Carnegie Mellon University

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

for 2024-2025

Want to talk about your

Carnegie Mellon University

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

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How do you apply to

Carnegie Mellon University

?

You apply to
Carnegie Mellon University
through their application portal through the Common App
or Apply Texas
or the UC App
or Questbridge
.
Apply Texas
Apply Texas
Apply Texas B
Apply Texas C
Common App
Common App
UC App
UC App
Questbridge
Questbridge

When are

Carnegie Mellon University

applications due?

Early Action:
Early Action II:
Early Decision:
November 1, 2024
Early Decision II:
Restrictive Early Action:
Regular Decision:
January 2, 2025

How many essays are required to apply to

Carnegie Mellon University

?

There's also
0
optional essay(s).
There are no optional essays.

Want to talk about your

Carnegie Mellon University

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

Talk with us

Carnegie Mellon University

Supplemental Essay Prompts

CMU: Why Major?

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that's developed over time; what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Word count:
300 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

CMU: About You

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee's consideration? Highlight something that's important to you or something you haven't had a chance to share. Tell us, don't show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

Word count:
300 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Goals

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to theprocess of learningduring your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

Word count:
300 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Word count:
or less.
Requirement:

Tips for Writing Supplemental Essays

How to write the best supplemental essays.

Tip #1

Develop Your Personal Brand

Brainstorm all your experiences in high school that you believe will show that you will be successful in college and beyond. The strongest ones will be the foundation of your personal brand.

Tip #2

Highlight Your Strengths

Your essays should highlight one of the 5 traits: drive, intellectual curiosity, initiative, contribution, diversity of experiences

Tip #3

Add to Your Personal Score

Every essay counts to build the overall narrative. Increasing your personal score increases your chances by 10x.

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