Supplemental essays are additional writing requirements set by individual universities, asked alongside the main application essay, often asking "Why this university?" or about specific aspects of the applicant.
Most selective US universities require supplemental essays in addition to the Common App personal statement. These are institution-specific prompts designed to assess the applicant's genuine interest in and knowledge of that university. Common supplemental prompts include "Why [University]?", "Describe a community you belong to", "What will you contribute to our campus?", and short answer questions about specific interests or activities.
Some universities ask for 5–7 supplemental essays. Others ask for only one. The total volume of writing required across a full US application list can be substantial — another argument for building a focused list of universities rather than applying to twenty.
The "Why [University]?" supplemental essay is often the most important — and the most commonly wasted. A generic answer ("LUMS is a prestigious university with excellent faculty") will not distinguish you. Specific research — particular courses, professors, research labs, student organisations, or aspects of campus culture that genuinely interest you — is what makes a "Why" essay effective. Each university's supplemental must be written separately and specifically.
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