Favorite Fall 2026 Prompts

Fall 2026 supplemental essays are beginning to come out. We will list them and some of our favorite prompts

1. Boston College. Three new prompts. Two the same. Favorite new one. The late BC theology professor, Father Michael Himes, argued that a university is not a place to which you go, but instead, a “rigorous and sustained conversation about the great questions of human existence, among the widest possible circle of the best possible conversation partners.” Who has been your most meaningful conversation partner, and what profound questions have you considered together?
2. Colorado College. New Prompt. One of the benefits of Colorado College’s Block Plan is the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in a single subject for 3.5 weeks. We see this as the luxury of focus — the joy and value of directing your full attention to one thing. Tell us about a time when you experienced this kind of deep focus in an academic or extracurricular setting. What were you doing and how did it turn out?Optional: If you’d like to share the outcome — a project, performance, paper, or other result — you may upload a document or provide a URL.
3. Cornell University Two college specifc essays changed. 
4. Caltech. What is a concept that blew your mind or baffled you when you first encountered it?
5. Georgia Tech. Same as last year.
6. Northwestern University. Same as last year.
7. Penn State Shreyer’s Honors College. New prompt
8. Tufts. Same as last year.
9. University of Chicago.  “Left” can mean remaining or departed. “Dust” can mean to add fine particles or to remove them. “Fast” can mean moving quickly or fixed firmly in place. These contronyms—words that are their own antonyms—somehow hold opposing meanings in perfect tension. Explore a contronym: a role, identity, or experience in your life that has contained its own opposite. –Inspired by Kristin Yi, Class of 2029
10. University of North Carolina. Same as last year.
11. University of Miami. New
    1. The University of Miami is situated in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, fostering a community filled with varied backgrounds. Our students come from an array of cultures, traditions, languages, and experiences. We value the unique perspectives each student brings and the meaningful contributions they can make.Reflect on a community that has influenced you—be it your school, neighborhood, club, team, ethnic group, or any other group that has played a role in shaping who you are. What significance did that community hold for you, and in what ways did you contribute to it? How will you bring those experiences, values, and insights to enrich our campus community at the University of Miami?
12. University of Michigan: One new essay.  At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans (Required for all applicants; 100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).
13. Washington University in Saint Louis:  Two new choices. One of them is: WashU strives to know every undergraduate student “By Name & Story.” How have your life experiences shaped your story?