Hello everyone,
I was beginning to write my first supplement essay, and the prompt is asking how you will explore your interests at their school. I was wondering if it was acceptable to devote part of the essay to a narrative in part of the essay or not, showing how my interest in architecture developed over time. I figured that was better than bluntly stating “I am interested in architecture.”
Sorry about the repetitive wording. I didn’t double check the OP before I posted it. Any input is appreciated! Thanks!!!
Pay attention to what the prompt is asking. If it’s asking how you will explore your interests, that’s not the same thing as answering what your interests are or how/why your interests developed. They want to know how you plan to take advantage of what features the school has to offer – academic, student life, athletics, etc. – in order to cultivate your interests. So it’s an ‘Architecture/Other Interests + School Features = My Success’ kind of response.
@Dunboyne Thank you for your response! I was advised to talk about my career aspirations for this school, so I wanted to include some background on my interest in architecture to show how deeply rooted it is in me
What is the word limit of the prompt? How many words do you need to deal with how you became interested in architecture?
The prompt is 400-650. Idk, I thought I would spend no more than half. I see what you mean about not addressing the prompt. I was just trying to make mine stand out, and not seem like a “cookie-cutter” response
Address the prompt sufficiently. If you want to incorporate the development of your interest in architecture, you should be able to speak to that in 75 words. If the response is sounding generic, then it’s not detailed enough wrt your interests and the school features. Research the details of what the school has to offer: particular courses or research opportunities or ECs or clubs, etc.
Ok, thank you @Dunboyne Its a hard prompt to articulate a response for because I want mine to stand out, but at the same time, I have been told that it is a pretty straightforward question.
Here’s how I read the question:
Take a thorough look at our website. Find the reasons why we’re the right fit for someone with your career interests.
Take a look at the coursework they require of architecture majors. See the slant they give to your major. Will they prepare you in terms of content knowledge? Will they prepare you for different types of architecture? Will they give you the tools to deal with changing technology in the field?
Look at the internships, at the career center. See where their graduates have gotten work, or the percent that have gone on to grad school. Look at the architecture within the school-- will it inspire you? Are you close enough to a large city that you can get a look at a broad range of architecture?
They’re asking how you’ll follow your interests AT THEIR SCHOOL. So do your homework and find out.
To be honest, it’s a question that every single applicant should be asking themselves of every school they’re considering.
They know you’re interested in architecture; that’s why you’re majoring in it. And they don’t really care why. They’re looking for reassurance that they’re the right fit for your aspirations.
@bjkmom Thank you for responding! I think I have a better understanding of what I am being asked to do. Is there anything really cliche that I should avoid writing about in particular? Or is it good as long as it comes from the heart?
Give it a shot, see what you come up with, then ask your mom, your next door neighbor and your English teacher to take a look.
@bjkmom Ok. Thank you for your help!!