Do people actually name-drop university programs/classes/professors in their supplemental essays?

Lindagaf
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:06:41 +0000

leapftstars:

Do I have to prove that I’m really interested in attending the college by researching things and somehow inserting them into my supplemental?

It depends often on the college. You’re applying to MIT. Why would you NOT show them you are interested in things unique to their school, and show that what they offer is connected to your interests?

There isn’t a hard and fast rule about any supplemental, except for maybe this: If the name of their college could be replaced with the name of any other college, I’d say the essay is not specific enough. Some essays are just seeking more insight into your personality, but others really want you to show why you need to be there as opposed to somewhere else.

I suggest you read through this. https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/supplemental-essay-tips-2025-uc-piqs-challenges-and-circumstances-question-on-ca/