Writing a compelling supplemental essay can be your key to getting accepted into Emory University.
Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Emory University is known for its rigorous academic environment, vibrant student life, and strong emphasis on community engagement. As such, the supplemental essay is not just a formality in the admissions process; it's an opportunity for you to showcase your unique personality, intellectual curiosity, and how you align with the university's values.
In this article, we will guide you through the nuances of crafting a standout essay. We'll explore strategies to effectively convey your story, align your goals with Emory's ethos, and demonstrate your potential as a future member of their community.
Whether you're an aspiring scientist, a budding entrepreneur, or a creative thinker, this guide is designed to equip you with the essential tools for crafting an Emory supplemental essay that truly resonates with the admissions committee.
For the 2023-24 application cycle, Emory requires applicants to respond to two short-answer essay prompts.
"What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?" (200 words)
Applicants must also write a response to one of the following six essay prompts in a recommended length of 150 words.
These essay prompts are a vital opportunity for applicants to highlight their unique attributes and articulate their suitability for Emory University.
Here is a guide on how to approach Emory’s essay prompts, including key strategies for crafting captivating responses. It's important to tailor your essays to reflect the university’s unique values and culture, ensuring that your voice and experiences shine through.
Analysis of Prompt #1: This prompt seeks to understand your academic passions and how they align with Emory's offerings. Begin by introspecting on the subjects or fields that ignite your curiosity, drawing from your academic and extracurricular experiences.
Reflect on why these areas intrigue you, whether it's due to personal experiences, career ambitions, or a drive to solve specific challenges.
Analysis of Prompt 2-A: This prompt invites you to explore your deep personal connection with a piece of creative work and articulate why it resonates with you. It's an opportunity to reveal your values, interests, and the aspects of your identity that align with the chosen work.
Analysis of Prompt 2-B: Reflecting on a moment where you actively sought to understand a culture different from your own shows openness, adaptability, and a commitment to diversity. This prompt values personal growth and the recognition of a global community.
Analysis of Prompt 2-C: This prompt seeks to understand your vision of personal and academic success within Emory’s unique environment. It reflects on your expectations for college life and how you envision taking advantage of the opportunities at Emory.
Analysis of Prompt 2-D: Emory’s mission emphasizes social responsibility and service. This prompt asks you to reflect on how your personal goals and experiences align with this mission, showcasing your commitment to making a positive impact.
Analysis of Prompt 2-E: Emory values community engagement and transformation. This prompt allows you to demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to a community, highlighting leadership, empathy, and initiative.
Analysis of Prompt 2-F: Offering advice to your younger self encourages introspection and demonstrates growth. This reflective exercise reveals your capacity for self-awareness and your values.
When writing your essay for Emory University, make sure it's straightforward and to the point, but also share a story or example that shows who you are. This story should help the reader understand you better, showing how you've grown or what you're passionate about. It's important that your essay sounds like you and reflects your own views and goals.
Make it clear how you fit in with what Emory values and how you see yourself making the most of what Emory has to offer. By keeping your essay clear, personal, and true to your own voice, you'll be able to show Emory why you'd be a great addition to their campus.
Each of the essays highlighted below was written by a successful applicant to Emory University. We have also provided feedback on these Emory essay examples, explaining why the admissions committee found them compelling.
Strategy and management consulting as a primary area is exactly what I have always wanted to do in college. After researching this area, I see it can bring together and develop my diverse interests such as psychology, economics, and political science. Entrepreneurship would be the perfect secondary area. It can teach me the strategy of starting a venture, and also give me a practical approach to bringing value. Emory’s Goizueta School of Business is an amazing school and can teach me all the skills to become an effective leader in the business world.
I honestly can’t remember a time when business hasn’t been my chosen path, so naturally the Strategy and Management BBA program at Emory’s Goizueta School of Business is my primary academic area of interest. I’m especially keen to complete coursework in the psychology of leadership, negotiation, and Goizueta’s marketing consultancy practicum while pursuing a secondary focus in entrepreneurship.
Currently, I’m interning for an executive coaching company. My internship has exposed me to the psychology of leadership as well as how a business works. I’ve also been able to assist with the company’s online marketing strategies and evaluation of marketing tactics. In years past, I’ve run a dog-walking business, dove for and peddled sand dollars to tourists at the beach, and volunteered for nonprofit enterprises such as [NAME OF ORGANIZATION]. I often spend time brainstorming ideas for new companies as well. Meanwhile, I love exploring the business of sports, specifically football, and am endlessly researching blockbuster deals, contracts, and trades. For all these reasons, I’ve become enamored with business as my chosen pathway to making a significant impact on the world around me. At Emory, I look forward to uplifting both my community and my business propensity to new heights.
This essay effectively communicates the applicant's passion and commitment to a career in strategy and management consulting. It successfully links the applicant's diverse interests in psychology, economics, and political science to their chosen field, demonstrating a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to their academic and career goals.
Including specific examples, such as the internship experience and entrepreneurial ventures, also provides concrete evidence of the student’s engagement and skills in business.
Additionally, the essay clearly articulates how Emory’s Goizueta School of Business aligns with their aspirations, showcasing a strong fit between the applicant's goals and the program's offerings.
Prompt: “Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?”
The hair stood up on my arms the first time I heard Frederic Chopin’s “Suffocation” (Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No.4). After just two musical phrases, I was gripped. I’m convinced that, in 1839, Chopin composed this piece just for me. In a way, it's like that movie scene in The Shining where Lloyd the bartender says to Jack, “You are the caretaker. You’ve always been the caretaker.” I am the pianist, I’ve always been the pianist.
“Suffocation” contains precious little composer notation, so it’s my job to interpret it. To start, Chopin notates espressivo piano, so I show my soft, kind side. He writes stretto, and I build with confidence and exuberance. Scattered crescendos/decrescendos highlight my intensity and spirit. A final smorzando pianissimo exhibits my calm and grounded nature. Mr. Hallorann from The Shining says, “Some places… shine, and some don’t.” For me, this piece shines.
Essay 2 effectively resonates with the prompt by vividly illustrating a deep, personal connection with Chopin's "Suffocation" (Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No.4). It skillfully intertwines the music with the writer's identity as a pianist, demonstrating how the piece mirrors and expresses their own characteristics and emotions.
This personalization, coupled with references to "The Shining," adds a unique and compelling layer to the narrative, making the essay stand out.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about the supplemental essays:
Yes, Emory does require supplemental essays as part of its application process. These essays are an important component of the application, providing applicants the opportunity to showcase their individuality, interests, and how they align with Emory's values and community.
You typically need to write two supplemental essays for your Emory application.
The Emory supplemental essay is your chance to highlight the unique attributes that distinguish you from other candidates. Your essay should be thoughtfully composed and captivating while effectively conveying your values and aspirations.
A well-written essay can significantly enhance your prospects of securing a place at Emory University. Best of luck!
