With only one short supplemental essay prompt, this application is sure to be a breeze—or at least that’s the goal of this guide.
As an aspiring American University Eagle, you likely already identify with this student-centered research institution’s groundbreaking spirit. Founded in 1893 by respected Methodist Bishop, John Fletcher Hurst, on the values of social responsibility and diversity, its first-ever graduating class included both women and African-American students, at a time when women couldn’t vote and Washington, D.C. was still segregated. Think about those values, and how they resonate with you, as you go to write this “Why us?” essay, and see other tips and advice below.
But first, want to get a better understanding of what American is looking for? Check out its strategic plan to see how it envisions student success and the legacy it wants to leave in the world. You’ll also find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set.
What is the American University supplemental essay prompt?
American University Supplemental Essay Prompt #1
Optional: At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community. (150 words)
how to write American University Supplemental Essay
how to write American University Supplemental Essay Prompt #1
Optional: At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community. (150 words)
The “Why us?” essay is the most common supplemental prompt in college applications—but, at 150 words, this prompt requires a super short version. You can find the full guide to the “Why us?” essay here. Pay particular attention to the Why Tufts example, since it’s also written to a 150-word prompt.
With those 150 words, you’ll want to paint a picture for the admission team about why you connect with American University. Before we get to what you should do in writing to this prompt, here’s the shorthand version on some things you might not want to do in your essay:
Mistake #1: Writing about the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking
Mistake #2: Simply using emotional language to show how you fit in
Mistake #3: Messing up the mascot, stadium, team colors or names of important people/places on campus
Mistake #4: Restating the language on brochures or the website
Mistake #5: Describing traditions the school is well-known for
Mistake #6: Approaching this as only a "Why them" essay
Mistake #6 is especially important to understand—you’re not just telling the school what is awesome about it. They know. Instead, you’re showing them how you and the school will make great partners.
So when researching American’s website for specific reasons why it’s the school for you, look for 2-3 reasons that set it apart for you from other colleges—reasons you can then relate back to you, your interests/values/experiences in a specific way (the “why me” part).
Here is an example that does a nice job hitting the high notes.
Example:
I embody two personas: a young Muslim woman passionate about civil liberty & her easygoing companion. At American, I see similar dichotomies: a liberal arts school uniquely focused on global issues; eccentric but intellectual; a deeply integrated campus that exudes diversity.
I know my curiosity will thrive at American. I’m eager to delve into discussions on reproductive rights and genocide prevention in Professor Cromwell’s Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture. Through the Women’s Initiative, I’ll engage with social issues alongside peers. By joining the American Bhangra Crew, the Indian classical dance enthusiast in me will grow more cultured. And as a wannabe food vlogger who also enjoys friendly banter, I can’t wait to organize Roast ‘n’ Toast chai nights with friends from Spoon AU.
And someday, in addition to being a world voyager, I’ll become the first hijabi U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a journey I embarked on at American University. (151 words)
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Tips + Analysis
Brainstorm American-specific opportunities that excite you. The more programs, clubs, and classes you can touch on that can only be found at American, the better. This student does a great job mentioning Professor Cromwell’s class on Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture, as well as an extracurricular club like the American Bhangra Crew, for instance. These are school-specific opportunities that she might not be able to take advantage of elsewhere.
Show how American’s values align with yours. This student touches on the values of diversity, curiosity, social engagement, and creativity with the examples in her essay. While you don’t need to hit every one of your values and theirs, it helps a lot to show at least how one or two of the school’s core values relate to your interests. Not exactly sure about your values, or American’s? Here’s where you’ll find a list of American’s values—see if some speak to you more than others. Then try this 5-minute Values Exercise to better identify your own core values, and see where you find some alignment.
Go deep, rather than wide. With such a short “Why us?” essay, it may be better to describe a few details about American that you connect to, rather than simply listing as many interests as you can. In this essay, the student shares four different examples of academic and extracurricular club interests—a particular class, a social engagement group, a dance team, and a food-loving community. The combination makes for a nice balance.
Get personal. Show the admission team something they can’t get from scanning your high school transcript or reading your Common App Activities List. This student does a nice job sharing her background as a “Muslim woman passionate about civil liberty,” describing how she and American both identify as “eccentric but intellectual,” for instance. In another part of her essay, she connects being a “wannabe food blogger” to Spoon AU’s Roast ‘n’ Toast nights. Her essay is filled with connections between her personal background and school-specific opportunities.
Flex more than your academic muscle. American University officials are serious about learning about your interests in and outside the classroom. (Check out this video for more on the school’s holistic approach to education.) So, do more than mention a major or class that interests you. Instead, describe both academic and extracurricular opportunities, like the student above, to demonstrate how you’d thrive at American.
Special thanks to Spencer for contributing to this post.
