American University Essay 2024-2025

American University Essay 2024-25

Does American University require any supplemental essays?

Yes. There is one 250-word American University essay that students should complete. The American University essay centers around what you’re passionate about.

It’s important to note that this year the American University essay is technically optional. However, we’re going to talk about this essay as though it’s required because students should definitely take the time to answer this American University essay. And, since there are not multiple American University essay prompts, you should do all you can to make this American University essay count. 

You only have 250 words to use in this American University supplement essay. Although there aren’t various American University essay prompts and the only American University essay is short, that doesn’t make it easier to complete. The difficulty lies in writing about a broad topic in a small amount of space. 

Showcase your writing

Your American University essay is your only chance beyond your Common App essay 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. A strong American University supplement essay, then, will increase your admissions odds. So, when strategizing around how to get into American University, prioritize your American University supplemental essays. This will give you an advantage. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. Below, we’ve provided a detailed guide on how to write a successful American University essay. 

What are American University’s Essays?

Here’s the American University supplemental essay prompt:

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

As we discussed, there are not multiple American University essay prompts. Take advantage of your one chance to impress the American University admissions committee! Students who write excellent American University supplemental essays are sure to stand out.

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. Indeed, the this American University essay prompt is broad. So, the most important part is identifying and showing passion for a certain topic–whatever that may be! Namely, your essay should show the American University admissions committee why you belong at their school. 

This essay also helps the American University admissions committee envision you on campus. 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. Additionally, your American University essay should show 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. 

Standing out

No matter your interests, showing passion and leadership will help you stand out. In your American University supplement, therefore, you should highlight not only what you’re passionate about, but also exactly how you’d engage with this particular passion at American University. 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 what they’re looking to see: that you’d be an excellent addition to their campus.

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. This essay needs to focus on what you’re genuinely passionate about.

Demonstrate your passion

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.

Now that you know more about the American University supplement essay, let’s look at how to write it. You can also use the tips in this guide to answer similar questions on other university supplements.

Approaching the American University essay

As we now know, there aren’t multiple American University supplemental essays. So, applicants are faced with the tricky task of impressing admissions officers with one short, well-crafted American University supplemental essay. You may be thrilled at the prospect of not having to respond to multiple American University essay prompts. However, without multiple American University supplemental essays to write, the spotlight is truly on this single American University essay.

You’ll likely see the other essays that focus on passion and leadership in other college applications. You shouldn’t reuse essays, as they need to be specific to each school. However, they will all achieve the same general goal. You should use the this American University essay to amplify your application by showing what you’ll bring to the campus, and how the campus will help you with your future. While this isn’t a Why American University essay, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show that you’ll be a great fit on campus. In fact, the prompt pushes you to do so by mentioning what type of people American University students are.

Passion is key

This American University essay prompt is extremely open-ended. You can focus on a “belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic which you’re excited about.” So, you might be asking yourself what you should write about. If no clear passion or topic arises after reading the prompt, think about what you love to do or talk about. What could you research or take part in for hours on end without getting bored?

What do you currently do within that area? For example, are you passionate about sustainable tourism practices after taking a cultural tour on your family vacation to Mexico? Well, 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 in the area 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 you’ve developed so much as a leader, from starting as a student to becoming a tennis teacher to young kids? 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 a better person, with leadership qualities.

Research and relate

There are probably specific qualities that attracted you to the school. Essentially, ask yourself why you want to go there. Is there a certain major, internship, or other program that excites you? Are there clubs you want to join or courses you want to take there?

Now, the key to successfully showing off your American University research in this essay, is that it needs to directly relate to the topic that you’re most excited about. For example, you can relate it to a potential major, minor, club, or unique offering that allows you to further develop this interest. Alternatively, you might share how your passion for this topic will enrich your time on campus. For example, maybe you’re bringing a specific knowledge or skillset that will allow you to better connect with your fellow classmates.

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 not having multiple American University supplemental essay prompts to manage. Then, dive head first into your American University essay research. 

Avoid common mistakes

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

Use specific examples of the interest at hand. Don’t just tell the reader what you’re passionate about, show them through your writing. Later, we’ll dive into just how to do this. But, don’t be afraid to get personal and specific in this American University essay. In fact, you need to do so in order to stand out to admissions! You can also reference specific programs, courses, or unique campus qualities when writing your why American University essay. 

If American University is truly a good fit for you, you’ll probably have many things to talk about as you’re a passionate, curious, and motivated person. The challenge will be keeping your American University essay focused and within the 250 word limit. Be sure to choose a topic for your American University essay that is truly unique and specific to you. 

How do I write American University’s supplemental essay?

Writing any successful college essay starts with brainstorming. However, 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.

Start by thinking about your passions. What do you love to talk about for hours? Is there something you research in your free time? What areas of your life have you excited about, will probably be a part of your future, and show that you’re a leader? Once you have a list, you can start to narrow it down.

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, answering the prompt. After doing this for all of your possible essay topics, choose the one that was easiest to write about!

Make it personal

The best college essays are those in which the student shows their unique qualities, experiences, and interests. Additionally, a successful American University essay will show how you will show up on campus. What will you bring to the campus and why should you be there? Show that you are the perfect fit. However, this doesn’t mean writing what you think admissions wants to hear; in fact, it’s just the opposite!

You need to be genuine and personal when writing this American University essay. 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, let’s say you’re talking about how you volunteer at the animal shelter every week. You might start your essay by placing you in the heart of 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!

Do your research

Once you know your topic, consider doing some research on how you’ll continue to explore this passion of yours on American University’s campus. Find out exactly how American University will help you pursue your interests. Your American University supplement essay will be more effective if you can reference traditions, specific academic courses, or other opportunities. This shows the American University admissions committee why the school is a good fit for you. 

Some good ways to get that information include:

• Visiting 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.
• Speaking 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.
• Attending 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 DI.

While this essay isn’t a Why American University essay, that doesn’t mean you can’t reference specific offerings only found at American University. In fact, you should! This American University essay prompt allows 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

As you begin your American University essay, start with an interesting hook or topic sentence to grab your reader’s attention. If possible, avoid the standard: “I am most excited about…” because it sounds plain and formulaic. Think about immersing your reader into a story instead of restating the prompt.

Often, the most effective hook will place the reader in the midst of the action. This may be a pivotal moment in your topic, or simply you living out the passion that you choose to write about. 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. Your American University essay should have a hook that has the reader excited to read more.

Focus on the “changemaker” theme.

Alright, up until now we’ve talked a lot about writing about what you’re passionate about. However, that is simply one part of successfully responding to this prompt. The word “changemaker” is used to describe American University students; therefore, admissions needs to see that you too are a changemaker. So, how can you show this in your American University essay?

First, think about what action you have taken surrounding your topic. For example, let’s say that same student who found an interest in sustainable tourism practice decided to write a blog about it. In addition to making an effort to travel with these sustainable practices in mind, they are also educating others on the topic. This shows that this students is not only passionate, but also a changemaker with leadership qualities. An impressive American University essay needs to show that you can incite change, and that it’s important to you.

American University Essay & 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. Well, the American University acceptance rate is competitive at 47%. 

For the Class of 2022, there were nearly 19,000 applicants, with the average GPA of admitted students falling in the range of 3.47-4.00. American University currently has a test optional policy. So, if your SAT scores don’t hit at least 1240 (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 American University essay plays an important role in 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. The American University essay is your opportunity to show admissions what makes you stand out. Use it to highlight why you should be accepted out of the many other qualified candidates.  

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 to enhance your American University application, such as your teacher recommendation letter. 

The American University admissions committee accepts the Common Application. This means all applicants must complete the Common App essay. You will also submit the American University supplement. On your Common Application, you will report your GPA and courses, share your extracurricular involvement, and write a short personal statement. Each part of the application lets you show the American University admissions team what makes you unique. 

Many factors to consider

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. So, wondering how to get into American University? AU admissions looks for well-rounded, passionate applicants. Do your best on every part of the American University application, including your American University essay. 

Top 3 Tips for Writing the American University Essay

While there aren’t multiple American University supplemental essays, that doesn’t necessarily make things easier. It will take thoughtful planning to write your compelling yet concise American University essay. 

However, 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. Here are 3 tips for students to consider in order to write their best American supplemental essays.

Still looking for inspiration before tackling the American University essay prompts? Before you write your American University supplemental essays, check out some examples of successful college essays. You’ll be able to see what works well. Then, you can use the same techniques to write your best American University essay.

American University Supplement Essay: Final Thoughts

When reviewing your American University supplement, the American University admissions team wants to see answers to two distinct questions: “what are you passionate about?” and “how will that passion translate to the American University campus and beyond?”  Understanding these two implied questions behind the American University essay will help you craft the best possible response.

Address each part of the question

To answer the first question, let your research shine through in your essay. Show what you are most excited about and how you have developed that passion in your life. Then, use specific examples to let the American University admissions team know that you plan to pursue this passion through offerings at American University. Finally, make sure you show that you are a leader and a changemaker.

Finally, don’t hesitate to have someone else look over your American University essay before you submit it. A second pair of eyes can help you see ways to improve your writing that you may have missed! 

This American University 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.