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college essay advisors boston college

3 Strong Boston College Essay Examples

college essay advisors boston college

Boston College is a private, Jesuit research university in the greater Boston area known for its outstanding academics and beautiful Gothic architecture. This R1 research university was founded as a small liberal arts college in 1863 and pays homage to its roots by keeping the word “college” in its name.

Admissions at Boston College are quite selective so if you want to become a BC Eagle, it’s important to write strong essays that show admissions counselors your personality and potential. In this post, we will go over real essays students have submitted to Boston College. Walking through the strengths and weaknesses of these essays should help you when perfecting your Boston College Application!

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Boston College essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt:   When you choose a college, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Boston College’s community? (400 words) 

I used to face two paths: one flocked with taxis and frantic people, staccato shouts, and the smell of pizza. The other was a road of motorcycles rolling over wet cement, laced with cicada symphonies and the aroma of beef noodle soup. It always felt easier to walk the streets of Taiwan, where everyone looks like me, speaks meekly as I have been taught to, and steers away from confrontation. However, I was also raised in the thick of New York, where people argue, think, and exist fearlessly. PBS created a documentary in 1988 titled Tug of War: The Story of Taiwan, and I grew to believe that I embodied the little potato island as my teetering balance between two worlds initiated a “Tug of War” within myself. Although I am proud to be Taiwanese, New York has cultivated an unbridled emotion and passion within me that encourages me, against my inherent modesty, to be a bold author, a shameless poet, and a strong-willed advocate for Asian-American youth. I am excited by the vibrant discussions and meshed ideas I might find at a place as diverse as Boston College: perhaps at the Diversity Summit or with Professor Min Hyoung Song about the integration of Asian American writers and literature in an alienating culture. I see incredible opportunities to become part of a community that supports students struggling with their own “Tug of Wars” by sharing my story through the Taiwanese Cultural Organization and delving into the stories of others by curating pieces written by my peers for The Stylus. 

Growing up in a pentecostal home also taught me the strength of conviction in faith and community. The Holy Ghost Faith Church is a family that has become a constant foundation in my life, and a world that grounds me in my beliefs despite the cultural identities I struggled with. Through religion, I find connection with many people molded uniquely by their personal experiences. At Boston College, I will seek the same enriched human bonds with my peers and professors by sharing my testimonies while learning from theirs. I can see myself striking up a conversation about religious influences in literature and poetry with Professor James Najarian or joining a multi-faith program and attending local church services with friends on Sunday mornings. While Jesuit education will strengthen my religious values, it will also enlighten me to the beliefs of my peers.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a great job of establishing this student’s background and the distinction between their two cultures. There is a great use of imagery, especially at the beginning, which displays this student’s strength as a writer and highlights the internal “Tug of War” they experience. It is evident how their past community has shaped their perspective and identity. Knowing how their background shaped these things makes it easy for admissions officers to see what type of student they would be adding to their campus.

An example of this can be seen through the student’s creative integration of the “Tug of War” metaphor. Early in the essay, the student creates an interesting image of themself caught in a “Tug of War” between two cultures. Then, when they start discussing BC, they reuse this already-personalized metaphor—“ I see incredible opportunities to become part of a community that supports students struggling with their own “Tug of Wars” by sharing my story through the Taiwanese Cultural Organization and delving into the stories of others by curating pieces written by my peers for The Stylus. ” Because they already established a personal connection with the “Tug of War” idea earlier, this section doesn’t feel like the student is simply name-dropping university programs and instead feels like they are authentically drawn to university programs.

With regards to organization, this student effectively divides their essay into two paragraphs that answer the prompt in two different ways. While this is not always the best strategy and cohesiveness is important for college essays, it works for this student because their second topic is faith. Simply put, using more words to discuss their cultural background and interests would have become repetitive and writing an entire essay about religion is typically unadvisable. However, by supplementing their discussion of culture with a discussion of faith, this student appears multidimensional.

Note: For most schools, focusing on faith in your essay is not recommended, but because Boston College is religiously affiliated, this student’s “cherry on top” discussion on faith works well.

This essay makes readers feel like the student is genuine, interesting, and genuinely interested in contributing to the community at Boston College.

What Could Be Improved

The second paragraph of this essay (the paragraph that discusses faith) could be improved through more engaging writing. While the student’s integration of information about BC feels natural when they are discussing culture, it feels inorganic when they discuss religion. The essay ends with the following sentences:

The student’s descriptions of forming bonds through religion are not as engaging as their writing above and the inclusion of a professor’s name does very little here. Instead, the student could have created an image of their life at BC and reminded the reader of their vivid images from earlier. Improvement could look something like this:

“Now, when I think about community, I imagine myself in the dining hall. Through some series of unexpected events, I find myself in an intense intellectual discussion about the influence of religious propaganda on the Wife of Bath’s Tale. Sometime during our back-and-forth, I start to enjoy and respect my impromptu debate opponent. I picture us (after emerging from the heat of our debate) chatting and deciding to check out a local church service together on Sunday morning. It feels like a dream—like another scary path, without taxis or motorcycles, but dotted with intimidating social situations and an infinity of uncertainties. But it also feels like the most promising opportunity of my life.”

Essay Example #2

Prompt: When you choose a college, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Boston College’s community? (400 words) 

I gazed at my Beyer book and the monochromatic piano keys. Notes swirled in my head as I struggled to decipher the crochet on the page. Taking my chances, I pressed the D key, positive that I was right. Alas, my tutor’s sigh indicated that l got the note wrong again. 

Growing up, I often faced such mishaps during piano lessons. My grandma is an avid singer and my grandpa, a violinist. My cousins are also guitarists. From being brought up around my family’s deeply rooted musical inclinations, to constantly struggling during practice sessions, I often felt like a fish out of water and wanted to quit. Music was a chore, something I felt obligated to pursue only to uphold my family’s tradition. However, one fateful session completely changed my view. 

Back then, I had spent hours glued atop the piano stool practicing for a recital, and I felt completely drained. Needing a break, I grabbed my phone and turned on some pop music. As Rihanna’s “Diamonds” blasted away, I couldn’t help but notice how similar it sounded to several musical scales I had learned. Curiously, I attempted to match some notes to the song, and before I knew, I was playing the entire chorus! It dawned on me that those scales and arpeggios I found irritating formed the basis for an endless array of songs when combined strategically and originally. 

From then on, I started to see music as my favorite creative challenge rather than a nuisance. My new perspective eventually led me to embrace every struggle I faced during practice and instead view them as opportunities to improve. As I came to love every step of my musical journey, I ultimately learned to persevere through any setbacks, like dealing with unfamiliar pieces or memorizing notes on end. 

Music has become something more than a family tradition, shaping who I am today. Thinking creatively and overcoming struggles with determination are now values I carry when tackling everyday roadblocks. Going forward, I plan to bring these values to BC. I’m determined to use creativity to help solve communal problems, like finding innovative ways to implement healthcare in underserved communities through Timmy Global Health. I also hope to contribute musically to the Symphony Orchestra and be part of a nurturing community where I can work alongside other musicians. I’m excited to see what the future holds when I become an Eagle!

This essay answers the prompt very clearly. When asked “What about your experiences will enrich Boston College’s community?” the student’s essay, as a whole, responds “As a musician, I have learned to persevere through setbacks and that will enrich the Boston College community.” 

Additionally, the student organizes their essay in a way that makes it easy to follow. They start by discussing their upbringing, then a major transition, and then they use the final paragraph to reflect. In the final paragraph, they also refer back to their upbringing—“ Music has become something more than a family tradition, shaping who I am today ”—effectively bringing things full circle. This makes the essay feel cohesive and tied up.

This student does a very nice job setting up their story, showing the reader why this was an important revelation for them. Taking the time to explain the different instruments each family member plays is a good way of showing this student’s musical background, making their burden to “ uphold my family’s tradition ” all the more understandable. Once there is a solid appreciation for this student’s circumstances, it allows the reader to sympathize with their struggle and ultimately celebrate their victory.

What Could Be Improved 

The largest fault of this essay are the grammatical errors and clunky language throughout the piece that diminish the overall quality of the story.  They use simple transitions that feel forced. For example, their body paragraphs begin with “ Growing up, ” “ Back then, ” and “ From then on, ” These boring transitions are not engaging and seem elementary.

They also have multiple poorly-written sentences including “ Thinking creatively and overcoming struggles with determination are now values I carry when tackling everyday roadblocks .” The overuse of gerunds here distracts from what the writer is trying to say. 

A final example of this essay feeling unpolished is the student’s improper use of the from-to construction with the sentence “ From being brought up around my family’s deeply rooted musical inclinations, to constantly struggling during practice sessions, I often felt like a fish out of water and wanted to quit. ” The from-to construction should outline two extremes that independently exemplify the independent clause that they are connected to.

Instead, the student could have written “ From crying late at night about missed notes to struggling through practice sessions, I constantly felt like a fish out of water in my musically-gifted family. ”   Small but noticeable language errors like this one illustrate the importance of having others edit your drafts!

Essay Example #3

Prompt: At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner?  What do you discuss with that person? (400 words)

Instead of admiring towers of multi-colored cupcakes, Asher and I found ourselves staring at a menacing yellow bulldozer, caution tape barring our path. Turned in circles, looking askance at our surroundings, Asher and I immediately began to squabble: 

“Margot, how could you mess it up??” 

“I followed the directions….”

“Well, clearly you didn’t since we’re here and not at the bakery.”

“You didn’t have to follow me!”

I retraced our steps on Google Maps, insisting that the directions were flawed—not me. My voice faded as I scrutinized the outlined path. I found our error: I had confidently led us right down Broadway instead of left. 

Since we were four, Asher and I have been best friends, and our friendship is founded on three principles: adventure, food, and FAMU (fight and make up). From hide-and-go-seek to mastering the metro system, our shared love of exploration dominates our time together. We converse about everything from where we one day hope to travel to the best dumpling places and most engaging museums. However, as two directionally challenged individuals, we routinely end up lost on our way to try new things. As a result, we frequently discuss directions: debating optimal routes, arguing when we mess up, then analyzing how to undo our errors best. 

As we anxiously bickered at the construction site, our fight progressed toward problem-solving.

“I guess we could retrace our steps.”

“No…look! There’s a pedestrian path over by the cones. Let’s see where it goes.”

Following the path, we talked solely about our frustration and annoyance about getting lost. But, as we emerged on the other side of the construction site, we spotted the bakery we had been searching for. Our disastrous detour was actually a secret shortcut. 

Inspired by our unintentional discovery, Asher and I shared an epiphany: for too long, we focused on the negatives of getting lost rather than the positives. And our conversations reflected our pessimistic attitudes. Now, I make an active effort to replace phrases like “this is all your fault” and “the directions are wrong” with “let’s get lost” or “forget the directions.” By celebrating the beauty of getting lost, I have learned that there is no singular right way to get where I am going. Sometimes the unexpected pans out in unpredictable yet incredible ways. 

Asher and I no longer fight about directions; now, we excitedly discuss getting lost .

This prompt wants to hear about your conversations with someone special, and this essay delivers! The best way to make your essay immersive is to include actual lines of dialogue you and your conversation partner have had. We get to see the frustration, sass, and bickering of the student and her friend instead of just being told about it. Just six lines of dialogue bring a whole new dimension and level of characterization to these two.

Beyond the conversation snippets, the level of detail this student incorporates makes the essay more engaging. From the first sentence, we get descriptions like “ towers of multi-colored cupcake ,” “ menacing yellow bulldozer, ” and “ caution tape barring our path. ” Her detailed writing continues with concrete examples of what she and her friend discuss, beyond the incident at the heart of this essay: “ We converse about everything from where we one day hope to travel to the best dumpling places and most engaging museums.”

Another positive of this essay is this student’s concise writing style that lets her voice shine through. Despite being a story about getting lost, this essay has a light-hearted and somewhat humorous mood. This student is able to accomplish that because she gets directly to her point, saving space to inject a little fun into her writing. She perfectly encapsulates her friendship for the reader in three points—” adventure, food, and FAMU (fight and make up)”—humanizing them in a quick and entertaining manner. Additionally, describing them as “ two directionally challenged individuals ” is a straight-to-the-point descriptor that also pokes fun at their weakness.

Overall, the reader walks away from this essay being able to imagine exactly what a conversation between this student and her friend sounds like, which is a great accomplishment.

One of the weaker aspects of this essay is the reflection in the conclusion. Although the student is trying to demonstrate her growth and new perspective from the experience, it feels a little forced. Generalizing the acceptance of getting lost to the idea that “ there is no singular right way to get where I am going ” comes off a bit cliche without further elaboration.

In order to make the conclusion feel more genuine, this student should have included an example of a time she applied this lesson to her life. Maybe she always thought she should be a doctor, but she allowed herself to get lost researching topics in her biology class and stumbled across biomedical engineering and has now decided to pursue that. The one risk with this approach is making sure there is enough space in the conclusion to elaborate with a sentence or two. You don’t want to go from talking about getting lost trying to find a bakery to studying biomedical engineering in one sentence. But, if the student found a way to rework her conclusion to make it less theoretical, it would come across as more sincere.

Where to Get Your Boston College Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Boston College  essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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A stellar essay begins with a strong topic that speaks to who an applicant is at his or her core. We work with students to unearth their best stories and put fresh spins on classic subjects. We refuse to let you hand in a bland essay.

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This process can be time-consuming and challenging, so we have to make it fun – both for you and for us. We will make jokes. We might send you videos of cats jumping into boxes. We will probably Skype you while eating ice cream at some point.

Meet the Founder

college essay advisors boston college

Stacey Brook

Stacey Brook is an accomplished writer and admissions expert who has spent almost two decades helping students conceptualize, edit and refine their college essays. During her college years, Stacey discovered she had both a knack for consistently reinventing the creative personal statement and a perverse love of bridging the gap between stressed-out teenagers and their parents. She received her first exposure to the admissions process in the Dean’s Host program at Boston University’s College of Communication, serving for two years as the program’s coordinator. She was also the ’04 commencement speaker for the College, winning a coveted scholarship from Burson-Marsteller Public Relations.

Stacey has since spoken at schools around the world on the subject of the college essay and has advised thousands of students on their admissions essays. She is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and is on the faculty at nytEducation: The School of The New York Times, teaching students to wrangle their school-specific supplemental essays. Her writing has been published in numerous publications including  The New Yorker, Money Magazine and  USA Today  and she pens a regular admissions column for The Huffington Post . Stacey also honed her branding skills, personal and otherwise, as copywriter for world-renowned ad agency, Cline Davis & Mann. She lives in New York, NY where she spends most of her spare time eating her way through the city like it’s her (second) job.

Stacey’s favorite children’s book is Strega Nona , which taught her at an early age that pasta is magic, and her favorite YA book is King Dork , which prepared her for a life of music fandom and proud nerddom.

Meet the Team

college essay advisors boston college

Rebecca Myers

Rebecca Myers is a poet and creative nonfiction writer who thinks it doesn’t get more exciting than the essay: immediate, personal, variable, challenging. Rebecca graduated with Honors from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in English and Creative Writing, then earned a Masters in English from The University of Georgia. She went on to study with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sharon Olds and receive her MFA in poetry from New York University. She has taught composition, literature, and creative writing courses at both large universities and small liberal arts colleges, and is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at Wells College in upstate NY.

Her published personal essays have covered subjects as diverse as that summer she spent working food service at Disney World (purple polyester is about as breathable as you’d imagine) to her toddler’s refusal to sleep (he’s fond of waking her up by banging two puzzle pieces against her face like a defibrillator). Most recently, her poetry and creative nonfiction have been published in Creative Nonfiction ,  Best New Poets 2015 , The Rumpus , The American Literary Review , Gulf Coast , and featured as part of an NPR Radiolab segment on the periodic table.

Becca’s favorite children’s book is Goodnight Gorilla which in retrospect, might be why her son refused to sleep for three years, and her favorite YA book is The House on Mango Street , whose moving vignettes were an early introduction to the space between poetry and prose.

college essay advisors boston college

Kat Stubing

Kat Stubing is a writer and operations specialist who has worked for grassroots and nonprofit organizations, theaters, newspapers, magazines, and digital publications reaching audiences all over the world. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a BA in Media and Communication Studies, where she received an Award for Academic Excellence from the College of Arts and Humanities. As an undergraduate, Kat studied Journalism for a semester in Leicester, England, where she discovered her passion for narrative writing and travelling. Kat has explored the streets of Cardiff and Chirk in Wales, Rome and Mirabella Eclano in Italy, and Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand. She believes travelling is the key to self-discovery and a broader mindset.

Her poetry has been published in Beyond Words Literary Magazine , Allegory Ridge , Hare’s Paw , The Closed Eye Open , and Wingless Dreamer .

Kat’s favorite children’s book was Coraline , since she, too, was a curious child with an affinity for the mysterious and spooky. Her favorite YA book was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants , which underscored the power of open hearts and minds.

college essay advisors boston college

Carolyn Balbo

Carolyn Balbo is a client relations specialist who has worked with clients for over 30 years. Carolyn has vast experience working with people as a group sales associate, retail sales assistant, parent liaison/association officer, executive function coach, occupational therapist, and college admissions specialist. Carolyn is passionate about helping families navigate the college essay and admissions process, and enjoys speaking with parents as they assist in their child’s journey.  As a graduate from Franklin & Marshall College, Carolyn majored in History. She continued her education at Columbia University with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, earning an academic award for Excellence in Pediatrics.  As an occupational therapist, Carolyn worked in a school setting with children with Autism. Carolyn is a proud mom of two children in their twenties. 

Carolyn has guided many high school students through the undergraduate college process, including her own children. She understands firsthand the stress that high school students and their families face as they start the college application process. Carolyn is an avid spectator of competitive swimming and loves to travel. You will likely find her driving numerous hours on a weekend to watch a swim meet! Carolyn currently lives in Virginia, but is originally from the New York Metropolitan Area. Carolyn would describe herself as fun and energetic while maintaining a calm demeanor when working with others. She loves a funny story, a good laugh, taking long walks while listening to books on tape, and spending time at the beach.

Carolyn’s favorite children’s book is Ookpik The Arctic Owl , which taught her at an early age the love of travel, and her favorite YA book series is Harry Potter , which prepared her for life’s adventures and finding “All is well” in the end.

college essay advisors boston college

Rachael Fendrich

Rachael Fendrich is a communications specialist and has worked as a copyeditor for over 10 years. She earned her BA in English with a minor in Philosophy from Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. While studying there, she realized her passion for literature and the power of the argumentative essay. She went on to earn her MA in English at Cal Poly, teaching Rhetoric and Composition during her studies and continuing as a lecturer after graduating.

As an editor, she loves the structural world of grammar and linguistics, but also has an eye for rhetoric and how word choice and tone affect the reader. Rachael spent two years writing and editing textbooks for children with learning disabilities at Lindamood Bell’s Gander Publishing. Her experience there taught her that language is not merely text on a page; language can create images in the reader’s mind that persuade them to believe a story’s purpose or argument—this is especially true in the college entrance essay.

Rachael’s favorite children’s book is Miss Nelson is Missing! It taught her to appreciate teachers and all their talents. And her favorite YA book is Abel’s Island ; the titular character’s adaptability and inner life helped her escape into a world of imagination (also she had a pet rat, so that makes sense).

college essay advisors boston college

Josh Hawkins

Josh Hawkins has nearly 20 years of academic, professional, and freelance experience as an editor-from college essays to college textbooks and everything in between-with a special place in his heart for making complicated or convoluted material consistent and easier for everyone to read and understand. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a BA in Journalism and worked for a time as a freelance writer and magazine editor before embarking on a career in book publishing. During extended stints in the editorial departments at McGraw­Hill and Oxford University Press, Josh acquired new titles and developed projects in the areas of communication, journalism, film, and television. Since 2010, he has worked full time as a medical editor and group supervisor in the world of pharmaceutical advertising; he has been the Lead Editor at CEA since 2013.

Josh’s favorite children’s book is The Big Tidy-Up by Norah Smaridge, which led to a lifelong love of cleanliness and funky ’70s design, and his favorite YA book is Husky by Justin Sayre, which reminded him what it felt like to grow up feeling “different.”

college essay advisors boston college

Caryn Schwartz

Caryn Schwartz has been an editor—of school assignments, newspaper articles, college applications and more—for eight years. She earned her BA from Vassar College in English and Chinese, and then promptly took off to join the college consulting industry in Shanghai. She has worked with high school, undergraduate and MBA applicants. After five years in China, which included stints editing for the  People’s Daily  and Penguin’s North Asia office, she has made her way to NYC to work in book publishing. These days she reminisces fondly about Chinese breakfast foods and tries to read everything.

Caryn’s favorite children’s book is Half Magic by Edward Eager because she’s never met a “magic gone sideways” tale she didn’t love. Her favorite YA book is E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars , which she proudly discovered BEFORE it blew up on TikTok.

college essay advisors boston college

Melanie Ashkar

Melanie Ashkar is a freelance editor and opera singer from the Washington, DC area who received her BA in music and linguistics from the University of Virginia (Phi Beta Kappa). A lifelong lover of words, Melanie is a creative writer whose curiosity about language led her to earn a Master of Science degree in linguistics from Georgetown University, specializing in syntax. She went on to complete a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Mannes College, The New School for Music, and continues to sing professionally.

A natural explorer, Melanie has lived across the U.S. from New York City, NY to Salt Lake City, UT, and has visited 38 states and four continents. Her keen editorial eye emerged as early as her elementary school years, when she began editing newspapers, essays, resumes, and more. She has worked for five years as an academic editor, and is passionate about helping writers find the best words to convey their ideas while maintaining their unique voice and style.

Melanie’s favorite children’s book is Little House on the Prairie , which awoke her adventurous spirit, and her favorite YA book is The Golden Compass , one of many fantasy novels that has sparked her imagination.

college essay advisors boston college

Michael Ventura

Michael Ventura is a freelance designer, animator, and illustrator with a love of all things creative. He graduated with Honors from Northampton Community College with a degree in New Media Design, and graduated Cum Laude from Lesley University with a degree in Animation and Motion Media. He has six years of freelance experience working on websites, promotional materials, short films, and mini-series. Michael likes to bring his creativity and love of design to the CEA team, and his work can be seen around this website; as well as in our college essay writing tip videos and our College Essay Academy YouTube series!

Michael’s favorite children’s book is Stellaluna , which taught him that it’s okay to be different (and that bats are super cool); and his favorite YA book is The Hobbit, or There and Back Again which sparked his imagination and his love for fantasy and adventure.

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"[My child] just received acceptance to Brown’s PLME program! We are so happy! Thank you, thank you. This is such a great gift for [my child]. We couldn’t have done it without you!"

– CEA Parent, Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education, Class of 2031

"Good news! [My daughter] was accepted to all of her early schools! She received a personal note from the admissions director on the acceptance latter saying how much she enjoyed reading about [my daughter’s] experience at summer camp (which is the essay that your team revised), so again, thank you!"

– CEA Parent, Colorado College, Class of 2027

"My son’s Advisor has been AMAZing!! She was really able to understand him, keep him on task and help him to organize his thoughts in a logical manner. His essays cleaned up so nicely. And I think he learned so much in the process too!"

– CEA Parent, Harvard University, Class of 2027

"We are so happy we signed up for your comprehensive package. You removed so much stress from the process, and we knew [our child] was in good hands working with [their Advisor]. Who knew applying to ten universities would be so intensive? Thanks again for your assistance."

– CEA Parent, Columbia University, Class of 2026

“The results were very positive. Some schools explicitly expressed that they were impressed with the essays. So, the essays certainly helped him. Thank you so much for your service and help on this admission process. CEA was certainly worth the investment.”

– CEA Parent, Santa Clara University, Class of 2026

"The direct and continuous contact that CEA held throughout the essay writing process was very helpful. My advisor and I were able to organize times to talk about my essay whenever needed."

– CEA Student, Brown University, Class of 2026

"Thank you so very much for all of your work with my daughter on her personal essay! The two of you came up with such a neat positive approach and topic, and you really helped bring out the best in my daughter and showcase her accomplishments and strengths. And you made the process interesting, useful, and motivating for her. You gave so much of yourself and your expertise. We're grateful!"

– CEA Parent, Stanford University, Class of 2025

"My son’s guidance counselor said, that both Lehigh and University of Rochester said they have not read a more honest and sincere application in many, many years. They said his essays were incredible and spoke to them about who he was like no one else's they read. They chose my son above students who had higher ACT and higher GPA's. Thank you!"

– CEA Parent, Lehigh, Class of 2025

“My child’s time with his Advisor has truly made a difference in how he sees himself, understands his accomplishments, appreciates his strengths and values his experiences. I think that is perhaps one of the most important aspects of this journey. Your process and team of Advisors, including the copyeditors, have been extremely helpful for us and we couldn’t have done this without your support.”

– CEA Parent, Georgia Tech, Class of 2024

"Your response time without compromising quality is impressive. Not only that, but your words of encouragement totally transformed a teen girl on the verge of a nervous breakdown. My daughter got accepted at multiple colleges: Cornell (her choice); Johns Hopkins; Boston College, Boston University, NYU and SUNY Binghamton. This victory is also yours. Again, I'm really grateful and thankful to you."

– CEA Parent, Cornell University, Class of 2024

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Welcome and thank you for visiting!

My name is Maureen C. Scudder, and I am an independent college counselor specializing in college essay advising. From strategy to submission, I help students get accepted into their dream schools.

I work with undergraduate and graduate applicants on their written materials, including personal statements, activities lists, resumes, supplemental essays, and all other communication sent to colleges. Throughout the application process, I help clients feel at ease, stay on track, and develop their writing skills.

My superpower is showing clients how to write their very best application essays, but my college counseling services extend beyond writing instruction and editing. Free with all essay packages, I provide the following services:

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In addition to this independent venture, I work as a director-level writing advisor with MedSchoolCoach © based in Boston, helping med school applicants get into med school and match for residencies. I am a member of the professional organizations  Higher Education Consultants Association and New England Association for College Admission Counseling  as well as communities on the cutting edge of the ever-changing admissions landscape.

During my 30-year career in education, I  have taught high school English, directed a university writing center, worked as a boarding school dorm parent, and served as a school communications and marketing director.  Today, in addition to being an independent college counselor, I am an adjunct professor of English and Communications, freelance writer, and educational consultant.

I earned my B.A. in English, M.A. in Africana Studies, and a second M.A. in English. I'm certified to teach English, social studies, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). I have taught in public and private schools both at home in Connecticut and abroad in Asia and Africa. My clients have gone on to colleges and universities such as Amherst, BU, Columbia,  Cornell, Emory, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Howard, Northeastern, Notre Dame, MIT, Penn State, Skidmore, UNC,  UVA, UMich, Yale, and many more.

Do you want your college application to showcase your best self? Do you want your essays and activities descriptions to cut through the crowd? Do you want an experienced writing instructor and expert editor with decades in the field as your sounding board? Most important, do you want a writing coach who will personalize the college application process, keep you on schedule, while teaching you how to become a better writer?

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Find my college essay writing tips here and what my clients say here .

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 College Essay 

Application advising.

college essay advisors boston college

Allison Karpf

[email protected]

(201) 675-0349

Background information.

Allison Karpf is a former high school English teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, a master's degree in Education from Stanford University, and a NJ English Teaching Credential. She taught English 12 Honors at Ridgewood High School, NJ, and Advanced Placement American Literature, as well as other courses, at several additional top high schools.

For more than a decade, Allison has helped students find their voices and create compelling narratives for their college essays. She guides them through each step of the college process: Common Application, college list, and all essays. She either meets students face-to-face locally in the Northern New Jersey/NYC area or works nationally and globally over FaceTime/Zoom.

Students she has advised have consistently been accepted to their top choice colleges: *Amherst , Auburn , Babson , Bates , Berkelee College of Music , Boston College (Carroll School of Management) , Boston University , Brandeis (Dean’s Scholarship) , Brown , Bucknell (Mathematic Scholars Program) , Carnegie Mellon (College of Engineering) , Case Western Reserve (University Scholarship/Baker-Nord Scholars Program for Humanities Students) , Clemson , Colby , College of Charleston , Colgate , Colorado College , Columbia , Columbia Business School , Cornell , Cornell Engineering (Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar) , Dartmouth, Dickinson , Denison , Duke , Elon (Engagement Scholarship x2) , Emory , Fairfield , Fordham (Gabelli School of Business) , Georgetown , George Washington (Presidential Academic Scholarship x2) , Georgia Tech (Stamps Scholar) , Gettysburg , Hamilton , Harvard , Haverford , High Point (Presidential Scholarship), Holy Cross (Magis Scholarship) , Johns Hopkins (Hopkins Scholarship) , Indiana University (Kelley School of Business/Hutton Honors College) , Ithaca , James Madison, Lafayette , Lehigh , Marist , McGill , Middlebury, MIT Sloan School of Management , Mount Holyoke , Muhlenberg , NYU , NYU Stern, Notre Dame , Northeastern (University Honors Program/Global Scholars Program) , Northwestern , Oberlin , Ohio State (Morill Scholarship Program/Prominence Scholarship, Maximus Scholarship, National Buckeye Scholarship) , Pace, Penn State , Penn State-Smeal College of Business , Pepperdine (George Pepperdine Achievement Award x2) , Princeton , Providence , Purdue , Reed , Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Leadership Award) , Rice University (Trustee Distinguished Scholarship) , Rochester Institute of Technology (Presidential Scholarship) , Rutgers (Business, Honors College) , Santa Clara , Seton Hall, Skidmore , Southern Methodist University , Stanford, Stevens Institute of Technology, Swarthmore , Syracuse (Dean’s Scholarship/ Falk College Department of Sports Management) , TCNJ, Texas A&M , Texas Christian (Founders' Scholar/Inclusive Excellence Scholar) , Tufts , Tulane , University of California-Berkeley (Haas School of Business-Global Management Program) , University of California-Davis , University of California-Irvine , University of California-Los Angeles , University of California-San Diego , University of California-Santa Barbara , University of California-Santa Cruz , University of Chicago , University of Colorado-Boulder , University of Connecticut, University of Delaware , University of Florida , University of Georgia , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (James Scholar Honors Program/Campus Honors Program and Chancellor’s Scholar) , University of Maine (Honors College) , University of Maryland (College Park Scholar) , University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Commonwealth Honors College/Chancellor’s Award), University of Miami , University of Miami-Ohio (Honors College) , University of Michigan , University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Honors Program) , University of Pennsylvania (Engineering, Wharton) , University of Pittsburg (Honors College) , University of Richmond (Department of Music Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship ), University of South Carolina , University of Southern California , University of Tampa , University of Tennessee Knoxville (University Honors) , University of Texas-Austin , University of Vermont (Henderson Scholarship and Trustees Scholarship), University of Virginia , University of Toronto , University of Washington (Honors Program, School of Computer Science and Engineering) , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Vanderbilt , Villanova (Presidential Scholarship x2) , Virginia Tech , Wake Forest , Washington University-Saint Louis , Wellesley , West Point, William and Mary , Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Presidential Scholarship) , Yale, among others

*Colleges in bold indicate one or more students from the classes of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were accepted.

Parent statements:

“I would have to sing the praises of Allison who worked with my son on his college essay. Allison is the right mix of knowledgeable, supportive and directive. She had a gentle way of coaxing him to think about a unique way to tell his story. Allison was very helpful and patient with my son as he brainstormed different topics and reworked drafts until he finally arrived at what he felt was a solid essay in his voice, while feeling confident and in-charge of the process. And of course, he is attending his first choice university this fall. Thank you Allison.” 

“Allison has been a tremendous help and fabulous resource during the intimidating and overwhelming college application process! She knows the inside and outside of this area, and helped us to navigate with the deft and sensitivity of a true insider. My son pushed hard under her care, as she challenged him to create an inspiring and I-grabbing application. His college options far exceeded our expectations, and we know that Allison made all the difference for us.”

"We just heard from my son's last school yesterday. He was accepted at TEN out of TEN schools! He also received a $92,000 scholarship from his #2 choice. I'm sure Allison's stellar essay help was a huge part of it. Thanks again!"

“Allison provided an excellent service with college essays. She even helped late evenings and early mornings when needed. She is very responsive and answers on time. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs help with college applications. She is an excellent advisor.” 

“My son would not be in college today, but for Allison’s efforts and focus. With her suggestions, she was able to get him to complete his essays and edit them. The essays were top notch. (I am a lawyer and was on law review, and he wouldn’t listen to me. She was able to make the process fun and take the stress out of it.) It was a huge relief to know that Allison was helping him. I was able to relax, and not be as worried. I highly recommend Allison. My son got into his first choice college—early.”

Student statements:

“Thank you for all the help. Really feel those essays made a difference. I found that with Allison's guidance, my essays went the extra mile. The whole experience eased my mind during the hefty application process. I was accepted to ten colleges.”

“Allison is the best! She is super easy to reach, and very diligent. The essay writing process was so overwhelming, but her calm tone and great editing skills made the whole ordeal manageable and—­­­­­quite frankly—enjoyable.”

“Allison did a great job of helping me translate my ideas and strengths into a solid personal essay. Her recommendations brought a lot of clarity to my writing so my personality could really shine through. I got into 8 out of 8 schools that I applied to, and will be attending my first choice, the University of Chicago!”

"I want to thank you for all your help through my application process and teaching me how to write. I went from long, vague, wordy summaries to concise yet elaborate and powerful essays. I was accepted into all ten of the universities I applied to, including Princeton, a likely letter from Cornell, acceptance to Northeastern's University Honors Program, and a Presidential Scholarship from Villanova. This scholarship was awarded to only 25 of 1800 applicants. I also received a National Merit Special Corporate-Sponsored Scholarship. Once again, thank you so much, and I would have never been this successful throughout the college application process without your help!"

References/Fees available upon request.

(201) 675-0349     

Boston University Essay 2023-24

Boston university essay 2023-2024.

As admission to Boston University becomes more competitive, the Boston University essay continues to be incredibly important. Although essays are often the most time-consuming part of the application process, strong essays can make a huge difference. The Boston University essays give you the opportunity to elaborate on and strengthen your application . And, although your grades might be comparable to other applicants, your essays help make your application one of a kind.

For students researching how to get into Boston University, the Boston University essay prompts also provide valuable insight into the admissions process. The 2023-2024 Boston University essay prompts are slightly different compared to the Why BU essay of years past. However, that’s a good thing! The Boston University supplemental essays let students communicate with admissions officers, showcasing their unique personalities and experiences. 

In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the Boston University essay prompts and tips for tackling them. We’ll also offer advice for writing Boston University supplemental essays for The Trustee Scholarship and Kilachand Honors College.

If you want to learn more about how to write a Boston University essay, keep reading! Before we look at the essay prompts, let’s start with some quick facts about Boston University Admissions. 

BU Essay: Quick Facts

Boston university admissions: quick facts.

  • Boston University Acceptance Rate: 14% – U.S News ranks Boston University as a more selective school.
  • Common App essay
  • 1 (~ 300 word) supplemental essay
  • Boston University Application: Students can apply via the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application . A full list of Boston University application requirements can be found on BU’s website . 
  • Early Decision I: November 1 st  
  • Early Decision II and Regular Decision: January 4 th  
  • Boston University Essay Tip: Aim to write about 250-300 words for your supplemental essay. It’s important to maximize your impact by using all the space available to you. If your Boston University essay is far below the word limit, you likely need to elaborate more on your ideas. 

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.

How many essays are required for Boston University?

All first-year applicants must write two essays to satisfy the Boston University essay requirements. In total, you’ll need to complete the Common App essay (650 word maximum) and one school-specific supplemental essay (300 word maximum). You also may have other Boston University essays to complete if you apply for certain scholarships or to BU’s Honors College. We will discuss these additional Boston University supplemental essays later in this guide. 

Students can choose from two Boston University essay prompts for their supplemental essay. Remember, your Boston University essays are extremely important. Your response helps admissions officers gain a deeper understanding of who you are and why you’re interested in BU. So, be sure to think carefully about which prompt best aligns with the story you want to share with Admissions.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Boston University essay prompts!

What are the Boston University Essay Prompts?

The Boston University essays are designed to help admissions officers gain a deeper understanding of you and your passions. So, if you understand the main theme of the prompt and the questions it asks, you’ll be prpepared to write a strong essay. However, always remember to read the prompt carefully. You don’t want to find yourself writing an entire draft only to realize you actually missed the mark.

As previously stated, students can choose between two separate prompts. Here are this year’s Boston University essay prompts:

Boston University Essay Prompts

1. reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it, 2. what about being a student at bu most excites you how do you hope to contribute to our campus community.

Both prompts have a specific focus, each unique from the other. These prompts are a bit different than they have been in previous years. So, next, we’ll talk a little bit about this change. Then, we’ll discuss how to pick the best prompt for your BU essay.

Does Boston University have a Why BU Essay?

While the second Boston University essay prompt shares similarities with a Why BU Essay, the focus is a little different. You need to do more than tell admissions what BU is going to offer you. You also need to share why you would be a valuable addition to BU. In this way, BU does not have a clear-cut Why BU essay. 

In years past, the Boston University supplemental essays included only one prompt – a Why BU essay. This is why many of our Boston University essay examples read like a Why School essay. Even so, these Boston University essays can still serve as great examples and sources of inspiration. (Be on the lookout for links to our past essay guides later on when we highlight some great CollegeAdvisor resources!)

However, if you want to categorize the second prompt as a Why School prompt, you’re not wrong. Still, it’s important that your BU essay captures more than what a typical Why School essay might cover. We’ll detail how to write your BU essay later in this guide. 

Choosing a Boston University essay prompt

Choosing between these Boston University essay prompts is an important decision. The BU essay is a great chance to elaborate on experiences or perspectives not captured elsewhere in your application. Moreover, the prompt you choose to respond to will help determine the topic and details discussed in your essay.

So, take your time and think carefully about which Boston University essay to write. It can make a big difference to your application! 

Boston University Essay Prompt #1

Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it.

This is a great BU essay for students who have a deep passion for a specific social or community issue. So, think about what you care about and how you’ve worked to address it. Maybe you’re part of an organization dedicated to social justice, helping your community, or raising awareness around important issues. If this sounds like you, this may be a great Boston University essay for you to write. Students with volunteer experience may also consider responding to this essay. Any action you’ve taken in your community or on a larger scale could make for a great topic! 

If you haven’t had direct experience, such as volunteering or leading a club, don’t be discouraged by this prompt. Maybe you’ve talked with your friends and family about the issues that matter to you. Alternatively, maybe you’ve even debated with classmates about a social issue. Even though it’s on a more personal scale, you can still use these experiences for your BU essay. Overall, you should choose this prompt if you are passionate about an issue that impacts our society or your community. 

Boston University Essay Prompt #2

What about being a student at bu most excites you how do you hope to contribute to our campus community.

Students picking this essay likely have a specific reason for applying to BU. Are there classes, programs, or extracurricular activities at BU that excite you? Or perhaps you’re inspired by BU’s values and the way they’ve structured their curriculum. This prompt is a great fit for students with a dedicated interest in BU. Although this prompt is close to a Why School essay, it’s important to dedicate equal writing space to both of the prompt’s questions. 

This Boston University essay prompt also asks how you’ll contribute to the overall campus community. Consider what perspectives you might contribute both in and outside of the classroom. How is your presence on campus going to enrich the larger BU community? Be sure to look through BU’s Student Activities website to see what clubs and extracurricular activities you may want to join. If you have the opportunity to visit BU’s campus , it may be a good idea to do so before writing this essay. Overall, if you have a clear vision of how you’ll engage with BU’s campus, consider picking this Boston University essay!

How do I write the Boston University essay?

Once you’ve picked between the two Boston University essay prompts, the next step is: to start writing. If you’re feeling stuck drafting your Boston University supplemental essays, here are some tips for each prompt.

Writing the Boston University Essay: Prompt #1

Try using a specific anecdote or memory as an anchor for this Boston University essay. Think of specific events, like attending a protest or having an intense debate with a friend or family member. Or, try recalling the first time your passion for this issue was sparked. This can provide context as to why you care about a particular issue. Whatever it is, try to incorporate this memory into your essay, then show how you’ve translated your passion into action. 

Once you set the stage, focus on your specific involvement. Have you organized educational meetings? Passed out pamphlets or literature? Have you become part of any larger organizations or movements? Even if you haven’t had the chance to take any major actions, consider how you’ve discussed the issue. Have you changed anyone’s mind on a particular topic? Have you had any difficult conversations with friends or family that you want to share? 

Overall, Admissions wants to get a sense of your role as an engaged citizen. Although this prompt doesn’t specifically mention BU, your reader is still getting a sense of what you might contribute to campus. Avoid writing about an issue you think admissions will find impressive—instead, always be authentic and true to your beliefs.

Writing the Boston University Essay: Prompt #2

This Boston University essay prompt allows students to share exactly why they’re excited about applying to BU. This essay prompt requires you to do some research into BU’s specific programs and opportunities. Out of the two Boston University essay prompts, this one focuses more on BU specifically. So, it’s important to showcase the research you’ve done. Begin by exploring BU’s website—the Why BU page is a great place to start. You can also watch our webinar on Boston University and Boston College here . 

Try not to list out a million things in your Boston University essay. Detail what most excites you, and why. Are you looking to continue a field of study or extracurricular program you started in high school? Are you excited to explore something new that BU offers? The more detail, the better! 

Now it’s time to tell Boston University Admissions how you plan to contribute to BU’s community. Do you see yourself as a student leader? Conducting important research within your major? Moreover, what do you think you’ll bring to the BU campus? Try to connect this part of your essay to your first section. Describe what excites you about BU, and then explain how you’ll get involved. This will help your essay feel like a cohesive narrative. 

In short, this Boston University essay helps admissions officers understand why you’re interested in BU. It’s important your essay is a genuine representation of why you want to go to BU. (Instead of a list of generic facts).

General Tips for your Writing Process

No matter which essay prompt you select, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for a complete writing process. That means:

Brainstorm your ideas

Set a timer and write down as many ideas as you can. See what ignites your passion, or the topic you can’t stop writing about, and then go from there.

Write a first draft

Your first draft isn’t going to be perfect, nor should it! Your first draft is just a starting point, so go with your gut and don’t worry about getting it absolutely right.

Edit and revise

Work on clarity, organization, and tone. Are there details you’re missing or extraneous ones you need to cut out? This is where the magic happens—taking the time to edit through a second or third draft can transform a first draft into a final.

Get an outside reader

Once you are fairly happy with your essay, get a second pair of eyes on it. Another perspective might bring up questions you need to answer or spot errors you’ve missed.

Do a final proofread

No final draft is complete without a comprehensive proofread. Make sure your essay is free of any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. That way, your reader will be free to focus on your ideas and storytelling.

Follow through on your writing process and you’ll be sure to have a polished essay for your application. (You can also use these tips if you end up writing additional BU essays!)

Other Boston University essays to look out for

Students applying to merit based scholarships or the Kilachand Honors College might have additional Boston University essays to write. Note that these Boston University supplemental essays are not required for general admission, so they are not mandatory. Students planning to apply to either of these opportunities will want to set aside additional time to complete their application. 

While there are many Boston University scholarships, only one requires an additional essay – the Trustee Scholarship . The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition and undergraduate mandatory fees. So, it’s not surprising it’s considered one of the more competitive Boston University scholarships. We will detail the Boston University essay prompts for the Trustee Scholarship later in this guide. 

The Kilachand Honors College also requires an additional Boston University essay. The honors college offers an integrated, four-year curriculum that helps students engage in a number of different areas of study. Students work to complete a Keystone Project and also have multiple opportunities for collaboration within the program.

Next, let’s review the Boston University essay prompts for the Kilachand Honors College.

Boston University Kilachand Honors College Essay

The Boston University essay prompts for the Kilachand Honors College allow students to showcase their interest in the program, and demonstrate their ability to think critically and creatively. Students can pick one of the following prompts: 

Boston University Kilachand Honors College Essay Prompts

1. what about the kilachand honors college resonates with you, and how would kilachand’s curriculum fulfill your academic, creative, intellectual, and/or professional goals, 2. if you could create a new kilachand course, what would it be how would your imagined course align with the core values of kilachand.

The Kilachand Honors College essay has a 600-word limit. So, students should take advantage of the additional space, thinking carefully through the prompt they select. Both of these Boston University essay prompts aim to capture if a student would be a good fit for the Kilachand Honors College. So, it’s important that you research the program thoroughly.

Think through your academic goals and how Kilachand can help you realize them. Mapping out your goals and connecting them with Kilachand resources and classes can help in your essay planning. To help your Boston University essay stand out, use as many specific details as possible. Additionally, make sure your essay captures your passion.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship Essay

As one of the more prestigious Boston University scholarships, the application for the Trustee Scholarship is competitive. Students have the choice between two Boston University essay prompts for the Trustee Scholarship.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship Essay Prompts

1. nobel laureate and bu professor elie wiesel once said: “there is divine beauty in learning… to learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. others have been here before me, and i walk in their footsteps. the books i have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and disciples. i am the sum total of their experiences, their quests.” is there a book, film, podcast or life- experience that has made you feel more connected to your personal history/identity, and what is the most important thing you learned from it, 2. describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. how did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward.

The Trustee Scholarship essay prompts are designed to help the admissions committee learn more about you. Specifically, the type of art you connect with or your experiences stepping out of your comfort zone. These Boston University essays are illuminating and personal, so it’s important to take your time when crafting your response.

Just as with the Honors College essay, both these prompts have a 600-word limit. Be sure to take advantage of the extra space to clearly and effectively connect your ideas!

Does Boston University care about essays?

Yes, the Boston University Admissions committee cares about your essays. It’s hard to define exactly how the Boston University supplemental essays factor into the admissions process. However, the Boston University essay prompts showcase what the Boston University admissions office is looking for. They’re interested in students who are passionate about issues in their communities and who are excited to attend BU. In your essay, you can communicate directly with BU Admissions, telling them exactly who you are in your own words.

If you’re wondering how to get into Boston University, focus on your Boston University supplemental essays! With the competitive Boston University acceptance rate, it’s important to take every opportunity to connect with Admissions. No matter which Boston University supplemental essays you end up writing, spend ample time crafting your responses. The Boston University supplemental essays are a great way to showcase your personality and creativity and help your application shine! 

CollegeAdvisor resources on Boston University

The Boston University supplemental essays are only part of the larger BU application. With the competitive Boston University acceptance rate, it’s important to research BU thoroughly. CollegeAdvisor has several different resources to help you with all aspects of your application, not just the Boston University supplemental essays. You can read our articles on Boston University Majors and the Boston University Ranking . Also be sure to take a look at our comprehensive BU guide : How to Get into Boston University. We also have guides on the different scholarships at BU, other colleges in Boston , as well as the Questbridge Scholarship . 

If you’re still feeling stuck on the Boston University supplemental essays, read our past Boston University Essay guides. We have Boston University essay guides from the 2020-2021 , 2021-2022 , and 2022-2023 application cycles for you to review. No matter what you need, CollegeAdvisor has the resources to help you with your Boston University application. 

Boston University Essays – Final Thoughts

For students wondering how to get into Boston University, the Boston University essay is crucial . With the Boston University acceptance rate at 14% , BU essays are your best opportunity to stand out from the crowd. A great Boston University essay shows how you align with BU’s values and why you’re an ideal candidate.

Overall, the Boston University supplemental essays allow you to expand on your experiences and background. And, they can be a great place to highlight the things you’re most proud of. It’s important to think through your response and to submit the best version of your Boston University essay as possible. Dedicating enough time and effort to your Boston University essay will help you put your best foot forward. Consult with your family, friends, and mentors to help polish your Boston University essays.

The Boston University supplemental essays can help propel your application forward, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . 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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5 strategies to unlock your winning college essay.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard ... [+] University campus on June 29, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The college application season is upon us, and high school students everywhere are staring down at one of the most daunting tasks: the college essay. As someone who has guided countless applicants through the admissions process and reviewed admissions essays on an undergraduate admissions committee, I've pinpointed the essential ingredient to a differentiated candidacy—the core of your college admissions X-factor .

The essential ingredient to your college admissions X-factor is your intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is your passion for learning and curiosity. By demonstrating and conveying this passion, you can transform an average essay into a compelling narrative that boosts your chances of getting accepted to your top schools. Here are five dynamic strategies to achieve that goal.

Unleash Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers sift through thousands of essays every year. What stops them in their tracks? An authentic voice that leaps off the page. Forget trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, your passions, and your values. Authenticity resonates deeply with application reviewers, making your essay memorable and impactful. You need not have experienced trauma or tragedy to create a strong narrative. You can write about what you know—intellectually or personally—to convey your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership. Intellectual vitality shines through when you write with personalized reflection about what lights you up.

Weave A Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement has seven choices of prompts to ground the structure for your narrative. The most compelling stories are often about the smallest moments in life, whether it’s shopping at Costco or about why you wear socks that have holes. Think of the Common Application personal statement as a window into your soul rather than a dry list of your achievements or your overly broad event-based life story. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life. A well-told story can showcase your growth, highlight your character, and illustrate how you've overcome challenges. Intellectual vitality often emerges in these narratives, revealing how your curiosity and proactive approach to learning have driven you to explore and innovate.

Reflect And Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned along the way. When you are writing about a specific event, you can use the STAR framework—situation, task, action, and result (your learning). Focus most of your writing space on the “R” part of this framework to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

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The most insightful college-specific supplement essays demonstrate depth of thought, and the ability to connect past experiences with your future life in college and beyond. Reflecting on your intellectual journey signals maturity and a readiness to embrace the college experience. It shows admissions officers that you engage deeply with your studies and are eager to contribute to the academic community.

Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective, showcasing what you can bring to the college environment can make a significant impact. Recognize that the hard work behind the accomplishment is what colleges are interested in learning more about—not retelling about the accomplishment itself. (Honors and activities can be conveyed in another section of the application.) Walk us through the journey to your summit; don’t just take us to the peak and expect us know how you earned it.

Intellectual vitality can be demonstrated through your proactive approach to solving problems, starting new projects, or leading initiatives that reflect your passion for learning and growth. These experiences often have a place in the college-specific supplement essays. They ground the reasons why you want to study in your major and at the particular college.

Perfect Your Prose

Great writing is essential. Anyone can use AI or a thesaurus to assist with an essay, but AI cannot write your story in the way that you tell it. Admissions officers don’t give out extra credit for choosing the longest words with the most amount of syllables.

The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but ensure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay showcases your diligence and attention to detail—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Intellectual vitality is also reflected in your writing process, showing your commitment to excellence and your enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing.

Dr. Aviva Legatt

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Senior Academic Advisor, School of Arts and Sciences

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Position Overview

Merrimack College has an opening for a Senior Academic Advisor. The Senior Academic Advisor will advise, mentor, and support students in the School of Arts and Sciences. The Senior Academic Advisor will work with undecided students in the sciences and student part of the “Discover” program. Senior Academic Advisors will be meeting 1-on-1 and in small group settings with students. In this role, Senior Academic Advisors provide student-centered guidance, curriculum planning, academic advising, assistance in selecting concentrations/minors/courses, exploration into career options, foundational level of academic support, and help students connect with clubs and organizations. This position reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Advising and Services. This position will work closely with students, faculty, their school, their Advising Center, Student Success, and the Division of Career Outcomes and Employer Engagement to identify and create pathways for student success.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Proactively work with students to provide holistic, academic support
  • Maintains student course curriculum records to ensure students are on track for degree completion
  • Assist students with operational processes including: course planning and registration, withdrawal, change of major/minors, override request, etc.;
  • Responsible for case managing students, as part of college case management collaboration
  • Make appropriate referrals to professionals across campus
  • Work in collaboration with the Career Advisor to ensure students have the experiences and resources to excel in their fields
  • Work in collaboration with the Career Advisor to assess involvement and encourage participation in internships, co-ops, research and other experiential learning initiatives that will provide industry experience
  • Collaborate with the O’Brien Center for Career Development to plan and implement major/industry-specific programs in your school
  • Assume shared responsibility for assessing and modifying/updating website content related to career outcomes, student experiences and industry partnership
  • Build collaborative and supportive relationships with faculty, academic and career related offices
  • Represent the School Advising Center at key Admission, Orientation, Student Life and Alumni events
  • Elevate student experiences and achievements through social media, communications, web site, O’Brien Center reports and prepare for Admission reports/events
  • Support school based student academic clubs and organizations with programming and events in collaboration with the Senior Career Advisor
  • Oversee graduate fellows
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree required.
  • Three or more years of academic advising experience, preferably with undergraduate students.
  • Knowledge of degree programs and corresponding career options.
  • Understanding of educational requirements and advising processes.
  • Excellent problem solving, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Willingness to learn and develop as an advising professional.
  • Experience and/or commitment to working with a diverse student population.
  • Ability to relate well to students, faculty, staff, and parents/family members.
  • This is a 12 month position with occasional weekend and evening responsibilities.

Application Materials Should Include:

  • Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning
  • Names and contact information for three (3) references.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus. 

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, the Winston school of education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 240-acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in the towns of North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Merrimack Medal Winner Worked to Enhance the Merrimack Experience for All

Maxwell Beland ’24, who will graduate from Merrimack's School of Arts and Sciences on Friday, May 17, was awarded the Merrimack Medal for exemplifying outstanding character and achievement of service to his classmates and the College community.

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  1. Cost of attendance at 3 Boston-area schools to exceed $90K per year

  2. Stanford 2023-24 Prompts Guide

  3. Writing an "Original" College Essay

  4. Yale 2023 24 Prompts Guide

  5. It's NOT Why Harvard!

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COMMENTS

  1. 2023-24 Boston College Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

    Boston College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations. *Please note: the information below relates to last year's essay prompts. As soon as the 2024-25 prompts beomce available, we will be updating this guide -- stay tuned! The Requirements: 1 essay of 400 words. Supplemental Essay Type (s): Oddball, Community, Why.

  2. Boston College Supplemental Essays

    Boston College supplemental essays respond to one of five Boston College essay prompts. We have provided the Boston College essay prompts for 2023-2024 Boston College essays below. Here, you'll learn how to approach the Boston College essay prompts, plus some brainstorming exercises to help you get writing. We'll also discuss additional ...

  3. CEA's Guide to the 2021-22 Boston College Supplemental Essay Prompts

    CEA's Guide to Yale's 2021-22 "Intellectual Interest" Essay. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to break down Yale's 250-word "Intellectual Interest" essay, which reads, "Yale's extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead.

  4. 3 Strong Boston College Essay Examples

    3 Strong Boston College Essay Examples. Boston College is a private, Jesuit research university in the greater Boston area known for its outstanding academics and beautiful Gothic architecture. This R1 research university was founded as a small liberal arts college in 1863 and pays homage to its roots by keeping the word "college" in its name.

  5. College Essay Guides

    Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Students have the best of both worlds, living in a suburban area, but residing only six miles from the city of Boston. With a 24% acceptance rate, the Class of 2024 was Boston College's most selective applications cycle. The average SAT score for admitted students was 1457, and the ...

  6. About College Essay Advisors

    She/Her. Founder and Chief Advisor. Stacey Brook is an accomplished writer and admissions expert who has spent almost two decades helping students conceptualize, edit and refine their college essays. During her college years, Stacey discovered she had both a knack for consistently reinventing the creative personal statement and a perverse love ...

  7. Undergraduate Testimonials

    My daughter got accepted at multiple colleges: Cornell (her choice); Johns Hopkins; Boston College, Boston University, NYU and SUNY Binghamton. This victory is also yours. Again, I'm really grateful and thankful to you." - CEA Parent, Cornell University, Class of 2024. "You have an excellent professional on your team.

  8. College Essay Advisor

    ABOUT ME. Welcome and thank you for visiting! My name is Maureen C. Scudder, and I am an independent college counselor specializing in college essay advising. From strategy to submission, I help students get accepted into their dream schools. I work with undergraduate and graduate applicants on their written materials, including personal ...

  9. College Essay Guy

    College Essay Guy believes that every student should have access to the tools and guidance necessary to create the best application possible. That's why we're a one-for-one company, which means that for every student who pays for support, we provide free support to a low-income student. Learn more.

  10. College Essay Guides

    Good luck! This 2021-2022 essay guide on Boston University was written by Juliana Furigay, Columbia '23. If you need help crafting your BU supplemental essays, visit app.collegeadvisor.com to create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 719-4984.

  11. College Admissions Consultants & Advisors Boston, MA

    There are college essays to write, campus interviews to schedule, and financial aid options to weed through. Educational Advocates can help throughout the entire college admissions process. We have experience helping Boston, MA area students increase their chances of being accepted to their top school choices.

  12. College Essay Advising

    Application Advising. Allison Karpf. [email protected] (201) 675-0349 ... Allison has helped students find their voices and create compelling narratives for their college essays. She guides them through each step of the college process: Common Application, college list, and all essays. ... Auburn, Babson, Bates, Berkelee College of ...

  13. Boston University Supplemental Essays

    As you prepare your own Boston University supplemental essays, we suggest reviewing past essay guides to get more ideas about how to write your college essays. Check out our 2021-2022 Boston University essay guide or 39 essay tips from admissions experts for more essay writing inspiration.

  14. College Essay Guides

    In this Boston University Essay Guide, CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Expert and BU graduate Sally Kim will cover how to approach the 2020-2021 Boston University supplementary essays. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

  15. Boston University Essay

    The Kilachand Honors College essay has a 600-word limit. So, students should take advantage of the additional space, thinking carefully through the prompt they select. Both of these Boston University essay prompts aim to capture if a student would be a good fit for the Kilachand Honors College.

  16. 5 Strategies To Unlock Your Winning College Essay

    The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback ...

  17. College of Law

    College of Law University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2321 Moscow, ID 83844-2321 Main Office: 208-885-2255 Admissions: 208-885-2300 Legal Clinic: 208-885-6541 Office of the Dean: 208-364-4620. Fax: 208-885-5709. Email: [email protected]. Boise. Physical Address: 501 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702.

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  21. Senior Academic Advisor, School of Arts and Sciences

    Position Overview Merrimack College has an opening for a Senior Academic Advisor. The Senior Academic Advisor will advise, mentor, and support students in the School of Arts and Sciences. The Senior Academic Advisor will work with undecided students in the sciences and student part of the "Discover" program. Senior Academic Advisors will be meeting 1-on-1