Purdue University requires all applicants to submit a supplemental essay. This essay is an opportunity for you to highlight your qualifications and make your application stand out from the crowd.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a successful Purdue supplemental essay. We will cover everything from choosing a topic to writing a strong conclusion.
Choosing a Topic
The first step in writing a Purdue supplemental essay is choosing a topic. You want to choose a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your application.
Here are some tips for choosing a topic:
- Consider your strengths and weaknesses. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? Choose a topic that allows you to showcase your strengths and address your weaknesses.
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about Purdue University and its programs. This will help you choose a topic that is relevant to your interests and goals.
- Get feedback from others. Ask your teachers, counselors, or family members for feedback on your topic. They can help you make sure that your topic is interesting and well-developed.
Writing a Strong Introduction
The introduction of your supplemental essay is your chance to make a good first impression. You want to start with a strong hook that will grab the reader’s attention.
Here are some tips for writing a strong introduction:
- Start with a quote. A well-chosen quote can set the tone for your essay and make your point more memorable.
- Tell a story. Start your essay with a personal story that illustrates your point.
- Ask a question. A thought-provoking question can help to engage the reader and make them want to read more.
Developing Your Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your supplemental essay are where you will develop your argument and support your claims. Each body paragraph should focus on a different aspect of your topic.
Here are some tips for writing strong body paragraphs:
- Use evidence to support your claims. Back up your claims with evidence from your research, your personal experiences, or other sources.
- Be specific and concrete. Don’t use vague or general statements. Be specific and concrete in your examples and details.
- Use transitions to connect your paragraphs. Transitions help to guide the reader from one paragraph to the next. They also help to make your essay more coherent and easy to read.
Writing a Strong Conclusion
The conclusion of your supplemental essay is your chance to wrap up your argument and leave a lasting impression. You want to end with a strong statement that will summarize your main points and make a call to action.
Here are some tips for writing a strong conclusion:
- Summarize your main points. Briefly summarize the main points of your essay.
- Make a call to action. Tell the reader what you want them to do after reading your essay. This could be anything from visiting your website to applying to Purdue University.
- End with a strong quote. A well-chosen quote can help to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for writing a successful Purdue supplemental essay:
- Proofread your essay carefully. Make sure that your essay is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Get feedback from others. Ask your teachers, counselors, or family members to read your essay and give you feedback.
- Revise and edit your essay. Once you have received feedback, take the time to revise and edit your essay. Make sure that it is the best possible version of itself.
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| Table 1: Purdue University Supplemental Essay Prompts |
|—|—|
| Prompt 1: Why are you interested in attending Purdue University? Please share any specific aspects of our university, campus, or programs that have influenced your decision. |
| Prompt 2: What is your favorite quote? How does its message inspire you and connect to your personal values or experiences? |
| Prompt 3: Describe a time when you faced a challenge. How did you approach the situation, and what lessons did you learn? |
| Prompt 4: Share an experience that has shaped your academic or personal interests. How has this experience influenced your aspirations and goals? |
| Table 2: Purdue University Supplemental Essay Word Count |
|—|—|
| Minimum: 250 words |
| Maximum: 500 words |
| Recommended: 350-400 words |
| Table 3: Purdue University Supplemental Essay Deadlines |
|—|—|
| Early Action I: November 1st |
| Early Action II: December 1st |
| Regular Decision: January 15th |
| Table 4: Purdue University Supplemental Essay Submission |
|—|—|
| Submit online through the Purdue University website. |
| Upload as a PDF file. |
| Be sure to include your full name and date of birth on the submission. |
- Purdue University Supplemental Essay Prompts
- Purdue University Writing Center
- Purdue University Admissions Office