continuing to bake that spoke to me – and it’s become strangely encapsulating of me and my activism. 

After all, for every campaign, for every protest, for every ounce of good I do, I am met with a storm of dissenters: voices, bodies, aggressive posters and tweets. It’s discouraging, and sometimes it’s frightening. Sometimes, it seems like it would be much easier to sit at home, silent – to hide under my bed from the lightning. 

But the thing about Thunder Cake is that it was never about the absence of fear – yes, it can be scary, but that doesn’t mean that I stop fighting. It doesn’t mean that I give up. In spite of the downpour, I gather the eggs and the milk – and I make change.

Why this essay worked

Like the first of our Emory essays, this essay uses a work of fiction to highlight a key part of the author’s identity. While the writer summarizes the book they’ve chosen, they spend most of their essay describing how this book relates to their values and goals. 

In reading this essay, we get a clear sense of the writer’s courageous mindset and community-focused spirit. We learn that they are an activist who hopes to make the world a better place. This essay, therefore, allows us to clearly picture this writer making a change on Emory’s campus. 

This essay also hints at the writer’s development. In stating that Thunder Cake was “the first book [they] ever loved,” the writer positions this book within their own growth. Additionally, by incorporating Ocean Vuong into their response, they draw a line between their first literary love and the works of literature that have since helped them grow. In just a few paragraphs, this essay gives us a clear sense of who this writer is and how their chosen work of fiction connects to who they’d be on Emory’s campus. 

Emory Essay Examples — Learning & Growing

Below is the next of our Emory supplemental essay examples. In this sample college essay, the writer tackles the prompt:

What motivates you to learn?

Emory supplemental essay examples #3.

From a young age, I’ve always had a thirst for information and an uncontrollable sense of curiosity. While others would shy away from asking questions in front of the entire class, I would eagerly raise my hand whenever I didn’t understand a topic or wanted to learn more information about it. This arose from the fact that I needed to temporarily quench my desire to find out what was unknown to me. My inclination for exploring the unknown/unlearned drives my love and yearning for learning. I’ve always felt that despite what I have learned from my parents, teachers, and other influential individuals around me, there is almost an incomprehensible amount of knowledge I’ve never been exposed to, and won’t be exposed to, unless I seek it out for myself. For me, learning has never been about just getting the “good grade”; it entails creating the outline for the future.

What worked well?

This prompt gives the Emory admissions team insight into what motivates and drives students. You will notice that the author quickly shares what motivates them to learn and then spends the bulk of the essay describing why curiosity became such a motivating factor to learn. 

This author displays their commitment to lifelong learning. The author notes that learning means more than “just getting the good grade.” We can assume that this student also has strong grades, but they make a point to describe their quest for learning beyond the classroom. While the author doesn’t explicitly mention Emory University’s curriculum, this learning philosophy is a nod to a liberal arts curriculum. As a liberal arts college, Emory encourages students to explore a broad variety of disciplines and concepts that will allow them to be more dynamic and well-informed no matter their major of choice . 

More Emory Essay Examples

Let’s look at another Emory essay example. This one answers the prompt below. However, you might notice that this prompt looks quite similar to one of the current Emory essay prompts.

Share about a time when you questioned something that you believed to be true.

Emory essay example #4.

When I had to analyze Kazimir’s Black Square artwork in middle school, I was annoyed. How could someone paint a black square, declare it art, and then call it a day? My dislike for Kazimir’s style, however, evaporated when I learned about how Kazimir was able to use his artwork to completely revitalize people’s definition of “art”. I had an epiphany: the Black Square was more than just… well, a black square. It was a revolutionary tool used to create an entirely new form of art and push people to be open-minded. From Kazimir, I learned that any idea or concept is not static and can be expanded and changed; it’s imperative to not reject any ideas that are different from my own to expand my own understanding of a concept. It’s safe to say that my 12-year-old self was wrong: black squares can be art too.

Why this essay response worked

This Emory essay example highlights a key time when the writer changed their mind. It cites their initial frustration with the concept of a “black square” as art. Then, it discusses how, when the writer learned more, they began to understand the world—and art—in a new way.

In reading this sample Emory essay, we can picture the writer engaging in intellectual discourse around art on Emory’s campus. We also can see how their curiosity, flexibility, and thoughtfulness shine through. 

Additionally, this essay thrives on its specificity. It centers around a seemingly low-stakes anecdote. However, it uses this anecdote to reveal how the writer thinks about the world around them. In doing so, it successfully enriches the writer’s Emory application. 

Emory Roommate Essay Example

Here is our last short answer essay in the Emory supplemental essay examples series. The Emory roommate essay is a fun and informal way to show your personality and how you might interact with your peers on campus. The Emory roommate essay can feel difficult to approach since it is such a creative essay prompt. However, that’s part of the beauty of it. Not all college essay prompts have to be stuffy and over formal. As you read this essay, think about why this Emory roommate essay worked.

Emory Essay Example #5

Dear Future Roommate,

I would say that I’m a pretty accommodating person. As long as you don’t play country music without your earbuds, I know that we are going to have a great time! In my free time, you will find me at club meetings or my bed, staying up late watching history YouTube videos. I enjoy history so much that, in fact, I have a whole arsenal of history jokes. For example, why was WWII so slow? Because they were Stalin!

Aside from the cheesy jokes, I also love conversations. No matter the place or situation, I can never back away from having a conversation. Rather than passively listening, I will actively engage with what you have to say. Whether you need help coming up with a project idea or someone to talk to, I can’t wait to listen to all the stories you have to share.

Why did this essay work?

In this Emory roommate essay, the author does an amazing job of displaying their interests while also including some humor. When crafting an essay with a comical slant, it is always important to make sure you are using an appropriate tone. In this Emory roommate essay, the writer does an excellent job of balancing the tone in the concluding paragraph. The writer acknowledges the humor used and reassures the reader that they would also be a compassionate and helpful roommate. 

Looking for an additional sample college essay to help tackle the Emory roommate essay? The Stanford roommate essay asks a very similar question to the Emory roommate essay. Check out this guide to read a Stanford roommate essay that worked. In this sample college essay, you will notice this applicant takes a different approach than the author’s tone in the Emory roommate essay sample. 

How to use these Emory Essay Examples to write your Emory Supplemental Essays?

Now that you have read several Emory essays that worked, it’s time to put your newfound insight to work and begin writing your own Emory supplemental essays. Here are some ways that you can use the Emory supplemental essay examples and Emory essays that worked to approach your own Emory supplemental essays:

Tips for Using these Emory Essay Examples

#1- Study the tone of the Emory essay examples to make sure your own essay is neither too formal nor too informal.

#2- Refer to the Emory roommate essay for ways to inject humor and levity into your own writing. 

#3- Note how introspective each of the Emory essays that worked is. If you notice yourself writing too much about someone else, you are beginning to get off track.

#4- Do your research on Emory University and use the Emory supplemental essay examples as an opportunity to inject what you’ve learned into your essay. 

#5- Notice how different each of the Emory essays that worked is. Follow the Emory supplemental essay examples to get started, but don’t forget to honor your creativity and unique perspective in your writing. 

Common successes

One element that all the Emory essays that worked have in common is that the authors seize the opportunity for the reader to better understand them through their writing. All the Emory supplemental essay examples in this guide capitalize on the opportunity to expand on details already present in their Emory application.

Think of supplemental essays as an opportunity instead of another task you must complete for your college application. If done correctly, you can use the short answer supplemental essays to expand on details you are most proud of in your overall admissions application. Each of the Emory essays that worked gives the admissions committee more details than what is presented on the Common Application alone. 

Emory’s Why Major Essay 

In this guide, we’ve focused on the “Getting to Know You” essays rather than Emory’s Why Major essay also known as the Academic Interest essay. However, you’ll notice that Emory’s prompt for this essay is much like that of other schools. 

For some sample college essays to help you craft your “Why Major” essay, check out our guide on college essay examples . The “Why Major” is a very common essay prompt across college applications. So, you may find that you are writing more than one Why Major essay for each of your different schools.

Admissions cares about your academic interests

Emory supplemental essays are designed to give the admissions committee additional insight about an applicant. The low Emory acceptance rate makes these essays a crucial part of any successful application. Emory rankings and Emory acceptance rates are influenced by their prestigious academic offerings. Knowing a student’s major, and why they’re interested in that major, is of great interest to the Emory admissions committee. Students will have an opportunity to state their intended major on the Emory application, but the Emory supplemental essays give you an opportunity to expand on these interests. 

For this prompt, it is important to do some self-reflection and also some research on the Emory admissions site. Many students decide on majors but have never truly thought to themselves, “Why this major?” By taking some time to reflect , you may uncover motivations you hadn’t thought of before. Was there a particular teacher who sparked your interest in biology? Did your mother take you to work with her one day and show you how an architecture firm functions? Did you discover your passion for women’s literature through the women’s writing organization at your high school?

Tell your story

These are all examples of scenarios that may have piqued your interest in your intended majors. If this doesn’t sound like you, don’t worry; not everyone has an Earth-shattering story about why they want to major in history. Maybe there were a series of small moments throughout your childhood and adolescence that drew you to your major. The Emory essays that worked are interesting, but more importantly, they are authentic. 

There are also plenty of students who might be somewhat undecided about their academic major. Fear not, you can still write an amazing “Why Major” essay without knowing what your major is. Instead, focus on your general academic interest. What is your favorite subject in school? Is there a particular school project that sparked your intellectual interest? Don’t try to pretend you have decided about your academic major if you’re really still unsure. It’s perfectly fine to walk through your academic interest and state that you are still deciding what major in college would best suit you. 

Emory Supplemental Essay Guides & Emory Resources 

Writing your college essay can feel like one of the most subjective components of the college admissions process. Many students spend most of their time focused on the Common App Personal Essay , but institutions like Emory have supplemental essays that add an additional level of complexity to the college application process. As we’ve discussed, students interested in Emory University will be required to write two essays. These include the “Academic Interest” essay and the “Getting to Know You” essay. 

How to Write a Personal Statement – 5 Personal Statement Examples

Is Emory University at the top of your college list ? We hope you have found the Emory supplemental essay examples provided in this guide helpful. But remember, there are many resources to assist you in writing successful Emory supplemental essays. 

The Emory admissions blog has several posts that you can use to assist you in crafting a successful Emory supplemental essay. The Emory blog post Poetry and Prose can elevate your essay provides more Emory essay examples and other tips on how to elevate your writing skills. You can find more information on the Emory 2022-2023 short answer questions and Emory essay examples here .

Strong Personal Statements: Poetry and Prose can Elevate Your Essay

As you can see, there are tons of Emory essay examples available online. Emory University even publishes its own list of Emory essays that worked. 

Still looking for direction with your Emory essays? Well, CollegeAdvisor has a webinar featuring Emory alumni with advice on how to obtain the coveted Emory acceptance letter . Take advantage of these resources and build a library of Emory essays that worked to refer to while writing your own supplemental essay. Each of the Emory essay examples should reveal a specific strength that can be used to improve your essay. 

Advice from CollegeAdvisor Alumni

Emory Essays that Worked — Final Thoughts 

Submitting your Emory application may feel intimidating. Both the Emory acceptance rate and Emory ranking speak to the competitive nature of Emory admissions. However, this should not deter you. Crafting a series of strong Emory supplemental essays can help boost your application. Remember, the Emory admissions committee will do a holistic review of your Emory application. So, if you have a lower GPA or SAT scores , the Emory supplemental essays may be an opportunity to strengthen your overall application. 

This guide provides several Emory essays that worked as well as resources to find more Emory essay examples. Use this guide and other Emory essay examples to help you approach the Emory supplemental essays for the 2022-2023 Emory admissions. Starting early and staying organized can make the daunting task of writing your Emory supplemental essays much easier. 

A great place to start

The Emory supplemental essay examples will give you a great foundation to begin writing your own short answer essay. But, don’t forget to put your own unique spin on the Emory supplemental essay examples. Your essay should feel like an extension of your larger application. 

The Emory supplemental essays are a wonderful opportunity for you to speak directly to the Emory admissions committee. To be successful , your Emory supplemental essays should be concise and grammatically correct. Proofread your own work then share with at least two others to proofread as well!

Good luck on your Emory supplemental essays, and don’t forget to refer to this “Emory Essays that Worked” guide frequently as you write!

This article was written by Chelsea Holley . Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

Padya Paramita

October 12, 2021

You might be applying to Emory University for a variety of reasons. Whether you have your eyes on this Atlanta college for the smaller class sizes or the state-of-the-art lab facilities, it’s time to show the admissions officers what makes you a must-have candidate by taking advantage of the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022.

As a leading research university in the country, Emory wants students who aren’t afraid to take initiative in their community and work hard to achieve their goals. By elaborating on different interests and experiences, you can convince the admissions officers of what makes you an exceptional and hardworking candidate. In this blog, I’ve gone over the prompts, as well as included some additional tips as you take on the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022.

Prompts for the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022.

Academic Interests: What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?

This question among the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022 is your chance to show your academic focus directly. So, emphasize areas of choice that make sense alongside other parts of your application. The majors you indicate should definitely be connected. Within your major, try to be as specific as possible. Don’t just automatically say “biology.” Look through options that match your aspirations and consider options such as “Anthropology and Human Biology” or “Biophysics.”

Don’t forget to explain why the areas appeal to you. Don’t talk in general terms such as “studying Environmental Engineering can help scientists understand the world’s issues better.” If you’ve picked a couple of academic areas that seem random at first, such as English and Economics, explain why the overlap is more than meets the eye and how they all connect in helping you get where you want. You could use a short anecdote to drive your point home. Focus on what an ideal undergraduate academic experience looks like for you, and how Emory’s programs are suited for you. 

Getting to Know You Prompt

In addition, answer one of the following questions.  Your response should be no more than 150 words.

• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?
• If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?
• Share about a time when you were awestruck.
• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

The trickiest questions among the shorter options in the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022 are the first two prompts. For the first one, think about what Emory is looking for If you look up what Emory looks for in its students, you will find the following definition of its holistic application review process : “We want to identify who each student is as a learner in academia and also who they are in their community.  Is the student fully engaged with their world—wherever that might be and whomever that might include? Is the student determined? Courageous? Intentional? Ethical?” Think first about ways in which you have demonstrated your curiosity for raising your cultural awareness in the past, and how you wish to do so going forward. Identify the incident, what sparked it, and what you taught you about a particular culture. How did this experience change your viewpoint? Make sure you tread this option with caution. You don't want to appear as a "savior" but rather as someone humble who might not have been knowledgeable on a particular topic and chose to change that.

“The last time you questioned something you had thought to be true” is another tricky question. In addition to looking for students who will make an impact, Emory is also looking for curious minds who question the way things are done and ultimately drive change. Admissions officers are also looking for open-minded students who work hard to understand different points of view and who are eager to evolve and grow. By asking this question, Emory is looking for an example of your own intellectual evolution. This means that there should be a “before” (your thought process or understanding before you began asking questions), a “realization” (what happened to make you question your existing understanding and what did you do about it), and an “after” (what did you learn and what do you think now?). Keep all of this in mind when answering this prompt. 150 words aren’t enough to detail every single second of what happened when your viewpoint was challenged. If you choose this second prompt among the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022 shorter questions, make sure you dedicate most of the space to explaining why this experience mattered so much, how it has changed the way you think, and what it means for you moving forward.

The last 3 prompts here might throw you off a little. After all, how can you figure out what the school is even looking for? Don’t panic. All the university wants is to know about you. You definitely don’t have to come up with a response that you believe is super deep and intellectual. The important part among the third and fifth options is the “why.” Why does a certain piece of writing or a particular event hold importance to you? Don’t say that The Great Gatsby seems made for you if you actually hated it in English class just because you think Emory is looking for a particular answer.  As cheesy as it sounds, just be yourself. Admissions officers want to get to know you. So no matter what historic event you or song you pick, make sure the personal connection is clear.

Further Tips for Writing the Emory Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

• Choose your prompts strategically - For both categories you get to choose from multiple options. Choose prompts that will highlight your best qualities as an applicant. Pick a topic that you believe will bring the best out of you, and help paint an accurate picture of your personality and values. If you can’t think about a song that’s important to you, write about an important historic event. Choose the topic that brings forward the ways in which you have made a difference, or you plan to make a difference.
• Don’t repeat your personal statement or your activities list - The goal of the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022 is to provide further information on who you are and what you’re all about. Before you start writing, map out potential essays for different prompts. Compare your outlines and make sure that when side-by-side, they bring out different strengths. Also make sure that they do not repeat what’s in the rest of your application. Use every opportunity to tell the admissions office something new about you. Don’t repeat yourself!

Writing the Emory supplemental essays 2021-2022 is a great opportunity to provide your reader with more context on who you are, your passions and aspirations, and how you could succeed thanks to an Emory education. Answer the prompts in a way that highlights what makes you unique and portrays you as a memorable candidate. Work hard on these responses, and convince the school why you are a student they must admit! 

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How to write the emory university essays, updated for 2023-2024.

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why? (200 words or fewer)

Explanation:

As you tackle this prompt, it is important to remember that there is no particular academic area that the committee is looking for in your response. What is important is that you express both your authentic interests and why Emory specifically has the resources to help you explore your interests. Do your research. What professors, programs does Emory offer? What research do these professors conduct in your field of study? This essay should be specific enough that it could not possibly be written for a different college!

Many people assume that my passions—scientific research, mock trial, and acting— have little in common. However, this could not be further from the truth: all three offer lenses through which I seek to understand human behavior. Double majoring in Psychology and Theater Studies at Emory will allow me to continue this investigation from both scientific and artistic perspectives.

At Emory, I hope to research with psychology faculty mentor Patricia J. Bauer, whose research focuses on determinants of remembering and forgetting within memory. I hope to further understand how factors affecting memory influence human behavior through this work.

In addition, the holistic curriculum of Emory’s theater department would give me the chance to explore all my interests through theoretical lenses, finding the answers to questions such as ‘why would a character behave in this way?’ or ‘Which set design would be conducive to X or Y response?’ Aside from offering a fascinating interdisciplinary lens through which to explore my interests, I would also look forward to the opportunity to explore multiple sides of theater-making, most notably history and design.

I look forward to the opportunity to develop my understanding of human behavior, and apply my newfound knowledge to the artistic realm.

Please answer one of the following questions: (150 words or fewer)

For all of these questions, the admissions officers are looking for answers that highlight your unique attributes and values. What are your special interests? What makes your approach to the world unique to you? Be sure to use this opportunity to tell a story about yourself. Make sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. Ask yourself, which of these prompts allows you to add a new element to your application. Pick a prompt that allows you to be specific enough that admissions officers feel like they really know you.

1. Which book, character, song, monologue, or other creative work (fiction or nonfiction) seems made for you? Why?

Don’t spend too much time talking about the creative work you choose. In addition, focus less on choosing a creative work that is niche or uncommon and instead put your energy into ensuring that you are describing its significance for you in a unique and meaningful way. How did this creative work impact your life? How can you use this creative work to put an aspect of your personality or life experience into context?

“What matters isn’t if people are good or bad. What matters is, if they’re trying to be better today than they were yesterday. You asked me where my hope comes from? That’s my answer.”

Episode after episode, I watched as Michael helped Eleanor make sense of the world around her, and the repercussions of how she treated those in her community. In the midst of the show’s humor, the writers wove in profound lessons and theories from philosophers throughout history, teaching the audience through laughter.

As someone deeply interested in philosophy and psychology, I am endlessly amused both by the accidental truths that are woven into the show’s banter and by the way in which it demonstrates the absurdity of topics we deem serious. While the show itself is witty and entertaining, it inspires me as a person and student to maintain levity and embrace absurdity.

2. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

In answering this question, you should focus on demonstrating cultural growth. Was there a point in your life when something made you realize your cultural shortcomings and then take active steps to fix them? How does this experience impact who you are today? This is an opportunity to talk about how a specific experience inspired you to grow and develop into the person you are now. Consider stories that have a “before” and “after,” or a turning point that made a significant impact on you.

On National Hijab Day, my friend Saman encouraged members of her new club, the Muslim Student Association, to don hijab to see the world through her eyes. As the only Filipino person in our school, I could relate to how my friend must have felt as the only South Asian muslim student, and I wanted to support her as she worked to dispel misconceptions about her religion.

The experience opened up the space for conversations about others’ perceptions of our identities. Saman shared her feelings of isolation, while our friend Samuel, one of the only people of color attending our school, shared instances of microaggressions he had faced in and out of the classroom.

Although we had not previously spoken so openly about our experiences as minority students, I learned a great deal about my friends’ experiences. I look forward to opportunities to further expand my cultural understanding at Emory and beyond.

3. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

While this prompt may seem similar to the prompt regarding academic areas of interest, the focus here is different. The first prompt asks applicants to demonstrate specific knowledge of the academic aspects of life at Emory, while this prompt requires you to show how you will thrive on Emory’s campus as a student. This is your opportunity to speak on one of your specific interests and show how you would use that interest to enrich Emory’s campus community. This does not need to be academic. You could use this essay to discuss what hobbies you have and why they bring you happiness. Mention clubs at the university that you would like to join. Is there a club you would like to start? Likewise, you can bring up the school’s traditions and why you connect with them.

Since my stage debut at 6 years old, I have always been fascinated by theater. Despite typically being on stage, I have also nurtured a persistent curiosity about what went on behind the curtain. During any free time at practices, I would sneak up to the lighting grid to examine how it all worked or chat with the props team about the objects neatly laid out offstage. The intricate networks of people working together on stage and off to create a compelling show have become like family to me—the theater is where I flourish.

Becoming a producer with Ad Hoc Productions, the entirely student run musical theater group, would provide me with a new home on Emory’s campus. In a college setting, with student-group level funding, I would continue to learn and grow alongside other performers and theater-makers.

4. Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

In this prompt as others, specificity is key. Be sure to share any service activities you’ve done and why you care about them. Do research about the service activities and outreach that you could get involved with at Emory and tie those into your personal service goals.

Service has always been an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood, my mom would take my brother and I to volunteer for local food shelters and perform at nursing homes. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the elderly as my brother and I performed instilled in me from a young age the importance of giving back. However, I often felt as though the short hour of volunteering didn’t allow enough time to truly get to know the people we interacted with.

This is why Emory’s Alternative Breaks program within Volunteer Emory would be a great opportunity for me to serve the community and to establish relationships with the people I’m working with. The recent trip combatting Homelessness and Gender Inequality is of particular interest to me, as the emphasis on support for their mental and physical needs is a crucial part of helping homeless women recover.

5. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

Pick a community that showcases a part of you that you have yet to talk about in your application. Why was this community important to you? How did you identify things you wanted to change? What did it take to change them? How is your community better now than it was before? Did your community need changing? Did you give back in one big way or did you give back in small ways that always worked toward a goal?

500 Saturdays go by so fast.

Every Saturday since I was 6 years old, I sang with the Imagination Players, a performing group that fundraises and brings joy to children’s hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans’ groups.

Kids Runway for Research is one of my favorite annual events. Children with cancer get makeovers and get to be stars for a day. After the event, I dressed up as Moana to go visit the kids who were too sick to participate, some of them younger than I was when I first joined the Imagination Players.

Twelve years with this group taught me that changing and improving the community for the better doesn’t necessarily have to involve wide structural change. It can simply look like many small acts of kindness that improve the lives of community members who are most in need of support.

6. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

Remember that the admissions officers don’t know who you were in your first year of high school. Think about an experience you had in high school that you would approach differently now. Break it down into three parts.

• How did you approach the situation then? What was flawed about it? What were the repercussions of approaching it that way? What blind spot did you have at the time that caused a negative outcome?
• What experiences have you had since then that showed you your blind spot? What made you realize that you were wrong?
• How would you approach the situation now? How do you think that might have changed the outcome?

Samantha, High school will be hard. Don’t allow yourself to write off discrimination as common misunderstandings.

For example, junior year, the whole team will vote to demote you (the only woman or person of color) from a lawyer to a witness so that another male teammate can take on two attorney roles. Your scores will be equal to the lawyer they are trying to replace you with.

They’ll explain that, “you seem to be better at emotional aspects of mock trial than the logical ones. We think you’re better as a witness.”

“How could my friends be sexist?” You’ll think to yourself. Well, they’re high school boys with a lot of learning to do. They see you as traditionally female: passive, emotional. They see themselves as “aggressive” men: leaders.

Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. By denying their discrimination against you, they take away your power. Don’t let them.

Chin up. -Samantha

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Emory Supplemental Essay Examples for

These Emory supplemental essay examples will give you some good insights into what Emory is looking for in their essays. Oftentimes, just reading up on college essay tips can be useful, but this can be augmented by taking a look at existing essays to see how they are put together.

So, while you’re perusing Common App essay examples , you might want to consider some that are more pointedly directed at your school of choice – in this case, Emory – to know how to specifically approach Emory’s supplemental essays.

In this article, we will cover the different prompts through Emory supplemental essay examples, and also provide you with expert tips on how to write a college essay .

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Article Contents 9 min read

Introduction.

Emory requires a personal statement submitted through the Common App as well as two supplemental short essays. Here, we provide examples of all three essays, based on the prompts for 2024.

Emory Personal Statement

Required for all applicants

Length: 500–650 words (approximately)

I’ve never enjoyed baseball, or sports of any kind, but my dad does. I was looking forward to the “big game” far less than he was. My high school team had done very well, and we were entering a cycle of semi-finals and finals, and I got weary just thinking about it.

When I was little, I loved playing catch with Dad. My father has always been important to me. When I was a boy, I liked playing games with my friends, because I’m very social. I loved playing with people, but sports never really appealed, and the minute they became formal and competitive, I checked out.

In the week leading up to the game, I finally told my dad that I didn’t want to play anymore because I just didn’t care about the games. He was upset, which made me upset, too, and I went to bed that night feeling like he didn’t understand me and wasn’t really listening to me.

In short, I had a typical teenaged angry reaction.

Length: 200 words, max.

“What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?”

On my desk, while I write this, is the broken shard of a smashed vase. I love this and keep it because it is a piece of history, found on an archaeological dig in Peru. I saved up a lot of money to buy it.

Anthropology gives us valuable insight into the future. Most people think of it as the past, but I know that studying who we – as human beings – were will lead us into understanding who we are and who we want to be. I believe this study is essential to humanity’s forward progress. A lack of understanding will lead to regression.

Like most anthropologists and archaeologists, working in the field is what excites me the most, and Emory’s field schools, like the Huari-Ancash Bio-Archaeological Research Project, interest me greatly. My dream is to find my way to Peru and learn about the people who made my broken vase.

The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with a specialization in Biological Anthropology and Cultural Anthropology is what most interests me , because searching for answers right in the physiology of our ancestors can reveal how we lived, which is as close to a first-hand account as an archaeologist can hope for!

Looking for more tips? Check out the infographic below:

Third Essay: Answer any one of the prompts (below).

Length: 150 words, max.

A. “Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.”

My family took a trip down to Mexico when I was a boy. My sister and I were having a wonderful time, but on the third day, I saw a Mexican boy, about my age, who said something to me; I didn’t speak Spanish.

A few years later, I started paying attention to the news, drawn into stories of border crossings and immigration reform. I saw somebody on the news, trying to cross into the US, who looked exactly like that boy.

I started Spanish classes the next year and joined a humanitarian society to do some volunteering in Mexico. I spent my time there working and speaking with locals.

If we’re going to learn to share the world, we must learn about each other, and I want to do my part to bridge the gaps and reach across the barriers and borders we put up.

When writing your essays, there are two ways to prepare: first, by understanding essay writing in general, and second, by knowing Emory’s specific parameters and expectations. We will cover a bit of both below.

Emory describes on their website the qualities they are looking for in their personal statements. Two blog articles discuss changing perspectives or opinions, so you will want to take that to heart and highlight your own personal growth in your essays. They also value curiosity, which is often a catalyst for change and growth, so notice a trend here.

Both of Emory’s supplemental essays are pretty short, 200 words or less, so you don’t have time to work your way through the careful machinations of a standard essay.

That doesn’t mean that you should abandon the standard essay format, however; it just means that, while writing for Emory specifically, you should keep your writing quick and lean. Note that this doesn’t apply to the personal statement for Emory, which is allowed to be longer.

Check out this video for some additional college essay tips:

For your introduction, look into how to start a college essay . You’re going to need a “hook” sentence that reels in readers. Think about how to make anybody want to read your work, even if they weren’t part of the admissions committee.

It might be useful to look up some college essay introduction examples to see how other people start their essays.

Normally, one or two paragraphs would be devoted to opening an essay, but with Emory’s truncated format, go for a brief paragraph of one or two sentences.

The opening of an essay sets up the body – the middle section wherein you unpack the details of what you want to say, present any arguments you are making, and fulfill the bulk of what the essay is about. Normally this would be at least two paragraphs dealing with the main ideas of the essay, but again, given Emory’s essays’ short length, you’ll want to keep to shorter statements and focus on just one idea.

Finally, wrap up your essay with the right touch: your conclusion should connect to the opener’s presentation and show how your ideas in the body all come together. It can be tricky to do this in a short paragraph of one or two sentences, but by focusing on exactly what you need to say, you should be able to whittle it down.

It can also be helpful, as a general tip, to recruit a college essay review service , either to help you get off the ground with your own essay, or to help as you refine it.

Thus armed with these Emory supplemental essay examples and the knowledge about how to write an essay and how to write for Emory, in particular, you should be well equipped to craft your own.

Remember to keep your writing tight – to respect the close word limits – and to bring yourself into the foreground of each answer; the admissions committee is looking to see why you are uniquely, specifically, the best candidate and fit for their school.

Beating writer’s block – a terribly common problem – might not be easy if you don’t know what to do. The best way to proceed is to take a blank page of paper and give yourself no more, and no less, than two minutes to just free-associate by writing whatever pops into your head. Remember to keep to the topic on which you are writing. If your prompt is “why this school?” for instance, you should free-associate about Emory – or whichever school you happen to be writing about.

Whenever you are given a limit – a character count, word count, page count, etc. – for any essay, make sure that you closely adhere to that limit. Note that character counts often include spaces, so be sure to measure your writing accurately. If you are using a word processing software, you can find this information in the document properties.

When essays don’t include direct limits, first, make sure you are consulting the correct requirements and, if in doubt, reach out to the admissions office. If there is no limit, it still doesn’t mean you should tear off a novella for the admissions committee to peruse. Respect their time, and the fact that they have a stack of papers to get through. Be economical with your words: if you can say something in ten words, don’t use twenty. Brevity is the soul of wit, as the saying goes, and you should default to “less is more.”

You can also judge an essay’s length based on similar essays. A short answer essay, including most supplemental essay prompts, will have a limit of around 200–250 words. Of course, there are exceptions – like Emory’s much shorter 150-word essays – so always double-check that you’re respecting given limits.

Everything counts. Admissions are competitive in post-secondary institutions, so you need to remember that while building your own application package. While a typo or two are unlikely to cost you a spot, you should still aim for flawless writing: several errors, mounting up over your application, will be an indication of a lack of precision, attention to detail, and general skill, and will make your essays frustrating to read. Whether you use a spell-checking and grammar-checking program, or employ a proofreader, make sure you deliver polished work that is error-free. With so many available options, there is not much room for excuses.

Give yourself two to three weeks to produce all the brainstorming, drafts, writing, revision, and editing that you’ll need to build an effective essay or two. You don’t have to make it a full-time job but try to spend at least some time on it each day.

No. You need to write three essays in total: a personal statement, the short essay on academic interests, and a response to one of the remaining prompts, which is your choice.

What you’re trying to do with your personal statement is show the committee something about yourself that they cannot get from anything else in your application: a good look at the personal you.

Of course, this doesn’t just mean listing likes and dislikes, or talking about your favorite book. You can talk about your favorite book, but it must relate to your personality, your goals, your values, times of change, or times that were important to you and had an impact in your life. Say something deeper about yourself than a transcript or a favorite ice cream flavor will reveal.

The goal, of course, is to show them why you fit with the school’s values, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Aim to get close to the final word count as a rule of thumb, but if you’re a few words short, that’s okay. Emory’s short answer essays are small enough that you shouldn’t have trouble filling them out; however, if you’re wrapping up your personal statement at 200 words, you will want to dig deeper.

Common Application, or Common App, is a centralized application system for colleges and universities around the world. It allows students to create one application that they can submit to a variety of schools, saving them time in the process.

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How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays 2019-2020

Emory University was founded in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia. While Emory moved to Atlanta in 1915, thanks to support from the Coca-Cola Company, it still maintains a liberal arts-focused campus in Oxford — giving students the unique opportunity of being able to start their undergraduate career at either a research university, or liberal arts college. After two years, the students at the Oxford campus automatically continue their studies at the Atlanta campus. 

Emory’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2023 was 15% . The Oxford campus’ acceptance rate for the same year was 19% . Emory’s median SAT was 1500, and the median unweighted GPA for admitted students was 3.92. With such high academic standards and a low acceptance rate, it is important to demonstrate your interest in Emory through their supplemental essays. Want to become an Emory Eagle? Keep reading to gain insight into tackling Emory’s supplemental essays for the 2019-2020 college application season. Want to know your chances at Emory? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Emory University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Emory University needs to know.

How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays

Required essay #1:, option a: share about something you want to bring from your community to the emory university community..

Emory University is a school that prides itself on having students from a diverse range of backgrounds. After all, Emory University has one of the largest QuestBridge scholar chapters in the nation. 

The key here is that “community” can mean almost anything. It could be a cultural group, your local roots, a band you’re in, a club you started. What about it would you want to take with you to college? It could be anything from the sense of camaraderie in a school club to the cultural traditions that you want to share with others. Emory wants you to demonstrate how you will take what your community offered and apply it to your interactions with peers.

Option B: Share about a time when you questioned something that you believed to be true.  

People are generally inquisitive by nature. The actions of the world around us sometimes make wonder whether what we are taught is really true. For example, I was always taught that “sticks and stones may break our bones — but words will never hurt me.” However, as I gained more life experience, I began to realize that verbal slings hurt just as badly — if not worse — than physical pain. Words can echo in one’s mind for years after they are said.

You’ll probably want to stay away from more universal adages like this, as many applicants could’ve written about this saying. Think about something deeply personal. Perhaps your parents were adamantly anti-vaccine, and you agreed with their beliefs as a child, but began questioning them in high school. You could discuss how you spoke with your family on such a touchy and inflammatory issue, and how you eventually decided to get yourself vaccinated at 18, despite their wishes. Not every topic has to be so serious or controversial, however (vaccines are a little risky, as people have strong opinions about them, but since college admissions officers are generally liberal, this story would likely be safe). Instead, maybe you thought you couldn’t be vegan until you joined a friend for a one-week vegan challenge. Maybe you thought homeless people were lazy until a relative told you that they were once homeless, and the circumstances behind that situation.

Just remember to not only write about something you questioned, but also to show how you responded to it. This question showcases your ability to respond to situations where you may not necessarily have a plethora of resources and support to turn to. 

Option C: Emory University’s shield is a crossed torch and trumpet representing the light of learning and the proclamation of knowledge. It symbolizes our mission to impact the world through discovery. What truth or knowledge do you want to see shared?

Here, you can choose to write about an academic or non-academic topic. However, you should write about why you want to see the aspect you are writing about to be shared. If you want more people to know about orange chicken as a food and its cultural heritage, maybe write about how it demonstrates the hardships people face when immigrating to a new country. Doing this takes a lighthearted topic and weaves it into a more serious situation faced by people today. Your “why” could be answered by growing up in a diverse community and the microaggressions you experienced as a minority. If getting to know other cultures is a value you hold close to heart, demonstrate how you will do that when you arrive on campus in the fall.

Required Essay #2

Option a: which book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) represents you, and why.

Media of all sorts has become a part of our daily lives. When you are in the car on the way home from school, chances are you listen to music. If you don’t listen to music, you likely read books in school or at home. Since there are so many forms of media out there, you should be able to find at least one that fits you as a person. After finding what you can identify yourself with, it is time to dig deeper and brainstorm why exactly you feel like you are represented by that form of media. Let’s say you choose Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby . Are you more of an observer in social situations? Do you shy away from ostentatious displays? Think of some anecdotes that help support the points you are trying to make. The more specific the anecdote, the better as the admissions officers reading your essay will get more introspection into who you are. For example, instead of saying: “I don’t like going to the beach,” try putting the reader in your shoes by writing something along the lines of: “I grimaced at the feeling of  Lake George’s gritty sand beneath my feet.” Also, don’t forget to give a brief explanation of the representative that you are making to yourself. You may know everything there is to know about Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, but that doesn’t mean others can say the same.

Option B:  If you could witness a historic event first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Do you like history? If not, no need to fret. Since the question didn’t define “historic,” it is up to you to define it for yourself. What is “historic” to you could be different from what is “historic” to the general public. For instance, maybe you would’ve loved to witness your favorite ultrarunner breaking the Appalachian Trail record. You would’ve appreciated being able to run with him and encourage him in the final miles, and to have a chat afterwards about the journey, as you yourself would one day like to run the Appalachian Trail.

Or perhaps you’re fascinated by modern-day mysteries, and would’ve liked to be present during the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance (without disappearing yourself, of course). You’d like to be able to understand what exactly happened, so that any offenders can be brought to justice and that grieving families can have a sense of closure. Maybe you even knew someone on the flight, making this example even more personal.

The “why” of this question is arguably more important than the historical event itself, as it provides further introspection into your interests and personality.

Option C:  If asked to write a 150-word tweet to tell the world who you are, what would you say? (Yes, the actual Twitter character limit would likely be shorter than 150 words, but thanks for indulging us.)

You have been shaped by countless memories and experiences. I’ll be frank: Fitting all of those experiences in detail with a 150 word limit is impossible. Because you have limited space to write about what you want the world to know about you, it would not be a bad idea to engage your personality into the syntax of your writing. If you do this, you would be showcasing the personality traits you want people to know without explicitly having to state them. From here, the floor is open for you to talk about your interests. Are you unhappy with the polluted oceans? This tweet could be used to voice your stance on preserving the world for future generations. Do you think Taco Bell is the supreme fast food restaurant? Feel free to write about how you think their chicken quesadillas are better than the ones at the restaurant down the street. A big pointer is to genuinely showcase your personality and outlook on life. If you are more serious-natured, the essays would not be a good place to run a “funniness” test trial.  

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