Supplement Essay Prompts

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvey Mudd College
1

Hi there!

So, I’m in the midst of applying to Harvey Mudd and I have a couple questions regarding this year’s supplemental essay prompts.

As applicants, we are given two prompts to chose from in addition to the required, “Why Mudd?” essay:

  1. “Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” -Dr. Clifton Poodry. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve?

  2. What is one thing we won’t know about you after reading your application that you haven’t already reported in the Common Application “Additional Information” section?

As is evident, the first prompt is really specific, while the second one is broad. Do you think/know if the admissions committee prefers one prompt over the other? Will it look “lazy” if I decide to answer the second prompt?

Thanks again for the help!

2

I see them as the other way around. My kid wrote a wide-ranging essay for prompt #1. She wrote about a lot of different facets of her background that brought her to her proposed major. She talked about her family culture, some aspects of her childhood, and why her proposed major interested her. I do think it helped her application – it definitely helped build her case.

I don’t think they will see you as lazy. But Mudd is big on fit. The more info you provide that helps them see that fit, the better.

3

I don’t think they would provide the prompt if they weren’t interested in the answer. FWIW, my S answered the second prompt.

4

@intparent I definitely see what you mean with broad vs. specific. By specific, I meant the prompt’s specificity to the school, which also relates to the “fit” aspect you mentioned. I have yet to find other schools with similar prompts.

@ClaremontMom That’s logical and reassuring!

Thanks for the helpful information! :smiley:
I’ll certainly consider it when looking over my essay.