Unlocking the Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Hello, future Eagles! If Boston College is your dream school, you're at the right place. We're here to guide you through the Boston College supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Boston College Supplemental Essay Prompts

1. Great art evokes a sense of wonder. It nourishes the mind and spirit. Is there a particular song, poem, speech, or novel from which you have drawn insight or inspiration? (400 words)

This prompt asks you to delve into your connection with art, however, you define it. You can write about any piece of art that had a significant impact on you. Ensure to discuss why it resonates with you and how it has influenced your perspectives or actions.

Example

The Beatles’ song "Let It Be" has served as a beacon of hope in my life, providing solace in difficult times. Its simplistic message of surrendering to the flow of life resonates with me, teaching me the importance of acceptance and patience.

Growing up, I was a perfectionist, often overwhelmed by my own expectations. When things didn’t go as planned, I’d blame myself, causing great stress. The first time I listened to "Let It Be", I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The lyrics, "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, Speaking words of wisdom, let it be", taught me to embrace life’s uncertainties and have faith in the process.

This change in perspective allowed me to take setbacks in stride, turning them into learning opportunities. Now, whenever I face adversity, I take a moment to internalize the situation and echo the words, "Let it be". It has made me more resilient and adaptable, enhancing my personal and academic life.

2. 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)

Boston College values diversity, and through this prompt, they want to know what unique aspects you'd bring to their community. Reflect on your life experiences, family background, culture, or personal interests and how these will add to the Boston College environment.

Example

Growing up in a bilingual household, I had a unique experience of embracing two cultures simultaneously. Being an American with Argentinian roots, I learned to blend the American way of individuality with the Argentinian tradition of communal living. This dual perspective has taught me to value diversity and fostered in me a global mindset.

My multicultural background has sparked a deep interest in international relations, driving me to initiate a Model United Nations club at my high school. As president, I aimed to create a platform that encourages open dialogue about global issues and appreciates diverse viewpoints.

At Boston College, I aspire to continue fostering this appreciation for diversity and open dialogue. I aim to join clubs like the Model UN and International Club to share my unique insights and learn from others. By fostering an inclusive and globally conscious environment, I hope to enrich the Boston College community.

3. Boston College strives to provide an undergraduate learning experience emphasizing the liberal arts, quality teaching, personal formation, and engagement of critical issues. If you had the opportunity to create your own college course, what enduring question or contemporary problem would you address and why? (400 words)

This question gives you the chance to showcase your academic interests, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Consider a question or issue that genuinely fascinates you, aligns with your academic interests, and holds enduring significance.

Here are some strategies for crafting compelling responses:

1. Be Authentic: Your essays should reflect who you are. Avoid writing what you think the admission officers want to hear. Instead, let your personality and voice shine through.

2. Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid descriptions, anecdotes, or examples to convey your points. They make your essays more engaging and convincing.

3. Be Specific: Specificity is key in these essays. It makes your essays more compelling and demonstrates that you've done your research about Boston College.

4. Reflect and Connect: For each essay, ensure to reflect on your experiences or the chosen piece of art and connect them back to Boston College. Explain how your experiences or insights align with Boston College’s values or environment, or how they would contribute to the university.

5. Proofread: After writing, proofread your essays for grammatical errors and clarity. Consider having someone else look at them as well. They might spot errors you overlooked.

Example

If I had the opportunity to create a college course, I would address the enduring question of “How does language shape our perception of the world?”

Language, as a vehicle of thought, has a profound impact on our perception of reality. Studying this topic would offer insights into the connection between language, thought, and culture, shedding light on our understanding of the world.

The course would explore theories like linguistic relativity and how language influences cognitive processes. We would delve into diverse linguistic structures and their cultural implications, fostering a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication and perceptions.

In our increasingly globalized world, understanding the interplay between language and perception is crucial for fostering empathy and mutual understanding among diverse cultures. This course would not only contribute to the liberal arts curriculum of Boston College but also align with its commitment to engaging with critical and complex issues.

Conclusion

Remember, the Boston College supplemental essays are your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and show the admissions committee why you would be a great fit for the university. Good luck, and go Eagles!