wellesley college supplemental essay examples

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How to Complete the 2023/2024 Wellesley Supplemental Essays

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Wellesley College is a private women’s liberal arts college in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Utilizing the Wellesley supplemental essays gives students an opportunity to tell their story. Making this story as engaging, meaningful, and concise as possible should be your goal.

The supplemental essay prompt is long, so it may seem daunting when first read. Not to worry, because in this article, we are going to break down what they are asking so that all you have to think about is speaking your truth.

Before you start writing

Before you start formulating your essay, you will want to take a look at The Wellesley 100 . The Wellesley 100 is essentially an extensive  list of all of the best things about Wellesley College. Scroll through the list and jot down some of your favorite things that you read. This knowledge will make a world of difference when you start writing your essay, allowing you to dig right in to crafting your essay (and not have to keep referring back to those 100 reasons!). 

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

The Wellesley supplemental essay prompt

When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but it’s a good place to start. Visit the Wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or celebrate what you would bring to our community. Have fun! Use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why.

To start off, 250-400 is quite a range. Therefore, you can write as much or as little as you would like within those limits. Having a range gives you some creative freedom while writing. Wellesley asks for two paragraphs, which is ideal for sharing why you are choosing Wellesley College to be your home for the next four years. 

If you don’t already know why you chose to apply at Wellesley, take a look at The Wellesley 100 list and pick some of your favorite reasons. Here are just a few of those:

• Funded internships
• Notable alumni
• The Honor Code

After you choose your “what,” you can dive deeper into your “why.” Why does this certain thing make you feel passionate about Wellesley College, and how is it going to help you succeed in your personal growth and career?

Framing yourself on campus

The key to this prompt is combining a testament to your own potential with a demonstration of your knowledge of the Wellesley experience. Try to frame your appreciation of the Wellesley 100 through the lens of what qualities you can bring to the table.

Instead of just discussing how much you are excited about a program or feature of campus, try mentioning how you’d make use of it and how it’d fit into your larger life and career goals. This will show that you have given some real foresight to the idea of joining the Wellesley community.

Questions to ask yourself

• What is your major?
• Are there any notable alumnae that you admire?
• What about the campus inspires you?
• Is there something in Wellesley’s curriculum that sticks out to you more than other schools?

Remember to avoid writing about other universities in your essay, but particularly speaking negatively about other universities. 

Final thoughts for students

Overall, if you read over The Wellesley 100, and your essay is written in a truthful and concise way, you will be all set. This is a relatively straight forward essay prompt, so you really want to focus on what is going to make you stand out. Try to choose something from the list specific to you as a person or to your major. This will make it more personal and authentic. 

Additional resources

After you finish up your Wellesley supplemental essays, it’s time to take the next step in your admissions process! To help guide you through each of these steps, we’ve put together guides on how many co l leges to apply to , how to choose a college , and what looks good on college applications . To help fund your education, check out our list of scholarships for high school seniors , as well as our guide on how to complete the FAFSA .

Good luck in your college journey, and be sure to check back as any other questions arise!

Other colleges to consider

• Barnard College (New York, NY)
• Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
• Macalester College (Saint Paul, MN)

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Wellesley Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Wellesley Supplemental Essays 2023-24

If you are planning to apply to Wellesley College , you may already be familiar with the Wellesley essay. Wellesley is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the nation. For a selective institution like Wellesley, submitting thoughtful Wellesley supplemental essays is a critical part of the application process. So, if you’re wondering how to get into Wellesley College, keep reading.

The Wellesley College supplemental essays are designed to extract your interests, aspirations, and passions. Wellesley is interested in enrolling young women who seek to create change in the world. As such, the admissions team wants to see more than just your GPA or a list of extracurriculars. Strong Wellesley supplemental essays give applicants the opportunity to showcase the strengths and nuances of their character. 

In this guide to the Wellesley Supplemental Essays we will discuss:

• The prompts for the Wellesley supplemental essays
• How to choose a topic for your Wellesley essay
• Tips on how to write thoughtful Wellesley supplemental essays, and more!

Later in the article, we’ll discuss Wellesley’s history, their academic offerings, and values. But first, let’s review some quick facts about the admissions process and Wellesley supplemental essays. 

Wellesley Admissions: Quick Facts

Wellesley college admissions quick facts.

• Wellesley Acceptance Rate: 14% – U.S. News ranks Wellesley College as a more selective school.
• 1 (~650 word) Personal Statement essay
• 1 (~100 word) Why Wellesley essay 
• Wellesley Application Platforms: Students can apply to Wellesley via the Common Application , Coalition Application , or QuestBridge Application .
• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 1
• Regular Decision : January 8 
• Tips for your Wellesley Supplemental essays: Writing thoughtful Wellesley College supplemental essays is a great way to stand out in a competitive admissions process. Choose the application plan that best suits you so that you have ample time to develop your Wellesley supplemental essays. Then, have a trusted teacher, counselor, or college advisor review your Wellesley College supplemental essays prior to pressing submit.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Wellesley have supplemental essays?

Yes, part of the Wellesley requirements includes Wellesley College supplemental essays. Students applying via the Common App or Coalition Application must submit a personal essay between 250-650 words. In addition to the personal essay, students must also submit one school-specific Wellesley essay. Even though there is only one, it is critical for applicants to dedicate ample time to completing the Wellesley essay.  

Keep reading to learn more about the Wellesley essay prompt!

Why Wellesley Essay

The Wellesley essay prompt is a Why This College essay (one of the most common types of essay prompts ). Although slightly different, the Why Wellesley essay is like many other Why This College essays.

Why This College essay prompts are interested in three things:

• What you find most interesting and compelling about their college
• Why you are a good fit for the campus
• What you could add to the campus community.

Sometimes this inquiry is limited to academics , or it can focus on the campus experience overall.

Either way, it is critical that students are well-informed when tackling a Why This College essay prompt. As such, writing a strong Why Wellesley essay starts with research and introspection. The college’s mission and value statements are always great places to start your research for your Wellesley essay.

Mission and Values

The Wellesley College educational mission aims to “provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world.” Their values are:

• Intellectual Discovery and Excellence
• Gender Equality 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Connection and Community 
• Empowerment and Social Change
• Integrity and Academic Freedom

Your Why Wellesley essay will be more effective if you are familiar with Wellesley’s values. Understanding the mission and values of an institution allows you to investigate how your own personal values align. Once you’ve found your connection to the school’s values, you can then embody those tenets in your Wellesley essay. 

Now, let’s look at the Wellesley essay prompt in detail. That way, we can better understand what the admissions committee is hoping to learn from your Wellesley supplemental essays. 

Why Wellesley Essay Prompt

When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. we know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose wellesley, but it’s a good place to start. visit the wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or celebrate what you would bring to our community. have fun use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why., please limit your response to two thoughtful paragraphs (minimum 250 words, maximum 400 words).*.

The Wellesley essay prompt encourages students to share their personal connection to Wellesley and their reasons for applying. This means the prompt is not only interested in what you find compelling about Wellesley. More so, it’s an opportunity to learn more about who you are as a person.

As you start brainstorming , remember the formula we discussed earlier for your Wellesley supplemental essays. Focus on what interests you, why you are a good fit, and what you could bring to the Wellesley community.

There are two unique aspects to the Wellesley essay prompts that stand out. One, your essay response needs to be between 250 and 400 words. This is longer than your typical Why School essay, so you’ve got some room to explore two topics in-depth. Two, the core topics of your essay must be selected from a predetermined list: the Wellesley 100. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with an idea, don’t worry. The school has provided a plethora of topics to choose from for your Wellesley supplemental essays.

What is the Wellesley 100?

The Wellesley 100 is an ever-evolving list of all things Wellesley. This diverse list shows just how multifaceted the Wellesley student body, alumnae, and faculty are. You can find 100 distinct random stories, facts, and quirks of the Wellesley community, covering everything from:

• Academic life
• Admission and financial aid
• Social Life

One of the most fun ways to explore the Wellesley 100 list is by using the “Surprise Me” function. This is a great way to learn about something you may not immediately have been drawn to. (Such as #32: El Table or #82: Required writing courses–wait! stay with us!–that everyone loves .)

You don’t have to review the Wellesley 100 in its entirety to write your Wellesley supplemental essays. However, you may be surprised by the breadth and variety of topics included on the list.

Many different Wellesley 100s could position you to write a compelling Wellesley essay that features your interests and aspirations. And, you may even find new inspiration for your Wellesley supplemental essays as you are exploring.

This list provides amazing content to jumpstart your Wellesley supplemental essays. But how do you go about choosing which of the many Wellesley 100 topics to write your Wellesley essay on? We’ll cover this next! 

Choosing items to write about

Choosing a topic to write your Wellesley supplemental essays on can feel intimidating. After all, the Wellesley 100 can turn your Why Wellesley essay into 100 different Wellesley essay prompts. Rather than getting overwhelmed by your options, think of it this way: Having a long list of topics allows you to think more broadly about potential content for your Wellesley supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the Wellesley supplemental essays, no Wellesley 100 topics are better than others. Each topic is multifaceted and therefore has the potential to add dimension to your Wellesley supplemental essays. So, you should choose to focus on the Wellesley 100 topics that are best for you.

A specific, personal approach to the topic makes for the best Wellesley supplemental essays. Therefore, choose the two Wellesley 100 topics that best fit your interests, experiences, and future aspirations. However, this does not mean that you should only choose topics that you have direct experience in. Students can also explore topics that challenge them or that they hope to become more familiar with in the future. 

Now, let’s discuss what role your Wellesley supplemental essays play in Admission’s application review process. 

Does Wellesley care about essays?

Yes, Wellesley cares deeply about the Wellesley supplemental essays. Although the Wellesley supplemental essays are just one part of your application, they are an important part! So, if you’re wondering how to get into Wellesley, think about how you’re going to approach the Wellesley supplemental essays.

Logically, there’s a reason the Wellesley supplemental essays are part of the Wellesley requirements for admission. Wellesley College supplemental essays allow the admissions committee to understand what interests you most about attending Wellesley. At the same time, they get to learn more about you, your perspectives, and your interests. While there is no “typical” Wellesley student, Admissions is looking for passionate, thoughtful individuals who clearly see their future at Wellesley.

Wellesley supplemental essays give you a platform to show interest in the entire Wellesley College experience. This can include anything from research to social justice to student organizations and campus life. Remember, your essay is about you as much as it is about Wellesley, so be sure to find a balance.

We’ve talked a lot about the Wellesley College supplemental essays. Now, let’s learn a bit more about the other Wellesley requirements.

More about the Wellesley admissions process

As previously stated, there are three ways to apply for admission to Wellesley College:

• Common Application
• Coalition Application
• QuestBridge application

The portal you use to submit your Wellesley application can have an impact on your Wellesley essay prompts. Next, we will cover each application platform and the implications they have for your requirements, timeline, and selection process.  

Common Application Essay Prompts

The Common App is a centralized platform that allows students to apply to more than one college at a time. There are questions and essays that are common to all colleges and others that are specific to the institution. In addition to the Wellesley essay, students applying on the Common App must write a Personal Essay . 

For the Personal essay, applicants have the following prompts to choose from: 

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, 7. share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design., coalition application essay prompts.

Like the Common App, the Coalition application also allows students to apply to more than one college through their platform. In addition to the Wellesley essay prompts, students must choose from the following Personal Statement prompts :

1. Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

2. what interests or excites you how does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future, 3. describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. what were the challenges what were the rewards, 4. has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned how did you respond what did you learn, 5. what success have you achieved, or obstacles have you faced what advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience, 6. submit an essay on a topic of your choice., questbridge application essay prompts.

The final application platform for students interested in Wellesley is QuestBridge . QuestBridge is a nonprofit organization that partners with over 50 colleges and universities across the country. Students applying to Wellesley College through QuestBridge have a slightly different admissions process. 

The QuestBridge National College Match takes the place of traditional Wellesley College admissions decisions. While QuestBridge is the most unique application route, the QuestBridge application still requires students to write Wellesley College supplemental essays. And, in addition to writing a personal essay, QuestBridge applicants must also write a topical essay. Here are the prompts for the Questbridge Personal Essay and Topical Essay:

Personal Essay

We are interested in learning more about the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your successes. please describe how the most influential factors and challenges in your life have shaped you into the person you are today., topical essay, 1. tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. why do you find it intriguing how do you want to further explore it, 2. describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion., 3. what aspect of your current community do you admire and wish to bring to your future college community, 4. inclusivity involves embracing diversity and working to include people with backgrounds and experiences different from your own. describe an experience where you have played a role in fostering inclusivity., choosing an admissions plan.

Wellesley College has three admissions plans : Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. It is important to fully understand each admissions plan so you can make the most informed decision on which plan is best for you. While the admissions plans vary, the admissions requirements for each are the same. Students are still required to write the same number of Wellesley supplemental essays no matter which admissions plan they choose.

Early Decision

Early Decision is a binding admissions plan for students who see Wellesley College as their first choice. At Wellesley, there are two rounds. Early Decision I caters to students who know that Wellesley College is their first choice as soon as their senior year begins. Early Decision II is for students who may not be ready to commit to a binding admissions plan until later in the fall. The ED I application deadline is November 1 st and the ED II deadline is January 1 st . If you are admitted to Wellesley under an Early Decision plan, you are required to withdraw your applications from all other colleges. The enrollment fee for Early Decision I applicants is due in early January. 

Regular Decision

The final Wellesley College admissions plan is Regular Decision with an application deadline of January 8 th . Students applying under the Regular Decision plan are entering a non-binding agreement should they be admitted. This means admitted students are not required to attend and have until May 1 st to commit to Wellesley.

Test Scores

Applying to college can be a confusing process with many twists and turns. The Wellesley admissions process is all about removing barriers to applying. One of those barriers for students can be standardized testing. The Wellesley Office of Admissions adopted a test-optional admissions policy in 2021. Since then, the test-optional admissions policy has been extended to the entering class of 2022, 2023, and 2024. Wellesley’s test-optional policy encourages students to submit test scores only if they would like. Therefore, students who choose not to submit standardized test scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.

Financial Aid

Wellesley College also believes in removing barriers to enrolling in college. To that end, the Wellesley Office of Financial Aid meets 100% of students’ demonstrated need. This financial aid approach guarantees that young women who are admitted to Wellesley will not be deterred from attending due to finances. 

Additional information about Wellesley

Wellesley College was founded in 1870 in Wellesley, Massachusetts as the Wellesley Female Seminary. Today, Wellesley College is a member of the Seven Sisters Colleges. The Seven Sisters is a group of seven historically women’s colleges located in the Northeast. In addition to Wellesley, the Seven Sisters include Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Vassar. 

Women’s colleges are known for creating inclusive campus environments that result in strong alumni networks after graduation. Women’s colleges have proven to outperform their coeducational peers in many areas. For example, women who attend women’s colleges are more likely to pursue STEM majors than women enrolled at co-ed institutions. They are also more likely to hold a leadership role on campus and more likely to participate in classes. Women’s colleges are institutions that all women should at least consider during their college application process. 

Wellesley College offers 50 majors and minors . Students who attend Wellesley can also design their own major if they choose. Since Wellesley is a liberal arts college , students are encouraged to study across a broad number of disciplines. All Wellesley students are trained to be critical thinkers despite what industry they ultimately find themselves in. The Wellesley academic experience prioritizes international study, research, interdisciplinary majors, internships, and academic partnerships with other institutions like MIT, Babson College, and Brandeis University. 

Wellesley Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways

Wellesley supplemental essays continue to be an important part of Wellesley’s overall approach to selecting students for admission. As such, we encourage you to refer to this guide as you work on your Wellesley College supplemental essays. And don’t forget these final takeaways:

• Wellesley College accepts the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and the QuestBridge Application. No matter which platform you choose, Wellesley supplemental essays are a requirement. 
• Wellesley College requires one supplemental essay and one personal essay as part of its application requirements. 
• The Wellesley 100 list includes a wide variety of topics. There is no one topic that is better than the other – there are only topics that are better for you! 
• Wellesley essay prompts are designed to ignite your curiosities and passions. However, be sure to stay on topic, connecting who you are with details about Wellesley. Make sure you have taken full advantage of this opportunity by articulating why you would be a good fit.
• Women’s colleges can be amazing places to study and come into your own. Learn more about the power of women’s colleges and how they can prepare you for the next steps in your career. 

Looking for more information about how to get into Wellesley College? Check out this CollegeAdvisor guide for more tips on Wellesley College supplemental essays and the Why Wellesley essay. And be sure to check out Wellesley’s own application tips – good luck!

This essay guide was written by Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write the Wellesley College Supplemental Essay

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How to Write the Wellesley College Supplement Essay 2017-2018

Wellesley College is a private liberal arts college located just west of Boston. One of the nation’s most prestigious women’s colleges, Wellesley ranks #3 in U.S. News and World Report’s National Liberal Arts Colleges . With a student body of 2,300 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, students are afforded an intimate learning experience with the resources of a world-class research institution.

In 2017, Wellesley College received over 5,700 applications for the Class of 2021 and had a 22% admittance rate. Unlike most other colleges and universities, Wellesley College offers four decision plans: Early Decision Round I, Early Decision Round II, Regular Decision with Early Evaluation Option, and Accelerated Admission (Early Admission) for high school juniors. When deciding which plan to pursue, a student should consider her level of interest, willingness to attend if admitted, and ability to meet application deadlines and requirements.

For a more detailed breakdown of the decision plans, see our ultimate guide to applying to Wellesley .

Wellesley College Application Essay Prompt

Required prompt, when choosing a college community, you are choosing a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. generations of inspiring women have thrived in the wellesley community, and we want to know what aspects of this community inspire you to consider wellesley. we know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose wellesley, but the ”wellesley 100” is a good place to start., visit http://www.wellesley.edu/admission/100 and let us know, in two well-developed paragraphs, which two items most attract, inspire, or energize you and why. (p.s. ”why” matters to us.) (2 paragraphs).

Instead of your standard “Why School X?” prompt, Wellesley provides a starting point — or rather, 100 — to use as inspiration for your essay. Although this may seem overwhelming at first, keep in mind that the admissions committee isn’t judging your application based on which two you pick, but rather how you form those ideas into a cohesive portrait of yourself as an applicant.

For example, if you pick #60 and #84, someone else is practically guaranteed to pick the same thing. However, if you can grab the admissions officer’s attention and highlight your strengths as an applicant, you will be sure to stand out.

To alleviate the pressure of picking the “perfect” two, pick your five favorite items on the “Wellesley 100” and outline your reasons for choosing them. Next, step back and look at the bigger picture: H ow do you wish to present yourself as an applicant, and how will this essay fit into that picture?

For example, an applicant who started a politics column in her school newspaper and organized phone banks for a local political candidate might discuss Wellesley’s most famous alumna, Hillary Rodham Clinton (#37), and how Wellesley’s culture of female empowerment would help her to realize her dream of running for office.

An applicant interested in the intersection of neuroscience and technology might choose the Human Computer Interaction Lab (#96) and discuss the kind of research that she would like to conduct using the HCI Lab’s resources.

To further develop this idea, the applicant might find a faculty member whose research utilizes the HCI Lab’s resources, and explain how she might get involved. A potential Sociology major planning on doing a semester abroad in college might discuss how she would take advantage of The Tanner Conference (#60) as a platform to share her interests and experiences with her peers.

Since the essay does not provide a word limit, you want to be careful with length and clarity. The lack of a word limit does not give you a free pass to ramble on for 1,000 words. This essay should be just as concise as your personal statement, if not more. Try to avoid 500-word paragraphs, but make sure to delve into the details.

Regardless of the topics that you choose, you want to make them personal and specific . Focus on yourself: Your job is not to convince the reader that Wellesley is a great school, but that it is a great school for you .

Moreover, if you choose a broad topic — the wide breadth of majors available at Wellesley, for example — get down to the specifics. Is there a major that is not offered anywhere else? How does that major match your goals and interests? Do not waste your essay discussing every single major available at the college and why they pique your interest, because that could have been written by any other applicant.

Best of luck on your essay!

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Approaching the Wellesley Supplemental Essay 2020-2021

Padya Paramita

August 10, 2020

If you’re applying to Wellesley College this year, you might be in search of an environment which provides resources for women, transgender, and nonbinary students to succeed in the fields of their interest regardless of their background. When I was a student at the school, I met a different individual almost every week who had done something super cool before getting there. So in order to impress the admissions officers at this competitive liberal arts college, I can tell you that you’ve got to be as specific as you can about your passions when you tackle the Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021.

Unlike a lot of other schools, you only have to write one 400-word essay for your Wellesley application. But like many colleges, this institution does ask why you’ve picked it. So, it's   a “why this school essay,” but with a twist. Wellesley provides you with a list of 100 of its most wonderful and inspiring departments, extracurriculars, resources, traditions, and alumnae to choose from for your response. To guide you through the Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021 writing process, I’ve outlined the prompt, the dos and don’ts, along with additional tips to make sure you make the most of this mandatory component.

Download Every Supplemental Prompt Here!

Prompt for the wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021.

When choosing a college community, you are choosing a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. Generations of inspiring women have thrived in the Wellesley community, and we want to know what aspects of this community inspire you to consider Wellesley. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but the “Wellesley 100” is a good place to start. Visit The Wellesley 100 and let us know, in two well-developed paragraphs, which two items most attract, inspire, or energize you and why. (400 words)

The Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021  asks you to respond to a question they ask every year. While certain inclusions within the Wellesley 100 change with the introduction of new clubs or the induction of new alums, this prompt gets even more specific rather than simply asking you “why Wellesley?” The college has provided you with the most valuable resources they have to offer as inspiration for your answer. They’ve given you the scope! And while 200 words isn’t many for each of your entries, Wellesley specifies that your paragraphs need to be “well-developed.” Clearly you need to be thoughtful in how you put your ideas together. So, the real challenge here is not what two items you’ve picked, but why you’ve chosen them. 

You might be overwhelmed at the idea of 100 things to choose from for your topic. You might be wondering where to even start. To make your search easier, the Wellesley 100 is divided into the following categories:

• Academic Life
• Admissions and Financial Aid
• Social Life

Since you get to pick two items, you could easily go for one which reflects your academic interests, and one which provides more context on what you’re looking for from your college experience in terms of community, extracurricular activities, resources, location, and more. The best place to start is to carefully browse through the Wellesley 100 website and reading the little blurbs for the entries that call out to you the most. You have to be deliberate in your choices. Some of the options are more unique to Wellesley than others. You can find study abroad programs, a crew team, and traditions at most prestigious colleges. Think about some of the opportunities you can find only at Wellesley, such as:

• Albright Institute
• Angela Carpenter’s Invented Language class
• Boston Marathon (passing through campus!)
• Hillary Rodham Clinton
• Schiff Fellows
• Science Hill
• Whitin Observatory
• 24-Hour Shakespeare

The majority of your essay should focus on why you’ve made your choice. What do you want to tell the admissions officer about your academic and extracurricular interests? When I wrote my supplemental essay, I picked The Creative Writing Department and 24-hour Shakespeare as my two selections. I wanted the admissions officers to know that I was excited by the opportunity to learn from mentors who were published authors. I also wanted a fun outlet for my love for literature by experiencing the festival where students read Shakespeare plays all over campus for 24 hours straight. Striking a balance between showing the intellectual and creative sides of you is a good way to tackle this essay. 

Focus your response on connecting your interest to what appeals to you about Wellesley. If you’re a budding environmentalist, you have several options such as Wellesley’s unique Paulson Ecology Initiative , which encourages students t0 pursue various initiatives from building benches out of fallen trees to studying the campus’ water resources. You could mention whether you would conduct such a project as part of a thesis project or independent study. Another part of the Wellesley 100 you could fit into this theme is SCoop , or the Sustainability Co-operative, where I actually lived my junior and senior year! Aside from cooking – and sometimes growing – their own food, SCoop encourages members to think about sustainability not just in terms of the environment, but also cultural, financial, and social sustainability. No matter what your choices are, they shouldn’t feel random. Think about a balance of extracurriculars and academics. The reader must be able to determine what draws you to the school, along with the clubs and departments you’re most likely to contribute to on campus if you are accepted. 

Don’t emphasize your time in high school too much. Your Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021 should highlight why you’re most excited by the Wellesley 100 topics you’ve chosen, and how you hope to take advantage of them.

Additional Tips for Writing the Wellesley Supplemental Essays 2020-2021

• Think About What Matters to You – The key to writing the Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021 lies in thinking about which areas of academics and extracurriculars you’re most drawn to, what your goals in the near and distant future are, and what you’re looking forward to the most from your college experience. Admissions officers want an honest reflection of what excites you about this school. Every item on the Wellesley 100 list exists for a reason – the reader just wants to sense genuine excitement for what you discuss. You’ll write a more compelling essay if you cover topics that actually call out to you.
• Use Anecdotes if Applicable – If your Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021 was inspired by a quote you read on the college website, a conversation with an admissions officer at a college fair, or a class you sat in on if you were able to attend Discover Wellesley weekend, include these in the form of anecdotes. An important part of convincing admissions officers that you’re making a well-informed decision is by backing it up with evidence of your research. So, if you’ve got a story associated with your selection, it would definitely boost your response.
• Research is Still Important – Even though you’re picking your answer from a curated list, you still have to conduct research before writing the Wellesley supplemental essay 2020-2021 . When you click an item on the 100 that appeals to you, the description only contains a couple of lines on why it’s special. Learning more about it requires in-depth reading on your part because you need to write about 200 words on each item! Even though your response shouldn’t be a description of what the topic is, admissions officers should be able to take away that you’re knowledgeable about what you’ve covered in your essay. So, don’t just make up things about the English and Creative Writing Department or the Wellesley-Brandeis Orchestra. Learn more about them before working on your answer! 

While the Wellesley 100 might seem intimidating at first glance, it can help to narrow your search down to what you’re looking forward to the most when it comes to your college experience. By capturing why certain resources and programs appeal to you over others, not only can you showcase your personality and interests, but you can use it as an opportunity to portray a more elaborate glimpse of your enthusiasm for this top liberal arts school.

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Hi everyone! I'm applying to Wellesley College and I'm in need of some inspiration for their supplemental essay. What are some themes or ideas that would be well-received in a Wellesley application essay? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

When brainstorming ideas for your Wellesley College supplemental essay, it's crucial to keep in mind the unique values and culture of the institution. Wellesley is a women's college committed to fostering leadership, intellectual engagement, and social responsibility. Here are a few themes and ideas to consider for your essay:

1. Feminism and Advocacy: Demonstrate your commitment to promoting gender equality or advocacy for women's issues. Share any experiences or initiatives you have led or participated in that align with these values.

2. Leadership: Showcase your leadership skills and how they have impacted your community or school. This could include leading a club, organizing events, mentoring younger students, or making significant changes within an organization.

3. Intellectual Curiosity: Discuss your passion for learning and how it has driven you to explore diverse experiences or subjects outside your comfort zone. Share specific academic or intellectual pursuits that demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

4. Community Involvement: Wellesley values students who engage with their communities. Write about your experience volunteering, interning, or participating in community-based projects and the impact it has had on you and others.

5. Personal Growth: Share a personal challenge or life experience that has significantly shaped your character or worldview. Explain how this experience has prepared you for the supportive and empowering environment at Wellesley.

6. Academic Fit: Research specific majors, courses, professors, or programs at Wellesley that interest you and explain why they align with your academic and career goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in attending the college and your commitment to succeeding as a student.

For more tips on this essay click here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-wellesley-college-essays/

Remember that your essay needs to be personal, powerful, and unforgettable. Try to choose a topic that not only resonates with you but also makes you stand out. Make sure to show the admissions committee who you are, what you value, and what you can bring to the Wellesley community. Good luck!

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First-Year Applicants

We're glad you're thinking of Wellesley!

We’ve pulled together the nuts and bolts of applying as a first-year student right here, just for you. And if you have any lingering questions after making your way through this page, jump over to our FAQ page for even more (insightful! helpful!) information.

Dates and deadlines

Before you apply to Wellesley, you’ll need to choose from one of the following decision plans. Your decision plan will determine when your application materials are due. Press onward for more details—but not before pausing to gaze at these key dates for each decision plan:

* International financial aid deadlines differ. Please see the deadlines for international financial aid applicants .

** For all required financial aid application materials, please see this Student Financial Services page .

*** Only required of enrolling students.

Application checklist

Below, we’ve included the key things you need to know about completing your application to Wellesley. Once you have submitted your application, you will get access to your Wellesley Applicant Portal to check on the status of your credentials.

First-year applicants

The application.

Wellesley accepts the Common Application , the QuestBridge Application , and the Coalition Application . Remember that it’s free to apply to Wellesley!

Be sure to be consistent and use your legal name (as it appears on your passport or other legal documents) on all of your application materials. This may sound obvious, but it’s really important! If you go by another name, list that as your “preferred name” on the application and that’s the name we’ll use when we get in touch with you.

If you have fallen utterly in love with Wellesley and know that it is the best social, academic, and financial fit for you, then you might be someone who applies to us through an Early Decision application round! If this is the case, then you will also be asked to complete the Early Decision Agreement form as part of your application. We need you, a parent or guardian, and a school counselor to sign and submit this form.

You’ll need to write two essays: a personal essay and a shorter, Wellesley-specific essay. See our application tips for advice on writing your essays.

The personal essay should be 250-650 words. Each year, the Common Application and Coalition Application update their personal essay prompts (and don’t worry, one of the prompts is “topic of your choice!”).

The Wellesley-specific essay asks you to respond to the following topic:

When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. We know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose Wellesley, but it's a good place to start. Visit the Wellesley 100 and select two items that attract, inspire, or celebrate what you would bring to our community. Have fun! Use this opportunity to reflect personally on what items appeal to you most and why. Please limit your response to two thoughtful paragraphs (minimum 250 words, maximum 400 words).

Transcript and school report

Your transcript(s) should be submitted by your school counselor through the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

Your counselor also needs to complete and submit the School Report (with your most recent grades). It is recommended to also have them submit a copy of your school’s profile alongside the School Report.

If you’re applying for Early Decision, you will need to submit a progress report for your current school year (typically first-quarter or first-trimester grades). When your midyear grades become available, you will need to ask your counselor to complete the midyear report form (also part of the online application).

Your school might require that you sign a release for your transcript. If that’s the case, make sure the release covers first-quarter or first-trimester grades, midyear grades, and your final transcript so that these credentials aren’t delayed.

Letters of recommendation

Wellesley requires two letters of recommendation from teachers.

Carefully consider which teachers you want to ask to fill out your evaluation. Have they gotten to know you personally? Have they seen you improve? Can they comment on your learning style?

Be sure to give your chosen teachers enough time to write your letter of recommendation. They are, after all, busy people with full lives.

Standardized test scores (optional)

Wellesley College has temporarily suspended its standardized test requirement for a four-year period of review. Applicants to Wellesley for entry in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are not required to submit SAT or ACT test results with their applications.

Our holistic, committee-based application review process gives us the flexibility to evaluate each applicant’s full record within the context of their available resources. While standardized tests have long served as an external benchmark of college readiness, they are one factor among many that we can consider in the admission process.

Regardless of an applicant’s decision to submit test scores, the admission committee is particularly interested in an applicant’s demonstrated writing and quantitative skills as key predictors for success in Wellesley’s curriculum.

If you do choose to take the SAT or the ACT , we recommend that you complete testing by the end of your junior year. However, if you do sit for the exam in your senior year, here are the last possible dates we recommend taking the exam in order to have the results available for the round through which you apply to Wellesley:

Early Decision I: Late October/Early November

Early Decision II: Early December

Regular Decision: Early December

Arts, music, or theatre portfolio (optional)

If you have a special talent in the arts, you might want to submit an arts portfolio . Our art, music, and theatre studies departments will accept electronic submissions of portfolios, recordings, or presentations. The appropriate department will review your material.

Wellesley College does not have a dance department and does not review creative writing materials. Please do NOT submit any dance and/or creative writing supplements as they will not be evaluated.

To submit an arts portfolio:

You must submit your portfolios, recordings, or presentations electronically through the Wellesley Applicant Portal. Your arts portfolio must be submitted through the Applicant Portal within one week of the application deadline. Wellesley does not accept art portfolios through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Please do not mail any materials to the Office of Admission. Submissions sent by mail will not be reviewed or returned.

Follow the guidelines and instructions as outlined by Wellesley’s art, music, and theatre studies departments.

Athletic support (optional)

If you are interested in competing in varsity athletics at Wellesley (Division III), submit a recruiting form to the head coach of your sport.

International applicants

Official transcripts.

An official transcript is a certified record of the courses you have completed and the marks you received at each marking period in all schools attended during the previous four years. We need both the transcript in the original language as well as a translated version. If the school system uses a coded transcript, an explanation of the code and the marking system should be included. If you cannot obtain a transcript, a certified record of the courses you took, along with a progress report, must be submitted instead.

Your counselor also needs to complete and submit the School Report.

Diploma or examination certificates

All applicants must submit certified photocopies of all academic diplomas and Government Examination certificates. These include GCSE ("O" level) and "A" level certificates, and appropriate documents from your home country (e.g., Indian S.S.C., Indian H.S.C., Kenyan Certificate of Education, Hong Kong Certificate of Education, Malaysian SRP, International Baccalaureate SPM, STEM, etc.). Examination certificates cannot be substituted for the optional official transcript (see above) or for the required standardized tests (see below). All academic records and examination certificates must have an official seal or certification.

Wellesley requires two letters of recommendation from academic instructors. At least one recommendation must include an evaluation of your proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Financial aid intent form

International, undocumented, and DACA applicants will be prompted to complete a Financial Aid Intent Form after submitting their application for admission.

Within three to five business days of the completion of the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir, students will be given access to the Applicant Portal by the Office of Admission. We will contact applicants later in the process regarding any additional financial aid forms or documents they may need to provide. We encourage all applicants applying for aid to begin completing the CSS Profile so that if requested, they can submit it promptly. However, students won’t need to submit the CSS Profile unless they are instructed to do so by our staff.

English-language proficiency exams (optional)

If English is not your native language and you have been studying in an English-based curriculum for fewer than four years, we strongly recommend that you take one of the following English-proficiency tests or interview tools:

TOEFL (iBT or Essentials)

Duolingo English Test

Cambridge Assessment English Qualifications (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or C1 Business Higher accepted)

InitialView

Vericant (Standard Interview, which includes a writing sample)

GTEC CBT (Global Test of English Communication Computer Based Testing)

Wellesley does not offer courses in intensive English or in English as a second language (ESL).

QuestBridge applicants

The questbridge process.

Wellesley is proud to be a QuestBridge partner school! We have a full page with helpful tips, key deadlines, and application requirements on our QuestBridge partner page . 

Undocumented or DACA applicants

Explore more from wellesley i got you..

Here's a Wellesley video for you called I Got You. It's about—oh, a lot of things: friendship, community, collaboration, trust, pants...

Sample Supplemental Essay for College Admissions: Why This College?

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• Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
• M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
• B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT

Most college applicants fail to put adequate time into a supplemental college essay. The Common Application's personal essay allows a student to write a single essay for multiple colleges. The supplemental college essay, however, needs to be different for every application. Thus, it's tempting to dash off a generic and vague piece that can be used at multiple schools, resulting in a  weak essay .

Don't make this mistake. Your "Why This College" essay must be specific, demonstrating a high level of interest in and commitment to this particular school. To better understand how to ace this supplemental essay prompt, let's analyze a sample essay written for Oberlin College .

The essay prompt reads:

"Given your interests, values, and goals, explain why Oberlin College will help you grow (as a student and a person) during your undergraduate years."

Sample Supplemental Essay

I visited 18 colleges over the past year, yet Oberlin is the one place that most spoke to my interests. Early in my college search I learned that I prefer a liberal arts college to a larger university. The collaboration between the faculty and undergraduate students, the sense of community, and the flexible, interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum are all important to me. Also, my high school experience was greatly enriched by the diversity of the student body, and I am impressed by Oberlin’s rich history and its current efforts connected to inclusiveness and equality. To say the least, I’d be proud to say I attended the first coeducational college in the country.

I plan to major in Environmental Studies at Oberlin. After my campus tour , I took some extra time to visit the Adam Joseph Lewis Center. It’s an amazing space and the students I chatted with spoke highly of their professors. I became truly interested in issues of sustainability during my volunteer work in the Hudson River Valley, and everything I’ve learned about Oberlin makes it seem the ideal place for me to continue exploring and building upon those interests. I am also impressed by Oberlin’s Creativity and Leadership Project. I’ve been a bit of an entrepreneur ever since second grade when I made a dollar producing and performing The Runaway Bunny for my extended family. I’m drawn to a program that supports the move from classroom learning to creative hands-on, real-world applications.

Finally, as the rest of my application clearly demonstrates, music is an important part of my life. I’ve been playing the trumpet since fourth grade, and I hope to continue performing and developing my skills throughout college. What better place than Oberlin to do so? With more performances than days in the year and a large group of talented musicians in the Conservatory of Music, Oberlin is an ideal place for exploring my love of both music and the environment.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

To understand the strength of the essay, we must first look at the prompt: the admissions officers at Oberlin want you to "explain why Oberlin College will help you grow." This sounds straightforward, but be careful. You're not being asked to explain how college, in general, will help you grow, nor are you being asked how attending a small liberal arts school will help you grow. The admissions offers want to hear how  Oberlin , in particular, will help you grow, so the essay needs to include specific information about Oberlin College.

A strong "Why This College" essay will make a case for why the school in question is a good fit for the student. The case should be made by connecting facts about the school—unique opportunities, educational values, campus culture, et cetera—with the student's goals, values, and interests.

From the Admissions Desk

"We want to see [in the "Why This School" essay] that students understand the unique educational model at High Point University. We know that students have access to more information than ever before and that most colleges focus on the classroom experience. We want students who desire 25% of their time to be experiential ... who want to grow as people of character with strong values and to fully immerse themselves in our life skills education."

–Kerr Ramsay Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, High Point University

A good way to see if you've responded to the prompt well is to swap out the name of the college you're applying to with the name of any other college. If the essay still makes sense once you do a global replace of the school name, you haven't written a good supplemental essay.

A Critique of the Supplemental Essay

The sample essay certainly succeeds on this front. If we were to substitute "Kenyon College" for "Oberlin College" in the essay, the essay would not make sense. The details in the essay are unique to Oberlin. Demonstrated interest can play a meaningful role in the admissions process, and this applicant has clearly demonstrated that she knows Oberlin well and her interest in the school is sincere.

Let's look at some of the essay's strengths:

• The first paragraph makes several important points. First of all, we learn that the applicant has visited Oberlin. This may not seem like a big deal, but you'd be surprised how many students apply to a large number of colleges based on nothing but the schools' reputations. Also, the student notes that she wants to go to a  liberal arts college , not a larger  university . This information isn't really specific to Oberlin, but it does show that she has thought about the options available to her. The final point in this first paragraph gets more specific—the applicant is familiar with Oberlin and knows the school's socially progressive history.
• The second paragraph is really the heart of this essay—the applicant wants to major in Environmental Studies, and she is clearly impressed with the program at Oberlin. She has visited the Environmental Studies building, and she knows of some of the unique opportunities offered at Oberlin. She has even talked with Oberlin students. This paragraph can't help but make a favorable impression on the admissions folks—the applicant is drawn to Oberlin, and she clearly knows exactly  why  she likes Oberlin.
• The final paragraph adds another important dimension to the application. Not only does the student find the Environmental Studies program attractive, but her love of music makes Oberlin an even better match. Oberlin has a top-rated music conservatory, so the applicant's dual love of music and Environmental Studies makes Oberlin a natural match for her.

Admissions officers can't help but feel that Oberlin is a great match for this applicant. She knows the school well, and her interests and goals line up perfectly with Oberlin's strengths. This short essay will certainly be a positive piece of her application.

A Final Word About Supplemental Essays

The content of your supplemental essay is extremely important, and poor decisions on this front can lead to a weak supplemental essay . But content isn't everything. You also need to focus on the presentation of your ideas. Make sure your essay is entirely free of any grammatical errors, and be sure to avoid common stylistic problems . The admissions officers need to conclude that you are sincerely interested in attending their school and that you are an excellent writer.

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Home — Application Essay — University — Wellesley College

Wellesley College Admission Essays

The pursuit of intellectual curiosity: a journey to wellesley college.

In an era of boundless opportunities, I approach my college aspirations with a profound desire to embrace intellectual growth and contribute meaningfully to society. As a young woman determined to carve her own path, I find Wellesley College to be the epitome of academic excellence,…

Igniting Passion: My Journey in Environmental Science

I have always been driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire for academic excellence. One particular instance when I delved deeply into a subject that intrigued me was during my junior year in high school when I took an advanced course in environmental science. This…

Women's Leadership: My Journey and Aspirations

I have had numerous opportunities to develop my leadership skills and exhibit them in various settings. From organizing school events to leading community service projects, I have always been driven to make a positive impact on those around me. These experiences have solidified my belief…

Wellesley College: My Journey and Future Contributions

Diversity was not something that I was exposed to on a regular basis. It wasn’t until I entered high school that I had the opportunity to truly appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion. This experience shaped my perspective and instilled in me a desire…

Channeling Environmental Conservation Through Beach Cleanups

The deafening sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the salty scent of the ocean filling the air, the feeling of the sand between my toes – these are all experiences that have shaped my identity and fueled my passion for environmental conservation. For…

Window Panes and Scattered Nails: College Admission Essay Sample

The sunlight collapses lazily against the windows of our tall, stately house today, yet the gracefully arching pathways and crisp white paint job hold steadfast against the lackluster attack. To some it may be a palace, while others see only a rickety shack. To me,…

Why Wellesley: College Admission Essay Sample

Our Socratic reading group is the ultimate unconventional cult, nine curious high schoolers and a college professor gathering every weekend to discuss the practicality of anarchy, the life of the mind, and the cosmological divine. Here, I learned things my school curriculum couldn’t teach me:…

Wellesley 100: College Admission Essay Sample

I am helpless against the internal compass that points to familiar elements of my African heritage in unfamiliar settings. Detecting the faint sounds of yoruba along the aisles of Walmart suspends my hunt for groceries until I have found the Nigerian mother scolding her pouting…

Wellesley and Me: College Admission Essay Sample

After riding my bicycle around campus to start off the morning, I return to Cazenova Hall to prepare for the day. I leave my dorm and make my way to the Lulu to meet a couple of my friends for breakfast. We met when we…

The Power of Reading: College Admission Essay Sample

I cannon-balled into reading in first grade and have not emerged to catch my breath yet. Reading is the medium through which I grow. Books have swept me light years and alternate realties away, but have always returned me with more understanding of my world…

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

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Wellesley College 2017-18 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Wellesley College 2017-18 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 2 paragraphs

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Madeleine Albright. Hillary Clinton. Nora Ephron. These are just a few of the remarkable women who have graduated from Wellesley College. This selective and self-selecting community is only asking you to write one essay, so it had better be impeccable from form to content. Pay close attention to this prompt and take your time with the answer.

The required Wellesley “Writing Supplement” asks you to respond to the following topic in two well-developed paragraphs.

When choosing a college community, you are choosing a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. generations of inspiring women have thrived in the wellesley community, and we want to know what aspects of this community inspire you to consider wellesley. we know that there are more than 100 reasons to choose wellesley, but the “wellesley 100” is a good place to start. visit the wellesley 100 ( www.wellesley.edu/admission/100 ) and let us know, in two well-developed paragraphs, which two items most attract, inspire, or energize you and why. (ps: “why” matters to us.).

Wellesley’s hyper-specific take on the Why essay instantly directs you to the key piece of advice we always offer: do your research! Admissions has literally included the URL to the specific page they want you to pore over, so your very first (and most obvious) step should be to actually pore over it. There’s no real “trick” to this one other than just doing the work and trusting your gut, since reading through these reasons to attend Wellesley with care will demonstrate beyond words your commitment to the school. (Think: trials of Hercules .) If a reason is on the list, you can be sure it’s a good reason to be interested in the school, and all of the numbers are listed out of order, so you can throw any sense of ranking out the window. As you read through, jot down the reasons that resonate most with you and then pare down your list to the most powerful pair. Although Wellesley has asked for two separate paragraphs, consider creating a pair of reasons that go together in some way: reasons that match, balance, or contradict each other in some funny way. Perhaps the prospect of using the Whitin Observatory (#59) and cultivating lifelong friendships (#43) both have you seeing stars! Of course, it isn’t enough to simply choose your reasons and regurgitate them, you need to make an argument for why they matter to you! So, be specific. If you need to do more research about the observatory and the astronomy program, dig through the department website. If your reason relates to a personal experience, share an anecdote to bring it to life. The point is to show who you are (and who you will become) through your relationship with Wellesley.

About Kat Stubing

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