Colleges Without Supplemental Essays: Top Picks for

What Are Colleges Without Supplemental Essays?

Some colleges don’t ask for anything beyond the Common App or Coalition essay. That means you won’t be writing school-specific responses like “Why do you want to attend our school?” or “Describe a community you belong to.”

Why Some Schools Skip Them

Colleges drop supplemental essays for different reasons:

• Efficiency: Large public universities receive tens of thousands of applications and want to simplify their review process.
• Access: Some institutions remove extra writing to reduce barriers for first-generation students or those from underserved backgrounds.
• Strategy: Others aim to boost application numbers and cast a wider net.

These colleges still evaluate you holistically, but they rely more on core application materials: your main essay, transcript, GPA, recommendation letters, and activities list.

Do No-Essay Schools Still Read Your Common App Essay?

Absolutely. The Common App personal statement becomes the centerpiece of your application. Admissions officers use it to understand who you are beyond grades and scores. Without supplemental prompts, your main essay is their only chance to hear your story in your own voice.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays (2025)

These schools do not require supplemental essays for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Always verify with each school before applying.

Public Universities

University of Alabama

No supplements, rolling admissions, and generous merit aid based on GPA and test scores. Strong engineering, nursing, and honors programs.

Tip: Apply early to maximize financial aid and housing options.

University of Arkansas

No essay required. Offers a wide range of academic programs and a supportive community. Known for its strong ties to Walmart and Tyson Foods, with internship opportunities in business and supply chain.

Tip: Upload a resume to highlight extracurriculars and leadership.

University of Iowa

No supplements through the Common App or the Regents App. Known for its world-class Iowa Writers' Workshop, business school, and health sciences. Offers Division I athletics and a vibrant campus life.

Tip: Take advantage of optional scholarship forms early in the cycle.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Simple app process, strong agricultural sciences, business, and journalism. Offers good merit-based aid and research opportunities through its honors program.

Tip: Use the optional "college interest" section if available to show genuine interest.

Private Colleges

DePaul University

Chicago-based university with strong communications, theatre, and business programs. No additional writing beyond the Common App.

Tip: Highlight community involvement or service in your activities section.

University of Dayton

Catholic university with an emphasis on community and service. Test-optional and no supplements. Offers guaranteed tuition pricing and transparent financial aid.

Tip: Show alignment with their mission by emphasizing ethical leadership or service work.

Loyola University Chicago

Strong programs in nursing, pre-med, and psychology. Urban campus and no additional writing required. Jesuit values emphasize social justice and ethics.

Tip: Use your essay or activities list to tie into Jesuit values or healthcare experiences.

Simmons University

Women-centered undergrad experience with a focus on leadership and social justice. No required supplement. Known for programs in nursing, social work, and library science.

Tip: Feature academic passion and empowerment themes in your main essay.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

STEM-focused with strong engineering and computer science programs. No supplemental essays. Offers accelerated programs and a tech-driven campus.

Tip: Showcase STEM involvement, competitions, or projects in your activities list.

More Colleges without Essays or with Optional Supplemental Essays

• Colgate University: Offers optional supplemental essays.
• Hamilton College: Provides optional supplemental essays.
• Fordham University: Offers an optional supplemental essay.
• Colby College: No supplemental essay required.
• Grinnell College: No supplemental essay required.
• Middlebury College: No supplemental essay required.
• Bates College: No supplemental essay required.
• Denison University: No supplemental essay required.
• Muhlenberg College: No supplemental essay required.

Here are a few of the types of supplemental essays you might consider:

Pros and Cons of Applying to No-Essay Colleges

The Upside

• Time-saving: You avoid writing multiple school-specific essays.
• Less stress: Simpler process, especially helpful during busy senior year.
• Strategic advantage: You can submit applications earlier and potentially hear back sooner.

The Tradeoffs

• Limited personalization: No space to explain why you're a great fit.
• Increased pressure: Your Common App essay, activities list, and letters must carry more weight.

How to Stand Out at Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

When there’s no extra writing, the rest of your application has to carry more weight. Here's how to stand out:

1. Make Your Common App Essay Unforgettable

• Focus on one meaningful story.
• Reflect on growth, not just achievements.
• Use your real voice—skip the formal tone and aim for authenticity.

Example: Instead of listing achievements, describe one moment where you learned something that changed your thinking.

2. Add Context in the Additional Information Section

• Use this section for unusual circumstances (illness, school changes, family responsibilities).
• Keep it factual and brief.

Tip: Don't use it as a second personal statement. Stick to explanations.

3. Highlight Impact Over Involvement

• Colleges care more about depth than breadth.
• Use metrics or outcomes: "Led fundraiser raising $3,000" beats "member of club."

Example Comparison:

Weak: Volunteered at local hospital

Strong: Helped coordinate weekend check-ins for elderly patients; completed 85+ hours and trained new volunteers

4. Use Recommenders Who Know You Well

• Ask teachers who know your character, growth, and learning style.
• Provide a list of talking points to guide their letters.

Tip: Include details they might forget—specific projects, class contributions, or improvements.

5. Take Optional Interviews If Offered

• Interviews can humanize your application.
• Come with 2–3 key points you want to get across.

Tip: Treat it as a conversation, not a quiz.

6. Submit a Resume or Portfolio

• If accepted, a well-organized resume can showcase your background clearly.
• Portfolios are great for visual or performing arts, media, or computer science.

What to include in a 1-page resume:

• Education
• Honors/Awards
• Leadership Roles
• Work/Internship Experience
• Skills or Certifications

7. Apply Early

• No-supplement schools often have rolling admissions.
• Applying early can increase your chances and give you access to scholarships and better housing.

Common App Strategy for No-Supplement Schools

Group No-Essay Schools for Early Submissions

Get these applications out of the way early. You could have an acceptance or two before Thanksgiving.

Use Activities Section to Round Out Your Story

With no school-specific essays, your activities section helps show your interests and personality.

Tip: Don’t just describe what you did—explain why it mattered.

Final Thoughts: Are No-Essay Colleges Right for You?

They can be a great option—especially if you’re short on time, applying to a lot of schools, or looking for low-stress backups. Just remember: fewer essays doesn’t mean less effort.

If you're strategic with your personal statement, recommenders, and activities, you can make a powerful case for yourself. Many of these schools offer strong academics, generous scholarships, and valuable networks. There’s nothing second-rate about a streamlined application if the rest of your materials shine.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting