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Mastering the CMU Supplemental Essays: 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

Picture of Admit Hero Team By   ·  1 minute read

ello, future Tartans! If you're eager to join the innovative community at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), it's crucial to ace their supplemental essays. Let's discuss the specific advice on how to best approach them.

CMU requires one general essay and three short answer prompts. Each school under CMU may also have specific prompts.

General Essay (250-300 words)

  • Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s).

This essay calls for specificity. Why CMU? Why this particular program? Your reasons should go beyond CMU's reputation or ranking.

Example: "CMU's Computer Science program is renowned for its focus on practical application. As someone passionate about cybersecurity, the opportunity to learn in an environment that values hands-on experiences like the Build18 festival is appealing. I am particularly interested in Professor X's research on IoT security and would be thrilled to contribute to it."

Short Answer Questions (1-2 sentences)

  1. List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure.
  2. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
  3. What or who has influenced you to apply to Carnegie Mellon?

The short answers test your ability to be concise and impactful. The first question reflects your intellectual curiosity. The second question is about your sense of belonging and identity, and the third question is about your motivation.

For the book list, choose a diverse set of books that reflect different interests. For the community question, choose a community that has significantly shaped your experiences or values.

School-specific Prompts

The additional essay(s) for specific schools vary, but all demand you to illustrate your commitment and suitability to the chosen field of study. For example, the School of Drama asks for a two-page essay describing your career goals and how CMU can help you achieve them.

In these essays, detail any relevant experiences (internships, workshops, school clubs), discuss your passion for the field, and explain why the particular program at CMU aligns with your career goals.

Example: "Working backstage in high school theatre ignited my passion for stage management. The School of Drama's Stage and Production Management Program offers a mix of practical training and theoretical knowledge I need to transition from a high school setting to larger, professional productions. I am particularly excited about the program's collaboration with Pittsburgh theatres."

In all responses, be authentic and specific, and ensure your passion for your field of study and for CMU shines through. Best of luck, future Tartans!