cmu application essay sample

4 Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay Examples (2024)

If you want to get into Carnegie Mellon in 2024, you'll need to write responses to CMU's writing supplement that help you stand out and get accepted.

In this article, I've gathered 4 of the best CMU essays that worked to hopefully get you inspired to write your own stand-out essays.

I've also included this year's supplemental prompts for CMU and some ideas for getting started.

Let's get started.

What is Carnegie Mellon's Acceptance Rate?

Getting into Carnegie Mellon is more difficult every year. Last year, 42,015 students applied to CMU and only 7,143 students were admitted.

Which means Carnegie Mellon University an overall acceptance rate of 17% , or in other words less than every 1 in 5 students get admitted each year.

And admissions into certain programs like Computer Science or the School of Drama is even more competitive, with acceptances rates of 7% and 4% each.

Carnegie Mellon Acceptance Scattergram

That's a comparable admit rate to the most selective Ivy League schools like Princeton University for example.

To have your best chances of getting into CMU, you'll need to write great essay responses. Below are 4 of the best examples of CMU essays to help improve your essays and get accepted.

What are the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

This year Carnegie Mellon requires students to write three short essays of 300 words each.

Here are the Carnegie Mellon University writing supplement prompts for 2022. The questions on this page are being asked by Carnegie Mellon University:

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

Carnegie Mellon has used these prompts in past years.

And below you'll find several examples of essays that responded to these prompts. I've also included some personal statement essays from admitted CMU students.

4 Carnegie Mellon University EssaysThatWorked

It's safe to say students who get into Carnegie Mellon write interesting and creative application essays. Or at least these ones did.

Here are 4 of the best Carnegie Mellon essays that have helped students get admitted.

Carnegie Mellon Essay Example #1

Carnegie mellon essay example #2, carnegie mellon essay example #3, carnegie mellon essay example #4.

Prompt: Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words max)

When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I in fact was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own. Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities.

In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger. I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.

Prompt: Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words max)

I recall entering the intimidating world of high school as an exorbitantly introverted, stereotypical Asian girl. My father urged me to assert myself and attempt new activities I wouldn’t have typically participated in. I didn’t want to be disappointed in twenty years by the things I didn’t attempt in high school, so I decided to pursue my long-time dream of becoming a cheerleader. I had always admired the optimism that cheerleaders had, and I was at a point in my life where I needed more positivity.

I faced obstacles trying to join the team. An Asian cheerleader? But Asians were supposed to be smart and cheerleaders were dumb! I broke racial stereotypes by becoming the first Asian cheerleader in my high school.

When I made the squad, I was exposed to individuals which whom I did not ordinarily traverse paths. I stepped outside of my bubble and met girls who were extremely extroverted and seemed to be in a constant state of elation. They taught me how to spread positivity throughout my daily interactions and taught me to use optimism as a strength in facing the hurdles of life. These were qualities I would have never learned from a textbook.

My parents had possessed strong reservations about me joining and feared I would meet girls who weren’t motivated in academics. This was false. Many of the girls were brilliant and creative in ways my regular friend group wasn’t. All avenues of life met there on that team.

Cheerleading was the rain and sun that helped a small seed like me bloom into a flower. It delights me knowing that I gained social skills and made friends I never thought I could gain. Cheerleading has changed my perspective on life and joining that family is one of my greatest treasures.

Prompt: “When we‘re connected to others, we become better people,” said Carnegie Mellon University‘s Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture .

At Carnegie Mellon you‘ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of scholars, artists and innovators. Given the students, faculty, staff and resources that have been available to you as a student, how have you collaborated with others, in or out of the classroom?

Or, what lessons have you learned from working with others in the past, that might shape your experience in the future? (300 words max)

Because it took some time for me to pass my driving test, I was unable to get a traditional job at the same age as the rest of my peers. I had another friend who was also unable to drive. To fund our shopping addictions, we started our own business, "Velour Slimes," where we sold slimes of a diverse number of scents and textures. The experience gave us a taste of entrepreneurship and the elements of what it takes to run a successful business. One of those elements was collaboration.

Going into business with a friend can get ugly, even with a small scale operation like ours. One of our most grueling conflicts was deciding whether to spend our first profit paying off our debts or buying new materials to make more slime with. Neither of us were transparent with our goals, or on the same page. We let our conflict escalate to the point where we could not look at each other. Eventually we solved our issue by effectively communicating together. By being honest with each other about our ideas and concisely supporting our arguments with evidence, we were able to understand each other and find a balance. In the end, we compromised. We spent half of the money paying off our debts and the other half on more materials to create even more slimes.

This experience brought me closer to my friend. We were able to strengthen our relationship while becoming more understanding and considerate of each others’ feelings. I discovered empathy is deeply necessary in improving the negative aspects of modern day society. If we were all a bit more empathetic, the world would be a more pleasant place. For that reason, I try to continuously improve my own compassion.

Prompt: Why Carnegie Mellon? (650 words max)

With a strong background in computer science and communications, I hope to incorporate both into a future career of building data systems, conducting research, and consulting for organizations that serve underrepresented citizens.

Why This Essay Works:

Specific details and anecdotes will almost always be more compelling than less specific ones. In this essay, the student does a great job of including specific, "nerdy" details, such as "an association test between melanoma associated variants and survival outcome." These details demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of an area and make your essay more engaging.

This essay does a fantastic job of addressing real-world problems and emphasizing the "bigger picture" impact of their studies. Rather than just explaining what they want to study, this student explains how their education will help them have an impact on the world. Make an argument for what problems you see in the world and how you could potentially help solve them.

For "Why Us?" college essays, one of the most important parts is to reference unique aspects to the school. Almost all colleges have strong academics, great faculty, etc. So instead of referencing those points, reference what makes the school unique and different. In this essay, the student talks about "CMU's Technology Consulting in the Global Community" program, which is both highly specific to CMU and relevant to their own interests.

What They Might Improve:

In general, you should avoid simply listing your achievements. This student has many remarkable activities and experiences, but it comes across less interesting because the first half of the essay is simply describing these accomplishments.

For "Why Us?" essays, it is also a good idea to reference the values the school represents. Each school has a different "culture" and type of student body, and admissions wants to know how you will fit in.

If you're trying to get into Carnegie Mellon, here are 4 of the best essays that worked. Read example answers to Carnegie Mellon's writing supplement for 2022 and see how other students got into CMU.

What did you think of these Carnegie Mellon essays?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

When applying to a school like Carnegie Mellon that only accepts 11% of applicants, it’s important to keep in mind that the other 89% of applicants will ultimately be denied admission. Many of these rejected individuals will have straight A’s in high school and/or SATs in the 1500s. Those applying to certain programs—computer science, for example—will face even more harrowing odds. We don’t bring up this harsh reality in an attempt to crush your dreams or deter you from applying. Rather, we want to impart to prospective CMU applicants the need to maximize every component of your application. The aim is to ultimately shine just a touch brighter than your well-qualified competition. This includes the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Carnegie Mellon University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Carnegie Mellon: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The three 300-word essays required by Carnegie Mellon give applicants the chance they need to separate themselves from the throngs of other extremely talented and deserving CMU hopefuls. Below are CMU’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – #1

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study (300 words).

Here, CMU is asking you to share your story of how you became interested in your selected discipline. You can structure the narrative of this essay as a soup-to-nuts chronicle of your entire journey toward your discipline of interest. Contrarily, you could share one or two vignettes that illustrate your burgeoning passion for engineering, history, French, computer science, business, psychology, etc. As you begin the prewriting phase, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your first strong memory relating to your future area of study?
• What fills you with wonder?
• What books have you read on the subject?
• Do you consume podcasts or documentaries related to your passions?
• Have certain online or print publications helped to fuel your interests?
• What subtopics of your prospective discipline most intrigue you?
• Did a teacher excite you about this topic or was it a parent/relative or outside mentor?
• How did you seek our subject-relevant opportunities outside of the high school classroom?

CMU Supplemental Essays – #2

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. as you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience (300 words).

There’s a lot to unpack in this prompt before you even enter the brainstorming phase of the essay-writing process. First, they want to know a bit about your goals, which could be:

• Degree-oriented
• Career-focused
• A combination of two or all three of the previous options.

Given that CMU requires you to apply to a particular college within the larger university, you likely already have a reasonably strong notion of what discipline you hope to study. You’ll definitely want to share everything you already know about the degree you aim to earn. Additionally, you’ll want to discuss how that fits into your larger life plans.

Next, you’ll want to take note of the fact that “learning” is mentioned twice in this prompt, a solid indicator that CMU is sincerely interested in how you will take advantage of the unique learning opportunities available to you at their instruction. While not required, you should consider discussing items such as:

• CMU-specific academic programs , professors, or course offerings.
• Undergraduate research opportunities .
• Study abroad programs .
• The classroom environment at Carnegie Mellon— class size , laboratory settings, etc.
• Campus organizations that will help you continue your learning outside of the classroom.

In short, generic thoughts about how you envision engaging in the learning process throughout your collegiate experience are perfectly fine, but school-specific detail can take an essay from good to great.

CMU Supplemental Essays – #3

Consider your application as a whole. what do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words).

After completing your main Common App essay and the first two CMU essays, is there anything that you have yet to share that is absolutely elemental to who you are as a person/student? Without the benefit of an in-person interview, it may feel like you never fully had a chance to connect intimately with a Carnegie Mellon admissions officer. You have a burning sense that you have not communicated the full you, your true essence, your je ne sais quoi, your…you get the idea. If you feel something important about yourself has yet to be communicated elsewhere in the application, then CMU Prompt #3 is the answer to your prayers.

Consider that the admissions reader is already familiar with your academic history, activities, and awards. What don’t they know, or, what could they understand on a deeper level? This could be a particular skill or talent, or something about your character or personality. This one is intentionally open-ended, so use this space to share your most cherished accomplishments or most winning attributes. The university itself is inviting you to “brag” here. We recommend obliging, by presenting the equivalent of a “closing argument” at the end of this admissions trial.

One example of what not to do would be to say, “I work as a camp counselor in the summer” if that was already listed in the Activities section. Another no-no is deciding that the admonition regarding linking to websites doesn’t apply to you, because, well…they simply have to see your art exhibit or performance on stage in Oklahoma! last year. We promise that it is better to take CMU at their word that they prefer that you describe it. This remains true no matter what “it” is.

How important are the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays?

CMU rates the essays as being an “important” factor in their evaluation process. The essays are listed alongside recommendations, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, and first-generation status. The only factors ranked above the essays as being “very important” are: GPA, the rigor of high school coursework, class rank, extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteer work.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing-related resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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August 1, 2024

Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Carnegie Mellon University has released its 2024-2025 admissions essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2029 . CMU requires applicants to write three essays (in addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement). Each essay has a 300-word maximum. So, what are this year’s CMU essays? Let’s find out!

2024-2025 Carnegie Mellon Essay Topics and Questions

1. Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

This essay prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Major question. CMU’s admissions committee wants to understand the origin of an applicant’s interest in their chosen area of study. It’s critical that students write their origin story in high school rather than as children. Admissions officers, after all, want to learn about how you think now — not as a middle-schooler or toddler.

Also, it would be ideal if the applicant’s activities reflect their interest in their chosen area of study so they present with a singular hook rather than well-roundedness.

2. Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

CMU’s admissions committee wants to see that an applicant is eager for a challenge. They want to see that while a student has firm conviction, they also are malleable to change. After all, the beauty of a liberal arts education is exposure to a variety of disciplines and ways of thinking. As such, an anecdote that showcases how a student has learned something that has changed their lives — ideally but not necessarily connected to their hook as presented in their activity section — can be a great approach to this prompt.

3. Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

Much like The Common Application’s Personal Statement, this essay prompt is a free-write. Students can write whatever it is they’d like. Applicants should just be sure not to be redundant — they shouldn’t repeat things they’ve written in previous essays. And they should be sure to highlight their intellectual curiosity. Too often, students write silly answers to vague essay prompts. That’s never the right approach.

This essay prompt is an opportunity to make it clear to admissions officers how a student thinks and how they hope to contribute to the world in their own small but meaningful way.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Carnegie Mellon Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to CMU by submitting compelling essays that shine a strobe light on your hook, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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How to Write the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Carnegie Mellon University, known for their School of Music , School of Computer Science , and interdisciplinary programs , is a competitive academic institution. Applicants seeking admission to Carnegie Mellon hope to join the ranks of storied alumni like Andy Warhol, John Nash, Kurt Vonnegut, and Leslie Odom Jr. If you’re interested in applying to Carnegie Mellon, then you might want some guidance on your supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

Carnegie Mellon’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Carnegie Mellon’s admissions team asks three short answer questions, each of which needs to be 300 words or less. Although Carnegie Mellon requires more essays than many other schools, with a little bit of forethought, these essays can actually be to your advantage. Even if your CMU application require more effort to complete than some other applications, you can strengthen your profile by presenting your authentic self in your essays. Here are the prompts:

• Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?
• Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
• Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

General Tips

All three of these prompts seek to fill in the blanks of your application. A student’s passion for a certain subject is likely clear from their other application elements, but not necessarily the origin of that passion. A student’s vision for their college experience is typically not discussed comprehensively anywhere in their application. And the third prompt allows you to discuss any other topic that isn’t covered by the rest of your application materials. Because the admissions team has structured the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays in this way, you may want to start your brainstorming process by considering what is missing from your current application profile .

For all of these essays, because they are so short, it is necessary to be concise. Therefore, before you start drafting (unless you’re free-writing to gain inspiration), you will want to know what topic your essay will focus on. You may even have an anecdote or a few examples in mind to add dimension to your essay. You can also consider which details from your experience will best illustrate your point(s) in the essay. Outlining beforehand isn’t a prerequisite to writing a strong essay. However, it is a strategy that can help keep such a brief piece of writing cohesive and focused.

You may also have a particular “message” or “takeaway” that you would like to leave your reader with. If this is the kind of essay you are hoping to write, it can be helpful to compose your first drafts with those messages or takeaways already prepared to make sure they are communicated throughout each of your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

Lastly, if you’re already thinking about your engaging opening hook or thoughtful concluding line, this might stall your essay draft’s progress. Unless you have a wave of inspiration, elements of style like these are often hard to pin down during the drafting stage. Once you’ve got something on the page, though, it can be easier to come up with your opening hook. Therefore, don’t stress about these elements yet, just focus on defining your essay’s topic and keeping your essay well-organized.

Carnegie Mellon Short Essay Questions

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study (300 words or fewer).

When beginning this essay, you may struggle to identify how you settled on your chosen major or area of study. Many students choose a major because they were good at the subject in high school. Or maybe it’s because their parents are pushing them toward that subject. Alternatively, a student might be pursuing the career associated with that major. Thus, these students may feel like there was no spark of inspiration leading them to this area of study. Given how many students change their major in college, this is not too surprising.

If that sounds like you, you may want to consider this question differently. Instead of trying to think of a magical moment when you determined your future college major, think of the moments when you have found joy or fulfillment in this area of study. These moments may have been in the classroom or elsewhere. The key is that these are moments when this subject area was important to you, no matter how big or small.

In your essay, you can dive into these moments and build your narrative around them. Think broadly: has there been an occasion when you have seen someone with a degree in your field of interest make a positive impact on the world? If so, that moment could be part of your essay. You could write about just one moment, or you could cover a few. Note that the prompt uses the phrase “developed over time.” Thus, don’t feel restricted to describing a single moment. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with focusing on a single source of inspiration, if that is true to your experience.

In sum, look into your past experiences, plural, to guide the progression of this essay. If you’re having trouble deciding which moment(s) to focus on, try free-writing to figure out which topics you find most meaningful to explore in your writing.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words or fewer)

It can be difficult to zoom out while in the thick of the college application process. But this prompt is asking you to focus on the fact that college is about learning and receiving an education , whatever that means to you. When you chose the area of study you explored in the last essay, what did you have in mind for your future? How will that vision of your future motivate you during your college years? While the last prompt asked you to look into your past, this one asks you to look into your future.

Note that this prompt does not restrict your response to career motivations or academic aspirations. You can also consider your social and personal development as you answer this question. It may be helpful to visualize yourself at college. Without getting too idealistic, what is the college experience you dream about? If that feels too intimidating to describe, you may want to get more specific.

What specifically would you like to have achieved before you graduate? You can even think of this as a bucket-list for your college experience. Of course, some items on this bucket-list won’t be appropriate for a college essay. At least some of those items should be, though, and you can discuss them in your response to this prompt.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words or fewer)

This supplemental essay can be your application’s golden ticket. There is a part of you that doesn’t appear elsewhere in your college application. If so, this essay is your opportunity to address it. If there is a topic you wanted to bring up in your personal essay but didn’t have room, here’s your chance to explore it deeply. And if there is a part of your academic journey that might not make sense to an admissions officer at first glance, you can explain those complexities here.

That said, you may feel like your application comprehensively captures you as a person and nothing is missing. If that’s the case, you can take this essay as an opportunity to “emphasize” an existing aspect of your application, as the prompt’s wording indicates. For instance, you may want to give some of your extracurriculars more depth than the Common App Activities section. Similarly, you may choose to explain how and why you received an honor or award mentioned on your Common App.

Another path you could take with this essay is to discuss something you’ve failed at or struggled with. College applications may look like highlight reels of students’ high school academic lives. But perhaps you really struggled to achieve that math grade last semester. Or perhaps you made a sacrifice in your personal life in order to pursue a certain extracurricular. Exploring the challenges you’ve overcome can provide nuance to your story. After all, these challenges may underlie the achievements highlighted elsewhere on your application.

If you need help polishing up your Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompts

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Carnegie Mellon is one of the nation’s top universities. With a 14% acceptance rate , CMU surely gets top applicants each year. If you want to rise above the rest, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays are your chance.  Carnegie Mellon’s prompts touch on different aspects of your background, interests, and goals. They are a great way to show off more of your personality and enthusiasm for the school. Planning strong examples to weave throughout your essays is key to success.

We will walk you through each prompt and offer tips on how to craft stellar responses for each of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays!

Also see:  How to write an essay about yourself

“ Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words) ”

Say you are interested in Computer Science. Well, you would not be alone, given it is Carnegie Mellon’s top major. Fortunately, this question invites you to back up your chosen area of study with a reason that is distinctly yours. For example, you could discuss your obsession with Guitar Hero as a kid and thus how video games are made. This inspiration for why you want to study programming makes this response personal and unique. 

Note that this prompt says a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time. Talk about the origin of your interest, then trace the ways you have further cultivated it. What started as a Guitar Hero fascination then led you to take a summer coding bootcamp. Now, you spend hours viewing YouTube videos on game development. Whatever your major is, try to get to the core of what intellectually excites you about it and what sparked that curiosity. This will ensure your sincerity and voice shines through. You can close with your long-term aspiration in this field or conclude more specifically with how you plan to pursue this interest at CM. 

Questions to consider: 

• Is there a role model you look up to whose career you’d like to emulate? 
• Have you taken a class that piqued your interest in this major?  
• Are you drawn to a particular field of study because of the positive impact it can make in the world? 

“ Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words) ”

This question can be tricky for some students because there are many directions to take your response. There is no one right answer for what you’d like to achieve in college and what constitutes a successful experience. After all, learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Instead of being scared of this freedom, embrace it. Before writing, take a moment to really envision yourself in four years. How do you hope to grow personally and academically at Carnegie Mellon? If one goal does not dominate, make a list of all the things you want to achieve and find a way to summarize them into an overarching theme. 

One example could be how the prospect of meeting new people energizes you. You might discuss how you grew up in a small, southern town as an only child. Moving to Pittsburgh to live with peers of diverse backgrounds will be a big shift. Studying abroad could be another related wish for your time at CM. Talk about how these experiences will fulfill your ultimate goal of expanding your worldview. This avenue is a great way to discuss CM’s values and how you hope to align them with your own, as well.

Some students approach this question by discussing college as the key to unlock their dream profession. If you take this route, be sure you are not repeating information you discussed in prompt #1. You could go at it from a more abstract lens, like discovering how to engage both your creative and analytical sides. You could talk about an interesting major/minor combination, clubs you’d like to be involved in, or a research project you wish to explore. 

Questions to consider:  

• What would you change about your high school mindset? For example, do you want to do a better job taking risks, or make community service a weekly priority?
• In what ways will college enrich your character? 
• What academic benchmarks do you hope to meet? 

“ Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words) ”

Similar to prompt #2, this response is incredibly open. You can choose to write literally anything about yourself here. Of all the prompts, this is perhaps the best way to differentiate your essays.  It is helpful to look over your application as a whole. What have you already shared with admissions, and what have you left out?

Is there something meaningful to you that you could only briefly mention in your activities section? For instance, you may have been in the improvisation club in high school. You could describe how you used to be incredibly shy, but this form of theater let’s you discover a whole new witty side to yourself. It may have taught you humility and the value in stepping outside of your comfort zone. These are terrific qualities to take with you to CM. 

In a whole different vein, you could use this space to be vulnerable. Maybe remote learning was especially hard on you and resulted in a semester of lower grades. You could explain the obstacles you overcame and how it made you realize the importance of prioritizing mental health. This showcases your resiliency and informs admissions about an inconsistency on your transcript. 

The admissions team wants to know what makes you, you. They also are curious about your road to get to this point. So, anything is fair game. Trust your gut, and choose something that you feel is genuinely important to paint a whole picture of yourself and your experiences. 

• What have you been involved in that has shaped who you are today?
• Are there any red flags on your application that require explaining? 
• Do you have any unique hobbies or stand-out personality traits?

Final thoughts

After these deep dives, we hope you feel inspired to tackle each of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays with ease. Use our tips to organize your responses, then get all your thoughts down. You can cut out the fluff and revise for grammar and writing quality later. Be genuine in sharing what matters to you, not what you think admissions want to hear. You are well on your way to crushing these essays!

Also see:  Top scholarships for high school seniors

Additional resources

As you continue in your college application process, make sure to check back with us for other useful resources! We can help you decide how many schools to apply to , how to write a 500 word essay , and how to get a college application fee waiver . We’ll also help you decide whether you should send your ACT/SAT scores to test-optional schools. Good luck!

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How to Write the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 7/8/24

Find out how to write stellar CMU essays in this complete guide, including tips, FAQs, and examples!

Carnegie Mellon University is an internationally recognized educational institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since CMU is competitive, many applicants look for ways to stand out in their application. That’s where the CMU supplemental essays can come in handy.

The Carnegie Mellon supplementals are crucial to your application and provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences. However, writing these essays can be daunting, especially if you're unsure what the university is looking for. 

We’ll walk you through the process of writing the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays. We’ve included expert tips, examples, and FAQs to help get you started on your CMU supplemental essays and help you write something unforgettable. Let’s get started!

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for Carnegie Mellon

So, what are the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts? Let’s discuss! First of all, let’s talk about volume. In total, there are four CMU essay prompts. However, only three are required, while the fourth is optional. 

Although writing multiple essays can be intimidating, think of the positives. For one, you have many more chances to stand out as a candidate . Writing multiple essays also allows you to demonstrate various facets of your personality and experiences you may not have been able to share in your application. 

Here are the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay prompts : 

“ Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words)”

How to Write Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #1 : The first Carnegie Mellon essay prompt asks you to explain your choice of major in three hundred words or less. In other words, this is considered a “why this major” essay, a common question in the college application process. 

In our college essay webinar , Kayla Kirk explains that colleges use these essays to evaluate initiative and a willingness to challenge oneself.

“The top colleges and their admissions offices are going to want to see what you’ve done to pursue your passion so far, and maybe what you’re going to do in the future with the foundation you build at this university. They want to get the sense that you are a curious individual who is already taking the initiative to challenge yourself, to explore something you might take on in a professional level in the future.” 

Let’s go over some tips on how to handle this prompt.

• Choose One Anecdote : It’s not uncommon for students to have many reasons for choosing a major. “My parents did this, I like the subject, I want to learn more,” etc. However, you should choose to narrow in on your strongest anecdote before writing this essay to formulate one strong story around a timeline of events. 
• Create a Timeline : Before you start writing, create a timeline of events to help guide you. In the beginning, share when you first became interested in your major. The middle should tell the story of how your interest became a serious commitment, and you can end your essay by sharing your goals. 
• Write Now, Trim Later : Shorter essays may seem easier. However, it may be more challenging to get your point across in fewer words. So, focus on the writing first, then trim the fat. Ensure each sentence helps to tell your story and that every word serves a purpose. 

Here’s how a response to prompt #1 might look: 

Introduction : Begin by introducing your interest in your chosen major. You may choose to talk about the first time you engaged with the main subject (for example, the first book you loved if your major is English literature). 

Body : Talk about how this interest grew and developed over time. How have you engaged in this passion? What have you learned from it?  

Conclusion : Discuss how this interest led you to consider attending CMU for this specific major and how attending will help you move toward your ultimate goal and plans for the future. 

“Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)”

How to Write Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #2 : With this essay prompt, CMU is trying to understand what you hope to take with you from your education. A successful college experience is subjective, so there’s no correct answer. Ultimately, this is the place to outline what you intend to achieve during your college years and after. 

This prompt might be seen as an intellectual curiosity prompt. Admissions expert Darryl Tiggle discusses how to answer this type of prompt in our webinar. 

“Intellectual curiosity goes beyond what you want to study, what you want to major in. It really speaks to how you want to grow as a scholar… Intellectual curiosity talks about what you want to do with your mind and your intellect and what your passions are… Talk about what excites you and what you really want to learn.” 

Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Speak From the Heart : Answer this earnest question honestly. Talk about your future goals, your passions, and how you intend to contribute to your chosen field. Consider what goes through your mind when you picture your graduation day. What are you proud of? What will you do next? 
• Tie In Your Past, If Applicable : Opening this essay with an anecdote about your past that ties into what a successful college experience means to you can be impactful. You should only do this if it applies to your situation and ties into why you’re applying to college and your future goals.
• Talk About the School : This shouldn’t be the main focus of your essay, but in general, colleges love it when you’ve done your research and know about the clubs and programs they offer. To answer this prompt well, you should get familiar with what you’d like to participate in. 

Here’s what your structure could potentially look like for this prompt: 

Introduction : Open with a hook that sets up the theme. What are the things you’re looking for in a college experience? Challenge? Community? Opportunity? Start there. 

Body : Discuss why you seek these things in a college experience and, if you choose, mention how CMU can help you obtain them. Tie in anecdotes from your past and dreams about the future. 

Conclusion : End by returning to the theme you set up at the beginning. You can do this through metaphor, imagery, or a variety of other literary devices. 

“ Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)”

How to Write Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #3 : The third CMU essay prompt is an excellent place to pop in one more achievement you’re really proud of or haven’t been able to share yet. Consider what you’ve shared so far and if there’s anything else you’d like to tell the admissions committee. Many applicants use this space to write about an extracurricular interest.

Use these tips to help you approach your essay: 

• Find Your Subject : There are various directions you could take here. You may choose to frame this as an adversity essay, where you tell the story of a challenge you overcame to achieve something. If you want to highlight a particular skill, you can write an extracurricular essay to delve into your passions . 
• Make Sure Your Topic Is Relevant : With a broad prompt like this one, it can be easy to get lost. It’s important to stay on track and add value to your application. If you write about something you’ve briefly touched on in your application, ensure your story isn’t repetitive . 
• Be Authentic : It’s important that you write about something you genuinely care about. Don’t tailor your responses according to what you think the school wants to hear. 

Here’s an example of what your outline could look like: 

Introduction : Choose something that is truly meaningful to you. This could be an achievement, an experience, a community that you belong to--the list goes on. You should select something that suits your application narrative and adds something new to your application. 

Body : You can go into detail now about why your chosen subject matters to you and how it has influenced your life. Think about how it might also influence your future goals and endeavors at CMU. 

Conclusion : Here’s where you need to answer, “So what?” With your final words, make the admissions committee see why you care about your chosen topic. By the end of this essay, they should know more about who you are at your core. 

Prompt #4 (Optional)

“ When it comes to deciding whether to submit standardized test scores, occasionally applicants want us to better understand the individual context of their decision. If you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, please share any information about your decision here. This is an optional question for those who may want to provide additional context for consideration. (150 words)”

How to Write Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

For the optional fourth prompt, you need to first figure out if you should write this optional essay at all. This prompt targets students who have chosen not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you have chosen not to submit scores, you should absolutely explain your decision through this essay. If not, there’s no need to write the essay.

If you do decide that you need to write this essay, here’s what you might say: 

Introduction : Begin by stating the circumstances that influenced your decision not to submit SAT/ACT scores. Don’t over-explain; keep it simple and straightforward. 

Body : Here is where you might discuss the specifics of why you made this decision. Remember not to make excuses or try to invoke pity. Provide an explanation and nothing more. 

Conclusion : You can choose to end by talking about what you might have done differently or how you plan to demonstrate academic achievement at CMU. Don’t go overboard, and remember to stay humble, but your ending should make the admissions committee feel confident that you can handle academic rigor despite a lack of test scores.

For more tips on how to write an incredible essay, try taking a look at our college admission cheat sheets! You can find downloadable guides on personal statements as well as all the other aspects of the application process. 

Examples of Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays That Worked

If you still have no idea where to start with your Carnegie Mellon essays, don’t worry. Take a look at some of these examples, written by real, admitted students, to give you inspiration! 

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)”

Read through this sample essay for some inspiration: 

“When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own. Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities.

In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger. I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

In this example, the writer uses a clear timeline of events to convey the story of how they became interested in their major. What the student has done especially well here is demonstrate a developed passion and deeper meaning to their choice of program. 

Your story doesn’t have to start in childhood – for many applicants, it doesn’t! Whatever your story, just ensure your devotion to the study of your subject is apparent and your story is concise, easy to read, and moving. 

This essay also does a great job of showing authenticity and vulnerability. In our personal statement mistakes webinar , consultant Arianna gives some tips on staying authentic. 

“Try and really dig deep in your personal statement. It is therapeutic; it is you really thinking over your life and your progression, and it’s okay to take time to do that. So, really outline and try to think outside of the box. Don’t just come up with things that you think admissions officers want you to say.” 

Sample Essay #2

Prompt 2 : “Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)”

This essay provides a great example of how to answer this prompt: 

“My main goal in college is to attain a specific degree so I may pursue a stable career I’m happy with. However, the manner in which I achieve this is imperative since I will spend a considerable portion of my early adulthood in college. This is why I want to attend an institution that will teach me what to learn, how to learn, and why I should learn. 

When I leave college and enter the real world, I don’t want to stop learning about how the world works or how I can improve upon myself. I believe that to give up the pursuit of knowledge is to give up hope for true happiness. I don’t want to die knowing I could’ve achieved more through my time on earth but chose not to, especially considering the people in less fortunate circumstances who would’ve taken full advantage of the opportunities I was presented. I have a sense of duty to improve myself in some way each day so in the future, I may apply the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve gained to make a positive impact on this world. I fervently believe that true education prepares students for the outside world by emphasizing this mindset. 

Therefore, a successful college experience to me is one that facilitates this kind of growth by providing bountiful opportunities for me to pursue my goals and even open my eyes to activities I never thought of attempting. This sort of environment is one that must be achieved through the collaborative effort of faculty and peers alike. I believe Carnegie Mellon-with its vast undergraduate and graduate majors, research programs, student organizations, and diverse campus culture-accomplishes this well.”

Why Essay #2 Worked 

In this essay example from an accepted Carnegie Mellon student , the writer focuses on their passion for the pursuit of education and why learning is important to them. This is an excellent approach; it indicates that this student wants to soak up as much of the CMU learning experience as possible rather than simply get a degree and move on. 

This Carnegie Mellon essay briefly mentions what the school has to offer, why they’re attracted to it, and how attending will help them fulfill their goals. 

Sample Essay #3

Prompt #3 : “ Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)”

Check out this sample essay to help you respond to prompt #3: 

“Haunted romanticism, ravaged gaze, desperation bordering on lunacy, Saturn Devouring His Son first caught my attention as a bored nine-year-old wandering around a museum, and once again as a high-school student, after catching a glimpse of it in a textbook. 

Because after looking at angelic frescos after more Church frescos, I could not stop myself from flipping back to the tiny printing of this unholy piece. I sought to discover the story behind it—what caused this artist to create something so raw and naked, in the age of staid royal family portraits?

I became immersed in unraveling each bit of the story, how Goya had long transitioned from a royal painter, to a harsh, but veiled critic of society, the desolation that occurred during the French occupation of Spain, the corruption of Charles IV— who was really only a puppet ruler to Godoy. I learned how kingdoms rose and fell—and rose again, how art is unafraid to capture the seditious attitudes of the common people, and how it has endured to teach us of past mistakes.

I fell in love with dissecting the messages from the past, and discovering how we still have not listened to them.”

Why Essay #3 Worked

In this example from a similar Yale prompt , the writer chose to delve into their appreciation for visiting art museums beyond the classroom and discovering their curiosity for art history. 

The essay is particularly effective because it doesn't just list the paintings they admire but instead delves into the meanings and significance behind each piece. 

The key to a successful extracurricular essay is to showcase your enthusiasm for the activity. To transport the reader into your world, it can be helpful to include sensory details that create a vivid picture of your experiences. 

Consider including descriptions of the smells, sights, and emotions that surround your extracurricular interest. By doing so, you can help your reader feel as though they’re there with you, experiencing the activity alongside you.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

If you found it helpful to look at sample essays, good news! You can check out our college essay example database down below for tons of great essay examples. 

FAQs: Carnegie Mellon Essays

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to write each Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay.

1. How Important Are Essays for CMU?

Supplemental essays are an important part of the application process for Carnegie Mellon University. They allow applicants to showcase their unique qualities, achievements, and perspectives that may not be evident from other parts of their application.

2. How Many Supplemental Essays Does Carnegie Mellon Require?

The CMU essay requirements vary depending on the program you are applying for. For most applicants, there are three required essays and one optional essay. 

3. What Is the Word Limit for Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays?

Each CMU essay must be 300 words or fewer, while the fourth optional essay word limit is 150 words or fewer. 

4. Are the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays Required for All Applicants, Including Transfer and International Students?

Yes, all Carnegie Mellon applicants must write supplemental essays, including transfer and international students. 

5. Can I Reuse Essays That I Wrote for Other College Applications for Carnegie Mellon's Supplemental Essays?

You may be able to recycle content to an extent based on the essay you’ve previously written. For example, your description of why you want to pursue a particular major may not change, but the school-specific details you add will. 

Final Thoughts

Writing strong CMU essays is a critical part of your application. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase what makes you a fantastic CMU candidate. They also provide a platform to discuss personal achievements that may not be evident in other parts of your application. 

Because the CMU essays are relatively short, it's important to be concise while sharing your stories. It's also crucial to ensure that your essays are cohesive, flow smoothly, and make a strong case for you as a candidate. 

By following our tips, you’ll be able to craft memorable essays and increase your chances of standing out to the admissions committee at Carnegie Mellon University. Good luck!

Access 190+ sample college essays here

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Admission Consideration

Building a class with tartans of all kinds.

At Carnegie Mellon, we select our first-year class from a large group of very qualified candidates. We don’t use a calculation to choose who to admit because calculations can’t take into account all the factors we consider when making admission decisions. No single grade, factor, score or activity will automatically gain or deny you admission to Carnegie Mellon. We treat every applicant as an individual, taking great care to make our admission decisions fair, thorough and sensitive. We’re interested in students who can be successful at Carnegie Mellon while taking full advantage of all the university has to offer.

What We Consider

Our admission process reflects  Carnegie Mellon's values and core competencies , including diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, community engagement, concern for others, self-directed learning and critical thinking. We recommend that you think creatively about how your experiences in and out of the classroom showcase these characteristics. We also encourage you to consider how to share your experiences and aspirations so the admission committee can learn more about you as an applicant, student and person beyond a list of accomplishments.

Academic and Creative Potential

Our admission process is designed to select a highly talented, diverse undergraduate population with high aspirations who will succeed at Carnegie Mellon. If you’re applying to academic programs, your high school talent and/or potential will be a significant factor in our admission decision because it’s the most meaningful indication of your motivation and abilities. We pay close attention to your curriculum rigor, the grades you’ve earned and the work you’ve accomplished. We’re interested in seeing that you’ve challenged yourself within your secondary school environment. If you’re applying to programs in the College of Fine Arts, your artistic performance will be either the main factor or a significant factor (depending on the program) in our admission decision.

Recommendations

We closely review your secondary school counselor’s evaluation and your teacher’s recommendation. If you're applying as a first-year student, we require two letters of recommendation: one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. While we’ll accept a third recommendation from a teacher or other recommender, we require our committees to consider only two recommendations in the decision-making process.

When choosing a teacher to write your recommendation, be sure to choose someone who can speak to your academic abilities, achievements and broader personal characteristics. It doesn't have to be a teacher in the academic area you're applying to; rather, it should be the teacher who knows you the best.

If you're applying as a transfer student, we require one letter of recommendation from either a faculty member/professor or an academic advisor. While we’ll accept two additional recommendations, we require our committees to consider only one recommendation in the decision-making process.

Standardized Testing

Standardized test scores add to our knowledge of your ability, but we don’t make decisions simply on the basis of test scores alone.

Carnegie Mellon University is test optional for Fall 2025 undergraduate admission applications. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to bolster their application's strength and to aid in determining their ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon.

Pursuant to this policy, applicants aren't required to submit SAT or ACT results; however, results will be considered for those who submit them.  Students who are unable to take either the SAT or ACT or choose not to submit their standardized test scores will be considered equally for admission along with those who submit scores. Learn more .

Please also note that submission of any prior SAT Subject Test results won’t be considered in our admission review process.

Activities, Experiences & Passions

Your non-academic interests, including extracurricular accomplishments, part-time jobs, hobbies and community service also play a very important role in the admission process. We also consider leadership, motivation, passion and perseverance, concern and advocacy for others, and other experiences when making admission decisions.

Our students make Carnegie Mellon an exciting campus. The positive qualities and diverse experiences you bring with you will enrich our community. By looking at this non-academic information, we develop a sense of your personality, motivation and social responsibility.

We also consider your Common Application essay and your responses to the Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement. The Writing Supplement includes three short-answer questions:

• Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?
• Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
• Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

Your short answer responses shouldn't exceed 300 words each.

While there's no such thing as the perfect essay, the best essay you can write helps us learn about you! We want to know more about your passions, goals, aspirations and experiences to gain a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your transcript. While role models, mentors and family members may have played a critical role in your life, don’t forget to write about you. 

Finally, it’s important to recognize that you apply directly to a college or school within Carnegie Mellon, so we encourage you to use part of your essays to describe your academic interests and goals.  If you want to learn more about our wide range of programs, you can check out our visit opportunities to attend an information session or schedule a one-on-one meeting with an admission counselor.

Carnegie Mellon does not collect or review criminal history information as part of the admission process. However, individuals who are admitted to Carnegie Mellon will be required to disclose any past criminal conviction as part of the enrollment process. Learn how Carnegie Mellon considers criminal history information .

Striving for Access and Equity in Admission

The mission of Carnegie Mellon University includes the cultivation of a diverse and inclusive community. Our undergraduate admission process is committed to reducing or eliminating advantages that have been inherent in the admission process. The goal is to provide a more equitable, level playing field where all segments of our applicant population have the same opportunity in the admission process.

Our Admission Paradigm

Demonstrated interest not considered.

We do not consider demonstrated interest in our admission paradigm. Demonstrated interest is a term used in undergraduate admission that describes the ways in which a prospective student shows a college that they’re interested by visiting campus and submitting additional materials that aren’t required in the application. As a result, we do not consider a campus visit or communication with the Office of Admission or other members of the Carnegie Mellon community when making admission decisions. Also, we do not accept supplementary submission of materials, including:

• Research abstracts
• Writing samples
• Multimedia demonstrations of talents
• Maker portfolios

These extra materials haven't been useful in making our admission decisions and allowing optional materials has deterred some people from applying. Applicants have space on the Common Application to list accomplishments and involvement for the admission committee’s consideration. We encourage students to use this space to share the extracurricular facets of their high school experience.

Our Application Process

Shorter essays, non-evaluative on-campus sessions and refocused alumni efforts.

We’re working hard to move our admission application process in a more inclusive direction.

• We changed our long application essay to a series of short essays to better understand student context, unique talents and interests, as well as special considerations candidates would like to bring to our attention.
• On-campus sessions are not evaluative, but rather are counseling sessions to help students align their interests with our programs. 
• We do not offer alumni interviews in advance of admission decisions and have refocused alumni efforts to connect with admitted candidates instead.

Yet even with these changes, there's more work needed on our part to achieve a more inclusive process.

Issues surrounding standardized testing, for example, are complex in a research university like ours, and while we’re no longer requiring or recommending SAT Subject Tests, we’re hoping there is more we can do.

Our Waiting List

Designed to give everyone the opportunity to respond.

Efforts to support access and inclusion extend to our waiting list process as well. Like many other institutions, we are inundated with demonstrations of continued interest and additional recommendations, mostly from well-resourced or well-advised applicants. 

Our waiting list process is designed to give everyone who is interested in remaining on our waiting list the opportunity to respond about their uniqueness by sending us a paragraph at the appropriate time, only when we know there are additional places to fill. 

We request only the paragraph and do  not  consider:

• Letters of continued interest
• Extra recommendations
• Expectation of campus visits
• Lobbying efforts including phone calls and emails  

Details about the paragraph are included in the information made available to all students offered a place on our waiting list when admission decisions are rendered in March. We don't provide the exact topic in advance since we want to avoid having students work on it needlessly in the event we don't end up admitting candidates from our waiting list.

Even with these changes, there's more work needed on our part to achieve a more inclusive process. Issues surrounding standardized testing, for example, are complex in a research university like ours, and while we’re no longer requiring or recommending SAT Subject Tests, we’re hoping there is more we can do. All told, we're working hard to move our process in a more inclusive direction.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT CMU

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4 Tips for Stand-Out Carnegie Mellon Essays

College Essays

Carnegie Mellon is ranked among the top 25 universities in the nation , so you'll need to have an impressive application—with stand-out essays, of course!—in order to get admitted. Applicants must submit a total of four Carnegie Mellon essays, three of which comprise the Carnegie Mellon supplement.

Keep reading to learn what the current Carnegie Mellon essay prompts are, what topics you could write about, and what qualities make for a great Carnegie Mellon essay.

Feature Image: Mathieu Thouvenin /Flickr

What Are the Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompts?

In addition to the personal statement you must write for the Common App (for which you get to select one out of seven possible prompts), Carnegie Mellon requires all applicants to submit three supplemental essays; these essays make up the Carnegie Mellon Supplement.

Applicants are not allowed to submit other supplemental materials with their applications, such as websites, artwork, or resumes. (Note that the only exception to this is if you're applying to a school that requires additional materials , such as the School of Architecture.)

Each essay may be up to 300 words long, making them a little shorter than your typical personal statement for college, which is usually around 500-600 words.

So what are the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts? Let's take a look:

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that's developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee's consideration? Highlight something that's important to you or something you haven't had a chance to share. Tell us, don't show us (no websites please).

As you can see, each Carnegie Mellon essay you must write will focus on something different about yourself. Specifically, you must explain the following in your essays:

• For Essay 1, what you plan to major in and why
• For Essay 2, what you hope to get out of attending college
• For Essay 3, something you want to emphasize about yourself

How should you write each Carnegie Mellon essay? We give you specific tips next.

All Carnegie Mellon Essay Prompts, Analyzed

In this section, we'll go over the three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts in detail, giving you key tips so you can ensure your essays stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Carnegie Mellon Essay 1: Your Intended Major

Though it might look a little wordy, all this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt is really asking is, "Why this major?" More specifically, this prompt wants you to relate the intellectual path you've taken by explaining the experiences, people, and/or events that have led you to want to major in this particular field.

By far the most effective way to answer this prompt is to tell a compelling story about how you came to be interested in your intended major. Think about the most important moments from your life that showcase your love of what you want to study, and then write about those.

For example, say you plan to major in musical composition. You could start off by recounting the first time you tried to write a piece of music on your family's piano and how hard it was. However, you really enjoyed the process of creating something new. This prompted you to enroll in weekly piano lessons; you also continued to compose piano pieces in your spare time. As a sophomore, you decided to enter your school's talent show and ended up winning with a musical piece you'd composed.

While you don't need to stick to chronological order, using this organization ensures your essay is easy to follow and clearly illustrates how you progressed from someone who knew nothing about the field to someone now highly devoted to it.

In addition, be sure to focus on not only how you became interested in your major but also how this journey of discovering your passion has affected you and your goals. For example, perhaps you want to major in architecture because you hope to use your skills to encourage eco-friendly living and therefore combat the effects of climate change.

It's also a good idea to mention, explicitly or implicitly, how Carnegie Mellon will help you accomplish your goals in your intended field. You could talk briefly about a particular faculty member in your field whom you hope to work with, an expensive piece of equipment offered at Carnegie Mellon, or specific professional opportunities available to students.

Finally, be careful not to exaggerate. Don't say you suddenly developed an interest in literature after reading The Great Gatsby for English class if you actually loathed the book or had a passion for literature well before then.

It's OK if there wasn't one single moment in your life that made you realize this major was the right one for you. Instead of acting as though some particular incident was more significant than it actually was, just focus on the overall journey you took to get to the point you're at now—that is, the major you've chosen to pursue.

Carnegie Mellon Essay 2: Why You're Going to College

Going to college isn't just about getting your degree. That's part of it, of course—you'd feel pretty cheated if you got all the way through college only to find out that you weren't getting your degree—but learning new things and growing as a person are also really important.

In this essay, Carnegie Mellon wants to see you discuss how learning, not just having a degree, will represent your growth in college. That might feel a little intimidating since you haven't actually left for college yet, but you have two important things to draw on: experience in your prior education, and your hopes for the future.

When responding to this prompt, think less about the individual classes you'll take, what grades you'll get in them, or what essays you'll write. Think about the learning process, all the little things that go into your education beyond the grades and assignments. How do you learn? And beyond that, what did you learn?

Think about what having a "successful college experience" would look like for you. When you graduate, what knowledge and experience do you hope to have? What unique experiences will you have at Carnegie Mellon that will shape the person you ultimately want to become?

This is a time to be specific. Maybe you see yourself as belonging to a thriving intellectual community, and thought-provoking discussion is one of the ways that you learn best. You can look at what groups there are on campus, for example, and see which ones you'd like to join.

Joining re:verb might be a way that you connect with other people who love having thought-provoking discussions, or maybe you're drawn more toward MOSIAC to learn about concepts like intersectionality. You can identify groups that appeal to you in your specific niche, and mention them in your essay as places where you hope to find your intellectual community.

Of course, that's not the only way to go about it. The important thing you need to convey is that you have an interest not just in attaining your diploma, but in the experience of learning. How you do that is up to you—you can describe how you learn and how Carnegie Mellon will help enrich you as a person through their teaching methods, through being around other accomplished and intellectual individuals, or by naming specific clubs, groups, or classes you want to be part of.

Show Carnegie Mellon how you learn and how they'll contribute to your specific goals, and you'll be on the right track!

Carnegie Mellon Essay 3: Something Important About You

This essay prompt is the most open-ended of the three and a great opportunity to really dig into any important attributes of yourself that you feel you didn't get to write enough about or at all in other parts of your application.

Did you write about something in another essay, such as the one you wrote for the Common App, that you wish to talk about more here? Do you want to write about something that's important to you and that you haven't had a chance to elaborate on yet?

Your topics are pretty endless here —just make sure whatever you write about for this essay is revealing something important that you think the admissions committee should know about you.

This could be a specific personality trait —maybe you want to emphasize your leadership skills by talking about your role as team leader at the local youth club—or something about your life that's had a major impact on how you see yourself and your future.

Here are some topics you could write about (but don't feel limited by these suggestions!):

• A specific incident that holds importance for you, and what it taught you about your academic and/or professional interests, your goals, your personality, etc.
• Someone you know who has impacted you in a significant way, and how that person has specifically influenced your interests and/or goals
• An explanation for something that negatively impacted your grades or another part of your application —for example, perhaps you spent a lot of time taking care of a sick relative during your sophomore year of high school, which caused your grades to dip slightly
• A particular interest, passion, hobby, or skill you have, and what you've gained, either intellectually or emotionally, from it

Once again, don't try to write about what you think the CMU admissions committee wants to read—be honest about what's important to you and why. If you volunteered somewhere a few times but didn't enjoy it or gain anything valuable from it, do not write about it here!

Similarly, don't be afraid to focus on something seemingly mundane. Just be sure you're using the topic you choose—even if it's pretty commonplace—to ultimately reveal something important about you. So, no, it's probably not a good idea to write about how you spend hours on Instagram every day, since this hobby isn't really revealing anything significant about you, your goals, or your personal growth.

2 Real Carnegie Mellon Essay Examples + Analysis

In order to write a great Carnegie Mellon essay, it helps to see what kinds of essays actually got applicants accepted to this prestigious university. Here, we give you two real Carnegie Mellon essay examples we found online and explain what makes them successful.

Carnegie Mellon Essay Example 1

This first of the two Carnegie Mellon essay examples comes from the college essays website Essays That Worked . The essay is quite long— more than 650 words! —and was written in response to the following (old) supplemental Carnegie Mellon essay prompt:

And now here's the essay:

When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I in fact was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own.

Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities. In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger.

I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.

Here's why this Carnegie Mellon essay works so well:

• It has an honest, compelling narrative that flows well. This applicant begins by explaining how their feelings and experiences allowed them to form a connection to the field of psychology from a young age. This story is raw and honest, and it highlights the applicant's reasons for wanting to pursue psychology in an appropriate and relevant manner.
• It's extremely specific. The applicant uses concrete details to explain their background and why the psychology major is a perfect fit for their goals and interests. In addition, the essay connects the applicant’s present interest in psychology to how they hope to help others in the future, giving us a clear indication of why the applicant is so interested in psychology.

Carnegie Mellon Essay Example 2

This second Carnegie Mellon essay example also comes from the website Essays That Worked and, like the essay above, responds to a current Carnegie Mellon essay prompt .

It was written in response to Carnegie Mellon essay prompt number three:

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words max)

Here is the essay:

I recall entering the intimidating world of high school as an exorbitantly introverted, stereotypical Asian girl. My father urged me to assert myself and attempt new activities I wouldn’t have typically participated in. I didn’t want to be disappointed in twenty years by the things I didn’t attempt in high school, so I decided to pursue my long-time dream of becoming a cheerleader. I had always admired the optimism that cheerleaders had, and I was at a point in my life where I needed more positivity.

I faced obstacles trying to join the team. An Asian cheerleader? But Asians were supposed to be smart and cheerleaders were dumb! I broke racial stereotypes by becoming the first Asian cheerleader in my high school. When I made the squad, I was exposed to individuals which whom I did not ordinarily traverse paths. I stepped outside of my bubble and met girls who were extremely extroverted and seemed to be in a constant state of elation. They taught me how to spread positivity throughout my daily interactions and taught me to use optimism as a strength in facing the hurdles of life. These were qualities I would have never learned from a textbook.

My parents had possessed strong reservations about me joining and feared I would meet girls who weren’t motivated in academics. This was false. Many of the girls were brilliant and creative in ways my regular friend group wasn’t. All avenues of life met there on that team.

Cheerleading was the rain and sun that helped a small seed like me bloom into a flower. It delights me knowing that I gained social skills and made friends I never thought I could gain. Cheerleading has changed my perspective on life and joining that family is one of my greatest treasures.

• It's tightly focused. This essay centers on a struggle the applicant overcame, a topic that is made clear quickly and acts as the focal point throughout the essay. We learn that the applicant made a decision in high school--to become a cheerleader--that defied racial stereotypes and helped her grow as a person. The role that cheerleading played in the applicant’s personal growth remains the focus through the end of the essay.
• It goes into significant detail about a specific incident. In order to showcase the uniqueness of their experience and the impact it had on their identity, this applicant wrote a detailed description of what being a cheerleader was really like, beyond the stereotypes, and what they learned from that experience. This provides information about who the applicant is that can’t be conveyed through the other parts of their application.

4 Tips for a Great Carnegie Mellon Essay

As you now know, you'll need to write three essays for the Carnegie Mellon supplement. Here are some general tips to keep in mind as you begin to work on each Carnegie Mellon essay.

#1: Use Highly Specific Details

Don't rely on catch-all phrases to get your points across in your essays. Instead, try to think of real, concrete examples you can use.

Specific details will make each Carnegie Mellon essay you write (and your application as a whole!) stand apart from others; it also proves to the admissions committee that you know what kinds of opportunities are available to you at Carnegie Mellon.

#2: Avoid Exaggeration—Be Yourself!

Many students think they need to write about topics that sound "impressive," but this isn't actually what admissions committees want. What they really want is to learn more about who you are, what you sound like naturally (on paper, of course), and what you value in life.

This is why it's so important for you to clearly channel your voice in your writing. For example, it's OK to tell a joke or focus on a lighthearted topic if you would describe yourself as a comedian.

Just make sure that, no matter what kind of topic you choose or how you write, you're ultimately making a bigger, important point about yourself —one that ideally emphasizes essential facets of your personality, your experiences, and/or your ambitions.

#3: Don't Repeat Anything You've Written for Your Common App Essay

Carnegie Mellon requires all applicants to submit the Common App essay in addition to the three essays described above, so you'll want to ensure there's not too much overlap between them. While it's OK to elaborate on a specific topic or point that you briefly mentioned in another essay, don't end up writing about the same experience more than once.

The point of these essays is to showcase various aspects of your personality and life, and you won't succeed if all you're doing is repeating yourself in each Carnegie Mellon essay!

#4: Edit, Polish, and Proofread

Our final tip is to take a lot of time to edit, polish, and proofread each Carnegie Mellon essay you write. Look over each essay multiple times to catch typos and other technical errors, such as grammatical problems, and spelling mistakes.

You should also be on the lookout for the following problems:

• Any inconsistencies in style, tone, voice, tense, etc.
• Any areas that are unclear, vague, or awkwardly worded or placed
• Any irrelevant details or descriptions that don't add anything important

Once you've edited and changed your essays a few times, give them to someone you trust, such as a teacher, mentor, or parent, and have that person offer feedback on how you could improve your writing.

Here are some key questions to ask this person to think about as they edit your essay:

• Is the topic/theme effective and appropriate for a college essay?
• Does the essay sound as though you wrote it (and not someone else)? Does the voice sound like your authentic voice?
• Does the overall organization make sense? Is there a story, and does it flow well? Does the structure successfully get the main point across?
• Are the details specific and relevant?

With all these tips in mind, you should definitely be able to write a great Carnegie Mellon essay!

What's Next?

You'll need to use the Common App if you're applying to Carnegie Mellon. Get tips on how to write a great Common App essay with our expert guide.

Thinking of applying to other great schools like Princeton , Brown , or Columbia ? Then be sure to check out our guides to learn how you can write amazing essays for these schools' supplements.

Learn more about Carnegie Mellon's admission requirements by visiting its school page in our extensive database.

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Mastering the CMU Supplemental Essays: 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

ello, future Tartans! If you're eager to join the innovative community at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), it's crucial to ace their supplemental essays. Let's discuss the specific advice on how to best approach them.

CMU requires one general essay and three short answer prompts. Each school under CMU may also have specific prompts.

General Essay (250-300 words)

• Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s).

This essay calls for specificity. Why CMU? Why this particular program? Your reasons should go beyond CMU's reputation or ranking.

Example: "CMU's Computer Science program is renowned for its focus on practical application. As someone passionate about cybersecurity, the opportunity to learn in an environment that values hands-on experiences like the Build18 festival is appealing. I am particularly interested in Professor X's research on IoT security and would be thrilled to contribute to it."

Short Answer Questions (1-2 sentences)

• List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure.
• Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
• What or who has influenced you to apply to Carnegie Mellon?

The short answers test your ability to be concise and impactful. The first question reflects your intellectual curiosity. The second question is about your sense of belonging and identity, and the third question is about your motivation.

For the book list, choose a diverse set of books that reflect different interests. For the community question, choose a community that has significantly shaped your experiences or values.

School-specific Prompts

The additional essay(s) for specific schools vary, but all demand you to illustrate your commitment and suitability to the chosen field of study. For example, the School of Drama asks for a two-page essay describing your career goals and how CMU can help you achieve them.

In these essays, detail any relevant experiences (internships, workshops, school clubs), discuss your passion for the field, and explain why the particular program at CMU aligns with your career goals.

Example: "Working backstage in high school theatre ignited my passion for stage management. The School of Drama's Stage and Production Management Program offers a mix of practical training and theoretical knowledge I need to transition from a high school setting to larger, professional productions. I am particularly excited about the program's collaboration with Pittsburgh theatres."

In all responses, be authentic and specific, and ensure your passion for your field of study and for CMU shines through. Best of luck, future Tartans!

Related posts

Conquering Stanford University's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Demystifying Georgetown University's Supplemental 2023-2024 Essays

Decoding Rice University's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide 

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

Carnegie Mellon University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 short essays of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why ,  Short Answer

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

So many factors go into shaping your educational experience: course selection, professors, classmates, campus culture, even the city where you’ll live. Think through how each of these will affect you and jot down some examples of what you’re looking for in each. Do you value a professor who is accessible via office hours? Do you focus well in a stadium-seating lecture hall? Are you excited to start a small study group for your Shakespeare: Comedies and Romances  literature course? Additionally, do some research on their website and show them that you value what they specifically have to offer. Give them a peek into how you learn and help them visualize you as a thriving student in their community.

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

This prompt sounds simple enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it so much so that you’re willing to dedicate four years of your life to it (at the very least). While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will expect you to connect your intended major with some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. Lucky for you, we would have advised you to start with an anecdote anyway. The most personal, memorable essays spring from concrete descriptions of your lived experience. What excites you and why? When was the last time you got drawn down a Reddit rabbit hole – and what was the topic? While you don’t need to drill to the origin of your interest in a given topic, try to zero in on some formative experience: the best TED Talk you ever watched, the first time you spoke to your new friend in ASL, that one time when you shadowed an EMT and saw what it’s like to help people in need! Your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study. And don’t forget: CMU asks what passion OR inspiration led you to choose this area of study. You can also talk about a particularly powerful book you read or a life-changing experience that set you on this path. Just make sure to use details to bring your story to life.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).

This prompt is a kind of free for all opportunity. Much like Common App’s prompt #7 , CMU is giving you free reign to write about any topic under the sun. If you’re overwhelmed by all the potential possibilities, don’t fret. Instead take a breath and ask yourself: What doesn’t admissions know about me yet? What do I wish I’d had more space to write about on my resume or activity list? If you’ve written a supplemental essay for another school about a particularly rewarding activity, this is an excellent place to tweak and recycle that essay. Almost any essay that you have already written in response to supplemental essay prompts for other schools will be applicable here, as long as it doesn’t address what you want to study or how you work with others. If you haven’t already drafted any others supplemental essays that would fit here, feel free to seek inspiration in the prompts for other schools (ideally the ones on your list). Worst case scenario, revisit your personal statement brainstorming notes and think about the topics that you almost wrote about. Can you write about any of those memories or stories in 200 words?

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How to write the carnegie mellon supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025.

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)*

Explanation:

With this prompt, the admissions committee seeks to understand more about your academic journey and your intellectual curiosity, a quality that the university specifically looks for in applicants. First, consider your intended area of study—what initially sparked your interest? A teacher? A documentary? A book? One strategy you can employ when approaching this prompt is to start your answer with a story or anecdote that connects your prior experience with your intended major. However, be mindful that this essay should not simply restate content shared in your personal statement—tailor your response specifically to your intellectual interests and experiences. While Carnegie Mellon requires prospective students to apply to the particular school that houses their chosen discipline, the university also prides itself on its interdisciplinary approach to academics. In order to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity as well as your commitment to the school’s vision of intellectual collaboration, consider how your area of interest intersects with other disciplines or perhaps how you arrived at your major area of study through a line of inquiry in another subject area.

The day I turned twelve, my parents gifted me a jigsaw puzzle—a thousand-piece challenge depicting a sprawling cityscape. As I slowly started to connect the pieces, I felt a thrill of satisfaction with each small victory. While my friends were engrossed in video games or sports, I would spend hours solving puzzles, trying to fit ever-more complex pieces together to make increasingly intricate pictures.

During my freshman year of high school, I enrolled in a computer programming class. As I stared at numbers and symbols on the screen, I felt the same thrill of discovery I often felt as a child sorting through a sea of puzzle pieces. I discovered a new way of thinking that combined my love for problem-solving with the ability to create something tangible. The first time I successfully programmed an algorithm to solve a real-world problem—an application that helped local businesses optimize their inventory—I was hooked. After helping a few more businesses optimize their systems, I started hosting weekly webinars for businesses and organizations teaching simple coding solutions, expanding throughout local counties as my events became more popular.

As a student at Carnegie Mellon, I hope to continue giving back to my community as I deepen my knowledge of computer science. Carnegie Mellon’s rigorous computer science program, with its emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, is the perfect place for me to deepen my knowledge and pursue my passion. I am particularly drawn to the intersection of computer science and data analytics, where vast amounts of information can be harnessed to make informed decisions in fields ranging from healthcare to finance. I’m eager to collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from leading experts in the field as I continue to use technology to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)*

This question inquires about how the process of learning will help you achieve your goals, and as such, students should consider both the what and the how of their academic and career aspirations in their answer.

First, consider your ultimate academic and professional goals and work backward. Think specifically about where you hope to be in ten years, how you hope your degree will help you arrive at that destination, and finally, what you would hope to gain from your time at Carnegie Mellon in pursuit of those goals. Keep in mind that while these goals could be academic, professional, social, and personal, the language of the prompt is guiding you to think about how learning will help you to achieve them. There is a wide array of possible answers to this question, but make sure that your answer foregrounds things that are specific to Carnegie Mellon and the ways in which the university’s offerings are uniquely suited to your goals. The admissions committee wants to know what you intend for your own trajectory of growth, and as such, this prompt is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your curiosity, teachability, and motivation. Do you want to work in the nonprofit or social justice fields? Perhaps a successful college experience entails some sort of community engagement, study abroad, or charity work. Do you want to be a researcher? A successful college experience might include presenting at conferences, conducting an internship or research project with a Carnegie Mellon professor in your field, or taking part in one of Carnegie’s numerous undergraduate research opportunities.

The year is 2035—I imagine myself standing in a bustling innovation hub, surrounded by a team of brilliant engineers, each of us working tirelessly to bring a groundbreaking project to life. As I look around the room, I remember the late nights spent debugging code over my dorm room desk, the animated discussions with professors that spilled over after class, and the moments of breakthrough in the classrooms of Scaife Hall. It was at Carnegie Mellon that I realized the power of collaboration, the thrill of solving complex problems, and the importance of using technology to make a difference in the world.

When I look back as a Carnegie Mellon graduate, the experiences that stand out the most are not the grades I earned, but the way that my peers, professors, and coursework at CMU pushed me to grow and develop as a person and scholar. Success was defined by more than just academic achievements—it was about the relationships I built, the challenges I overcame, and the impact I began to make in the CMU community. Those years shaped me into the leader I am today, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and drive to turn my visions into reality. And as I look toward the future, I know that the foundation laid at Carnegie Mellon will guide me in my journey to innovate, inspire, and lead—in 2035 and beyond.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)*

This space allows for you to share anything about yourself that you believe is important for your candidacy but has not been adequately conveyed in your essays, activities list or through your grades or test scores. Perhaps you’d like to elaborate on an aspect of your application that would require more context to be fully understood. Perhaps you feel as though your test scores or good grades don’t properly convey that you are a hard worker and have overcome personal or academic challenges to achieve your grades. This is also a great opportunity to write about your passion project or involvement in an extracurricular activity that you have not yet had the chance to write about elsewhere in your application. Alternatively, you could show your diverse range of interests by discussing another passion or activity outside of the classroom that would help the admissions committee get a holistic sense of who you are. Whatever you choose to write about, be sure to use this space wisely—you shouldn’t use this space to brag about all of your amazing accomplishments, but rather, highlight a new aspect of who you are or what you devote your time to, or provide more context about something mentioned elsewhere in your application.

At eight years old, I found myself sitting in a parent-teacher conference, my feet barely touching the floor, watching my mother struggle to understand the words coming from my teacher’s mouth. My mother nodded politely, her face tight with concentration, but I could see the confusion in her eyes. When we left the room, she squeezed my hand and asked me to explain what was said. I translated as best as I could, but even at that young age, I knew something important was lost in the process—an understanding, a connection, a shared meaning.

While my transcript and other application materials attest to my love of language and my desire to study Linguistics at CMU, it cannot fully convey the way in which my childhood experience as an immigrant made me passionate about cross-cultural communication. My 3.8 GPA that steadily grew over my four years of high school does not capture the many frustrated nights I spent wrestling with math problems and school essays alone because my parents did not understand the assignments. My improvement wasn’t just about mastering the material; it was about learning how to navigate a system that my parents, despite their best efforts, could not fully engage with.

This self-sufficiency has fueled my determination to succeed and deepened my commitment to studying language and culture at Carnegie Mellon, where I hope to continue exploring how our words shape our world.

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Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Carnegie Mellon University, renowned for its innovative approach to education and a strong emphasis on research and technology, stands out as a leading institution of higher learning. In the realm of college admissions, the supplemental essays hold significant weight, serving as a window into the applicant’s personality, intellect, and potential contributions to the campus community.

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Carnegie Mellon has crafted prompts that are both challenging and opportunity-rich, designed to elicit thoughtful and revealing responses from prospective students. At the heart of these supplemental essays are questions that probe into the candidates’ motivations, aspirations, and self-perceptions.

Carnegie Mellon’s prompts are notably open-ended compared to many other universities, offering a unique canvas for students to paint a vivid picture of their academic passions, personal journeys, and future ambitions. Understanding and responding effectively to these prompts is crucial for applicants wishing to stand out in a pool of highly qualified candidates.

Applying to Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon only accepts applications through the Common Application , and you need to submit your application online.

Make sure to check the application plans, deadlines, and admission requirements for Carnegie Mellon . If you’re applying to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama, or Music, please also look at the College of Fine Arts applicant information.

Remember, Drama and Music applicants have a December 1 deadline for Regular Decision. When you apply, you’ll get an email within one to five business days from the Office of Admission confirming they’ve received your application. This email will help you track your application’s progress.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Carnegie Mellon Have?

For the 2023-24 admissions cycle, Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to complete three supplementary essay prompts. Each of these essays is limited to 300 words. These essays are an integral part of the application process, giving applicants the opportunity to showcase their individual strengths and aspirations in relation to what CMU offers.

What are the Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words)

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 words)

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 words)

Answering the 2023-2024 Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essay Prompts

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? 

This prompt is primarily about understanding the underlying motivations and inspirations that have led a student to choose their intended major or area of study. It seeks to explore the depth of the student’s interest in the subject and how this interest has evolved over time. The aim is to gauge not just the student’s commitment to the field but also to understand the personal journey and experiences that have shaped their academic choices.

Here are four key points for students to consider while brainstorming and answering this prompt, with detailed explanations for each:

1. Identify the Origin of Your Interest: Begin by reflecting on when and how your interest in the chosen field started. Was it a particular event, a class in school, a personal project, or an encounter with a work in this field that sparked your curiosity? Detailing this origin story gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your personal journey and helps them understand the sincerity and depth of your passion.

2. Describe Key Milestones and Experiences: Discuss specific experiences, projects, or challenges that furthered your interest in this field. This could include relevant classes, extracurricular activities, internships, personal projects, or even influential books or conversations. Describe how these experiences contributed to your growing interest and understanding of the subject. This shows the progression of your passion over time.

3. Connect Your Interest to Your Personal Values or Goals: Explain how your chosen field aligns with your personal values, life goals, or future aspirations. This connection demonstrates a deeper level of reflection and shows that your choice of study is not just a passing interest but is integral to who you are and who you want to become.

4. Reflect on What Makes Your Perspective Unique: Finally, consider what unique perspective or experiences you bring to this field. How does your background, culture, or personal experiences inform your approach to this area of study? This helps in showcasing your individuality and how your unique perspective can contribute to the diversity of thought in the university community.

Remember, the key to a compelling response is authenticity and specificity. It’s not just about stating an interest but illustrating it through your personal story and experiences.

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

This Carnegie Mellon essay prompt is fundamentally about understanding and articulating personal goals and aspirations in the context of a college education. It invites students to reflect on what they consider a successful college experience, beyond just obtaining a degree. Here are four key points students should consider when answering this prompt:

1. Define Personal and Academic Goals: Students should start by clearly defining their personal and academic goals. This could involve specific skills they want to acquire, career paths they aspire to, or personal development they hope to achieve through their college education. For instance, a student interested in computer science might discuss aspirations to contribute to groundbreaking technology developments or the desire to acquire skills in both technical and leadership areas.

2. Emphasize the Importance of Learning: The prompt places a strong emphasis on learning as a critical component of college success. Students should reflect on how they approach learning – not just in academic terms, but as a lifelong process. They might discuss their enthusiasm for engaging with diverse ideas, their commitment to overcoming challenges in their studies, or how they plan to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.

3. Incorporate College Resources and Opportunities: It’s important to link personal goals with specific resources and opportunities offered by Carnegie Mellon. Students could mention unique programs, clubs, or research opportunities that align with their goals. For instance, if a student is interested in entrepreneurship, they could talk about how participating in Carnegie Mellon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will contribute to their success.

4. Reflect on Personal Growth and Contributions to the Campus Community: Lastly, students should consider how they will grow as individuals and contribute to the campus community. This could involve discussing their desire to engage with diverse perspectives, contribute to campus organizations, or develop leadership skills through campus activities. The aim here is to show a holistic view of success that combines personal achievement with community involvement.

By covering these aspects, students can create a comprehensive and compelling response that showcases their ambitions, understanding of the learning process, and how they envision making the most of their college experience at Carnegie Mellon.

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). 

This is an open-ended question that allows applicants to showcase unique aspects of their personalities, experiences, or qualifications that might not be evident in the rest of their application. This question is about giving students the opportunity to highlight a part of their story, identity, or achievements that they feel is significant and would contribute to their profile as a desirable candidate.

Here are four key points for brainstorming and detailed explanations for each:

1. Personal Growth or Challenges Overcome: Encourage students to reflect on a personal challenge or a significant growth experience. This could be overcoming a personal obstacle, dealing with a family situation, or a significant personal achievement. The key is to focus on how the experience shaped them, what they learned, and how it has prepared them for college. For example, overcoming a fear, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or managing a learning disability. This narrative should demonstrate resilience, maturity, and self-awareness.

2. Passion Projects or Extracurricular Involvements: Students can highlight a project or activity they are deeply passionate about but haven’t had the space to discuss in other parts of their application. This could be an independent research project, a community service initiative, a creative endeavor, or leadership in an extracurricular activity. The emphasis should be on the impact of this involvement, how it aligns with their academic and career goals, and what it reveals about their character. For example, starting a community clean-up program or developing an app to solve a local problem.

3. Unique Skills or Talents: If a student has a unique skill or talent that sets them apart, this prompt is a great place to discuss it. This could be anything from fluency in multiple languages, exceptional artistic abilities, or even unconventional skills like coding or robotics. The idea is to showcase how these skills have been developed and used in meaningful ways. For example, using multilingual skills to bridge communication gaps in their community or applying artistic talents in local events.

4. Cultural or Family Background: Students can use this prompt to highlight aspects of their cultural or family background that have significantly influenced their perspectives and aspirations. This can include traditions, values, or experiences unique to their family or community. It’s important to focus on how this background has shaped their worldview, contributed to their educational goals, and prepared them to contribute to a diverse college community. For example, growing up in a multicultural household or engaging in cultural community events.

In answering this prompt, students should aim to be authentic, reflective, and specific, connecting their chosen topic back to their overall candidacy and potential contributions to Carnegie Mellon’s community.

Structuring Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays is crucial in conveying an applicant’s message effectively and making a memorable impression. For the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, a well-structured essay can make the difference between an application that stands out and one that gets lost in the pile. Here are three key points on how applicants can structure their Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays:

1. Introduction: Begin the essay with a compelling narrative or anecdote that directly relates to the prompt. This not only engages the reader but also sets a personal tone for the essay. For instance, if a student is writing about a challenge they’ve overcome, they might start with a vivid description of a moment that epitomizes that challenge . This approach not only grabs attention but also immediately immerses the admissions committee in the student’s world. It’s essential that this narrative seamlessly leads into the main theme of the essay, providing a natural flow into the subsequent sections.

2. Thematic Body Sections: After the engaging start, the body of the essay should be organized into clear, thematic sections. Each section should focus on a specific aspect of the topic, providing depth and detail. For instance, in a Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay, one section could delve into how the applicant’s experiences have shaped their academic interests, another could discuss skills or qualities they’ve developed, and a third could explore how these elements align with the opportunities at Carnegie Mellon. Using clear, thematic sections helps maintain a focused and coherent narrative, making it easier for the admissions committee to follow and appreciate the student’s story and aspirations.

3. Reflective and Forward-Looking Conclusion: The conclusion should not only summarize the key points discussed but also reflect on what the student has learned and how it prepares them for a future at Carnegie Mellon. This section should tie back to the introduction, creating a full-circle effect that leaves a lasting impression. For example, the conclusion could revisit the initial narrative and reflect on how the student’s journey has prepared them for the unique challenges and opportunities that Carnegie Mellon offers. It’s also an opportunity to explicitly state why Carnegie Mellon is the right fit for them, based on the specific programs, culture, or opportunities the university provides.

In structuring their Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle, applicants should ensure that their essays are not only well-organized and coherent but also showcase their personality, experiences, and fit for the university. A well-structured essay will flow logically, keep the reader engaged, and effectively communicate the student’s unique story and aspirations.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

Effectively revising and proofreading essays is a critical step in crafting a compelling and error-free application. For students applying to Carnegie Mellon for the 2023-2024 cycle, ensuring that their supplemental essays are polished and impactful is especially important. Here are four detailed strategies for revising and proofreading Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays:

1. Layered Review Approach: Break down the revision process into multiple layers. The first layer should focus on content and structure. Does the essay answer the prompt fully? Is there a clear and logical flow of ideas? The second layer should examine the style and voice. Is the essay reflective of the student’s personality? Does it maintain a balance between formality and personal expression? The final layer should be about language and clarity. Are there any complex or unclear sentences that could be simplified for better understanding? This approach ensures that each aspect of the essay is thoroughly reviewed.

2. Feedback from Multiple Sources: Obtain feedback from various individuals such as teachers, peers, or family members. Each person will bring a different perspective. For instance, a teacher might provide insights on the academic soundness of the essay, while peers might focus on how relatable and genuine the essay feels. When collecting feedback, specifically ask reviewers to look for different aspects: content accuracy, emotional impact, and language use. This varied input can be invaluable in enhancing the overall quality of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays.

3. Focused Proofreading Sessions: Instead of trying to catch every error in one go, conduct multiple, focused proofreading sessions. In each session, concentrate on one specific type of error: first spelling, then grammar, then punctuation, and finally, formatting. This methodical approach reduces the cognitive load and increases the likelihood of catching more errors. Tools like Grammarly or Readable can be used to assist in this process, but they should not replace human judgment.

4. Temporal Distance: After writing the essay, take a break from it for a few days before revising. Approaching the essay with fresh eyes can make a significant difference in identifying areas that need improvement. When the student returns to their essay, they are more likely to notice awkward phrasing, repetitive information, or off-topic content. This temporal distance helps in achieving a more objective and critical review of their own work.

For applicants to Carnegie Mellon’s 2023-2024 cycle, these strategies in revising and proofreading can greatly enhance the quality of their supplemental essays. It’s not just about fixing errors but refining the essay to ensure it best represents the student’s abilities, experiences, and fit for Carnegie Mellon.

Why Choose Carnegie Mellon?

Carnegie Mellon University is a place where education and research come together in exciting ways. It’s not just a university; it’s a hub of innovation and creativity. Let’s dive into what makes Carnegie Mellon so special:

1. Outstanding Global and National Rankings: Carnegie Mellon isn’t just another university; it’s a top-ranked institution both in the United States and around the world. According to the QS World University Rankings for 2023, it stands proudly at number 52 globally. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2023 places it even higher, at 28th worldwide and 19th among U.S. colleges. Additionally, the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Colleges Rankings lists it as the 22nd-best National University in the U.S. These rankings highlight the university’s excellence and global recognition.

2. Strength in Programs and Innovation: When it comes to specific subjects, Carnegie Mellon shines even brighter. It’s a leader in computer science, and ranked as the top university for undergraduate studies in this field. Innovation is another area where it excels, ranking third among the most innovative universities. The university also boasts strong programs in undergraduate business, engineering, business analytics, and management information systems, making it a powerhouse in various academic disciplines.

3. A Leader in Research: Carnegie Mellon is not just about learning from books; it’s about creating new knowledge. It’s recognized for its outstanding research, ranking high in research reputation. In fact, it’s among the top in the world in 16 different research areas, making it a great place for students who are keen on exploring and discovering new things.

4. Diversity and Inclusivity: With about 14,000 undergraduate students from various corners of the globe, Carnegie Mellon is a melting pot of cultures and ideas. This diverse student body creates a rich, multicultural learning environment where students can learn as much from each other as they do from their courses.

5. Interdisciplinary Approach: One of the unique things about Carnegie Mellon is how it encourages students to blend and merge different fields of study. This interdisciplinary approach means students get a well-rounded education, preparing them for the complex, interconnected world we live in.

6. Vibrant Campus Life: Situated in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon’s campus is a unique mix of city vibes and suburban tranquility. It’s not just a place to study; it’s a community where students can live, learn, and grow in an environment that is both stimulating and supportive.

Overall, Carnegie Mellon University offers a dynamic, top-quality education marked by excellent program rankings, a commitment to innovation, abundant research opportunities, and a diverse, interdisciplinary community. It’s an institution where students are challenged, inspired, and prepared for successful futures in a variety of fields.

How Important are Supplemental Essays in the College Admissions Process?

Supplemental essays are a crucial element in the college admissions process, especially for renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon. For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the role of these essays cannot be overemphasized. They serve as a unique platform for applicants to add personalization to their applications, going beyond the quantitative data of transcripts and test scores. These essays allow students to share their unique stories, experiences, and aspirations, offering a vivid portrait of their personality and potential. For example, a student might use their essay to detail a particular project or experience that sparked their interest in a field of study at Carnegie Mellon, providing a compelling narrative that distinguishes their application.

Moreover, supplemental essays enable students to demonstrate their specific interest in Carnegie Mellon, showcasing how they align with the university’s culture, values, and academic programs. Thoughtful and well-researched responses to essay prompts can convincingly illustrate a student’s understanding of what makes Carnegie Mellon unique and why they are a perfect fit for it. For instance, an applicant might articulate how the university’s interdisciplinary approach resonates with their own learning style and career aspirations.

The essays also provide an opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Carnegie Mellon highly values these skills, as they are indicative of a student’s readiness for the academic rigors they will encounter. The way an essay is constructed—how ideas are presented, the clarity of arguments, and the overall writing style—offers the admissions committee valuable insights into an applicant’s intellectual capabilities and potential contributions to campus dialogues.

Lastly, supplemental essays can be strategically used by students to address any potential weaknesses in their applications or to further underscore strengths and unique achievements. For some, it’s a chance to explain how personal challenges have prepared them for college life, while for others, it’s an opportunity to expand on significant accomplishments or projects that highlight their potential as a future Carnegie Mellon student.

In essence, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are a critical component of the application. They offer students the chance to present a well-rounded and authentic picture of themselves, making a persuasive case for why they are an ideal match for the university. Far from being mere formalities, these essays can significantly impact the chances of admission , allowing applicants to stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.

How Do Carnegie Mellon’s Supplemental Essays Compare to Others?

Carnegie Mellon’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle have distinct characteristics that set them apart from those of other top universities. While many elite institutions use supplemental essays to gain deeper insights into applicants beyond their grades and test scores, Carnegie Mellon’s prompts tend to emphasize practical creativity and intellectual curiosity, reflecting the university’s strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary study.

For instance, unlike the broad and reflective prompts often seen in Ivy League schools like Harvard or Yale , where students are encouraged to delve into personal life philosophies or intellectual experiences, Carnegie Mellon’s prompts are more targeted. They often ask students to discuss specific aspects of their academic interests, career goals, or personal projects. This approach mirrors the university’s pragmatic and forward-thinking ethos, evident in its renowned programs in technology, science, and the arts.

Similarly, while Stanford University is known for its creative and sometimes unconventional essay questions that challenge students to think outside the box, Carnegie Mellon’s supplemental essays are more straightforward, aligning with the university’s emphasis on clarity of thought and purpose. This difference can be attributed to Carnegie Mellon’s unique blend of artistic creativity and technological innovation, which demands a certain level of directness and practicality in thinking.

Moreover, compared to schools like the University of Chicago , known for its intellectually rigorous and often quirky essay prompts, Carnegie Mellon’s essays tend to be more grounded and closely tied to the applicant’s specific interests and experiences, especially in relation to their intended field of study. This focus reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges and its expectation that applicants demonstrate a clear vision for how they intend to utilize their education.

In essence, while other top universities might use their essays to probe into the philosophical and abstract thinking of their applicants, the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle are more reflective of the university’s practical and interdisciplinary approach.

They ask students to clearly articulate their passions, how these align with what Carnegie Mellon offers, and how they foresee their experiences at the university shaping their future. This distinction underscores Carnegie Mellon’s unique position in higher education as an institution deeply rooted in practical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The supplemental essays for Carnegie Mellon University’s 2023-2024 admissions cycle offer a unique opportunity for applicants to showcase their individuality, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with the university’s ethos. These prompts, while challenging, provide a platform for students to narrate their academic and personal journeys, articulate their future aspirations, and highlight unique aspects of their experiences and perspectives.

Applicants should approach these essays with introspection, creativity, and authenticity, ensuring that each response adds depth and dimension to their overall application. The goal is to present a compelling, coherent narrative that resonates with the admissions committee, demonstrating not only the applicant’s suitability for Carnegie Mellon but also their potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

With thoughtful preparation and attention to detail, these essays can be a decisive factor in the admissions process, turning aspirations of attending Carnegie Mellon into reality.

AdmissionSight , a college consulting firm, offers personalized assistance to students in their college admissions journey. We help you create a strategic plan for your application process, identify suitable schools aligned with your academic and personal goals, and prioritize your application strategy.

Our experts review your application, providing constructive feedback to enhance its quality and uniqueness. We also assist in crafting compelling essays that reflect your personality and achievements, guide you through the writing process, and offer feedback on drafts. In addition, we provide interview coaching to boost your confidence and readiness for college interviews, offering tips on professional presentation and answering common questions.

We aid in optimizing your extracurricular activities to align with your interests and goals, emphasizing leadership and initiative. Overall, AdmissionSight offers valuable guidance and support to increase your chances of college acceptance. With a strong network and a success rate exceeding 75% in the past decade, book a free initial consultation today!

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Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the CMU supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Carnegie Mellon essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help crafting your answers to the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts, create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Carnegie Mellon  Supplemental Essays Guide Quick Facts:

• Carnegie Mellon has an acceptance rate of 17%— U.S. News  ranks Carnegie Mellon as a competitive school.
• We recommend answering all CMU supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does Carnegie Mellon have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to the main essay prompt in the  Common App , you’ll also have to answer additional Carnegie Mellon essays. Three of the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts are required, while the final prompt is optional.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our  Common App essay guide .

What are the Carnegie Mellon essays?

The Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays are available on the  Common App site . You can also visit the  Carnegie Mellon admissions page  to view the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts as well as a full list of application requirements.

How many essays are required for Carnegie Mellon?

There are three required Carnegie Mellon essays in the 2021-2022 Common App. There is also one optional prompt to explain circumstances surrounding test scores. We recommend that most students just answer the first three Carnegie Mellon essay prompts. Students should only complete the fourth Carnegie Mellon essay prompt if they have extenuating circumstances related to standardized testing.

How do you answer the Carnegie Mellon essays?

The Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays can make a huge difference in admissions. To help you maximize your admissions odds, we’ve provided each of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays below.

In this guide to the Carnegie Mellon essays, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each of the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts as well as tips for creating an application narrative that will stand out in admissions.

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required):

Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

You may notice that this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt feels similar to some of the Common Application Personal Statement prompts. The good news is that if you’ve already completed your Personal Statement—which you should do before writing any CMU supplemental essays—this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt should be relatively straightforward. The bad news, however, is that you’ll need to be careful to avoid repeating information from your Common App essay. You might think of this prompt as a second Common App essay—that is, it should enrich the rest of your application by providing crucial insight into your identity.

This Carnegie Mellon essay prompt is your opportunity to show a different side of yourself–something that you have yet to highlight in your other materials. Although the prompt encourages creativity, when it says, “tell us, don’t show us,” it means just that. Do not include links to external resources, even if they show something you could never say with words. If you were hoping to include links to an artistic portfolio, don’t worry! Although this CMU supplement essay might not allow it, CMU has a  separate program  for those who wish to apply with an art portfolio.

Use dynamic, descriptive language

The instruction to not “tell” the admissions team rather than “show” them extends only as far as this CMU supplement essay prompt says it does. When they say, “don’t show us,” they simply mean, “no links.” This instruction does not mean that your CMU supplement essay has to be matter-of-fact. You can still paint a compelling picture with your words!

While your chosen topic should enrich your overall candidate profile, this topic does not necessarily need to relate to the rest of your application. This is your time to cover some new ground! If you’re struggling to come up with a topic for this CMU supplement essay, go back and look at the topics you considered (yet didn’t select) for your Common Application personal statement. What topics intrigued you most, even if you didn’t end up choosing them? What elements of your identity will help you enrich the CMU community? Do you have a niche hobby or interest? A unique personal story? This is an excellent time to talk about any of those areas.

If you still can’t think of a topic, spend some time brainstorming the things that matter to you. Make lists of your interests, identities, hobbies, and other key characteristics. Your CMU supplemental essays should show the non-academic side of you, so take advantage of this opportunity! You can also draw inspiration from prompts you’ve answered for other colleges (so long as you don’t repeat information from your Common Application or other Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays).

CMU Supplemental Essays Key Questions:

• Is the topic of your first CMU supplement essay authentic?
• Does your essay avoid repeating information found in your other Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays?
• Do you avoid including links to external material?
• Does your first CMU supplement essay enrich the other parts of your application?

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required):

Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

Out of all of the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, this one might be the most complex. Let’s break down this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt together!

This prompt uses the framework of learning to ask how you will define a “successful college experience.” As you approach this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt, think about how you define this prompt’s two key concepts: learning and success. Both of these topics are vast—learning can come both in and out of the classroom, and success can’t be measured by just one metric. Think about your hopes for your future and what you hope to learn in college. How will Carnegie Mellon help you achieve these goals? The strongest CMU supplemental essays will answer all parts of this prompt.

Like your other Carnegie Mellon essays, you might start this CMU supplement essay by brainstorming. Make lists for each of the following questions: Why do you want to go to college? What is your “ultimate goal”? How do you define learning? How do you define success? Finally, how can you use this CMU supplement essay to show why you belong at Carnegie Mellon?

In your other Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, you might have addressed your educational and career goals. This CMU supplement essay, however, lets you think about these goals in a broader sense, focusing both on academic and non-academic aspirations. A good approach is to break the essay down into two sections: one where you talk about your concrete career goals and how CMU will help you achieve them, and another devoted to the less inherently academic question of your “ultimate goal.”

Let’s start by discussing your academic goals. To recap: this CMU supplement essay asks about your “ultimate” goal for your  academics  and future  career . Think about what interests you and how CMU will help you engage with these interests. For example, you might discuss CMU’s opportunities for undergraduate  research . Better yet, you could discuss how CMU’s variety of  centers and institutes  enables cross-disciplinary work. Be as concrete as possible. The best Carnegie Mellon essays will illustrate in specific terms the reason why CMU—and CMU alone—will help you achieve your academic and career aspirations.

Define “successful college experience”

Now, let’s shift to the less academic side of this prompt. Start by thinking about the following questions: why do you want to go to college? What do you hope to get out of CMU? How do you define a “successful college experience”?

Think about what you want out of your college experience and how CMU will help you attain it. Maybe you want to forge relationships with your peers through one of CMU’s many clubs and organizations, or maybe you want to meet your future writing partner in a CMU economics lecture. Use specific details to emphasize why your “successful college experience” should be at CMU.

If you’re struggling to define a “successful college experience,” try thinking about your future–a future where you’ve presumably attained your “ultimate goal.” In twenty years, what will you remember from your college days? Will it be the exhilaration you felt watching your peers  play basketball or baseball ? Or the memory of reconnecting with your Scottish roots at  Spring Carnival ? Do some research on CMU’s specific offerings, and use this essay to discuss why these offerings will enrich your life on campus.

Of all the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays, this is the place to visualize your ideal college experience as well as the many ways you might “learn” at CMU. At CMU, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from those around you both inside and outside the classroom. The “ultimate goal” you describe in this CMU supplement essay, therefore, should extend beyond classes alone. Use the second of the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts to show how CMU will give you the tools to become the kind of professional, person, and community member you hope to be.

• Do you describe your “ultimate goal” in both a professional and personal sense?
• Does your essay define your idea of a “successful college experience” at CMU?
• Do you use specific details to explain why CMU will help you attain your personal and professional goals?
• Does your essay add context and nuance to the other elements of your application?

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – Question 3 (Required):

Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

You should begin this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt by choosing an intended major from Carnegie Mellon’s  offerings . Do your research—you don’t want to spend 300 words gushing over your passion for studying zoology when Carnegie Mellon doesn’t offer it as a major. However, you can discuss how your experience as a volunteer at the  Central Park Zoo  developed your interest in pursuing Biological Sciences at the  Mellon College of Science .

For this CMU supplemental essay, think about the experiences that have fostered your interest in a given major. Did a specific moment make you realize a passion for a given field? Or did a set of experiences help you develop an interest over time? What other factors have influenced your academic development?

Start with a story

To give some insight into how I would approach this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt, here’s a snippet of an essay I wrote when I was applying to colleges.

“My fascination with the stock market all began at the tender age of seven. A flurry of red and green numbers and arrows emerged on my TV screen accompanying the words S&P and Dow Jones. ”

This excerpt is only two sentences, but I used the remainder of my response to explain how I later joined a youth investment program, won a stock trading competition, and became the treasurer of two organizations. In essence, I would use this anecdote to show how I became interested in my chosen field, then use the following sentences to reveal how I nurtured this interest throughout high school. Finally, I would tie everything together with a statement like  “That day in 2008 changed my life; I still have the same set of encyclopedias, but now I am ready to embark on a future in finance beyond the pages.”

Keep in mind that this CMU supplement essay should focus on you rather than on CMU. By painting a clear picture of your academic development, you can help admissions officers envision who you’ll be on CMU’s campus. Don’t worry if you don’t directly connect your interests to CMU’s programs in the third of your CMU essays; however, if you have the space, feel free to include one or two sentences about how you would develop these interests at CMU.

• Does CMU offer the intended major you discuss?
• Do you use an interesting anecdote to explain how your interests in this major developed?
• Does your essay show how you’ve actively nurtured this interest over time?

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays – Question 4 (Optional):

When it comes to deciding whether to submit standardized test scores, occasionally applicants want us to better understand the individual context of their decision. If you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, please share any information about your decision here. This is an optional question for those who may want to provide additional context for consideration. (150 word maximum)

In most cases, students should complete all “optional” prompts to maximize their admissions odds. But for this CMU supplement essay, you should respond only under one condition: you have extenuating circumstances surrounding your test scores.

Essentially, this prompt lets you explain any circumstances surrounding your test scores. This can be particularly useful if external factors influenced your ability to study for or take standardized tests, particularly given the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you chose to omit your score under Carnegie Mellon’s  test-optional policy  for Fall 2022, were unable to take the exams, or scored lower than you would have due to unforeseen circumstances, this prompt lets you elaborate further. However, you should only fill it out if you have a legitimate reason.

Don’t use this Carnegie Mellon essay prompt to describe how you tend to procrastinate on TikTok or Netflix. However, if you had to work full-time to support your family during COVID-19 or lost a family member to the pandemic, you may well use this prompt to help contextualize your scores for the admissions team. Regardless, with only 150 words to work with, ensure that you convey your thoughts concisely and clearly.

• Do you clarify any extenuating circumstances that influenced your test scores
• Does your essay provide essential context for understanding your test scores (or your decision not to submit them)?
• Does your essay reflect well on your commitment and work ethic?

Are the Carnegie Mellon Essays Important?

As with all school-specific supplements, the CMU supplemental essays are a critical component of your application. However, don’t let that scare you! Strong Carnegie Mellon essays can make a major difference in admissions, particularly if you have lower grades or test scores. A well-crafted set of Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays will help your application stand out to admissions officers.

Think of every Carnegie Mellon essay prompt as an opportunity. The CMU supplemental essays are your chance to address the admissions team on your own terms. At the end of the day, what do you want your readers to know about you? How can you use the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts to tell them why you belong at their school?

Carnegie Mellon Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Completing the CMU supplemental essays can seem daunting, but don’t let them discourage you from applying. At the end of the day, the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts are not intended to trip you up. Rather, view each CMU supplement essay as an opportunity to further introduce yourself to the admissions team.

Use this Carnegie Mellon essay prompts guide to help you approach each CMU supplement essay with confidence. After completing your CMU supplemental essays, make sure to revise—you might even ask a counselor, advisor, or other trusted adult to help you proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Carnegie Mellon was written by  Juliana Furigay , Columbia ‘23. For more resources on the college admissions process,  click here . If you need help crafting your answers to the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts, create your  free account  or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essay Examples

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• college application essays
• supplemental essays
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Is Carnegie Mellon University on your college list?

Located in Pittsburgh, CMU offers strong academic programs in both the arts and sciences, attracting top students all over the world to apply. Carnegie Mellon has seven undergraduate colleges you can study in:

• College of Engineering
• College of Fine Arts
• Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mellon College of Science
• Tepper School of Business
• H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy
• School of Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon is well known for their undergraduate engineering programs and their entrepreneurial teachings, but they also have a strong arts program and an architecture program, which isn’t offered at all universities.

Interested in applying to CMU? Carnegie Mellon’s application calls for an additional writing supplement, asking students to elaborate on why they want to attend. Here are 5 successful examples for you to learn more about what the college offers, and how to best approach the “Why us?” supplemental essay:

Essay Excerpt 1

Thicctartan

Mechanical Engineering, CMU ‘21

“My face lit up as I moved my mouse over and clicked “run” to watch my days of work unfold before me. I had meticulously reconstructed my hometown of Pittsburgh to the best of my memory, but this time with a twist. The player has to navigate through the street of downtown to Heinz Field to beat both the clock and a pack of brain-hungry zombies. As I loaded up Alice each day to perfect this game, I took notice of the school in the corner: Carnegie Mellon University. As I continue to develop over the years, I kept finding myself drawn to the school, traces of it appearing everywhere.”

Unlock his Carnegie Mellon profile to read his full essay and his application advice.

Essay Excerpt 2

Eliotdexter

Computer Science, CMU ‘19

“One of the reasons Carnegie Mellon appeals to me is because it is an urban campus and is intertwined with the city of Pittsburgh. On my visit to the campus for Sleeping Bag Weekend, I was quite impressed with the school and pleasantly surprised by the city of Pittsburgh. I attended presentations on both engineering and computer science. I am torn on which discipline appeals to me more, thus i am considering a double major. Although I have had more exposure to computer science, I am also very interested in the type of work that electrical engineers do.”

View his full Carnegie Mellon profile to learn more about his application!

Essay Excerpt 3

Computer Engineering, CMU ‘21

“”El Circulo” is what first got me interested in Carnegie Mellon University. It’s a course at the Department of Modern Language designed to help Latino children keep in touch with their culture. I am Cuban, and though Spanish was my first language, I’ve struggled with my ethnic identity. My skill with Spanish has fluctuated as a result, but I’m resolved to never lose that part of me. Spanish connects me to a whole other plethora of cultures, all unique in their own ways, and maintaining that connection is important to me. When I heard about “El Circulo”, I immediately thought of Coder Dojo, an educational platform for teaching computer science to children.”

Check out his successful Carnegie Mellon application to see his essays and advice.

Essay Excerpt 4

Computer Science, CMU ‘21

“In the sweltering heat of a Pittsburgh summer, I found myself sitting in one of the cool, air-conditioned classrooms in Wean Hall, quietly working with four other students to design our first ever video game. Having the opportunity to participate in one of Carnegie Mellon’s pre-college programs, the National High School Game Academy, I was overjoyed to be able to call this my home for the next six weeks. When I sat in the packed auditorium on opening day, I could not wait to meet the dozens of students who had the same shining eyes as I did, eager to learn and eager to create.”

Unlock her CMU profile to see her full application!

Essay Excerpt 5

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, CMU ‘19

“I visited Carnegie Mellon twice—once last winter for a tour and information session, and again in October for a Sleeping Bag weekend. These visits opened my eyes to the incredible experience CMU provides. I sat in on Professor Conrad Zapanta’s Biomedical Engineering lab, peering over the shoulders of seniors as they experimented on muscle cells and explained their research to me.”

View her CMU application file to learn more about her application journey.

Hope this was helpful for those considering applying to CMU this fall! Interested in reading these students’ full personal statements in addition to their full responses to the CMU supplemental prompts? Unlock all of them in one go with our  CMU Package !

You can also find more general tips to help you put together your  supplemental essays . Additionally, you can now search by  supplemental essay topics  on our search page. Or, you can check out our  curated packages  to find what you’re looking!

For further access, upgrade to our  premium plans  offer different levels of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school.

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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How to Write Carnegie Mellon University’s Essays 2018-2019

See our updated 2019-2020 guide here . 

With its application pool rising to record highs and an acceptance rate that keeps dropping (2017 saw a 10.8% acceptance rate spanning its seven colleges), Carnegie Mellon University is amongst the most selective institutions of higher education in this country. As the university becomes more selective, its supplemental essays provide an increasingly vital opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from the pack.

For the 2018-2019 admissions year, CMU has announced that it will be using three entirely new prompts. This is your chance to show them something they’ve never seen before! Below, we’ll go into detailed explanation of what the prompts are asking—with tips, hints, and examples provided to ensure that you stand out.

Want to learn what Carnegie Mellon University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Carnegie Mellon University needs to know.

Carnegie Mellon University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt #1: “most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study” (300 words).

What CMU has done here is take a standard question— why this major —and ask it in a manner that will make you answer it a certain way. While the typical ‘why this major’ prompt gives students the freedom to focus on the past or future (i.e. how you developed an interest or what you plan to do with the major), this version of the question is asking you to focus on the former.

A successful execution of this prompt will:

1) elaborate on the path that led you to choose your major and

2) show the adcom why you deserve to pursue this major at their school.

The latter doesn’t necessarily need to be explicit. If you can do part one while showing drive, curiosity and all those good things that adcoms love to see, consider part two completed as well. Let’s dive in.

There are essentially two methods for completing this prompt. The first is a narrative arc or anecdote. If there’s a moment where you said to yourself “this is going to be my major,” that could be a great story to tell! Perhaps you were in a robotics competition and after weeks of toiling, your robot finally moves. And that’s when you knew, you knew beyond a shadow of doubt, this was the path you needed to pursue.

Here’s what telling that story does. First, it shows tenacity—even after weeks of failure, you didn’t give up. Second, it shows innovation. And third, CMU just happens to be known for offering a robotics major, so even without being explicit, you just told the adcom exactly why you belong at CMU!

Stories are a great method for drawing in your reader and creating pathos. The trick, however, is to not get so caught up in the narration that you fill your 300 words without actually saying anything. If you’re going the anecdote route, ask yourself the following questions:

Did I answer the prompt?

Does the story I just told show why I’m passionate about the major I’ve chosen?

Have I showed that CMU is the right place for me?

Don’t say you want to pursue a major in underwater basket-weaving if CMU doesn’t offer that (just an example, but you get the idea).

Do mention, either briefly or implicitly, how CMU would allow you to continue pursuing and developing your passion.

If you can honestly answer yes to those questions, then you’re all set! Let’s move on to the second method of answering this prompt. I call it the brag sheet method.

You may not be able to fully answer the prompt with just one moment or story. That’s okay! Not everyone has that kind of story to tell. An alternative is to briefly list key moments, progressions, or accomplishments leading up to your decision. Here’s an example:

“From writing short stories as a seven year old to winning my first prose contest in high school, creative writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Unlike the narrative arc method, this example is neither a story nor a specific event. Instead, it shows how creative writing has been pivotal to my life for years. Though arguably less compelling than a story, this method has the bonus of demonstrating growth, long-term commitment, and development. Being that CMU is one of the only universities to offer a BA in creative writing, it also shows why I’m applying.

This same method will work if you choose to talk about who or what inspired you. However , this comes with a warning. If you choose to talk about a person or work that inspired you, ensure that you don’t only write about said person or work. If the adcom learns more about the Pulitzer prize winner whose work inspired you than they do about you and your work, reassess!

Prompt #2 “Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please).” (300 words)

This prompt is a gift. Within the confines of the word limit, the options are endless. This is your chance to show the adcom exactly what makes you so special. But don’t get bogged down by the possibilities! So how do you know what’s worth writing about?

Is there something you mentioned on your Common App that you feel the need to elaborate?  This should not be even remotely similar to the subject of your personal statement. Think of your essays as a portfolio; they should be complimentary without being redundant.   For example,  if your passions are science and wildlife, and your personal statement is about wildlife, make this prompt about science.

Is there something you haven’t been able to mention anywhere that you’re dying to mention?  Let your personality shine through. Whether your passion of choice is volunteering with animals, taking apart computers, or almost anything else, it can have a place in this prompt. However, it shouldn’t be so random that it doesn’t say anything about you as an applicant.

Here’s a good idea: “ I collect postcards from all over the world because I love learning about new cultures.”

See how this paints a picture of a student eager to learn and expand their horizons?

Now here’s a bad idea: “I like watching Netflix in my free time.”

Does that tell the adcom something that helps them envision a contributing member of the CMU community?

Neither of the above? Just write about something you love. If you have a topic that you could talk about for hours, then here’s your place. 

Note: this has to be entirely different than your answer for the previous prompt.

The scoop : use this as an opportunity to show your personality and your passion.

The caveat: don’t get overwhelmed by the possibilities. Narrow in on something pivotal to what makes you you, and make sure it still shows CMU why you’re a fit.

The ideal : if you have a story, accomplishment, or passion that shows you possess drive, an entrepreneurial spirit, or a similar embodiment of the CMU spirit, here’s the place to prove it.

What not to do: Don’t be redundant. If you’ve already said it in another CMU essay or in your personal statement, don’t say it again.

Prompt #3: “When we’re connected to others, we become better people,” said Carnegie Mellon University’s Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture. At Carnegie Mellon you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of scholars, artists and innovators. Given the students, faculty, staff and resources that have been available to you as a student, how have you collaborated with others, in or out of the classroom? Or, what lessons have you learned from working with others in the past, that might shape your experiences in the future? (300 words)

This prompt is clearly one CMU values highly. They give you an additional 50 words, provide an introduction for the prompt, and attach more than one question. Spoiler: they care a lot about your answer.

Let’s break down what this prompt is really asking because there are a lot of extra words.

• How have you demonstrated teamwork, be it in or out of the classroom?
• What did you gain from that experience?
• How will this experience impact your teamwork in the future?

The overarching goal for this essay is to prove to CMU that you deserve their “diverse community of scholars, artists, and innovators.” They’re proud of their network. Why do you deserve to be a part of it? If offered access, what do you have to offer to their collaborative environment? These are all implicit questions, meaning they may not outright ask them, but they secretly want them answered.

The only efficient way to ensure you account for all aspects of the prompt is to focus on one instance or example. Whether this is a long-term commitment (the teamwork you’ve encountered while playing football for the last four years) or one specific event (the time your group was falling behind on a school project, so you helped delegate roles to pull everyone together), the idea is the same. But don’t just start listing stuff.

Here’s the format your essay should follow (and for clarity’s sake, I’ll continue with the previous example):

The challenge : Regardless of whether you’re choosing the long-term or specific instance, your essay will be much stronger if you describe a challenge that had to be overcome. For example, you’ve been assigned to a group for a school project. The deadline is in a week, your group has communicated very little, and everyone seems to be inefficiently doing their own thing.

The solution: Solve your challenge using teamwork. Bonus: try to show leadership qualities!  You realize your group needs to work together, so you get everyone together and delegate roles to get things done. With everyone working on a role that caters to their unique talents, the project comes together.

The takeaway: What did you learn from the experience?  I learned that communication and teamwork allowed our finished product to be so much stronger than it otherwise would have been.

The future: How will you apply the takeaway to the future? Don’t be afraid to make it CMU specific! In fact, this is a great opportunity to throw in a few sentences of ‘why CMU.’

Example:  “CMU is constantly collaborating with leading companies, amongst them Sony and CH Robinson, to create results that would otherwise not be possible. In this environment, I would use my own talent for robotics and seek complimentary talents to push the limits of what I can achieve.”

The more specific you can be here, the better. Specific to you and specific to CMU.

Be aware that the above scenario is a very generic scenario. You will create a much stronger essay by using this space to share an example specific to you. Whether this is the time you entered a design competition with a group of friends or painted a city mural with your art club, just make sure it’s pretty specific to you! If it’s a situation that can apply to every high schooler in the world, definitely reassess.

So, there you have it! At the end of the day, you want your essays to answer the prompts in a way that screams ‘you.’ The more personality and you-ness in the essays, the better.

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I'm feeling a bit stressed about writing my essays for Carnegie Mellon. Are there any resources where I can read successful CMU essays to get inspired and see what worked for other applicants? I just want some guidance on how to start my own essays and what admissions officers might be looking for.

I understand the need for inspiration and guidance while writing college essays. One helpful approach is to research and connect with successful CMU applicants, who can share their experiences and essays with you directly. You could try reaching out to people who attended or currently attend CMU via LinkedIn or social media, as they may be willing to share their essays with you and provide advice on the application process.

Another resource is CollegeVine, which offers a platform for sharing college essays and reviewing them. They have a section containing essays submitted by successful applicants, including those who were accepted by CMU. By creating an account, you'll have access to their essay storage and can read through examples that may inspire you. You can read a blog post about CMU essays here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-carnegie-mellon-essays/

When working on your CMU essays, keep in mind the importance of showcasing your passion, demonstrated interests, and creative thinking. Admissions officers appreciate essays that provide insight into your personality, character, and personal growth.

As a tip, try to brainstorm and reflect on your personal experiences, focusing on unique aspects and demonstrating how you stand out from the crowd. Avoid cliché topics and focus on what makes you different. Authenticity really shines through in essays, which can leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.

Remember to revise and edit your essays thoroughly, and don't hesitate to seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers. Good luck with your essay writing!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.