Emerson College is renowned for its strong focus on communication and the arts, making it a top choice for creatively inclined students. For the 2024 admissions cycle, Emerson College has introduced new supplemental essay prompts designed to gain insight into applicants’ motivations and personal stories. Let's delve into the best strategies to approach these prompts effectively.

Emerson College's Essay Prompts for 2024

This year, Emerson College asks applicants to respond to two supplemental essay prompts:

1. “As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief (100-200 words).”

2. In 100-200 words, respond to one of the following: “Much of the work that students do at Emerson College is a form of storytelling. If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why?” OR “At its best, how does community benefit the individual, the whole, or both?”

How To Tackle the First Essay Prompt

The first essay is your opportunity to convey what excites you about your chosen major—or, if you’re undecided, what draws you to Emerson’s unique programs. This requires introspection and specificity.

Tips:

• Be Specific: Detail the moment(s) that inspired your interest in your major. Avoid general statements. Instead, pinpoint experiences—like a defining class, project, or personal experience—that directed you toward this field.

• If Undecided: Emphasize the qualities of Emerson’s programs that appeal to you, such as experiential learning opportunities, specific faculty members, or the college’s reputation in the arts and communication fields. Highlight how these resources will help you explore your options.

• Conciseness is Key: With just 100-200 words, every sentence must add value. After drafting, revise to ensure clarity and brevity.

To ensure your essay captures your unique perspective, consider using resources like Sups AI. This AI college counseling platform offers brainstorming tools and can provide feedback, helping to refine your essay and make it stand out.

How to Tackle the Second Essay Prompt

For the second essay, you have two choices, either of which can showcase your creativity or reflection on community:

• Story of Your Life: Think about a title that reflects your journey. This could be a metaphor, a literal statement, or something in between. Explain the choice by linking it to significant life events or core aspects of your personality.

• Community's Impact: Reflect on how communities you’ve been part of (like your school, neighborhood, or a club) have shaped you and others. Highlight specific examples and link them to broader implications on personal growth and collective well-being.

Tips:

• Reflect Deeply: Whether discussing your life story or community, dig beneath the surface. Offer genuine insights rather than broad platitudes.

• Make It Personal: Sharing anecdotes or personal reflections makes your response memorable and relatable.

• Stay Focused: As with the first prompt, be concise and make every word count within the 100-200 word limit.

Need a second pair of eyes? Sups AI connects you with current students for one-on-one chats where you can get personalized feedback and tips on your essays. With their help, you can ensure your essay resonates with Emerson's admissions team.

Final Thoughts

Applying to Emerson College is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, creative community. By thoughtfully responding to the supplemental essay prompts, you can demonstrate your passion and fit for the college. Remember, platforms like Sups AI are invaluable resources to craft and perfect your essays. Good luck!