Applying to St. Olaf College this year? Fantastic choice! St. Olaf not only offers a distinctive liberal arts education but also provides a vibrant community where students can thrive intellectually and socially. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, freshman applicants are required to respond to essay prompts specifically designed to let the admission committee get to know you better.

Required Essay Prompts

1. "What excites you about St. Olaf?" (150 words)

2. "Everyone knows... we've read about your accomplishments in your application. No one knows... there are no wrong answers here - just be your authentic self. You should know... we are eager to learn more about you." (10 words each)

Optional: If you could spend a year tackling any issue in your community before starting college, what would it be? Why is that issue important to you and what would you do to address it? (200 words)

How to Approach St. Olaf's Supplemental Essays

1. "What excites you about St. Olaf?"

Your response to this prompt should show a genuine interest in the college and specifics that drew you to apply. Focus on unique aspects like academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular activities, or the supportive community that distinguishes St. Olaf from other institutions. Avoid generic reasons; instead, weave in personal anecdotes or experiences that align with what you hope to find at St. Olaf.

Consider exploring the college's website, social media, or resources like Sups AI, which provides insights from current students and alumni. Engaging with platforms like Sups AI can help you discover specific aspects of St. Olaf that resonate with your academic and personal goals.

2. "Everyone knows... No one knows... You should know..."

This tri-part prompt is your opportunity to share your multifaceted personality. Begin with a general achievement for the "Everyone knows" section, giving the admission committee an idea of your recognized accomplishments:

• Everyone knows that I... [Placeholder: have been the captain of my debate team.]

Next, reveal something unique or unexpected about yourself in the "No one knows" section. Get creative and think about interests, hobbies, or traits that don't usually come up in a traditional application:

• No one knows that I... [Placeholder: am a skilled origami artist.]

Finally, use the "You should know" section to mention a specific quality or aspiration that aligns with St. Olaf's values or mission:

• St. Olaf should know that I... [Placeholder: am passionate about community service and engagement.]

Remember, platforms like Sups AI can assist you in refining these responses and ensuring you present a well-rounded and authentic portrayal of yourself.

Optional: Tackling a Community Issue

If you choose to respond to the optional prompt, select an issue that genuinely matters to you and relates to your experiences or interests. Describe why you find it important and outline a practical approach you would take to address it. This could involve community organizing, advocacy, or launching initiatives. Referencing insights from resources like Sups AI can help you present a comprehensive and actionable plan, showcasing your problem-solving skills and commitment to making a difference.

By thoughtfully engaging with these supplemental essays, you'll not only provide St. Olaf College with a dynamic picture of who you are, but also how you'll contribute to their community. Remember, authenticity is key. Use resources like Sups AI to enhance your responses and confidently highlight your strengths and aspirations. Best of luck with your application!