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Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?

Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.

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What Are the Georgia Tech Supplement Essay Prompts?

The Georgia Tech application includes a total of two essays . For one of these, you'll choose one of the seven Common App prompts to respond to, and the other is specific to Georgia Tech. Here's the Georgia Tech prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

How to Write the "Why Georgia Tech?" Essay

This prompt is a version of the "why this college?" prompt . Specifically, this prompt is a "why us?" prompt: It's asking you to elaborate on why this college and the major you've chosen are best suited to you and your aspirations. In other words, what about Georgia Tech and the field of study you want to pursue there will help you achieve your future goals?

To answer this question, you'll need to do some research on Georgia Tech and the academic program you're applying to . The easiest way to do this is to go to the Georgia Tech website to get an overview of what's offered by your program, including the kinds of classes, study abroad options, professors, and internship opportunities.

If possible, I suggest visiting the campus to sit in on classes and meet professors so you can get a clearer feel for the academic program as well as the environment at Georgia Tech as a whole.

In your essay, try to pick a specific characteristic to focus on —don't just say you want to attend Georgia Tech because it's prestigious or well-known. Lots of colleges are!

Next, you'll need to know how your education at Georgia Tech will help you after college . For example, you could write about how you think Georgia Tech's cooperative education program will help you gain relevant professional experience and make connections with like-minded peers.

Regardless of what aspects of Georgia Tech and your major you want to write about, make sure to clearly connect the essay back to you and your own interests and goals .

Here are some possible topics you could use for your "Why Georgia Tech?" essay:

• An anecdote relating some sort of positive personal experience you had at Georgia Tech (such as while on a campus tour)
• A positive interaction you had with someone affiliated with Georgia Tech, such as a current student or professor involved with the major you're applying for
• Your excitement about getting to work with a particular faculty member  and how this opportunity will help you further your career goals
• Your enthusiasm for getting to study in a program, major, or minor that's not usually offered at many schools or that has a unique, interesting angle at Georgia Tech
• A special facility or piece of equipment you're looking forward to being able to work in or with that isn't offered on other campuses or is very rare

Georgia Tech Essay Examples + Analysis

We've written two Georgia Tech essay examples to help give you an idea as to what and how you could write your Why Georgia Tech essay. Additionally, we go over what makes them good essays for a Georgia Tech application.

Georgia Tech Essay Example 1

"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to Georgia Tech."

Katrina was a few years older than me and the sister of my best friend, Troy, who'd given me her email address so I could ask any questions I had about her time at Georgia Tech. This was the last line of her response—and by far the most memorable.

Like Katrina, I can't imagine myself not attending Georgia Tech. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I see Georgia Tech as a gateway to not just learning but also professional success. The flexibility of the major would allow me to focus specifically on my passion for reducing the negative effects of climate change and securing access to clean water. As a senior, I plan to take several hydraulics-focused electives.

In addition, through the InVenture Prize, which I hope to participate in at least twice, I'll be able to utilize the knowledge I've gained through my classes, projects, and fieldwork by translating it into a concrete vision—specifically, an invention that will increase the availability of fresh, healthy water for disadvantaged communities.

After graduation, and as a proud Georgia Tech alumnus (ideally with an InVenture Prize), I plan to implement the skills I've gained through my environmental engineering major in the nonprofit sector.

I haven't met Katrina yet, but I feel as though I know her—perhaps it's that shared sense of joy at having discovered the perfect school for the paths we've chosen.

Here's why this Georgia Tech essay works:

• It's got a creative hook that draws you in. This Georgia Tech essay opens with a quotation that immediately makes it feel as though you're reading a compelling story. It then goes on to connect this hook directly to the narrator who "can't imagine … not attending Georgia Tech," ensuring the focus remains on the applicant and not Katrina.
• It mentions specific features of Georgia Tech. The applicant doesn't just write about how prestigious Georgia Tech is but specifically mentions opportunities she's interested in taking advantage of, such as hydraulics courses and the famous InVenture Prize competition.

The mark of a good college essay is an acceptance letter!

Georgia Tech Essay Example 2

Atlanta has been my home all my life, and I've always known that I want to be one of the people who help make it such a wonderful place to live. My dream is to create my own business that makes it easier for other start-up businesses to get up and running. Georgia Tech is my dream school because I know it will give me the absolute best chance of achieving my goals.

The course catalog for Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business makes it clear that all business students receive a top-notch and comprehensive business education no matter what area they choose to focus on. However, what really interests me is Scheller's emphasis on entrepreneurship. I'm so excited to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, like LBAT and study abroad programs that focus on starting a new business, the certificate in entrepreneurship, and the Enterprise Innovation Institute where I hope to collaborate with professors, business leaders, and peers to learn how to create and grow and successful business of my own.

Growing up in Atlanta, learned early that it has many resources for people hoping to go into business, and I know Georgia Tech will help me take advantage of them. Under the school's internship program, I hope to work for a start-up company, learning about what makes some new companies thrive while others fail, and getting on-the-ground experience learning what new companies need to do well and avoid common pitfalls. I'll also use Georgia Tech's extensive connections with local business leaders to continue to expand my business acumen outside the classroom.

I have so many ideas for what I want to do with my career, and I can't wait to attend Georgia Tech to learn the skills I need to make these dreams possible.

• It goes in-depth on what Georgia Tech offers. Like the first essay, this one also gets specific on exactly which parts of the school the writer plans to take advantage of the most. From mentioning the course catalog, specific business programs, and the school's connections with the community, it's clear the writer did her research and knows which of Georgia Tech's resources will be of most value to her.
• It has a clear vision of a career path. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate college, but having a general idea can really help you show the admissions committee how you're going to take advantage of what Georgia Tech offers. In this case, it's the entrepreneurship and business opportunities at the school, which will help the writer start her own business after graduation.

How to Write a Great Georgia Tech Essay: Three Essential Tips

Now that you know the specifics of the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt, here are three key tips to use while writing your essay.

#1: Be Specific and Concise

The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so limited in terms of length, you'll need to make sure you're using the space you have wisely. Don't write super flowery, verbose descriptions or rely on overly vague examples.

Instead, be as specific as you can be so that you're emphasizing only the most important parts of the story you want to tell. Specificity will make your essay more concise and easier to follow.

#2: Show, Don't Tell

You've probably heard this refrain a million times, but it's especially important for college essays: show your experiences, emotions, and perspectives instead of simply telling them to your readers . Doing this will make your Georgia Tech essays sound vibrant and alive rather than dull and boring.

One of the very best ways to catapult your descriptions to a whole new level and to lend a stronger voice to your writing is to use a variety of literary devices , including flashbacks, anecdotes, imagery, and euphemisms.

#3: Polish and Proofread

Before you submit your Georgia Tech essays, make sure to take some time to read them over, edit them, get feedback, and proofread them.

The best way to do this is to start by writing a rough draft. Once finished, put your essay away for a little while—from a couple of days to a week or so depending on the amount of time you have left before college applications are due —and then take it out again.

As you read your essay, mark any areas that are unclear, awkwardly worded, or irrelevant . You should also proofread your essay for any glaring typos and errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Once you've repeated this process a few times, it's time to get a new set of eyes to look it over for you. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor, to read your essay and offer comments and corrections on it.

Doing all of this will ensure that your essay is completely polished by the time you turn it in to Georgia Tech!

What's Next?

If you're reading this, you're likely not only applying to Georgia Tech. Get more tips with our expert guides to the Stanford essays , the Northwestern essay , and the Harvard essay .

Applying through the Common App? Check out this comprehensive list of schools that accept the Common App , and learn more about how to write the Common App essay .

To learn more about Georgia Tech and how to get in, take a look at its admission requirements page .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Essay 2023-2024

The Georgia Institute of Technology is the southeast’s premier public university oriented towards technology. Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech is consistently ranked in the top 40 national universities. 

Engineering, computer science, and mathematics are among the strongest offerings at Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech is also known for its emphasis on hands-on experience, and the majority of students have internships and/or study abroad.

Georgia Tech is highly selective and admissions officers will look closely at your essays. While drafting their supplemental essay can be daunting, CollegeVine is here to help! Read on for a guide to tackling Georgia Tech’s essay.

Read these Georgia Tech essay examples to inspire your own writing.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompt

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech (300 words max).

This prompt is both straightforward and challenging, and is essentially a “ Why this major? ” essay. Given the brevity of your answer, you will need to selectively use your background and resume to convincingly describe how Georgia Tech fits into your future. Here’s how to approach this prompt:

1. Describe your interests and background.

The first portion of your response should explain what drew you to your prospective major. A common pitfall students make here is being way too general – try to make your response something that is unique to you and your life experiences. For instance, one applicant might write an anecdote about how they first interacted with the subject. Another might describe a niche within the subject that appeals to them the most. Be sure to include specific details such as people, roles, and events that influenced your decision. Here are two examples of how to start off your essay:

Weak: “For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in civil engineering. I love working with my hands, so engineering has always seemed like a good fit for me. I have also always done well in the relevant classes, like math, physics, and computer science. In addition, I knew I wanted to pursue a subject that would make the world a better place.”

Strong: “As an environmental activist, I firmly believe everyone has a social responsibility to help keep the planet healthy and I am always looking for new ways that I can contribute to this endeavor. In high school, I started the Anti-litter Volunteer Club, where my peers and I picked up trash around our campus and neighboring community. Exploring my passion in college as a civil engineer seemed like the logical next step in developing ways to preserve nature. I am especially passionate about reducing waste by making product packaging out of biodegradable materials.”

This first response is weak for several reasons. The student mentions wanting to work with their hands, but this is much too general as it can apply to any type of engineering and other subjects as well. In contrast, the second response shows, rather than tells, admissions officers that this student has a passion for the environment. The student includes specific details about their past that communicate their desire to engage with civil engineering. 

The first applicant also lists superficial reasons, such as their academic prowess, which can come off as boastful and disingenuous rather than as a passion for the major itself. Instead, efforts you have made to pursue the subject outside of the classroom, like the anti-litter club, provide much better examples of your interest in the subject. Finally, the second applicant introduces a niche in civil engineering that they are especially passionate about. This level of detail lends authenticity to your response, and you can use forward-thinking phrasing to connect to the next portion of your essay. Keep in mind that these examples are just excerpts, and you should elaborate more in this area if word count allows for it.

2. Connect them to your choice of major and resources at Georgia Tech.

After you have established a foundation for your passion for your major, you can delve into how you can continue to develop it at Georgia Tech. This will reaffirm your interest in the school while also providing a realistic path through which you can accomplish your goals. Try to avoid clichés like small classroom size and mention more specific offerings instead, like programs and classes that are unique to Georgia Tech. Here is a weak and strong example of this portion:

Weak: “With the second best undergraduate civil engineering program, Georgia Tech is a leading institution that will provide me the tools to be successful in this field. I look forward to taking engaging classes, including breadth electives, that will expand my knowledge of civil and other types of engineering. I plan on joining clubs like Engineers Without Borders to continue learning outside of the classroom.”

Strong: “Georgia Tech can provide me with ample opportunities to pursue my passion; for instance, I can work on creating a biodegradable takeout box with my peers in the Geotechnical Society, and then implement our prototype design in on-campus dining facilities like Colony Bistro and Bhojanic. I also look forward to attending the Sustainability Banquet to hear from Atlanta’s leaders in sustainability like Dr. Jennifer Hirsch. Her work in grassroots sustainability innovation and use of a cross-cultural lens embody the approach I wish to take in civil engineering.”

The first response makes a common mistake in lauding the school’s accomplishments. Admissions officers are aware of statistics and ranking but want to know what, beyond prestige, makes you interested in this particular major at this particular university. The second prompt achieves this by mentioning specific offerings like the Sustainability Banquet, and a professor’s work that closely aligns with the student’s values. 

Though the first prompt does name a club at Georgia Tec h, the applicant fails to describe how exactly they plan to use this resource. Meanwhile, the strong response mentions a society and provides a hypothetical scenario where they might participate in it. The latter response is a much more effective approach in that it shows, rather than telling, admissions officers how you plan to pursue your major on-campus. Again, keep in mind that these examples are just excerpts, and you should elaborate more in this area if word count allows for it.

3. Explain how Georgia Tech will prepare you for your prospective career/future.

Finally, you should wrap up your response by mentioning how your passion for your major and involvement on Georgia Tech’s campus will culminate in your future. Avoid platitudes about making the world a better place and growing academically and professionally. Instead, tie your conclusion back to the purpose behind your essay and communicate that you want to pursue your passion for this subject beyond your college career.

Weak: “Obtaining a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech will allow me to further my passion for this subject. I look forward to using the skills I learn in my future career.”

Strong: “Embarking on projects like these will provide me with hands-on learning opportunities that will reinforce my commitment to sustainability. A background in civil engineering will provide me with the tools to literally build a better planet, a passion I will continue to pursue beyond my college career.”

While the first response tells readers what the author plans to do, it lacks specific details and the narrative-like quality that will keep admissions officers engaged. In contrast, the second conclusion restates the applicant’s goal of sustainability and their major of choice while providing a future-facing ending. This drums up the correct level of interest within the reader and lends your response closure without making it feel finite.

This prompt is designed to help admissions officers understand your character, background, and how you think. You should never just relist your extracurriculars and coursework. Instead, your essay should show , rather than tell , readers about your interests and make your major and career choices seem both logical and borne out of a genuine passion.

Where to Get Your Georgia Tech Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your Georgia Tech essay? 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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Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

July 13, 2023

Georgia Tech has always been an excellent university where one could receive a top-notch educational experience. However, it was not always a highly-selective institution on the admissions front. In fact, back in the days of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech accepted over two-thirds of those who applied. In 2023, this is a school that only admits 12% of out-of-state applicants and 29% of freshmen were the valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class (let that sink in a moment…). It’s fair to say that an applicant to Georgia Tech today is playing a completely different ballgame than applicants in 1995, 2005, or even 2015. Even students with nothing lower than an A- on their transcript and an SAT/ACT score above the 95th percentile still need a compelling application in order to have strong odds of becoming a Yellow Jacket. That brings us to the Georgia Tech supplemental essays…

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgia Tech? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Georgia Tech: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Although it only has one general essay prompt, Georgia Tech’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also dishes advice on how to pen a winning essay.

2022-2023 Georgia Tech Essay Question

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)

This is part “Why Us?” and part “Explain Your Major” and your aim is to seamlessly touch on both topics in a tightly-woven 300-word composition. Georgia Tech is very forthcoming in its essay-related advice to applicants. They wisely advise all applicants to demonstrate “authenticity & self-awareness,” “thoughtfulness”, and to “display attention to topic, style, and grammar.” For a deeper dive, let’s examine the list of common pitfalls followed by a list of characteristics of a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:

Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Georgia Tech’s engineering/business/computer science program is atop the U.S. News rankings, is prestigious, and has a great reputation.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an ideal location for your college experience.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an exciting/cosmopolitan/diverse/culture-filled city.
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g. I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me…).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

How to write a needle-moving “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Demonstrate how your goals align with the school’s mission statement. “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”
• Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities , internship/externship programs, study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.
• How will you be an active, contributing member of the academic community at Georgia Tech?
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Georgia Tech’s campus.
• How will you take advantage of Georgia Tech’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom?
• Lastly, address why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you. Also, touch on why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech.

Big-picture thoughts on a “Why this Major/College” essay

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. Yet, you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled ten minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar Georgia Tech essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

How important is the essay at this school?

Eight factors are “very important” to the Georgia Tech evaluation process. The Common App and supplemental essays are among them. Additional factors considered “very important” are: rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and the level of the applicant’s demonstrated interest.

Georgia Tech Admission Essays – Personalized Assistance

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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Georgia Tech Essay 2022-2023

Georgia tech essay 2022-23, georgia tech essay: quick facts.

• Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate: 18%— U.S. News ranks Georgia Tech as a most selective school.
• 1 ( ~ 300 word) essay
• Georgia Tech Application: Students must submit their Georgia Tech application through the Common Application . Make sure to double check all Georgia Tech application deadline and requirements. 
• Early Action I: October 17th  
• Early Action II: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 4th
• Georgia Tech Essay Tip: In addition to the Common App essay , there is only one Georgia Tech essay to complete. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully and authentically complete the Georgia Tech essay. 

Does Georgia Institute of Technology have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, you will craft a why Georgia Tech essay that explains why you want to attend Georgia Tech. However, there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

Applicants must only complete one Georgia Tech application essay and the Common App essay .

Since the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is rather low, you should ensure your essay thoroughly explains why Georgia Tech best fits your goals.

While this task may seem daunting, the Georgia Tech application essay is not intended to trip you up. Make sure your Georgia Tech application essay shares new information while also explaining specific reasons why Georgia Tech is the place for you. Emphasize specific details that help the reader understand who you are and why you would fit in at Georgia Tech. Successful Georgia Tech essays will answer the why Georgia Tech essay completely and thoughtfully.

How to Write Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay–Question 1

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech (300 max).

The why Georgia Tech essay gives you the chance to state your educational goals within the context of Georgia Tech. Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays will resemble those of many colleges. This means that while you won’t be able to reuse your Georgia Tech application essay (after all, that defeats the purpose of the “why school” essay), learning to write a strong response to this prompt might help you in your other applications.

Also, keep in mind that your Georgia Tech application essay should largely look toward your future rather than your past. You can—and should—mention specific ways that your academic interests have developed. However, you should devote most of your Why Georgia Tech essay to why you hope to pursue these interests at Georgia Tech. Below are some ways to ground your why Georgia Tech essay:

Focus on Academic Interests

First, and most importantly, you should consider your academic interests. Remember, this Georgia Tech essay prompt asks both why you want to study your chosen major and why you want to do so at Georgia Tech. Your response to the why Georgia Tech essay should address both of these questions—that is, you should explain the origins and development of your academic passions alongside your interest in Georgia Tech.

Think a bit about your future college major when contemplating the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Which programs at Georgia Tech most interest you? Maybe some courses excite you because they connect to your professional goals. Perhaps there is a professor whose research lights your intellectual spirit on fire. Look for reasons why Georgia Tech is the perfect place for you, and highlight them in your Georgia Tech application essay. 

Your Georgia Tech application essay should be grounded in what intellectually excites you about college and how Georgia Tech specifically quenches that academic thirst. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts; so, make sure that your response to this prompt is unique and passionate about your future academic interests. 

Consider discussing c ommunity

Second, successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will consider Georgia Tech’s community, particularly in the academic sense. Why does Georgia Tech’s campus culture appeal to you? Why would you thrive in an intellectually engaged community like Georgia Tech? 

For inspiration, you might check out Georgia Tech’s admissions office website as well as their YouTube channel . There, you can see what Georgia Tech wishes to emphasize about itself to prospective students. You can also hear from students past and present about their lives on campus. Incorporating these themes will help you prepare an excellent Why Georgia Tech essay.

Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, the Georgia Tech application essay is a snapshot of your current interests. Since there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, students should place special attention on writing strong Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

Many college students change their major, and the Georgia Tech admissions team understands this. Perhaps your future professors will inspire you to change direction. Or, maybe, an internship or volunteering experience might reveal a new passion. Admissions officers know that your prospective major may shift once you arrive at Georgia Tech. Don’t feel constrained by “choosing” a future major —instead, use the Georgia Tech supplemental essay to reflect on your current interests and illustrate your overall intellect.

Georgia Tech Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your Georgia Tech application essay provide specific examples that show you have researched why Georgia Tech is a good fit for you?
• Do you avoid extended lists of reasons why you want to attend Georgia Tech and instead focus on one or two specific things?
• Will your Georgia Tech application essay stand out amongst a pool of competitive applicants?

How do I write the Georgia Tech essay?

Writing the Georgia Tech essay can seem challenging at first, especially because you don’t have multiple chances to get the essay right with various Georgia Tech essay prompts. Still, there is a method to the madness. Students should begin these Georgia Tech supplemental essays by brainstorming what about Georgia Tech appeals to you. As you draft responses to the Georgia Tech essay prompts, a structured outline will help focus your thoughts.

Keep in mind that your Why Georgia Tech essay isn’t just about Georgia Tech—it’s about you. Your Why Georgia Tech essay should not only highlight the specific resources and opportunities that draw you to the school; it should also speak to how you hope to develop your interests and passions in college. Georgia Tech supplemental essays should demonstrate that students have thought intentionally about their ideal college environment and how it relates to their goals. In evaluating your Georgia Tech essay, the Georgia Tech admissions team will consider both what sort of student you will be and what you will bring to their college community.

As the Georgia Tech acceptance rate continues declining, admissions officers sift through more and more applications. As there aren’t various Georgia Tech essay prompts, this makes it even more important that your one Georgia Tech essay shines. Your Georgia Tech application essay should capture your accomplishments, your goals, and why Georgia Tech is an ideal next step.

Why School Essay: Three tips for researching Georgia Tech

When writing your why Georgia Tech essay, or any why school essay, you should be as detailed as possible. The biggest mistake students can make when writing Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being too general. Therefore, one of the first steps in writing your why Georgia Tech essay is to do some research on Georgia Tech. You may have some useful information from your college search that led you to complete a Georgia Tech application. For their Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students can use that initial research as a base for the why school essay, especially if a certain academic program initially caught their interest. 

Your why Georgia Tech essay should aim to impress Georgia Tech admissions while still being authentic. Georgia Tech admissions is selective. Your why Georgia Tech essay is only a small portion of your overall Georgia Tech application, albeit a very important portion. Before even beginning your why school essay research, check out our guide on how to get into Georgia Tech. You’ll also want to read all about Georgia Tech admissions to understand the selection process. Without multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, you have time to put all of your focus on this why Georgia Tech essay. 

You may already have an idea of a major or program that you want to pursue. That’s great. Students who know their intended major have an easy place to start researching when starting their Georgia Tech essays. However, maybe you’re still choosing a major . That’s no problem. Georgia Tech essays aren’t meant to be a formal declaration of your major. Rather, Georgia Tech admissions just wants to get to know you and your academic interests in relation to Georgia Tech and its programs. 

Three tips to get you started when researching for Georgia Tech essays: 

#1- start with the mission statement.

Georgia Tech admissions wants you to show in this why Georgia Tech essay how your goals align with their values. Georgia Tech states that the institution is “ committed to improving the human condition through advanced science and technology. ” You’ll need to demonstrate, through your chosen major, how you would fulfill that mission. Students who write successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will keep that mission statement in mind as they research academic programs for the Georgia Tech application essay. 

#2- Find a major

When writing your Georgia Tech essay, search through the majors offered at the university. You’ll likely have an area of interest even if you are still undecided on a major. In order to write impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students should lean into those intellectual interests in order to find a major that they can passionately and authentically write about. Students should use their Georgia Tech essay prompts to reference specific opportunities only offered at Georgia Tech. These could be the research facilities, faculty, or internship opportunities. 

#2- Learn about the campus culture

Georgia Tech admissions wants to see through students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays how you align with their mission and values. Showing how you would excel on the campus is important. Georgia Tech supplemental essays may reference clubs or organizations that you would get involved in. How would those opportunities add to your intended major?

Take your time

Once you’ve done all the research, focus your attention on answering the prompt in its entirety. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts so give yourself all the time it takes to answer exceptionally. Expand on your most relevant research for your why Georgia Tech essay by relating it back to you and your goals. How do the specific values, programs, and campus community relate to you? What will you bring to this academically rigorous program? How will you apply that to your future career? Students should think about all these questions as they write their Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

It may be helpful to look at what works when writing a why school essay. Many schools require a why school essay. Students responding to the Georgia Tech essay prompts will make their answers specific to Georgia Tech, however, the basic goal and structure of the why school essay will be the same. Check out the why school essay examples for Yale , Northwestern , and NYU to see how to ace the Georgia Tech application essay. 

Is the Georgia Tech essay required?

Yes—all students must complete the supplemental Georgia Tech application essay.

The Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic application review process. This means that your how to get into Georgia Tech strategy will require presenting a cohesive application narrative. When reading Georgia Tech supplemental essays, admissions officers want to understand your academic potential as well as who you are as a person. 

In addition to thoughtful Georgia Tech supplemental essays, the Georgia Tech admissions team wants to see demonstrated interest (DI) from you. Demonstrated interest is a tool of measurement that universities use to gauge how enthusiastic students are about attending a particular school. Essentially, if an admissions officer has two similar candidate profiles in front of them—similar test scores , extracurriculars , and achievements—the final decision may come down to which student better demonstrates their interest in attending. In a Forbes article on how best to use DI in your college applications, they highlight the power of the essay. In this case, your Why Georgia Tech essay can be a powerful tool to demonstrate your interest in attending.

Recently, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive. Many students are vying for a spot at this top science , technology, and eng i neering school. Given that there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, make sure to make the most of the 300 word count as you show the Georgia Tech admissions team what makes you unique. Remember, well-written Georgia Tech supplemental essays can make or break your admissions odds.

Is the Georgia Tech essay important?

Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays are absolutely important. The Georgia Tech application essay helps readers understand who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. In fact, Georgia Tech supplemental essays can even provide important context to grades and activities. This can help you stand out to admissions officers.

As you write the why Georgia Tech essay, remember to share both the exciting features of Georgia Tech and how they connect with your own experiences and goals. Georgia Tech admissions are not only looking for your academic credentials in this Georgia Tech application essay—they also want to see who you are and how you can contribute to the campus culture. Given the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate, students want to do all they can to maximize the impact of their Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

What is the Georgia Tech acceptance rate?

As a public institution, Georgia Tech has a commitment to educating Georgians as well as students from all over the country and the globe. This means the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is twofold.

For in-state applicants, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate this past year was 35% . As for non-Georgians, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate was only 13%. Georgia residents may also want to consider applying to Georgia’s HOPE scholarship , as it’s only available to them. It’s a merit-based scholarship largely based on your GPA. 

How to Win a HOPE Scholarship

Whether or not you’re a resident of Georgia, students who make the most of the Georgia Tech application essay, will have a better chance against the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate. Since the competition is so keen, you should give it your all when crafting your Georgia Tech essay. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts. That makes it even more important for applicants to write the best Georgia Tech essays possible. It’s your chance to show admissions who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the Georgia Tech community. 

What are the admissions requirements for Georgia Tech?

As a globally recognized research university, Georgia Tech provides excellent educational opportunities to its students. The Georgia Tech acceptance rate has decreased in recent years, and Georgia Tech admissions have become increasingly competitive. Successful applicants will not only have impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, but also strong GPAs, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars. 

Considering applying to Georgia Tech? Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions exclusively accepts undergraduate applications (including students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays) via the Common App . 

The Georgia Tech admissions requirements include:

• Strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
• High grades/ GPA
• Evidence of academic rigor in high school courses
• Strong Common App Personal Statement and Georgia Tech application essay
• Evidenced contribution to your community
• Optional recommendation letters from your high school counselor and one teacher in a core academic subject

While many schools have opted to go test-optional , Georgia Tech does require standardized test scores. Be sure to plan early in order to get the strongest score possible. Extracurriculars are another vital piece of your application narrative. Check out tips on crafting the best extracurriculars list possible. 

Acing the Georgia Tech admissions requirements

Want to stand out in Georgia Tech admissions? Make sure to take challenging courses at your high school to demonstrate your academic drive. You should also consider including optional recommendations from your high school counselor and a teacher (ideally from a core academic subject, which generally is a course you need to take to graduate, such as English or math). 

Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions officers use a holistic application review process. This review process includes your contributions to your community and, importantly, your personal essays . You will submit all materials for your Georgia Tech application—including your Georgia Tech essay—through the Common App.

You will also submit letters of recommendation from your teachers through the Common App platform. Additionally, the Common App will allow you to address any notable disruptions due to COVID-19, if applicable.

Keep in mind that although the Georgia Tech admissions process considers all aspects of your application, a weak Georgia Tech application essay can prevent you from getting in—even if you have high grades and scores. To maximize your admissions odds, you should put as much thought into your Georgia Tech essay as possible. Well written Georgia Tech supplemental essays will maximize your chances of admissions. 

Five Tips for Writing the Georgia Tech Essay

The why Georgia Tech essay can seem vexing. You don’t have multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so you may feel even more pressure to get this one right. How do you craft an answer that reflects both your own interests and specific details about Georgia Tech? 

Five tips for writing the Georgia Tech Essay: 

Start early.

There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts for applicants to answer. There is only one Georgia Tech application essay (in addition to the Common App personal essay ). However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your Georgia Tech essay the time and care that it deserves. Successful Georgia Tech essays will take more than a night to complete. Your essay is extremely important when considering how to get into Georgia Tech. You need time to brainstorm, research, draft, edit, and repeat. To stay organized, check out these tips on building your college application timeline . 

Do your research

The key to successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being specific. To make your essay count, research how you can explore your interests at Georgia Tech. You might incorporate a quote, a specific course, or a faculty member to boost your essay’s impact.

Connect the dots

In your “Why Georgia Tech” essay, make sure each detail about your interest in Georgia Tech that you include to highlight your interests also gives the reader a sense of your identity. For instance, the courses you mention could link back to ideas you have studied outside the classroom. A professor’s research that excites you could connect to a club you run or a project you did. By building these connections, you can use your Georgia Tech supplemental essay to show both the depth of your intellectual engagement and how you’ll fit in at Georgia Tech.

Be authentic

While understanding what Georgia Tech admissions is looking for in its applicants is important, you don’t want to write a Georgia Tech essay that is just what you think admissions wants to hear. Write about your genuine interest in academic programs at Georgia Tech. And show through your authenticity and passion why you’re a perfect fit for the program. 

Make sure to proofread

Georgia Tech supplemental essays are evaluated not only for content, but also for mechanics and writing style. Make sure that you carefully proofread your final draft of the Georgia Tech essay before submitting. Have someone else read it over for grammatical errors and content. If implementing someone else’s feedback, be sure to maintain your own voice and style. 

Georgia Tech Essay – Final Thoughts

Grades and numbers can only do so much. Your Georgia Tech application essay has the power to illuminate where you have been, where you are, and where you hope to go. Without various Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, admissions will be carefully examining each why Georgia Tech essay. Do everything you can to make it stand out. It may be helpful to find inspiration in other successful essay examples .

It is natural to see the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate and wonder how to stand out. Still, keep in mind that the Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic review process that extends beyond grades and test scores. This gives you the power to curate a strong Georgia Tech essay—and application—that sheds light on why you’d be a great fit on campus.

Who you are and what matters to you

The Why Georgia Tech essay lets you share both who you are and how your passions align with Georgia Tech’s offerings. Going in with a plan, such as an outline or brainstorming sheet, can help you get off to a strong start. You might also ask another person to proofread your Georgia Tech application essay and offer feedback. 

Remember that outstanding Georgia Tech supplemental essays can lead to an acceptance letter . There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so admissions is looking for excellent responses to this one essay. Keep focused on creating the best Georgia Tech essay possible and hopefully you’ll be looking into Georgia Tech enrollment by spring. Good luck!

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

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Application Essays 2020-2021

Padya Paramita

July 13, 2020

The Georgia Institute of Technology recently made headlines with the announcement that it will no longer accept the Common Application personal statement . They will still use the Common Application system, but will “ will no longer utilize the long essay portion of the Common Application.” Instead, the school has introduced its own essay prompts that students will answer alongside the rest of the Common App sections . While keeping their “why Georgia Tech” essay from last year as it was, the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 have added two new prompts.

Writing essays on top of the “why school” prompt might sound intimidating at first. However, since chances are that you’re also writing a personal statement for other schools on the Common App, you likely already have content that can be repurposed for the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 . The new prompts are somewhat similar to the personal statement questions and ask students to reflect on their character, background, and interests. To guide you through each of the questions, I’ve gone over them in greater detail and added tips on how to make your essay specific to the university, and unique to your application profile.

Prompts for the Georgia Tech Application Essays 2020-2021

Both prompts below are required for all applicants. The school suggests that your answers stay within 50-300 words. Since you don’t have a lot of space, it’s important that you use your words strategically.

Essay Prompt 1

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

This is an accelerated version of the “why this school” essay, with a more clear focus on your choice of major. Your response shouldn’t revolve around broad categories that make Georgia Tech wonderful - everyone knows it’s a strong STEM college. This essay is not asking you to highlight extracurricular, cultural, or other resources at Georgia Tech; this essay is explicitly asking you to speak in depth about Georgia tech’s academic resources —major, curriculum, classes, professors, and more. When you get start, think about how a Georgia Tech education pertains to your goals, specifically. This means that you have to identify your goals in the first place. Then, whether you are applying for Industrial Design or Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies, demonstrate how Georgia Tech will help you accomplish your specific goals. The key is to connect experiences and aspirations with academic reasons for why  you’ve chosen the school. 

Research is the key to any “why this school” essay. Before you write this response, it’s important to sit down and look through Georgia Tech’s majors and course offerings in great detailOnce you’ve decided which major appeals to you, it’s time to think about your own experiences. How did your love for the field begin? How have you honed your skills in the discipline since then? If you’ve taken any challenging courses or started relevant clubs, how is Georgia Tech the perfect place for you to continue your exploration? No matter which major you’ve chosen, it’s important to show admissions officers why your interest makes sense for you and that your dedication to the field is real. 

Essay Prompt 2  

All applicants must choose one of the two questions below:

Option 1: Georgia Tech is committed to creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Tell us how you have improved or hope to improve the human condition in your community.

Competitive schools are looking for students who will graduate from their schools and later go on to change the world for the better. With a STEM-oriented school like Georgia Tech, it is looking for students who will use their skills and ambitions to bring innovative solutions to issues in today’s world. When approaching this essay, you need to identify a community, think of a problem it has faced, and show concrete evidence that you’ve worked on solving this problem. 

Since the prompt hasn’t specified which kind of community, think about a place where you’ve actually made the biggest impact. Think about how to differentiate yourself from other applicants. While you can definitely improve the human condition through service trips abroad, this experience isn’t necessarily unique.. You could write about the smaller circles such as your family, friend group, or neighborhood. You may have helped the community as a whole or you could have helped one or two individuals who belong to it. 

To think about the kinds of contributions to elaborate on, ask yourself the following questions:

• How have you collaborated - or hope to do so - with others in your community?
• What is different in your community as a result of your involvement?
• Have you taken any risks to help others? How have they paid off?
• Have you spearheaded any initiatives towards change?
• Are there any service examples that portray your curiosity and creativity?
• Why do you care about this community? How have you shown it? 

If you choose a larger community - like your whole school or city - make sure your essay still focuses on your own contribution and role. A response to such a prompt needs to follow the classic “show, not tell” advice. Admissions officers won’t be satisfied with just “I helped my family.” You need to dig deeper and convince them through the Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 that you are the kind of hardworking and passionate individual who can thrive at Georgia Tech.

Option 2: If you feel that your personal or community background can provide additional insight to your application that we have not already seen elsewhere, please take this opportunity to share that information with us.

This question is very similar to a prompt from the Common App essays and is a very open-ended prompt. You can pretty much go any direction with your essay since it’s asking about your personal background or a community that has shaped you. You could also write about how you hold certain beliefs that have defined the course of your life. You can choose to elaborate on a cultural tradition that you look forward to and how the ways you’ve celebrated it changed with time. You can focus your essay on your career interest - for example, is there a compelling story that changed everything for you and developed your desire to pursue a career in engineering after college? 

The key here is “we have not already seen elsewhere. ” Remember that Georgia Tech will receive the rest of your Common Application. So don’t directly copy/paste words from your activities list or honors section. Make sure your response adds new information about you that isn’t present anywhere else in your profile.

Additional Tips

• Know what the school is looking for: An important part of doing school research includes digging in to find out what the school wants out of these essays. On its website , Georgia Tech adds that it’s wants your responses to achieve the following:
• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar
• Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s mission statement: “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”

Make sure your answer fits this bill. If you’ve got any doubts, make sure you ask another reader such as a teacher, parent, friend, or college counselor to see if you’re meeting the criteria.

• Use Your Common Application Profile As Inspiration - Chances are, other schools on your list also use the Common Application. You’ve likely already written a personal statement. While you don’t want to repeat yourself, you can likely repurpose your personal statement content to fit Prompt #2. If there’s anything in your Common App essay that you haven’t gotten a chance to express for the Georgia Tech essay, you can use your essay as a base, and cut down words to fit the limit the school has set.
• Cut unnecessary words: It’s obvious that the Georgia Tech College supplemental essays 2020-2021 provide you very little room to write your answers. Between the two essays, you only get around 600 words! It can be tricky to get your point across in so little space. But, you can’t change the limit. So don’t waste your time sulking or complaining about the fact that you’re 300 words over on your essay and start cutting words. Use a thesaurus, ask a teacher or friend for feedback, and read sentences out loud to see if they’d still make sense if you shorten them. 

The Georgia Tech application essays 2020-2021 provide you with the chance to tell the admissions officer who you are. While the first prompt is all about showing that you really have done your research, the optional essays enable you to share more about your background and interests. Both are golden opportunities to solidify your interest in Georgia Tech and convince them how you embody the values they look for in students. So, take advantage of the supplemental essay component. Your knowledge of the school and stories exemplifying Georgia Tech’s ideal characteristics might end up getting you admitted.

Tags : how to write the georgia tech application essays , georgia tech application essays 2020-2021 , georgia tech essays , georgia tech application , applying to georgia tech

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompts

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The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Commonly known as Georgia Tech, this university is  known for its top engineering programs. Georgia Tech has a 16% overall acceptance rate, so you will need to really showcase your strengths in order to stand out amongst so many applicants.

After completing Common Application personal essay , Georgia Tech applicants should turn their attention to supplemental essays. Although many schools have multiple prompts to answer, Georgia Tech asks for just one. 

For some students, this is great news because it’s less writing. On the other hand, it also gives you less space to elaborate on your story. With proper planning, however, you are sure to communicate your personality and goals successfully. 

Let’s take a deep-dive into the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Read on for tips on how to craft a stand-out response!

Also see:  Scholarhips360’s free scholarship search tool

Georgia Tech supplemental essays: Prompt #1 

“Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)”

This prompt is a classic “why” question. But unlike some other schools’ questions that reference the whole student experience, you need to drill down on academics here. There are two main pieces, asking: What is your biggest intellectual interest? And why is Georgia Tech the best place to study this topic? 

You should have chosen your major for a reason. Have you always had a knack for a certain subject? Are you fascinated by the developments in a particular field? Do you have a dream career? Think about what draws you to this major and an anecdote that brings this reasoning to life. For example, say your intended major is Building Construction. You could discuss how your biggest role model growing up was your grandfather, a general contractor. A nice hook could be describing your childhood enthralled with exploring his lots in-progress. Or, perhaps you have your sights set on Biomedical Engineering. Your anecdote could be about a revolutionary medical device that emulates the type of innovation you hope to contribute to.

There are all kinds of ways to elaborate, from sharing a personal story to discussing an individual curiosity. Adding in this detail goes a long way in letting your sincerity shine through.  Computer and Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering are GT’s most popular majors. Keep in mind there will be heightened pressure to convey your distinction for these study tracks with so many top-notch applicants. 

Also see:  How to write an essay about yourself

Do your GT homework!

Now that you have stated why you selected your particular major, do your research. GT consistently ranks as one of the top technology, science, and business universities. Investigate why that may be. Look into GT’s course catalogs, professors, student research, alumni, special events, and more. Make a list of anything that genuinely excites you. Then, see how you can utilize these intriguing offerings to help accomplish your academic and professional aspirations. The more specific you can be, the better.

Finally, keep GT’s mission in mind. It states: The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. How will you take advantage of GT’s resources to accomplish these noble feats? What new groundbreaking discoveries do you hope to make? What plans do you have for giving back to the community through your major? 

These three components to the prompt should end up telling a cohesive narrative. First, offer a story for why you chose your major. Next, explain why GT is the best choice for pursuing that major and why (with details). And to conclude, how will your studies make a difference? 

Questions to consider: 

• What fuels your intellectual curiosity?  
• How might your major help you achieve your career aspirations?
• Which distinct Georgia Tech resources are you most excited to utilize? 
• How can the field of technology be improved? 

Final thoughts for students

The Georgia Tech admissions committee offers advice for applicants on their website. Beyond making sure you are addressing the prompt content-wise, don’t forget strong writing skills. Be sure you are submitting a well-written, grammatically correct response. Also avoid repetition. In addition, don’t try to write what you think admissions wants to hear; being true to what your passion is will ensure your voice is authentic. Finally, be confident! Conviction in your path to achieve your dreams will signal to GT that you are a great fit. You can ace this essay! 

While you are applying to colleges (and before and after as well!), be sure to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for!

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Additional resources

As you’re applying to colleges, you have a lot of decisions to make. While you work on your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, check out some of our resources to help guide you through other questions.

• Finding safety, reach, and match schools
• How many schools should I apply to?
• How to complete the Common App activities section
• Asking for letters of recommendation for college

Other colleges to consider

• University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
• Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, does georgia tech accept the common application.

Hey guys, I'm putting together my college application plan and trying to streamline things as much as possible. Does Georgia Tech use the Common App for their application process?

Hello there! Yes, Georgia Tech does indeed accept the Common Application, which should make your application process smoother if you're applying to multiple schools also using the Common App. By using the Common Application, you'll be able to centralize much of your demographic information, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, which can then be sent to various institutions, including Georgia Tech.

Additionally, make sure to pay close attention to any Georgia Tech-specific supplemental essays or requirements that you'll need to complete as part of the Common App. This is where you can really speak to why Georgia Tech is a good fit for you and vice versa. Managing these supplemental materials early can prevent any last-minute scramble before deadlines. Best of luck with your applications, and feel free to ask if you have any more questions!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Georgia Tech Admission Blog

Tag: common application, to answer or not to answer the college admission covid-19 question.

My cousin comes to our house each Wednesday afternoon to tutor our kids. Not only is it always good to see her, because she’s family and has the biggest smile and most genuinely cheerful spirit of anyone I know, but it’s also a helpful reminder of the day.

“Kenzie’s here!!” Okay. Must be Wednesday.

When Covid really hit the U.S. in mid-March, life got wonky for us all. One of my friends has decided it’s actually still March—in this case March 182. You don’t have to look far on the internet, social media, or the national news to be reminded that the last five months have varied widely based on who you are, where you live, your family’s health/wealth, school response, and community impact. Personally, I have friends who have lost their business and were forced to sell their house as a result. I know people who have gotten sick and recovered, as well as several who have contracted the virus and died. However, I also have friends who have received promotions, new jobs, and are in businesses that are thriving as a direct result of the pandemic.

So not only is it logical, but it’s also critical that The Common Application has provided an opportunity for students to respond to a question directly related to Covid-19.

This optional question is accompanied by an FAQ to assist students if they choose to respond:

Community disruptions such as Covid-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.

• Do you wish to share anything on this topic? Y/N
• Please use this space to describe how these events have impacted you.

Here are three basic tips on how to approach this question/section.

• Optional means optional .

You’ve likely heard this statement related to standardized testing this year, but it applies here too.

This is the question you need to ask yourself:

Do I have something additional I want them to know about my last six months in particular that I’ve not been able to express elsewhere?

If the answer is Yes , this section is available to you. If No, click the box and move on.

We use the title “admission reader” intentionally. They read. Think of your application as a story.

Chapter 1- You complete the demographic information, including name, gender, high school, age, family information, etc.

Chapter 2- You provide a transcript and your counselor sends us a school report so we understand your academic background, choices, and performance.

Chapter 3- You tell us on your Activities section what you chose to invest your time in outside the classroom.

Chapter 4- You write an essay and answer short answer questions for colleges to help them hear you and see you— think of writing like coloring in an otherwise black and white outline.

Okay. Are you satisfied ? Do you feel like your story has been told ? If not, what did you miss (I had I bet with my daughter that I could work in at least three Hamilton references on this blog)?

If there is more to share, you need to determine whether to include that in the “Additional Information” section or in the Covid response piece. Again, that will be dictated based on timing. If what you want a reader to know is acute and was triggered by the pandemic, this question is for you. If the circumstance is more broad and protracted, likely it best fits in the Additional Information section.

Please do not overthink this. We’ve already gotten way too many calls and emails about this question. I’m willing to put money on these two statements at any college around the country:

First, if you put something down that a reader does not think is relevant, they’re just going to move on. It’s not going to hurt you and it’s not going to “keep you from being admitted.”

Second, imagine the most dramatic, gut wrenching, tear jerking, and unbelievable scenario you can describe in 250 words. Even that… yes, even that, is not going to get anyone in. No reader is going to say, “Hey. This kid has been making C’s and D’s since 9 th grade, has been expelled three times, and put down “Torments Cats” as their only activity. BUT…check out this Covid response! I really think we should admit them!”

Unfortunately, I was kicked out of the Cub Scouts, so I don’t know a special sign that means “Trust me.” Honestly, I wish someone would develop an emoji that equates to: “I’m not BS’ing you here,” because if I had that, I’d put about nine of them here at the close. In the absence of that, I’ll just trust you are a logical, smart, and reasonable person. I mean you are reading this blog after all, #amirite?

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College Essay Greatest Hits

I don’t post on Facebook consistently, but since most of my family is on it, it’s become my go-to medium for adding pictures to chronicle our summer travels.

Lately I’ve been getting a lot of Facebook memories from previous trips. Since everything is different this year and we are not really going anywhere, my reaction to these pictures varies based on my mood.

Rick, we care about you and the memories you share here.

I tilt my head slowly upward, gently close my eyes, breathe in deeply and smile, “Man. That was a great trip!”

The next day: Rick, we care about you and the memories you share here.

I tilt my head slowly upward, gently close my eyes, breathe in deeply… and then slam my clenched fist on the table and scry (scream/cry), “Oh yeah, if you really cared about me, you’d transport me back there, Facebook!”

I’m guessing you can relate. Camps are off, travel is limited, summer jobs probably do not look the way you anticipated, and live concerts and sports are either canceled completely or highly modified. I’m trying to make lemonade out of lemons too, but sugar is tough to come by these days (Metaphorically, of course. It’s not like we are talking about toilet paper. Sheesh! What a weird world we are living in.)

Time to think about that essay…

My point is this: while this summer is different in many ways, the college admission cycle is not. Last year at this time (and the year before that, and the year before that) rising seniors were also considering what they were going to write their essays about or researching the topics and options they’ll have for short answer questions.

In July of 2019, 2018, and so on, the Common Application and Coalition Application had posted their essay and short answer questions online for students to view and work on, and individual colleges were beginning to open their applications for submission. In that sense, this year is no different.

(Insert your name here), we care about you and the essays you write.

So, we dug into the blog archives to give you our best advice about how to use your time, gather your thoughts, provide insight about what colleges are looking for in your writing, and put your best foot forward once you submit your essays and short answer questions.

Cue flashback music…

What: TYP0S, REPEATED WORDS WORDS, AND OTHER SIGNS OF HUMANITY ON YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION

When: February 2020 (Man, that seems like forever ago. # amirite ?!)

Who: The brilliance behind our social media, @gtadmission, Sammy Rose-Sinclair

Why: Because as hard as you work on your essays and short answer questions, they’re never going to be absolutely perfect. Mistakes happen. Or you will submit it and later wish you’d added this or that or said something a bit differently. We get it, and hopefully this will help you reframe and breathe a bit. It is a reminder that, “Admission Officers aren’t cynics looking for that  one  mistake, a missed point on a final grade, or that  one  letter that’s out of place in order to cross you off the list and move on. Actually, I don’t mind the occasional light reminder that at its core, this process is human, our applicants are human, and the function that the application serves is often more important than the form it takes.”

What: WILL SAYING I’M A BLUEBERRY GET ME INTO COLLEGE? SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS 101

When: July 2019

Who: The inimitable Katie Mattli

Why: Because in about 1,000 words Katie manages to provide concrete action steps and tangible tips, Zen you with equal parts rationale and philosophy, zoom into the committee room and the mind of admission readers, and yet still work in lines like, “Give that puppy a once over in the light of day to see if it is well written.” Plus, if for no other reason… the title. C’mon on. What? You think I just throw “inimitable” around flippantly?

What: BE BATMAN!

Who: Rick Clark

Why: Because we were looking for five blogs on this topic and apparently, we did not write much about writing in 2018. And because sometimes we all need to be reminded: “Don’t try to be something or someone you are not. Your power is your identity– not an extra, nothing “super” or foreign or imaginary. Be distinct. Be different. Be yourself. Be Batman!”

What: DON’T PROCRASTINATE…GET STARTED!

When: June 2017

Why: Because now is the time to get started on your essays and short answer questions. This piece gives you a concrete timeline and measurable steps to get started and to keep moving. Don’t get stuck in the Covid trance where you think days, hours, and calendars mean nothing. Again, the admission cycle has not changed. I understand you may not have been driving or watching R rated movies in 2017, but this advice still holds up. Still not sold? How many admission articles have you read that start with, “Man. It really smells like pee in here!”

What: COLLEGE ADMISSION ESSAYS: I’VE HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE…

When: October 2016

Who: Rick Clark (only one writing back then)

Why: Because as brilliant as your concept is for a topic or a response , there is nothing new under the sun. “ There is no completely unique topic: sports analogy about life, failure, and triumph? Heard it. Mission trip to a third world country, including multiple transportation modes, animal crossings, and flat tires? Check. Family drama where you displayed tremendous patience, empathy, and wisdom beyond your years? Sure. The list goes on: difficult coach/teacher turned advocate… stuck out a horrible summer job that provided valuable lessons and renewed focus and direction … beloved grandparent who moved in, built close friendship, died, but taught a lot of valuable lessons in life and death (this one often doubles as an excuse for late app submission as well) … second verse, same as the first.” This post helps you understand the volume, experience, and perspective of admission readers, and then consider how you can write to distinguish yourself in an applicant pool of 4,000 or 40,000.

That blog ends with this line, “Your essay topic may not be entirely different or unique, but your senior year can be. Go enjoy it!”

Given the unknowns of the year ahead, I’d say unique is an understatement. Still, that advice may actually be more helpful and relevant this summer than it was then. The truth is you cannot control all outcomes– in life or in college admission. So as you work on your essay and write for colleges, my biggest tip is to enjoy the experience. Be sure your words and choices are uniquely yours.

Enough reading. Go write. Go enjoy it!

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My kids (ages nine and six) take FOREVER to get ready in the morning. I’ve tried setting an earlier alarm, flipping the lights on and off, writing step by step instructions on the chalk board, threats, setting timers at breakfast, and even more threats.

But inevitably when I send my daughter outside to put on her shoes, two minutes will go by with no return. Glancing out the window I’ll find her spinning a stick on the porch or throwing rocks into the yard. Even the way she kills time is unproductive—it’s not like she’s reading or practicing Taekwondo.

My son is worse. “Go brush your teeth.” Four minutes later I hear him upstairs playing with a robot or Legos.

Last week I walked in to wake up my daughter only to find her completely buried under two blankets, a few pillows, and a preposterous number of stuffed animals. “Did your alarm go on?” Yes. “Did you turn it off?” Yeah… That’s what you’re supposed to do, right?

Throwing my head back and contemplating leaping out of the second floor window I said (loudly) while leaving the room, “I know. But then you STAY UP!!”

It reached an all-time low a few days ago when my son actually said, while eating his cereal, “Raise your hand if you like staring blankly off into the air.” Dear Lord, please provide me patience.

The one day they like is Friday. Embarrassingly, this is largely because I wake them up by playing (and dancing to) Rebecca Black’s “Friday” and feeding them cinnamon rolls. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So if anyone knows Rebecca, see if she can make a Monday song, because The Bangles and Jimmy Buffett aren’t cutting it.

Please get to your point…

Fine. Our family started this week with a new strategy: the kids “own” breakfast. I’ll make lunches and ensure the bags have all homework/folders set, but they need to get their own food. Car leaves at 7:40 a.m. Hungry? Still eating? Bar in hand? Whatever. No excuses. No take-backs. YOU OWN breakfast.

Similarly, we want you to “own” your college application and admission process. I won’t preach about all the lessons to be learned from owning your application/admission process and how it will prepare you for the college experience. Nope. I’ll save those messages for basically every admission rep you hear talk at your high school or on their campus. I’m here to prove it matters.

Look at the Common Application’s essay prompts . Number two, and I’d assert numbers three and five, center on growth through learning (or loosely translated “owning” something); a mistake, a realization, a problem solved—whatever it is, you recognized it and stuck with it. The Coalition Application questions one, and arguably two and three, are all within the same theme.

Writing about owning something requires you first to recognize its significance; to genuinely care, and to give evidence of how you’ve tangibly progressed since the experience. You want to go to a “good school?” Well, good schools (who you’ll be writing essays for) are reading these essays with their institution in mind. That’s right. It’s your essay, but they have their institution in mind.

What We Mean by “Fit”

You often hear the word “fit” thrown around. What does fit actually mean? In the rubrics readers use, as well as the conversations they have about your application in committee, counselors ask questions like:

• When you come to campus and the academics and professors push and stretch you, how will you respond?
• When you have a decision to make about how you’ll treat others in the classroom or in your residence hall, what evidence do we have to show your choice will be made with integrity and maturity?
• When you are given opportunities to represent the college or university as a student or an alum, will we be confident in you?

Responses to those essay prompts are a significant opportunity to demonstrate in a concrete (read: not theoretical or philosophical) way you are someone who has grown already; someone who has been challenged; or someone who has, through either major or sometimes mundane life experiences, recognized a need for change and progress and taken those steps.

Real Life Examples

Pretend for a moment you are an admission reader (cue dream sequence). You are reading the discipline section of an application. Which one shows more maturity and growth? Note: these scenarios are real, yet slightly altered for the protection of the…well, guilty. 

• “Last year two of my friends and I spray painted the school building and were caught, suspended, and had to do community service. I did not want to participate but they were driving that night and I had no other way home. So, even though I did tell them we should not do it….”
• “I have been charged with theft of jewelry from my friend’s parents. We were at a party and a few us went into their bedroom. We took bracelets, necklaces, and rings valued in the five-figure range.” (Needless to say, our staff made a phone call about this one. “So why did you do it?” “I wanted those girls to like me.”)

I’d call the second example a laptop closing moment. One of those times when you so completely abandon your hope in humanity that it leads you to simply close your laptop, throw your head back, close your eyes and take an immensely deep breath. But I’d love to know what’s going on in your head here.  Hopefully, it isn’t, “Yeah. I get that…” Hopefully you still have your reader hat on. If so, you should be asking, “So what happens when you are on campus and some friends want to hack into a professor’s account?” To be honest, my head goes to some far more nefarious and harmful places beyond hacking, but I’m keeping things relatively clean. Either way, you see my point, right? Own it!

Let’s look at a couple of examples from the Additional Information section:

• “In my sophomore year, I got mono ( side note: we commonly see concussions listed here, as well as a variety of lesser known but highly Google-able ailments ). I missed several weeks of school and spent most of the fall semester extremely tired. My AP World History teacher refused to make my assignments available online or provide extensions, which is why I received a C in that class.” (Only problem is you also made C in the spring semester. So what do we do now?)
• “I had intended to take French 4 last year, however my dad insisted I take Environmental Science. I now regret that I listened to him, not just because I did not do as well as I’d hoped in ES, but also because I really do love French and hope to study International Affairs next year at Tech.”

On number two, I’m getting the distinct image of my daughter out on the back porch throwing rocks and staring at the birds on the neighbor’s roof. Double deduction if your dad writes or calls in to say he should not have put pressure on you. No, padre. Start the car and slowly roll out of the driveway at 7:40 a.m.

The problems here are two-fold. First, these both come off sounding like excuses. Actually, scratch that. They are excuses. Look back at those essay prompts. What are they essentially asking you to show? Growth, right? Maturity, evolution, a recognized misstep which will make you a better college student, peer, friend, roommate, influencer, or simply humble and confident person. The antithesis are statements like: “He made me do it” and claims of “would of/should of/could of.”

Secondly, you are not submitting your application in a bubble. Other students (some we may have read that very same day) are giving strong evidence showing they have progressed. That’s right–you are not the only one who drank and got caught or had to shake a medical situation, divorce, or family death during high school. I realize it may sound callous, but at any school receiving thousands of applications and reading 30-50 essays a day, this is the reality.

No Excuses—Own It!

Colleges want students who come to their campus prepared. Most of the time people are focused on the academic side of the equation (i.e. who is more qualified based on rigor of curriculum or test scores, etc.). But the truth is at selective schools, most applicants “look the same” from an academic standpoint. They are prepared and able to do the work. The bigger questions are: How will they do the work? And who will they be on campus? When they get here, how will they respond when they fail a test, have to balance social pressures, academics, internship, and the family drama happening 500 miles away?

This is why so many of the essay prompts focus on a demonstration of tenacity and perseverance. We are looking for ownership, not excuses. So own it.

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College Admission: Think Helicopters, not Airplanes

The ride was incredible. Partly because Newport is a truly beautiful area by land, sea, and from the air. Hundreds of sailboats, famous mansions along the cliffs, and great views of farms and wineries. But I think one of the coolest and most amazing parts of the ride was simply taking off.  I know it sounds obvious, but you rise up straight off the ground. There is no taxiing, accelerating, or partially up before all wheels are up. Just whoop– up! No effort. No build up. Blades spinning, seat belts buckled, doors closed, headphones on. You’re airborne.

With the Common Application , Coalition Application , and most institutional applications now open, I encourage you to view your senior year, and the admission process, as a helicopter tour rather than a plane ride.

Plane Rides vs. Helicopter Tours

When you board a plane, you are always focused on where you are going. Destination is king. I’ve been on some pretty important plane rides in my life — headed to weddings; attending funerals; going to graduations; traveling to make speeches and presentations. When you board a plane, you have a precise endpoint in mind. Delays are annoying… lack of coffee when they forget to refill the water prior to departure is irritating (thanks, Flight 2225)… turbulence is scary. What you remember if the flight is smooth is… well, nothing. What you remember if it’s not, is the inconvenience.

In contrast, a helicopter tour is going to end up at the exact spot you started. The person who dropped us off just sat in the lobby and waited while we flew around Newport. She knew we were coming right back. The point of the ride was not to get somewhere. The point of the ride was to see, learn, explore, appreciate, and gain perspective. I would assert the same is true of the college admission process and your senior year in general. The admission process is not about the destination. It’s not about one school or one city or one campus. If that’s your perspective, or if it starts to creep into your mind this year, I am earnestly imploring you to consider why you’re cheating yourself of growth.

If you see this experience as a helicopter ride, then it becomes about what you learn about yourself along the way. It’s about understanding when the brochures arrive in the mail (or when you visit a campus, or when an alum or neighbor tries to convince you to apply or choose a certain college) why a school is, or is not, a good fit for you.

How Did You Grow?

Let’s say you apply to Stanford (the country’s most selective institution) and you get in. If it’s a plane ride, all you did was get on board, buckle your seat belt, and arrive in Palo Alto. Congrats, it’s sunny. But how did you grow? What lessons have you actually learned over the last year to help you thrive and navigate in your new community? I’d say few. I’d also say you wasted your senior year. Sure, you made a few fives on some AP exams. You went to prom. Maybe you even won some games, garnered some awards, or made some money. But do you know yourself more deeply after the experience? Do you know why you are there, and not somewhere else? Did you truly choose this college over all others? Or did you simply arrive? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying  you shouldn’t have a solid list of schools, or even one as your first choice. But if “college” is all wrapped up in one place; if success is wrapped up in one place; I’d urge you to think about helicopters, not airplanes.

Touring Through College Admission

Helicopter tours are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. “Touring” through college admission, rather than “flying” through it, will teach you more valuable lessons than you’ll ever learn in an AP class or get from an online lecture. If it’s not about the destination, then getting deferred or waitlisted are not reasons to question your intelligence or potential. If it’s not about the destination, you won’t be as frustrated or bitter to see someone else land where you wanted to be, while you get diverted to another airport. Instead, the turbulence, the delays, the re-routes, are simply part of the ride. They don’t shake your confidence. Your blades are still spinning. Your headphones are still operational.

Helicopter tours may land in the same spot, but the passengers get off with an entirely new perspective. If you’re reading this and you’re starting your applications now, I have no doubt in a year from now you’ll be packing your bags for college. The question is your ride between now and then. So fly well.

Waiting Well

This week we welcome Communications Officer (and former Assistant Director of Admission) Becky Tankersley back to the blog. Welcome, Becky!

Q: “Mommy, what eats a hyena?”

Me: “I don’t know, maybe a lion…?”

Q: “Well, let’s get your phone and I’ll look it up.”

As the mom of small children, I find myself constantly asking my girls one thing: wait. And please, be patient.

Turns out young kids have a hard time with waiting. And who can blame them? Our world is driven by “right now.” If my 6-year old has a question and I don’t know the answer, she simply picks up my phone and Googles it (see conversation above). No waiting, no looking it up in a book. If she wants to watch a TV show she has Netflix (and the Disney Jr. app)… when i was a kid you had one shot at watching cartoons: Saturday morning. If you missed your favorite show, too bad—you had to wait a week to see it.

Still waiting (for the point….)

All of us, as young as 1, and as old as, well, 30-something, could do a bit better with waiting. There will always be something to wait for in life. When you’re in preschool, you wait for kindergarten. When you’re in middle school, you wait for high school. When you’re in high school, you wait for college. When you’re in college, you wait to graduate and get a job. When you get a job, you wait to find the right person to marry… house to purchase… you see where I’m going here. The list goes on and on. Regardless of what stage of life you find yourself in, you will always be waiting for… something.

If you’re a rising senior, you’re likely waiting for August 1 when many applications (including the Common App and Coalition App) open up. Once that happens, you’ll find yourself in motion as you work on your application and line up all of the documents you need and so on. Hopefully you’ll find yourself all done with your application long before the actual application deadline (hint, hint). At that point all you have to do is wait… and the question becomes: how do you wait? And moreover—how do you wait well ?

Make a list, check it twice 

Once you hit that magical submit button, there’s still tasks to be completed. Your list of action items will likely vary from college to college. Follow up with your school counselor to be sure he or she knows what you need from them (transcripts to be sent, recommendation letters uploaded, etc.). Your job is to follow up and provide what is asked of you (so keep an eye on that applicant portal/checklist where you can monitor your status!). But here’s the key: don’t follow up every. Single. Day. Don’t camp out outside anyone’s office, don’t make phone calls every day, and don’t send emails multiple times a day pushing for a response. Make the request, give it a couple of weeks, and…. wait. If you’re getting close to a deadline and still haven’t gotten a response, of course be sure to check back in. If you’ve done your part and asked for the info, and the other person assures you they’re doing their part and working on it, then the next thing to do is…. Wait.

Stay in motion

This one may seem contradictory after what I just said. But just because you’ve submitted your application and requested all of your additional information doesn’t mean you get to just sit around. While you wait be sure to stay in motion. Sitting around and worrying isn’t going to benefit anyone, especially you! If your recommendation letters are finished, write a thank you note to each person. Lead a project at school, help out a friend, spend time with your family, and of course keep studying and working hard in class. Be active, and grow where you’re planted. Right now, in this moment, actually BE where you are instead of worrying about where you will be. Easier said than done, but trust me, practicing that now will help keep your blood pressure down in the future.

Find Reassurance

If you’re like most students, you’ve done your share of waiting this summer. As you head into your senior year you’ll move from waiting-mode into action-mode. But after all the hustle, and the busyness, of a new school year passes, you’ll find yourself back in waiting mode. And I encourage you: find your way to wait well.

Georgia Tech 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Georgia tech 2023-24 application essay question explanations.

The Requirements: Why

Supplemental Essay Type(s): 1  essay of 300 words

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)  

Admissions wants to know how you plan on using a Georgia Tech education to accomplish your career goals. Some schools ask students why they want to attend or why they like different offerings, but Georgia Tech isn’t messing around. They’re asking you to specifically speak about academics here, so don’t waste your time researching the dining halls. Why study here? Why study this subject? And finally, why study this subject at Georgia Tech, specifically? Spend some time learning about Georgia Tech’s majors, classes, professors, resources, and alumni network. Pore over the website for the department you’re interested in and soak up information about faculty, research, guest speakers, and special opportunities for undergraduates. Jot down the details that appeal to you and by the end of your research session, you’ll have everything you need to plead your case. Connect the school’s offerings to your personal interests and goals and you will demonstrate your fit and commitment to the school. What career path do you see for yourself? Is Georgia Tech known for producing successful graduates in that department? The more details you can provide, the better.

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