American University Supplemental Essays 2025-26

American University Supplemental Essays

If you’re in the midst of applying to colleges, chances are you’ve already been asked to write several supplemental essays. The American University application is no exception. So, what are the essay prompts? And just how many American University supplemental essays are there?

We’ve got answers to all your questions. In this guide to the American University supplemental essays, you’ll find an overview of the American University essay prompts, including a detailed breakdown of how to approach the optional (but recommended!) American University essay. We’ll also offer insight into the American University admissions process and share practical tips to help you brainstorm topics and start writing.

To start, let’s go over some quick facts about the American University admissions process.

American University Admissions: Quick Facts

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

Does American University have supplemental essays?

Yes, there are several American University supplemental essays for first-year students — though none are required.

There is one optional American University essay that all students should complete. This essay centers around what you’re passionate about. While technically optional, students should definitely take the time to answer this American University essay. As such, we’re going to provide an in-depth look at this prompt and show you how to make your essay count.

Additionally, applicants to AU’s Special Academic Programs may be required to submit 2-3 program-specific American University supplemental essays. Below, we’ll highlight which programs require supplemental essays and how many you’ll need to write. We won’t break down each prompt individually, but the American University essay tips in this guide can be applied to all program-specific prompts.

Are the American University supplemental essays important?

Beyond your Common App essay, the optional American University essay is your only opportunity to showcase your writing skills. It also lets you show American University why you belong on their campus. As such, your American University supplement can make a major difference in your application.

Additionally, if you want to join any of AU’s Special Academic Programs, writing standout supplemental essays is a requirement. So, when strategizing how to get into American University’s top programs, make sure to prioritize your American University supplemental essays.

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. Later on, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to write a successful American University essay. But first, let’s review the prompts.

American University Supplemental Essays: Optional Prompt

Here is the main American University supplemental essay prompt:

American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Elaborate on a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you’re excited. (250 words)

You might be familiar with an extracurricular or community essay from other supplements. However, this American University essay is unique in that it’s a sort of hybrid of each of these types of essays. This American University essay prompt is broad, so there’s really no one right way to answer it. What matters most is choosing a specific topic and conveying your genuine passion for it.

Your essay should also show the American University admissions committee why you belong at their school. The admissions team wants to admit students who will enrich their community. They even say this in the prompt: “American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate.” This means that to be successful on this campus, you should identify yourself in a similar way.

In your American University essay, try to demonstrate how you’d actively contribute to campus life. Successful American University supplemental essays will answer not only the American University essay prompt, but also show American University why they should invest in you. Imagining how you’ll continue exploring your passion at AU can help the admissions committee envision the perspectives, energy, and engagement you’ll bring to campus.

Students who write successful American University supplemental essays will show their motivation and enthusiasm for the school. Even though this isn’t a “Why American University” essay, you can still show admissions officers how you belong on campus with this prompt. In fact, that’s exactly what they’re hoping to see: that you’d be an excellent addition to their campus.

Passion is key

Notice that the prompt says American University students are “changemakers” and “passionate.” Therefore, your American University essay should demonstrate your passion and leadership qualities.

What topic, interest, hobby, etc. has you motivated enough to take charge in that area or incite change? Choosing what to write about is the key to writing a successful American University essay. You need to be genuinely passionate about your topic, and that passion needs to come across to the reader.

For example, are you passionate about sustainable tourism practices after taking a cultural tour on your family vacation to Mexico? How have you researched or been a part of this issue since then? What action have you taken surrounding sustainable tourism practices? This could be anything from researching and educating yourself on the issue to looking for volunteer or internship opportunities near you.

Or, maybe you’re obsessed with tennis and have been since you’re a child. In truly throwing yourself into the sport, you might have discovered how what you’ve learned on the court transfers to everyday life. Or maybe, as you’ve grown from a student into a tennis teacher for young kids, you’ve learned what it means to be a leader.

The key here is showing how your passion has made you who you are, and how that will translate to your future. It doesn’t necessarily have to directly relate to what you’ll study or have a career in. But this essay should highlight how something you’re excited about has made you the person you are today.

Standing out

No matter your interests, showing passion and leadership will help you stand out. However, this American University supplement also assesses how well a student fits in with the school’s culture. American University Admissions doesn’t just want to know why you want to attend their school; they also want to know if their school will serve your needs. Well-written American University supplemental essays need to touch on both of these points. 

With this in mind, do some research before writing your American University supplement. The best American University supplemental essays will show specific knowledge about American University and provide strong evidence that the writer will succeed on campus. Of course, this won’t be the bulk of your essay — you’ll want to focus on what you’re genuinely passionate about.

American University Supplemental Essays: Special Academic Programs

If you’re looking for a more personalized undergraduate experience, you might have your sights set on one of AU’s Special Academic Programs. Each of these programs is unique: some focus on learning abroad, others on internships and hands-on experience, and still others let you earn your undergraduate degree in just three years.

Here are the eight programs and their corresponding American University supplemental essays:

These prompts cover a range of topics: some ask big-picture questions, while others invite you to reflect on your goals, values, and personal experiences. You can find the American University essay prompts for each program here.

Now that you know more about the American University supplement essays, let’s look at how to write one. You can use the tips in this guide to answer any supplemental essay, including the special program prompts!

Writing strong American University supplemental essays

Here are five tips to help you write the best American University supplemental essays possible:

Brainstorm

You may be a student who reads the prompt and immediately knows what you want to write about. If that’s you, then great! You can probably skip this step. However, if you’re still blank after reading the American University prompt, or have so many ideas of what to write about that you can’t pick, then brainstorming is a good first step.

Begin by doing a free-write on the topics that have made your short list. Set a timer for ten minutes and just write. Don’t stress about your writing style or being perfect, simply write about the chosen topic. After doing this for all of your possible essay topics, choose the one that was easiest to write about!

Make it personal

A successful American University essay will show what you will bring to the campus and why you should be there. However, this doesn’t mean writing what you think admissions wants to hear; in fact, it’s just the opposite!

The best college essays are those in which the student shows their unique qualities, experiences, and interests. Be genuine and personal when writing your American University supplemental essays. A generic essay won’t impress anyone.

Consider what anecdotes, stories, or moments you can write about that relate to your topic. The old adage, “show, don’t tell” applies to your college essays! So rather than telling what you’re excited about, show it through a personal experience.

Of course, you need to choose a story that makes sense with the prompt. For example, consider the optional American University essay. Imagine writing about the time you spend helping out at an animal shelter. You might start your essay by describing one of your weekly tasks. This could be something that shows leadership, or simply a moment that reaffirms why you keep going. Was a certain look shared with one of the new rescue dogs? Or were you given a new responsibility or position due to your commitment? Share it!

Research and relate

Once you know your topic, do some research on American University and find out how the school will help you pursue your interests. What specific qualities attracted you to the school or specific program? Is there a certain major, internship, or opportunity that excites you? Are there clubs you want to join or courses you want to take there?

American University supplemental essays are stronger when you show that you understand what makes the school unique and why it’s a good fit for you. However, the key to showing off your American University research is to make sure it links directly to what your essay is about. If your details don’t support your main point, they’re not worth including in your essay.

Try not to think of this research as another chore in your American University application process. Get excited about learning more about the school. Authentic passion and drive will come across in successful American University supplemental essays. However, it can’t be faked. So take advantage of AU’s online resources and do some exploring!

Some good ways to get that information include:

• Visit the school’s website: You can look up specific course offerings, browse extracurricular activities, and explore various aspects of student life. Just be sure you use the school’s official page or another trusted source.
• Speak to a current or former student: If someone you know attends American University or has recently graduated, reach out to them. Their insights can help you connect your interests with specific opportunities at American University.
• Attend a college fair: These events give you a chance to talk to American University admissions representatives about your interests. They also let you gather more information about the school. Plus, speaking to a representative at a college fair is a great way to show demonstrated interest.

Many of the American University supplemental essays allow students to talk about their future, both at American University and beyond. So, use the opportunity to share what resources, classes, majors, or clubs you’ll take advantage of on campus.

Find a hook

Start your American University supplemental essays with an interesting hook or topic sentence to grab your reader’s attention. Think about immersing your reader in a story instead of restating the prompt. Great American University essays have a hook that gets the reader excited to read more.

Often, the most effective hook will place the reader in the midst of the action. This may be a pivotal moment, a quote, anything that makes a statement. Alternatively, some hooks are a simple sentence that catches the reader off-guard. Overall, the most important part of a hook is that it grasps the reader’s attention and interest from the start.

Avoid common mistakes

The biggest mistake that students make when writing application essays is being overly general. Vague or dispassionate American University supplemental essays will not help you overcome the American University acceptance rate. 

Rather than telling the reader exactly what you want them to know and take away from your essays, try showing them through your writing. And don’t be afraid to get personal and specific in your American University essays. That’s how you create a memorable impact on admissions!

If AU is truly a good fit for you, you’ll probably have many things to talk about in your American University supplemental essays. The challenge will be keeping your essays focused on the prompts and within the designated word limits. However, don’t let the word count limit your writing process. Instead, focus first on getting all of your ideas down. Then, give yourself plenty of time later to go back and edit down your essays.

American University Admissions

You may be wondering just how important the American University supplemental essays are in the grand scheme of the American University application.

American University currently has a test-optional policy. So, if your SAT scores don’t hit at least 1200 (the low end of the average SAT score range for accepted applicants), then you don’t need to submit them. High grades and test scores can help you impress the American University admissions committee. However, grades and scores alone won’t be enough to stand out in the American University admissions process. 

With so many competitive applicants, you’ll want to make sure that you craft an impressive American University application narrative. The optional American University essay plays an important role in building that narrative. The essay matters even more if you’re applying with an average GPA or feel like you don’t have a good SAT score that you want to submit.

Beyond the American University essay

Knowing how to write the American University supplement essay is important, but in order to figure out how to get into American University you also need to know how to maximize your admissions odds. Since the American University acceptance rate is competitive, your American University supplement essay is incredibly important. And of course, there are other American University supplemental materials that will help enhance your American University application, such as your teacher recommendation letter. 

The American University admissions committee accepts the Common Application. On your Common Application, you will report your GPA and courses, share your extracurricular involvement, and submit your Common App essay. Each part of the application lets you show the American University admissions team what makes you unique. 

Holistic admissions

Admission to a selective school like American University depends on many factors, including the American University essay prompts. While grades and scores matter, the American University admissions committee also considers things like writing skills and personal qualities. They also evaluate whether American University is the right fit for you. 

To determine these more abstract metrics, the committee relies on the Common App essay — also known as your personal statement — and the American University supplement essay. The American University essay prompts, therefore, let you show why you belong at American University.   

American University admissions states that they have a holistic admissions policy. This means that they look at the whole picture when considering each American University application.

Top 3 Tips for Writing Strong American University Supplemental Essays

Still wondering how to get into American University? AU admissions looks for well-rounded, passionate applicants. Doing your best on every part of the American University application, including your American University essay, can help you stand out. 

An exceptional American University essay could be what has you opening your acceptance letter and planning your college enrollment for fall semester. So, get excited! The more passionate you are about the school, the stronger your essay will be.

American University Supplement Essays –⁠ Final Thoughts

By the time AU admissions finishes reviewing your application, they should feel confident about admitting you. Writing personal, meaningful American University supplemental essays can help make that happen.

Remember, in college admissions, ‘optional’ essays are rarely truly optional. American University wants students who are genuinely excited to attend, and the optional essay is one of the best ways to show that — so make sure you complete it.

In your essays, use descriptive language, write from the heart, be specific, and fully answer the prompt. And don’t hesitate to have someone else look over your American University supplemental essays before you submit them! A second pair of eyes can help you see ways to improve your writing that you may have missed. 

This guide to the American University supplemental essays 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.