Supplemental essays are short, targeted pieces of writing that give colleges a clearer picture of who you are and why you’re the right fit for their school. While your Common App personal statement introduces you broadly, supplementals let you go deeper — demonstrating your drive, intellectual curiosity, initiative, contributions, and unique life experiences in ways that speak directly to what each school values most.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop compelling content from your own experiences, how to approach the most common prompts like “Describe an Activity,” “Why This School?”, and “Why This Major?”, and how to structure your essays for maximum impact. You’ll learn how to answer the full prompt, lead with a direct and confident voice, and use specific, sensory details that show admissions readers exactly what makes you a great fit — without just telling them.
What supplemental essays are and why they matter for college admissions
The 5 traits colleges look for most: Drive, Intellectual Curiosity, Initiative, Contribution, and Diversity of Experience
How to approach the three most common supplemental prompts: “Why This School?”, “Why This Major?”, and “Describe an Activity”
Why specificity is the #1 factor that separates strong essays from forgettable ones
How to structure your essay for clarity and impact — and how to start with a direct, confident answer
Tips for showcasing initiative, growth, and real-world impact in extracurricular and activity essays
How to research a school effectively so your “Why Us?” essay stands out
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to polish your drafts, this workshop will give you a clear framework and the confidence to write supplemental essays that truly impress.
For over 20 years, HelloCollege Founder and Northwestern University graduate Kevin Krebs has mentored high school students to improve their college planning outcomes and maximize potential. His dynamic college planning workshops help thousands of families across the nation each year.
