Writing the "Why this major" Supplemental Essay
Students using the Common Application will encounter two types of essays. The first is the personal statement, which allows the student to choose one of seven prompts and write an essay of 650 words or less, which can be submitted to any Common Application schools. The second type of essay is the supplemental essay, which is specific to one university or college and typically shorter, averaging 100-300 words. Colleges will ask a wide range of supplemental questions, but the most prevalent is a variation on, “Why are you applying to this major?” This question might feel intimidating to some students because they believe they are being asked about a career plan; however, this is not the case. This is simply the student’s opportunity to share their interest in the major they’ve selected and discuss how they plan to pursue that interest inside and outside the classroom at the chosen college.
Here are some tips on how to approach this prompt.
Highlight curiosity and relevant experiences
For example, in high school, the student might have learned about a topic that inspired them to pursue a specific major. The “why this major” essay is a great opportunity for students to explain what inspired their initial interest in the subject and how they’ve explored that interest since then. As a second example, the student might have been exposed to a major through a school club. This is an opportunity to discuss skills or theories the student learned related to the major, as well as hands-on experiences that confirmed their interest in the field. Doing this allows the reader to understand how the student has engaged with their interest, and how that exposure translates to the applicant being a great fit for the selected major.
Give university-specific examples
To showcase that the student has researched the chosen major, students can highlight characteristics and learning opportunities—both inside and outside the classroom—that are specific to the university to which they’re applying. Students should research the major and university to identify examples that resonate with their own interests.
Students can highlight faculty, classes, or teaching styles that differentiate the school and suit their learning preferences. Outside-the-classroom examples that students might mention include internships, research facilities, partnerships, and student-led organizations, which will let the student deepen their understanding of the intended major through experiential opportunities. As an admissions officer at a STEM-focused college, I appreciated when a student not only listed a lab on our campus that they wanted to use, but also shared why this lab resonated with them. For example, if a student identified a lab by name, I expected them to also take the time to tell me what their own specific areas of research interest were, and how this particular lab would help them pursue that interest.
The question “why this major” goes beyond stating the major the student intends to study. Instead, the student should share the questions or subjects they are curious to explore and provide concrete examples of how a college can help them continue learning.
