Essays play a big role in getting into top colleges. Many students stress out the most about writing them when applying. So, when applying to lots of schools, some students prefer colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays. This lets them focus on other parts of their application, like activities, test scores, or recommendation letters.

But finding colleges like this can be tough. That’s why we made a list of 33 colleges that don’t require supplemental essays to help you out.

Despite what you might hear, colleges that don’t need supplemental essays can still be really good.

This guide is here to help you find colleges that fit your needs and don’t ask for supplemental essays. We’ll also talk about other important stuff you need for your college applications. By the end, you’ll be more ready for the whole college application process.

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start looking for colleges that don’t need supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools need only one, while others need several. They cover various topics, from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. These essays are usually short, ranging from 50 to 250 words. They give you a chance to show your strengths, personal growth, and personality.

It’s important to know that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application. The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll likely write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list. You can also find each school’s extra writing requirements on the Common App site.

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for extra writing.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, well-known colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays will still want students to write a personal statement. Remember, the supplemental essays can be different in length and number depending on the college. On the other hand, the personal statement is usually just one essay that most colleges ask for as part of their application process. However, both the supplemental essays and the personal statement are important for creating a true picture of your application.

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. It gives you seven prompts to choose from, including one where you can write about anything you want. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays, at 650 words. Even though you only need to respond to one prompt, it’s a good idea to think about a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. Each college has its own requirements. Some colleges don’t ask for any supplemental essays at all, while others might ask for as many as six!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While some colleges don’t have supplemental essays, most universities do require at least one. However, the number of these essays can vary a lot.

For example, Northeastern University’s application doesn’t include an extra writing part. But this doesn’t necessarily make the application process simpler compared to others. Because it’s a prestigious school, applicants still need to work hard to make their Northeastern application stand out.

In contrast, the University of Chicago asks for one “why school” essay and offers different extra prompts, making it a total of two essays for UChicago applicants.

The number of supplemental essays varies from one school to another, so it’s important to check each institution’s specific application requirements on their admissions websites.

What kind of colleges require essays?

It’s not common to find colleges that don’t ask for essays at all. While there are a few that skip supplemental essays, most still want students to submit a personal statement. So, most colleges in the U.S. expect some kind of essay. Even if you’re using platforms like UC Apply or the Coalition Application, you’ll likely have to write something.

A better question might be: why do colleges ask for essays? Most universities’ admissions teams look at the whole picture when evaluating applications. Your supplemental essay gives you a chance to tell the admissions team more about yourself. Good college essay topics often involve personal stories that show how you’ve grown and what you’ve learned about yourself.

What are college application requirements?

If you’re searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, you’ll have to check out each school’s application needs. Put simply, college application requirements are all the things you need to apply.

Here are some common requirements:

• Fill out the application form on their website, which includes:
  • Basic personal details
  • Any activities you’re involved in outside of class
  • A personal statement

• Pay the application fee
• Send in your school grades
• Get recommendation letters from your counselor or teacher

You can also include any essays you’ve written as part of the application. Just remember, each college has its own set of requirements, so it’s a good idea to check their website for details.

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Thankfully, for those who struggle with writing essays, there are colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays. Soon, we’ll give you a big list of well-known colleges that fall into this category.

But remember, most schools still want to see a personal statement. So, if you’re hoping to avoid writing essays altogether, it might be tough. However, if you really don’t like writing essays, there are still some top colleges that won’t ask for extra ones.

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

Students often prefer colleges without supplemental essays for a few reasons. Some find essay requirements too stressful, so they’d rather skip them altogether.

Mainly, it’s about saving time. Coming up with essay ideas and writing them takes a lot of time and effort. Especially if you’re applying to many schools, like up to 15, it can be overwhelming. Adding colleges without supplemental essays to your list can make things easier.

Also, some competitive colleges don’t ask for supplemental essays. But it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you can slack off on the rest of your application. You still need to show off your academic achievements and activities. These things matter a lot, especially when there are no supplemental essays to help you stand out.

Even though colleges without supplemental essays usually still want a personal statement, you can use the same one for multiple applications. Once you’ve written it, you’re good to go for all the colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays.

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here. Let’s take a look at some colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays.

Top 30+ Colleges without Essays

1. Colby College

Colby College, located in Waterville, Maine, stands out as the first entry on our list. Being the 12th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has a wealth of experience in providing students with a close-knit learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small university in the Northeast, take a look at Colby’s application requirements.

2. Grinnell College

Grinnell encourages students to “pursue passions with purpose,” highlighting the school’s commitment to guiding students towards meaningful pursuits. Despite not requiring essays for admission, Grinnell College consistently ranks highly among liberal arts institutions. Don’t hesitate to apply! At Grinnell, students are empowered to tailor their academic journey to align with their intellectual interests and aspirations.

3. Middlebury College

Middlebury College, located in Vermont’s beautiful Champlain Valley, is one of the liberal arts colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays. The stunning natural setting provides an ideal environment for learning, serving as a natural laboratory nearby. With an acceptance rate of 13%, getting into Middlebury requires a strong application even without supplemental essays.

4. Colgate University

Situated in New York state, Colgate University offers students a high-quality liberal arts education. Similar to others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t require additional essays. With 56 majors available, students have plenty of choices. Colgate values curiosity, so make sure to show yours in your application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application.

5. Temple University

Temple University is the first public research university on our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. It has 17 schools and colleges, focusing on hands-on learning. Located in North Philadelphia, students enjoy access to the city’s opportunities.

6. Oberlin College

Oberlin College offers a unique education where students can explore academics and the arts. The rankings highlight this: Oberlin College is ranked #39 among national liberal arts colleges and #16 among Most Innovative Schools. While rankings aren’t everything, they do show the quality and distinctiveness of Oberlin’s education. Plus, no supplemental essays are needed for Oberlin College (excluding the conservatory).

7. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve provides a wide range of programs for students to choose from. However, the student community is primarily focused on making a positive impact, seeing education as a path to a meaningful career. Moreover, Case Western Reserve is one of our colleges that doesn’t ask for supplemental essays, and it’s also letting students choose whether or not to submit test scores until fall 2024.

8. Bates College

The Bates approach is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” As students, you’ll be part of a community that values things like social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion. Check out the requirements for joining this unique campus. Keep in mind that Bates College is quite selective, with an acceptance rate of only 17%. So, even though Bates is one of the colleges that doesn’t require essays, getting in is tough due to the high competition.

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston, Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are key parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and making a difference, here’s what you need to apply.

10. Hampshire College

It might not be surprising that Hampshire College, known as the “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their unique approach to education leads to meaningful outcomes. This community values exploration, innovation, and inquiry in a non-traditional way. If this sounds appealing to you, take a look at their application requirements.

11. DePaul University

Next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays is this well-known private university in Chicago, Illinois. Here, professors provide excellent teaching to ensure their students have a great learning experience. DePaul University aims to offer an experience that brings together “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is widely regarded as one of the best colleges that doesn’t require supplemental essays. It’s nationally known for its co-op program, where students get a lot of hands-on experience in their chosen field before they graduate.

Even though Drexel’s admission rate is relatively high at 83%, it’s still important to put effort into your application. Doing well in your application to Drexel could help you secure scholarships, which are really important for college.

13. Kenyon College

Though this college might not be well-known, it has played a major role in shaping faculty advising across the nation. According to Kenyon College, they were the first to develop this system. As a result, students can expect excellent support and guidance throughout their time here.

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU is on our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. It’s a small school with around 1,200 undergraduate students. At Dillard, students get personal attention and enjoy a close community on campus. Once accepted, they can choose from 22 different majors.

15. Skidmore College

Skidmore College believes strongly in fostering creative thinking among its students. Situated in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers a high-quality education in a picturesque college town. At Skidmore College, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of academic interests because all majors combine different areas of study.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing city in the Midwest—Ohio State University focuses on improving communities locally and globally. They contribute in every county in Ohio, with six campuses across the state for students to choose from.

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. No matter what they’re studying, every student can get involved in research opportunities. LSU’s focus on research is at the heart of the community, driven by a desire to make the world a better place.

18. University of Alabama

At the University of Alabama, students have plenty of choices with over 100 areas of study spread across 8 schools and colleges. We value research but also support students in following their interests. Take a look at the freshman requirements to understand how to apply.

19. University of Cincinnati

Another big public research university is on our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. UC offers great co-op and internship programs where students can get practical experience while studying. At the University of Cincinnati, students can expect a top-notch education and hands-on learning.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions values hard work and encourages students to make a positive impact. Those interested in applying should review the application requirements. With an admission rate of 49%, Clemson accepts nearly half of its applicants.

21. University of Pittsburgh

Situated in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the top colleges that doesn’t require supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a way to make positive changes. With its great location, students are encouraged to make the most of everything the university and city offer.

22. Wesleyan University

Encouraging students to develop their intellectual flexibility is a significant aspect of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 different areas of study to choose from, we encourage students to explore the diverse range of courses available. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internship opportunities accessible starting from your first year on campus.

23. Miami University

You might have seen this school ranked among the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. They offer many different undergraduate programs, so students can pursue lots of different careers. The active student community helps create a strong campus vibe, and the location is really beautiful.

24. University of Connecticut

As a big university in a rural area, the UConn campus community feels like a small town. Students have lots of study options, plenty of student clubs and organizations, and top-notch faculty members. Check out the application requirements to learn more.

25. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware has a beautiful campus and a team of experienced faculty members, catering to around 18,000 students. Here, students are encouraged to explore various opportunities such as research, internships, and studying abroad to find their own way of making a positive impact on the world.

26. Florida State University

FSU is known for being one of the best value colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. Students here are curious, driven, and socially aware. The FSU experience revolves around giving students the tools they need to succeed.

27. University of Georgia

Despite being a large university, every student is valued here as an individual. The University of Georgia is dedicated to making sure everyone feels included and has access to what they need. Plus, 92% of the university’s graduates either have a job or are continuing their studies within six months of graduation.

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas, the University of Houston is one of our top colleges that doesn’t ask for supplemental essays. With a diverse campus community, the university aims to make positive impacts on lives and communities. It focuses on encouraging students’ growth through exploration and open discussions.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

There’s a lot to discover when you attend Indiana University Bloomington. You’ll get practical experience in your field, whether it’s in the lab or out in the field. Plus, you’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their field.

30. University of Kansas

At the University of Kansas, you have plenty of choices for your studies. With over 400 degree and certificate programs offered across 14 schools, there’s something for everyone. Our educational experience in the UK focuses on innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge.

31. University of Kentucky

Another university in the UK is on our list of colleges that don’t ask for supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky provides over 200 degree programs across 16 schools. A key value of the university is to find ways to improve Kentucky in areas like education, health, economy, and culture, ensuring its ongoing progress.

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Nestled in a quaint college town, UMass Amherst is the biggest public research university in New England. Offering more than 110 majors on campus, students have plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, the university encourages students to explore and be curious by providing study abroad opportunities.

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This big university located in the city encourages students to explore new things. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are encouraged to pursue their interests and push their academic boundaries. Find out more about the application requirements to get started.

As you go through this list, keep in mind that college essay requirements may change. Be sure to visit the admissions website of each school to confirm all additional essay requirements.

While it might be tempting to only apply to colleges that don’t ask for essays, it’s important to remember that these schools care more about your grades and activities. So, when thinking about applying to colleges without supplemental essays, consider this: Will your application stand out to admissions without those supplemental essays? Will your personality and values come through clearly?

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Analyzing the acceptance rates of colleges that don’t ask for essays shows us which schools are the most selective. Colby College (9%), Grinnell College (11%), and Middlebury College (13%) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. Also, Bates College is quite picky, with an acceptance rate similar to Northeastern University.

Determining the best colleges without supplemental essays depends on your preferences. How can you find your top choices? Well, when creating your college list, think about things like majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will make your college search easier.

Start by listing what you want in a university. Do you like big cities? Do you care about internship opportunities? Is your desired major available, and do you like the classes? Ideally, you should feel excited about the idea of being on campus. By focusing on what matters most to you, you can find the university that fits your goals. And if you’re considering colleges that don’t require essays, you’re already on the right track!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay topics can be a major source of stress during the college application journey. Nevertheless, there’s much more to completing an application than just essays. Even colleges that don’t mandate essays have additional criteria applicants must fulfill before the school’s application deadlines.

Take Colby admissions, for instance, which is featured on our list of colleges not requiring essays. According to the Colby admissions site, the application requirements include the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also need to provide a language proficiency certification.

Furthermore, there are optional materials that can bolster your application, varying from one school to another. Colby accepts standardized test scores, additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

These application requirements are specific to Colby admissions. However, admissions offices at other institutions like Drexel and Clemson will have similar criteria, albeit with potential differences. When compiling your college list, it’s crucial to consider these requirements as they often play a significant role.

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are still keeping their test-optional policies that were first put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some still require standardized test scores. Always check the admissions website for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel have slightly different requirements, even though they both don’t require essays. Always make sure to confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t ask for essays, it’s important to create a compelling application story. Crafting a clear picture of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally, can be challenging during the college application process. Your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities should all reflect this.

Regardless of whether other essay topics are required, you’ll still need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the main piece of writing that admissions officers will see from candidates applying to schools that don’t require essays. It should showcase your writing skills and reveal your personality.

The Common App gives you a few themes to choose from for your essay. To come up with the best ideas, focus on topics that genuinely interest you. Make a list of potential essay ideas based on these themes, drawing from personal experiences and growth. Authentic writing is key to standing out in the admissions process.

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As mentioned earlier, even when applying to schools that don’t ask for essays, most applicants still need to prepare a personal statement. Don’t worry about coming up with college essay ideas by yourself! Essay Embassy offers plenty of free resources for students at all stages of the college application process, including essays.

Unfortunately, most schools that don’t ask for essays still require a personal statement. Looking at successful essay examples is the best way to come up with college essay topics. Check out these examples of Common App essays to see what works. Before you start brainstorming college essay topics, take some time to read this article to understand more about the Common App essay. We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering applying to schools that don’t require essays. But don’t let this stop you from exploring your college options. If you like a school but they ask for supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a dislike for writing get in the way of pursuing your dream school.

Essay Embassy offers lots of school-specific essay guides that cover everything from college essay ideas to polishing your final draft. Check out our USC, Yale, UChicago, and other college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re struggling to come up with college essay ideas, these resources are a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

No doubt, supplemental essays can stress out many students during the college application process. From picking essay topics to coming up with ideas and actually writing, it’s a lot of work.

But, there are colleges out there that don’t ask for essays. So, if you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed by the essay requirements, you have other options. Adding some of these no-essay colleges to your list could be a good idea.

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll probably still need to write a personal statement essay. But one essay is definitely easier than six.