Preparing college applications can be stressful, especially when more students are applying to more schools than ever before, and there is added pressure to stand out. With the Common Application personal statement and additional supplemental essays required by some colleges, the process can feel overwhelming. If you’re applying to multiple schools, saving time and effort on these additional requirements can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we’ll highlight top colleges without supplemental essays that simplify the application process by eliminating these extra essays.
What Are Supplemental Essays?
While some schools only require the Common App’s 650-word personal statement essay, other schools require additional essays and ask more targeted and specialized questions to learn more about your background, extracurricular activities, academic interests, etc. These more targeted essays are known as supplemental essays.
Top Colleges Without Supplemental Essays
The following schools are some of the top-ranked colleges in the country. We’ve provided some simple facts about each university, so you can decide whether these institutions are the right fit for you.
1. Drexel University
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is known for its R1-level global research and is ranked among the top 100 schools in the United States. Unlike other top colleges, you don’t have to submit an additional supplemental essay, unless you decide to submit the optional short answer essay. The common app essay is enough for the application process.
2. Clemson University
Clemson University is recognized for its academic reputation and advanced research efforts. CU is one of the top universities in South Carolina and is ranked among the top 30 schools in the United States. Like Drexel, you only have to submit your Common App essay to apply. Note that Clemson does accept an option personal statement this year, but it’s only for students who want to communicate any special circumstances, like personal trauma that impacted grades.
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in Phoenix, Arizona. This popular and well-known school does not require any supplemental essays. In fact, ASU does not require any essay or personal statement to apply. The only exception is if you are applying to ASU’s honor program, in which case applicants must write a supplemental essay.
4. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 and has a long history of academic excellence. Primarily known for its Law School, students at UA have won a range of academic awards during its long history, with many students choosing to pursue Engineering and Communication majors. No supplemental essays are required for UA, but they provide additional room on the Comm App to list all of your work experience, leadership experience, volunteer experience, significant academic achievements, extracurricular activities.
5. University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private school that is also ranked within the top 100 schools in the country. This is a particularly great university for students who want to go into international relations, astronomy, and creative writing. UD only requires the Common App personal statement to apply.
6. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is ranked among the top 40 public universities in the United States. UD was founded in 1743 and offers over 300 programs to both undergraduate and graduate students. Supplemental essays are not required at UD; however, if you are applying to the honors program or Occupational Therapy, you will need to write supplemental essays. Otherwise, you’re only required to submit your Common App essay.
7. University of South Carolina
Unless you are applying to the Honors Program, students interested in attending the University of South Carolina only need to submit a Common Application essay. USC is located in Columbia, South Carolina, and offers students one of the country’s best college experiences. Highly ranked for its Greek life, amenities, and academic environment, USC is a great public university to consider adding to your list.
8. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota has been ranked among the top research universities in the world. This school is best known for its Ecology department, which is ranked second in the world. With a range of majors to choose from and a list of impressive alumni, this is another top college we recommend applying to—especially if you don’t want to submit a supplemental essay.
9. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is surrounded by the bustling and culturally rich city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This top university is one of the country’s leading research universities in the country and is within the nation’s top 60 ranked schools. Students can choose to write a personal statement or may simply submit their essays through the Common Application. No supplemental essays are involved.
10. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is surrounded by natural beauty. Students with a passion for nature and academics will love UVM. This so-called public ivy is rigorous and ranks well amongst other colleges. UVM is also right near ski slopes, hiking trails, and major bodies of water, which make it a perfect fit for students who want to get involved in extracurricular outdoor activities. The essay for the Common Application is optional, and no supplemental essays are needed.
11. Skidmore College
Dubbed as one of the “New Ivies,” Skidmore offers a prestigious and exclusive academic setting. This private school is ranked 39th among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. With only 2,400 students, Skidmore is smaller than most other institutions on this list. However, if you want a school with a variety of majors with smaller class sizes, this is a great option.
13. Juniata College
Finally, if you are looking for a unique college experience without a supplemental essay requirement, consider applying to Juniata College. Juniata College is one of the country’s few institutions that doesn’t make its students declare a major. Instead, students create their own self-designed majors. Though pre-planned majors are also available, Juniata offers a rare chance to tailor your education to your needs.
Other Colleges Without Supplemental Essays:
In addition to the colleges listed above, here is a list of other colleges without supplemental essays:
- Northeastern College
- Rhodes College
- Kenyon College
- Oberlin College
- Connecticut College
- Seton Hall University
- Colby College
- Case Western Reserve College
- Marquette University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
Conclusion
If you’re interested in applying to one or more of the above colleges without supplemental essays, it’s especially important your Common App personal statement stand out as your only writing sample. To learn more about working one-on-one with an essay coach and how to capture the best version of unique your story, schedule your free consultant with HelloCollege today.
