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Essay Prompt

No matter the essay prompt, the values that guide our admission review process remain consistent. We care deeply about the ideas and commitments that shape the CC community, and we look for students who are excited to engage in meaningful ways with our campus community and the world around them.

In recent years, our supplemental essay has invited students to reflect on their experiences and potential for engagement in one of three key areas:

• Antiracism. Â鶹ÊÓƵ is committed to becoming an antiracist institution. We are working to break down systemic racism and foster an inclusive environment in which students, staff, and faculty of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can thrive. With antiracism central to our mission, our students are better prepared to make meaningful change in the world.
• Sustainability. We aspire to make CC a model for sustainability. 24 out of 30 academic departments offer at least one course that includes sustainability topics, we're one of the top institutions in the country for water conservation, and our library is the largest net-zero academic library in the nation. We live our commitment to a thriving future.
• Wellness. We recognize that there is no singular pathway to wellbeing, and empower students to envision and follow their own paths to wellness. Through a variety of resources designed to address physical, spiritual, and mental health while helping students develop skills in areas like stress management and building healthy relationships, we equip students to live healthy and fulfilling lives. 

Tips and Advice

The guidance below can help you with any supplemental essay you write:

• Get to know us: Having a deep understanding of the institution you're applying to will help you write a strong supplemental essay, because you'll know how your values align with the institution's values.
• Be specific: While we know you may have several short essays to write for different institutions, please take the time to customize your response to the college where you're applying.
• Be authentic: Admission readers want to better understand who you are as a student and community member. Share what is true to who you are.
• Proofread: Take the time to carefully review your response before you submit. Read it out loud, ask a friend or family member to take a look, and don't rush!

Check back here on August 1 for updates about the supplemental essay for the 2025-2026 application cycle.