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Boston College Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

July 22, 2024

Boston College’s 15% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is half of what it was just five years ago. Today, accepted students earned an average SAT score of 1511. Additionally, you need an all-around stellar academic resume to get serious consideration at this highly selective Jesuit university. Writing an excellent Common App  and Boston College supplemental essay are two of the more critical components of the BC application.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into BC? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Boston College  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Below are the BC supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. Additionally, we offer tips about how to write a winning composition.

NOTE : If you are applying to Human-Centered Engineering, you must respond to the Human-Centered Engineering-specific prompt. All other applicants will choose one of the four remaining options.

Boston College Supplemental Essay Option #1

Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text? 

By the age of 17/18, many of us have at least one book that holds a special place in our hearts and speaks to us in a deep way about the human condition. For this prompt, you can select a fiction or nonfiction work. It can be a commonly read text that you encountered in school or a book that you read for pleasure. There are genuinely no limits here. As long as you can eloquently communicate how the text can be a launching point for a powerful and generative discussion about one or more essential elements of the human experience.

Boston College Essay Option #2

At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.

Who do you engage in deep conversations with? For some, this may be a sibling, parent, grandparent, or other family member. For others, it may be a friend, spiritual leader, or teacher. If you are someone who regularly engages in meaningful discourse with another individual or a group of peers or adults, this can be an excellent prompt to choose. Note that the prompt specifies “issues and problems facing society.” This offers limitless possibilities from the environment, to global conflict, to political polarization. Feel free to use the 400 words worth of real estate to cover two or more conversational topics/themes.

BC Supplemental Essay Option #3

In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “ The Danger of a Single Story, ” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?

You have the option of taking this in the same direction as the author. If you have been judged by your nationality, appearance, or background, prompt #3 is an opportunity to share a deeply personal story, showing vulnerability and grit in overcoming obstacles. However, there is another legitimate avenue for addressing this prompt…

Human beings have a tendency to pigeonhole others. Families, in particular, may take one incidence of something in childhood and define you by it for years (or even decades) to come. You don’t have to be part of a marginalized population to experience a reductive attack on your sense of self. Either approach this prompt can result in an intriguing composition that reveals more about how you perceive the world.

BC Supplemental Essay Option #4

Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

The admissions committee wants to make sure that your personal aims align with those of the university, as indicated in its mission statement. This mission is to foster“the rigorous intellectual development and the religious, ethical and personal formation of its undergraduate, graduate and professional students in order to prepare them for citizenship, service and leadership in a global society.” The strongest answers usually include some level of previous participation/community service on the part of the applicant. For example, if you are concerned about voting rights and the preservation of the democratic process, you may have volunteered with a relevant organization.

HCE Essay Prompt

Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only:  One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

The merger of science/technology and humanity forms the core of the  HCE program  which opened its doors in the fall of 2021. You undoubtedly have reasons for choosing this particular engineering program that “integrates BC’s core liberal arts curriculum with courses in foundational and advanced engineering that emphasize societal responsibility.” You may want to use the list of foundational topics covered in the program as you enter the prewriting phase for this essay:

• Introduction to Human-Centered Engineering and Design
• Human Factors in Engineering Design
• Engineering for Development
• Engineering Foundations Studio (includes topics such as Dynamics, Circuits, Transport phenomena, Thermodynamics, and Environmental Systems)
• Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning
• Advanced electives
• Collaborative Service Engineering Project
• Senior Impact Project

How important are the essays at Boston College?

Presently, Boston College considers two factors to be “very important” in evaluating a candidate. They are: the GPA earned, and the rigor of one’s curriculum. Further, nine factors rate as “important”: class rank, recommendations, essays, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, legacy status, religious affiliation, and volunteer work. In other words, the essays are definitely an important admissions factor at BC.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

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

Need additional writing resources? Check out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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4 Tips for Writing a Stellar Boston College Essay

College Admissions , College Essays

Ranked among the top 40 colleges nationwide , Boston College is an excellent college choice, especially if you're hoping to attend a Jesuit institution. As part of the application process, you'll need to submit a Boston College essay. So what should you write about in your essay to raise your chances of getting admitted here?

In this guide, we closely analyze all Boston College essay prompts, providing you with our best tips and advice. We'll also take a look at real Boston College essay examples to give you an idea of what a successful Boston College essay can look like.

So let's get started!

What Is the Boston College Essay?

In addition to the Common Application essay prompts , Boston College requires all first-year applicants to submit a separate essay as part of the Boston College Supplement (which you can find in the Common App under the heading "Writing Supplement").

With this writing supplement, you have six possible essay prompts to choose from:

#1: Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it?

#2: In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America – a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue.

#3: At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person?

#4: Socrates stated that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.

#5: Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together – and why?

#6: [Open to Human-Centered Engineering Applicants only] One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

Each essay prompt expects you to give specific details and a unique, compelling story of who you are, how you came to be this way, and what you hope to do with your education at Boston College.

Regardless of the essay prompt you choose, your Boston College essay must be no longer than 400 words, making it a little shorter than a typical application college essay, which is 500-600 words long.

The good news is you only have to answer one of the prompts listed above. But how can you choose the best essay prompt for you? Read on as we examine all the Boston College essay prompts, one by one.

All Boston College Essay Prompts, Analyzed

In order to submit a great Boston College essay, you'll need to know what each prompt is asking you to do and which one will work best based on your personality, experiences, and/or interests. Below, we offer a close analysis of all four Boston College essay prompts.

Boston College Essay Prompt 1

Students at Boston College are encouraged to consider critical questions as they pursue lives of meaning and purpose. What is a question that matters to you and how do you hope Boston College will help you answer it?

This first Boston College essay prompt looks a little inscrutable at first: you’re being asked to provide not an answer, but a question. However, what Boston College is asking from you here is to talk about academic fields or social issues you’re interested in, and why Boston College is the place to explore them.

This essay is a great opportunity for you to delve into a specific idea or problem you want to learn more about in college. The topic you choose for your essay can be pretty much anything, from an ancient philosophical theory to how smart phones impact American culture.

In short, what excites, interests, or captivates you intellectually? And why?

Before tackling this question, take time to consider what you're passionate about. That can be an academic field you want to study, a challenging problem in your future career field, or a contemporary social issue.

Should You Choose This Prompt?

Most applicants have some idea of what they want to study in college. So if there's a particular field you're interested in, you can use this as a jumping-off point. Narrow your topic so you'll be discussing a very specific question. For example, if you plan to major in psychology, you might frame your essay around the question, “How is our increased reliance on social media changing our behaviors?” 

You can also approach this prompt from a social perspective. Are there any problems in contemporary society that you want to study further? For example, perhaps you’re concerned about wealth inequality in the United States. You could create a question that asks how wealth inequality has changed over the past fifty years, and what we might do to counter it.

With this topic, the sky's pretty much the limit. Here are some other potential topics you could create questions around:

• Environmental issues or climate change
• Political/economic instability or other problems in a country/area
• Discrimination, stigmas, or other issues relating to inequality
• Potential challenges facing technology, science, the arts, specific industries, etc.

The main thing here is that you do not need to answer your question! Instead, you’ll devote a significant part of your essay to saying why Boston College is the best place for you to find answers to your question. Here’s your chance to show that you’ve done your research: bring up relevant departments, faculty members, current research projects, individual courses, and campus groups that will help you with your goal. Clearly show how Boston College will help you answer your question.

Tips for Answering This Prompt

• Explain why you are so invested in your question. Do you have direct experience with the issue you're focusing on? How did (or does) it make you feel? This is a place to show off your intellectual curiosity , and that you’re interested in the Big Questions.
• Connect your question to Boston College as specifically as possible. Boston College admissions counselors want to know that your application is purposeful. You don’t, and shouldn’t, have an answer to your question, but you should have a very clear idea on why Boston College is the best place to find answers.

Boston College Essay Prompt 2

In 2020, we faced a national reckoning on racial injustice in America - a reckoning that continues today. Discuss how this has affected you, what you have learned, or how you have been inspired to be a change agent around this important issue.

This second Boston College essay prompt is very specific, and asks you to do some pretty serious reflecting. You have options: you could discuss your personal experience with racial injustice or what you’ve seen in your community. Perhaps you’ve been personally affected, or perhaps your loved ones have. Maybe something happened in your town that forced you to confront racial injustice on a much more personal level than you expected.

Note, too, that the prompt asks what you have learned and how you’ve been inspired to be a change agent —in other words, if you haven’t yet been able to act on your desire to challenge racial injustice on a larger level, you should still consider this prompt. Ultimately, Boston College wants you to reflect on yourself and your relationship to larger concepts of societal injustice. It’s a tall order, and you’ll need to stay as personal, honest, and specific as possible.

There are, unfortunately, many ways to write about racial injustice in America right now. Here are some examples:

• Your personal experience with racial injustice
• A loved one’s experience with racial injustice
• Specific examples of racial injustice in your community
• The first (or the most vivid) time you recognized racial injustice
• Be as specific as possible . Boston College doesn’t want to just know your opinion on racial injustice—they want to see you, and how you work with difficult, systemic issues. Use concrete examples, and show your innermost self (or as much of it as you’re comfortable sharing).
• Relate your experience to your college career. Boston College clearly cares about racial justice. Their Campus Ministry page on racial justice links to many campus resources to combat racial injustice. Mention specific programs and groups that you want to engage with while you’re in college, and show that Boston College is the best place for you to continue to learn about and fight racial injustice.

Boston College Essay Prompt 3

At Boston College, we hope to draw on the Jesuit tradition of finding conversation partners to discuss issues and problems facing society. Who is your favorite conversation partner? What do you discuss with that person?

This prompt is another great way to show Boston College who you are and what you value . They’re also reminding you pretty clearly here that Boston College is a Jesuit school that values intellectual growth, character formation, and dedication to positive social change. In short, this isn’t the place to talk about the Star Wars fan theories you share with your dad (no matter how cool they are). Instead, think about the person you have deep conversations with. Maybe it’s your best friend, your partner, or a family member. Maybe you’ve bonded with one of your teachers, and you meet up to talk about saving the world, one conversation at a time. This prompt is in two parts: describe your conversation partner, and describe what you discuss. Make sure to paint a clear picture of your conversation partner—why they’re your favorite person to talk to, and what they bring to the table—but also leave room not only for what you talk about, but why you talk about it. Finally, find a way to relate your conversations to your future studies at Boston College. Maybe you bonded with a youth minister and still routinely talk about social change; connect this to similar campus organizations and programs.

This prompt is a great way for you to show Boston College who you are, what you value, and how you connect with others.  

Consider writing about someone you routinely discuss related values with, like:

• Morality/ethics
• Empathy/compassion for others
• Societal issues
• The “big questions” in life
• Choose an appropriate conversation partner. It doesn’t have to be someone you know in real life—pen pals can be just as influential as the people we talk to! But you should make sure that the person you’re writing about is someone that you engage in deep, meaningful conversation with.
• Explain your discussion topics and their importance in detail. This is your chance to share your passion for service, big ideas, and community! Make sure to share why you talk about these subjects with your partner, and why they’re important to you.

Boston College Essay Prompt 4

Socrates stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you.

Boston College is a highly ranked Jesuit institution , so it's not surprising that the school is curious about applicants' values. The purpose of this prompt is to help Boston College understand how your own values will fit with and further promote the Jesuit principles of ethics and community service.

This essay prompt can be broken down into two basic questions:

• What issues are most important to you?
• How do you approach big subjects in your inner world?

If you’re the introspective type, this is an excellent prompt for you. As a prominent Jesuit institution, Boston College highly values service, reflection, and morality. This is the perfect prompt to show them that you do, too.

Some topics you could write about in your essay include the following:

• Changing your mind about a subject you’re passionate about
• Realizing your values have changed
• Realizing your beliefs no longer match up with your family’s
• Your thought process after a major event/life change
• Focus on one specific issue. For instance, you might talk about your complicated feelings about eating meat, and factory farming, and the decisions you made regarding what you are and are not willing to eat and why.
• Make sure the issue is important, and aligns with Boston College’s values. In other words, this isn’t the place to write about how you agonized over changing your starter word in Wordle. Show Boston College your deepest thoughts. They want to see them!

Boston College Essay Prompt 5

Each year at University Convocation, the incoming class engages in reflective dialogue around a common text. What book would you recommend for your class to read and explore together – and why?

This is a prompt you may have seen from other schools as well—Boston College is asking you to discuss a book that you care about. However, this is not about your favorite book. Instead, they want to know which book you think is so important that the entire first-year class at BC reads and discusses it. That means you need to choose a book for more than just how much pleasure it brings you. It also needs to have some intellectual heft to it. That is, pick a book that makes you think, and, ideally, has changed you as a person.

Maybe you read a novel in sophomore English that hit you so hard it restructured your DNA. Or maybe you found a book through a podcast (or BookTok!) that you’d never heard of, and opened your eyes to a new way of seeing the world. You have a lot of options here—just make sure you pick something that you care about that aligns with Boston College’s values. Don’t forget to check their list of previous University Convocation books to get a good idea of what they want.

This prompt is asking you to do two things:

• Choose a book for convocation
• Say why you chose it

This is a great prompt to show off your exquisite taste in books as well as your knowledge and understanding of Boston College’s values.

Consider books that:

• Introduced you to a new culture, subculture, or nationality
• Made you reevaluate the way you see your world
• Told a powerful story, fiction or nonfiction
• Choose an appropriate book. Remember: Boston College doesn’t want to know your favorite book. They want you to talk about a book that affected you so profoundly that you want to share it with the entire incoming class.
• State explicitly why you chose it. Make sure that your text aligns with Boston College’s values. Show that you know what Boston College wants by recommending a book that’s perfect for them!

Boston College Essay Prompt 6

For Human-Centered Engineering major applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

First off, you should only choose this prompt if you’re majoring in Human-Centered Engineering. If you are, read on! Otherwise, you’re all done!

Human-Centered Engineering is one of BC’s newest programs, which combines engineering with liberal arts. This prompt is asking you to show that you’re an excellent fit through:

• Choosing an appropriately-sized problem (or problems)
• Saying why they’re important to you
• Saying how you want to solve them
• Showing Boston College that the HCE program is necessary to your solution

No problem, right? You got this! Now’s your chance to show Boston College that you can dream a little bigger, and that your values align with theirs. Because Boston College is a Jesuit school that values service to the community, you should think about societal issues that appeal specifically to them. For example, you may be interested in studying racial discrimination in housing developments or interstate highway projects; you could absolutely mention Boston College’s Racial Justice program and how it will be integral to your future work.

Remember: this is a highly-specialized engineering program that requires connection to the liberal arts and to service. Show that you care about all three in your answer!

If you’re applying to the HCE program, you have no choice—you’re required to choose this one! But it’s a pretty neat prompt that allows you to specifically tell Boston College why you’re a perfect fit for one another. Consider choosing a problem that:

• Has a large impact on your community, or a community you care about
• Has been historically underserved
• Is solvable, and specific
• Choose a specific problem that you care about. The trick here is to describe a problem that you can feasibly help end. This means you need to be as specific as you can. For example, “world hunger,” while a significant problem, is too broad of a subject; instead, you could look at food deserts in your community.
• State explicitly why the HCE program is the only one that will help you solve it. This is the “Why Boston College” essay—it’s your time to show that you’ve done your homework and know the HCE program inside and out.That means you should specifically mention professors, projects, and courses that you think will help you achieve your goal

Boston College Essay Examples

Now, let's take a look at two real Boston College essay examples written by admitted applicants.

Note that since the Boston College essay prompts change frequently, so these essays might not correspond directly to one of the four prompts listed above. But you'll still get a sense for what makes a good Boston College essay and what admissions counselors are looking for. 

Boston College Essay Example 1

This first Boston College essay we'll look at could have easily been written for the second prompt described above (the diversity essay prompt) as it focuses on the applicant's unique multicultural background.

Note that this sample essay is more than 550 words, whereas the current Boston College essay requirements state that essays may not exceed 400 words.

Here is the essay:

"Happy birthday!" "Feliz cumpleanos!" "Kol sana wa enta tayyab!" After my family sings me happy birthday in English, Spanish, and Arabic, I blow out the candles on my cake amidst thunderous cheers that reverberate throughout the five boroughs of New York City. My birthday celebrations, likened by my friends to United Nations assemblies, feature my one, cohesive, yet ever so dissimilar, family, stepping out of their respective Ecuadorian and Egyptian roles to further thrust upon me their expectations. Some would fold under this pressure, but I embrace this trust. While they have not always been able to put me in optimal positions, it has all congregated to a driving force in my cultured and diverse mind.

My never ending quest to achieve success for my family began at a young age, through my trips to Ecuador and Egypt. I not only grew fond of their eloquent languages, but of their modest values. On my first trip to Ecuador as a toddler, my Uncle Guillermo was found dead in an alley one morning, no cause, no explanation. Instead of shielding me from the forlorn passing of one of my heroes, my relatives used this as an opportunity to develop my value for awareness. They told me that Guillermo's death was linked to his severe alcoholism. He had been afflicted for decades, all while selling away the family's possessions to fuel his addiction. He, like many from the impoverished, drug ridden country, knew no better. Some would view a traumatizing event like this as an excuse to end up along a similar path, but it immediately ingrained in me the farsighted principles that I maintain to this day. There are no excuses for me to approach education halfheartedly, for I have witnessed the malevolent effects of ignorance.

When my grandma, Anisa Saad, told me that she views my future with the same reverence that she views the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, I finally realized how delicate my actions are. I knew that making something out of myself meant just as much to my family as it did to me. The Egyptian Revolution was the first time since 1981 that Egyptians had a voice. As they overthrew President Hosni Mubarak, they created an irrevocable identity. They proved that regardless what comprises your past or your background, your impact on the world is only what you make of it. My grandma told me that all she could think about as she cast her vote in the first ever democratic election was that she was changing the world. She said that if a 78-year-old widow living with three of her children and a bad back could change the world, a prioritized pupil with a keen understanding of different societies has boundless potential.

In New York City, the quintessential hub of culture, I found it easier to expand on my expectations and values. I am most people's culturally passionate friend rather than the kid whose ethnicity is indeterminable. I am a New Yorker's idea of a New Yorker; an assiduous product of the "melting pot." No idea is too farfetched to believe, no goal too unattainable. With my grandma's words in mind, I face any problem that the Concrete Jungle throws at me. I seek to make sure the Salazar's of Ecuador and the Badran's of Egypt finally have significant names in the world. I want to blow out my birthday candles with a family proud that I made it, not hoping that I do.

Here's what makes this Boston College essay work:

• It has a compelling hook. The first few sentences about the applicant's multicultural and multilingual family immediately draw us in. It makes you want to learn more about why this applicant gets told happy birthday in three languages, and how their experience shapes their values.
• It's highly specific and detailed. We're given people's actual names, from Uncle Guillermo to Anisa Saad. These concrete details ground us readers in the story while highlighting clear connections between the applicant's life experiences and values.

Boston College Essay Example 2

This next real Boston College essay example is less focused on diversity and more on community service, a major Jesuit value that Boston College would be more than happy to read about in your essay!

At just under 400 words, this essay should help give you an idea of about how long your Boston College essay can be.

"Can you teach me how to tie my shoes?" I looked down. There was Miguel. He pointed at his untied shoelaces. "Come sit down over here," I said as I pulled over a chair. "Just remember this: Loop, Swoop, and Pull." I tied his shoelace. "Now you try on the other." He bent down. "Loop ... Swoop, and ... Pull." He completed a perfect bow.

Later on in that day, Thomas came over to me. "Can you help me tie my sneaker?" Miguel was next to me. I was helping him learn the letters of the alphabet. "I think Miguel can help you." I looked down at him and he nodded. He brought Thomas to the side. "Just remember, Loop, Swoop, and Pull."

In-between studying for the SATs and preparing for my varsity basketball season, I volunteered in a local preschool for Head Start and Special Needs Children in the summer before my junior year. I worked with students who were attending their first year of the school during that year. I was invited back to volunteer again the next summer. I was with the second-year students and Miguel and Thomas were again in my class.

"Do you want to see me write my name?" Miguel asked the first day of my second summer at the school. He used a purple marker and a blank piece of white paper and clearly wrote "Miguel." Thomas approached me. "Look, I can tie my shoes now." He bent down. "Loop, Swoop, and Pull," he whispered as he completed a perfect bow. "It's great to see you guys again. I'll be here the whole summer."

The goal of the program is to prepare the students for success in kindergarten. The best thing about going to the school for two years was to see the progress Miguel, Thomas, and the other kids made. I saw the children walk on the stage at the graduation ceremony at the end of the summer term. I know they will be able to excel in kindergarten.

I began to visualize Thomas and Miguel being at the top of their class in kindergarten next year. I am proud of the work the school does for the children and the progress the children make in the school. I look forward to returning to volunteer next summer.

• It tells a detailed, interesting story. Many students have volunteered at schools or helped out younger children, but this Boston College essay lets readers really see the uniqueness of the applicant's experience. We learn about two children, Thomas and Miguel, and how the process of helping them fundamentally shaped the applicant.
• It's highly focused. No part of this essay feels extraneous or as if it doesn't belong. It uses a well-organized structure that's easy to follow. We also learn through small details that the applicant successfully maintains other commitments, too, such as varsity basketball. So not only is this person caring, they're also a great multitasker!
• It focuses on a key Jesuit value: giving back to others. If you plan to respond to Prompt 4, this is a great essay to look to for tips. It's all about helping the common good and highlights the applicant's desire to continue helping the community.

How to Write a Great Boston College Essay: 4 Tips

Before we wrap up, here are four general tips to help you write a great Boston College essay.

#1: Be Clear and Specific

Your Boston College essay should be clear and have specific, concrete details that tell a compelling narrative about you and what you value. Your essay will have more personal impact if you can incorporate critical details, such as the names of people, your reactions/emotions to events or actions, etc.

In addition, make sure your story is focused and doesn't meander onto less relevant, less interesting, or less significant topics.

For instance, if you're writing about how you enjoy volunteering at retirement homes, there's no point in elaborating on other values you have or other service projects you're involved in since doing so will take away from the main focus of your essay.

#2: Speak Honestly About Embracing Jesuit Values

As with any college essay, be authentic. Exaggerations and lies are pretty easy for admissions committees to detect, so don't bother trying to make a particular experience in your life seem more significant than it really was.

Be honest with yourself: what's important to you? What do you believe Boston College must know about you? And what do you feel defines who you are and what you want to do?

Remember that Boston College is a Jesuit school that strongly values specific qualities, including morality, honesty, and community service. If you have a strong passion for any Jesuit values and often exercise them in your life, make sure you're talking about them to emphasize how Boston College is an ideal fit for you.

#3: Don't Repeat What You Wrote for the Common App Essay

All Boston College applicants must write a separate personal statement that responds to one of the Common App prompts . Since many of the Common App prompts are similar to the Boston College essay prompts listed above, it's critical that you do not repeat any major themes or topics in your two essays.

Each essay is meant to showcase a different side of you, and if you're simply repeating yourself, you won't be revealing new and interesting aspects of your personality—which will not impress the Boston College admissions committee!

#4: Edit and Proofread Multiple Times

You'll want to spend a good amount of time editing and proofreading your Boston College essay.

The best way to do this is to write a rough draft and then put it away for a few days. After some time has passed, take out your essay so you can look it over with a fresh perspective. Note any areas that are irrelevant, awkward, or grammatically incorrect.

Once you've done this a few times, give your essay to someone else to read, such as a teacher, parent, or older sibling. Ask for feedback on what you can improve in terms of flow, organization, and overall story.

Now should now have an excellent Boston College essay ready to submit!

What's Next?

If you're applying to Boston College, you're likely applying to other colleges on the East Coast, too. Check out our expert guides to the Duke essay , the Tufts essays , and the Harvard essay .

Need help writing your Common App essay? Our tips will show you how to write a Common App essay guaranteed to make you stand out from other applicants!

To learn more about Boston College, including what GPA and SAT/ACT scores you'll need to get in, check out our Boston College admission requirements page .

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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 Boston College Supplemental Essays + Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/8/23

Getting ready to write your Boston College supplemental essays? Read on to learn how to make your essays stand out!Hey, future Eagles!

Feeling stuck on your Boston College supplemental essays ? Unsure of where to start or what to share? This guide has got you covered! We’ll go over each Boston College supplemental essay, break down how to approach them, and provide you with winning examples to use as your muse!

Boston College Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Let’s begin with the basics: how many supplemental essays do you need for Boston College ? Fortunately, you’ll only need to answer one of the BC supplemental essays . You’ll be given the following five prompts to choose from:

“Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?”

“At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.”

“In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “ The Danger of a Single Story ,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?”

“Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?”

Prompt #5 - HCE Applicants

“Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?”

These questions aim to get personal, which means you could probably ramble on and on about each of them if you had the chance. But here's the kicker: you have to keep your response to a maximum of 400 words! So, stay on point, keep it snappy, and get to the heart of what matters most. No room for rambling here!

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for Boston College

If you’re intimidated by these prompts and wondering how to write a fantastic college essay , you’re in the right place. Here’s how to ensure all of your BC supplemental essays are concise, compelling, and captivating! 

How to Write Boston College Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #1 : This prompt is focused on the importance of a shared text and how it fosters a sense of unity and understanding among incoming students. Boston College wants to see what kind of literature you consider good for fostering unity. 

This prompt also allows the admissions committee to learn more about your interests. The book you choose will say a lot about you! 

Follow these suggestions if you choose to respond to the first prompt:

• Tip #1: Choose the Right Book : Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to discuss a highly complex book to impress the admissions committee. Select a book that you truly believe would be a valuable shared text. Mention some themes or messages that you think could spark meaningful discussions. 
• Tip #2: Share Your Personal Connections to the Book : Show the admissions committee how this book has influenced your perspective. Why does this book resonate with you more than others? You might consider even starting your essay with one of your favorite lines in the book. 
• Tip #3: Connect to the University Convocation : End your essay by explaining how this book would contribute to a meaningful and engaging University Convocation experience. How would it inspire reflective dialogue among your incoming class? 

How to Write Boston College Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #2 : BC asks this prompt because they want to see a willingness to grow and to learn from other perspectives. A mark of a great student is a sense of humility and openness to listening to what others have to say. 

If you’ve had a few notable experiences where your beliefs were challenged, this could be a great prompt for you to respond to! Here are some tips to get you started: 

• Tip #1: Identify a Strong Conversation Partner : Think about a conversation that truly had an impact on you, not just someone disagreeing with your top horror movie choice. Who is someone in your life who has really challenged your perspective or brought fresh insights to the table?
• Tip #2: Be Vulnerable and Specific : Include details of your conversation with this person, including the thoughts and emotions you experienced. Don't shy away from discussing how this conversation challenged you. Were you initially resistant to their ideas? Did it force you to reevaluate your beliefs?
• Tip #3: Share Your Insights : Show the reader how this conversation impacted you. Did it open your mind to new possibilities? Did you gain a deeper understanding of yourself or the world around you? Be authentic and express the lessons you learned from this experience.

How to Write Boston College Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #3 : This prompt deals with the impact of making assumptions. This essay asks you to get personal and describe an instance where you faced prejudice of some kind. By asking this, BC wants to see how you have overcome obstacles as well as how you align with their values of diversity. 

If this prompt interests you, here are some tips on how to answer it: 

• Tip #1: Consider Watching the TED Talk : While you don’t have to watch the TED Talk referenced in this essay prompt, doing so can inspire you and help you brainstorm. You may even want to quote the speaker within your own essay to show you went above and beyond by watching the TED Talk. 
• Tip #2: Stay Humble : Feel free to share in detail about the prejudice you faced and how it affected you, as well as how you broke free from the single narrative. However, be sure not to display arrogance or a superiority complex. Focus on your own growth and the importance of diversity instead.
• Tip #3: Connect to BC : Connect your story to Boston College's values of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity. Express your eagerness to continue these conversations at BC and learn from a community that values every person's unique narrative.

How to Write Boston College Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #4 : This prompt integrates the history of Boston College with the issues facing the world today. BC wants to see that you are committed to the same values as they are; namely, fighting for social issues and using education to address needs that are prevalent in the world. 

Let’s tackle how to respond to this fourth prompt:

• Tip #1: Choose an Issue Close to Your Heart : If you choose an issue that you’re genuinely passionate about, it will be far easier to write this essay! Admissions committees can always tell when applicants are being authentic, so if you choose a topic you truly care about, your passion will shine through.
• Tip #2: Connect to BC’s Founding Values : This prompt specifically asks you to connect back to BC’s roots. Show how BC's founding mission resonates with your desire to make a difference in the world and emphasize how your BC education will enable you to continue this legacy.
• Tip #3: Demonstrate Your Commitment : Discuss why this issue is so important to you and share your specific vision of how you'll engage with the issue both on and off campus. Highlight any volunteer work, advocacy, or initiatives you've been involved in related to the issue to demonstrate your dedication to change. 

How to Write Boston College Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompt #5 : This prompt is somewhat similar to prompt #4, as it asks students to analyze. However, as this prompt is specific to HCE applicants, that means that Boston College is looking for specific responses regarding the HCE program. BC wants to see your passion and why you truly want to study HCE. 

Here are some tips to tackle this prompt: 

• Tip #1: Pinpoint Your Passion : Identify the specific societal problems that ignite your passion. Considering this is a question for engineering, the issue you choose should be related to this field. Explain why these issues are meaningful to you and share any personal experiences or encounters with them. 
• Tip #2: Be Specific : Highlight how Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College perfectly aligns with your goals. Share any relevant projects or initiatives you’ve been a part of, especially leadership experiences, related to your chosen issue. Describe innovative engineering approaches you envision tackling at BC. 
• Tip #3: Tie It to the Common Good : Connect your solutions to the Jesuit value of serving the Common Good. Explain how your Human-Centered Engineering education will empower you to serve society and create a positive impact.

Examples of Boston College Supplemental Essays That Worked

There’s no better way to grasp how to write the Boston College supplemental essays than to learn by example! Here are some sample essays written by admitted students at Boston College. 

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?”

Take a look at this example essay responding to prompt #1: 

"‘A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't stand up for anything.’ This compelling quote from ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini serves as a poignant reminder of the valuable lesson this book imparts to students.

As students, we often encounter challenges, both academically and personally. This book can remind us of the powerful significance of advocating for our beliefs and values. By learning to assert ourselves and confront our fears, we cultivate the confidence and resilience necessary to address societal issues and make positive contributions to our communities.

Consequently, for our incoming class at University Convocation, I wholeheartedly recommend ‘The Kite Runner’ as our shared text. This novel takes readers on an emotional journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and redemption. Through Amir's experiences, we learn the importance of standing up for ourselves and others, even in the face of adversity.

‘The Kite Runner’ not only inspires self-reflection but also fosters empathy and understanding. The novel delves into cultural complexities, providing a window into Afghanistan's history and the impact of personal choices on individuals and society. As we engage in reflective dialogue during University Convocation, this shared text will encourage open discussions about diverse perspectives, nurturing a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Moreover, Khaled Hosseini's masterful storytelling captivated me, evoking emotions and allowing me to build connections with the characters. This shared experience can unite our class, forging a shared bond that extends beyond the pages of the book.

As we embark on our exciting academic journey, ‘The Kite Runner’ will serve as a timeless reminder of the value of empathy, resilience, and the power of standing up for what we believe in. It will inspire us to be active participants in shaping a more just and compassionate world, embodying the Jesuit values that Boston College holds dear.”

Why Essay #1 Works

This BC supplemental essay response works for several reasons. It begins with a compelling hook - a powerful quote from "The Kite Runner" - that immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the essay's central theme. 

The student then demonstrates a genuine and personal connection to the book by discussing academic and personal challenges. The essay highlights the importance of advocating for beliefs and values and explicitly connects the book's lessons to Boston College’s Jesuit values, showing their alignment with the university's mission.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.”

Take a look at this sample essay for some inspiration: 

“‘It’s murder—plain and simple,’ my best friend Emily proclaimed with unwavering conviction. 

With a fiery passion for justice and a fierce dedication to her beliefs, Emily is never afraid to challenge the status quo and speak her mind. As such, we’ve always had lively discussions on various topics, but one particular conversation stands out vividly in my memory. 

In our sophomore year, we were discussing a news article detailing the story of a terminally ill patient who had opted for medical assistance to end their life peacefully. As a staunch advocate for individual autonomy and the right to make end-of-life decisions, I expressed my support for medical-assisted dying, believing that it offers compassionate choices for those facing unbearable suffering.

However, Emily's bold statement gave me pause. I respected her deeply-held beliefs, but I felt the need to question her stance and challenge her perspective and the broader implications of prohibiting medical-assisted dying altogether. I highlighted the anguish that some terminally ill patients might experience when they are denied the choice to control the manner and timing of their death. I also stressed the importance of compassionate end-of-life care, including palliative options, to ensure that individuals facing terminal illnesses have the support they need to make informed decisions.

As our conversation evolved, Emily's arguments made me pause and reflect on the complexity of the issue. While I still valued individual autonomy and compassion, her viewpoints challenged me to consider the potential unintended consequences of medical-assisted dying and the importance of striking a delicate balance between individual choice and societal well-being.

Throughout this conversation, Emily and I maintained a deep respect for each other's beliefs and approached the topic with an openness to learn from one another. The experience taught me the value of engaging in conversations with worthwhile partners who challenge my views, as it broadens my understanding of complex issues and helps me become a more empathetic and well-informed individual.

As I embark on my new journey at Boston College, I will embrace my role as a conversation partner, and support and challenge myself to have a more profound understanding of the world around me. Keeping with the Jesuit tradition Boston College embodies, I look forward to conversing with all intellectual partners I’ll meet at BC, as we collectively strive to enhance our empathy, wisdom, and social consciousness.” 

Why Essay #2 Works

The essay shares a specific and vivid memory of a conversation between the student and Emily during their sophomore year, adding depth and authenticity to the essay. It delves into a complex and controversial issue, demonstrating the student's ability to engage in thoughtful discussions on important societal matters.

This essay also showcases the student's willingness to consider alternative viewpoints, highlighting their intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness. The student then explicitly connects their essay to the BC’s Jesuit tradition, emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations to enhance empathy and wisdom. 

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : “In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “ The Danger of a Single Story ,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?”

Here is a great example of an essay responding to Adichie’s Ted Talk: 

“Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Ted Talk on ‘The Danger of a Single Story’ struck a chord with me, as I've personally experienced being defined by a single narrative. During my high school years, I relocated to a new town, and my accent immediately labeled me as ‘the foreign kid.’ People assumed I couldn't speak English fluently and knew nothing about their culture, reducing my identity to a mere stereotype.

This presented several challenges. I felt the constant need to prove myself, academically and socially, and struggled to fit in and be accepted. The isolation and misunderstanding affected my confidence and made it difficult to connect with others.

However, I was determined not to be confined by that single narrative. I actively immersed myself in clubs and extracurricular activities, striving to showcase my multifaceted self. By participating and engaging in conversations, I revealed my diverse experiences, perspectives, and passions. Gradually, I noticed a change in how people perceived me. They began to see beyond the initial assumptions and recognize my individuality. 

Overcoming these challenges required time and resilience. I learned the value of asserting my voice and sharing my authentic stories, which allowed others to understand me beyond the surface level. Breaking free from the constraints of the single story empowered me to build better connections and find like-minded individuals who appreciated me for my true self.

My experience of being defined by a single story during my high school years has had a lasting impact on my outlook and values, which align closely with the principles upheld by Boston College. Boston College's commitment to a Jesuit education, founded on the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, resonates with my journey of breaking free from stereotypes and embracing diverse narratives.

Adichie's Ted Talk holds even greater significance now, as I'm reminded of the importance of avoiding simplistic judgments about others based on appearances or backgrounds. I understand the power of embracing diverse narratives and perspectives, fostering empathy, and recognizing the richness that each individual brings to the table.”

Why Essay #3 Works

The student first demonstrates a connection to the Ted Talk and then shares a vulnerable personal experience of being defined by a single narrative during their high school years, making the essay authentic and compelling. The essay demonstrates the author’s resilience by describing how they overcame various challenges.

The essay also effectively connects the student’s experience to Boston College’s principles, emphasizing the alignment with the university’s commitment to a Jesuit education. The student reflects on the lasting impact of their experience, showing depth of thought and self-awareness and how it aligns with Boston College's values.

Sample Essay #4

Prompt : “Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?”

Take a look at this sample essay discussing the issue of climate change: 

“The magnitude of climate change requires comprehensive and collaborative efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions. As a student at Boston College, I aspire to leverage my education to address this critical global issue and contribute to sustainable solutions.

While I already volunteer at my local recycling facility, participate in beach clean-up events, and am an executive member of my school’s environmental club, I plan on doing even more at Boston College and beyond. First, I intend to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies, combining scientific knowledge with social and policy perspectives. Through interdisciplinary coursework, research opportunities, and engagement with faculty, I aim to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of climate change and its multifaceted implications.

Beyond the academic realm, Boston College's commitment to fostering a caring and inclusive community aligns perfectly with my vision of creating positive change. By actively participating in student-led environmental organizations and joining forces with like-minded peers, I hope to cultivate a vibrant campus environment that values sustainability and collective action.

Moreover, I will have access to valuable internships and networking opportunities that will enable me to collaborate with organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and advocacy. By interning with environmental NGOs and participating in climate-related policy discussions, I hope to contribute to impactful projects and support the creation of policies that drive positive change.

Climate change, as a global issue, requires collaboration and engagement on an international scale. Boston College's global perspective will offer me the chance to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enriching my understanding of environmental challenges across different regions and cultures. By embracing this multicultural environment, I can foster a broader perspective and contribute to innovative solutions that transcend borders.

By pursuing an education in Environmental Studies, actively engaging in student-led initiatives, advocating for sustainable policies, and embracing Boston College's inclusive community, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to addressing climate change and shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all. With the support and resources provided by Boston College, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting impact in the fight against climate change and fulfill my commitment to addressing society's greatest needs.”

Why Essay #4 Works

In this essay, this student gets very specific, providing concrete examples of their current involvement in environmental initiatives and outlining their plan to continue making a difference at BC, adding credibility to their commitment. The student also demonstrates confidence and ambition in their commitment to addressing society’s needs.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration and collective action, the student shows an understanding of the need for comprehensive efforts to tackle climate change. They also convey a strong passion for making a positive impact, leaving an impression as a driven, socially conscious, and ambitious individual.

Sample Essay #5

Prompt : “One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?” 

Here is an example you can use to get started on your HCE essay: 

“In a world that faces ever-evolving societal challenges, I am deeply drawn to the field of Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) for its potential to enact positive change and serve the common good. As a prospective HCE student at Boston College, I am committed to using my education to address two critical societal problems that are of utmost importance to me: healthcare accessibility and sustainable infrastructure development.

First and foremost, healthcare accessibility remains a pressing concern globally. Many communities, particularly in underserved regions, lack adequate access to essential healthcare services. I am determined to use my HCE education to bridge this gap and improve healthcare delivery systems for vulnerable populations.

Drawing on the technical knowledge and humanistic perspective emphasized in the HCE program, I aspire to design and implement innovative healthcare solutions. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and community members, I aim to develop technologies and systems that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by these communities. Whether it be telemedicine solutions to reach remote areas or the development of affordable medical devices, I envision contributing to the improvement of healthcare accessibility and making a tangible impact on people's lives.

Integrating the principles of sustainability and creativity into my engineering solutions, I seek to minimize the ecological footprint of infrastructure projects. I plan to advocate for the adoption of renewable energy sources and the implementation of green building practices. By prioritizing environmentally friendly technologies and materials, I aim to contribute to the creation of resilient and sustainable urban environments that harmonize with nature rather than deplete it.

Boston College's emphasis on serving the common good aligns perfectly with my vision for using HCE to tackle these societal problems. Additionally, the Jesuit values of social responsibility and ethical leadership will guide me in my professional journey.

I am eager to take advantage of Boston College's resources and engage in service-oriented initiatives to implement real-world solutions and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Why Essay #5 Works

This essay appropriately focuses strongly on the HCE program and demonstrates the student’s passion for the possibilities found in HCE. The student provides concrete examples of how they plan to use their HCE education to make a difference and demonstrates a well-rounded awareness of global issues. 

The applicant also references the Jesuit values that BC holds and articulates how Boston College's resources and service-oriented initiatives will support the student in implementing real-world solutions. This emphasizes a strong fit between the student's aspirations and the university's offerings.

Get More Sample Essays Here! 

If reading these essays was helpful for you, good news! You can get inspired by tons of sample supplemental essays using our extensive essay database down below. 

Final Thoughts

Remember, the Boston College supplemental essays provide an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and aspirations. Share meaningful insights, experiences, and how your goals align with Boston College's values. 

Make a strong impression, take your time, edit diligently, and let your passion and intellect shine through!

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Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are a window through which the admissions committee glimpses your personality, intellect, and potential contributions to the Boston College community. The supplemental essays allow you to showcase your unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations, setting you apart in a pool of talented applicants.

As you prepare to articulate your thoughts, remember that each word you write brings you closer to the hallowed halls of Boston College, where education is not just about learning but about shaping leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in the world.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Boston College Have?

Navigating the requirements of college applications can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. One key piece of this puzzle is understanding the specific demands of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024.

Applicants are required to submit one essay as part of their application. This singular essay is a powerful tool, a concentrated effort that can capture the essence of your character and intellectual fervor. The Boston College Writing Supplement, submitted through the Common Application, is integral to your application. It’s a unique opportunity to communicate directly with the admissions committee to tell your story in a way that transcripts and test scores cannot.

Whether you’re a prospective engineer responding to prompt number five or a student drawn to one of the first four prompts, this essay is your chance to shine. It’s not just about meeting a requirement; it’s about weaving your narrative into the rich tapestry of Boston College’s academic community.

What are the Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Each prompt for Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offers a different avenue to showcase various facets of your personality and intellect.

• Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?
• At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.
• In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background.  Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?
• Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

In making this choice, you are not just answering a question; you are providing a lens through which the committee can see your world and the potential impact you can have in the Boston College community.

How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Crafting the supplemental essays for Boston College’s 2023-2024 application is a unique opportunity to discuss your intellectual experiences. It’s a chance to reflect on the moments that have shaped you, to tell your story, and to showcase your ability to articulate your thoughts and emotions.

By approaching these essays as a narrative of your journey, you can convey your unique perspective and show the admissions committee what makes you a standout candidate for Boston College.

Essay Questions 1 to 4

The first four essay prompts of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offer a spectrum of opportunities to showcase different aspects of your personality and intellect.

• Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text? 

The first prompt invites you to recommend a book by a living author for your incoming class and explain its significance.

The second prompt focuses on the Jesuit tradition of engaging with diverse viewpoints and asks you to discuss a conversation that challenged your perspective.

The third prompt is inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Ted Talk on the dangers of a single story and prompts you to reflect on a time when a single story defined you.

The fourth prompt connects to Boston College’s history and mission, asking you to identify a societal issue of concern and how you plan to address it using your education.

Each prompt invites you to delve deep into your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations, offering a unique angle to present yourself to the admissions committee.

Understanding Essay Questions 1 to 4

To effectively respond to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to grasp the depth and breadth of each prompt.

The first prompt is about more than just recommending a book; it’s about sharing a piece of literature that has profoundly impacted you and can similarly impact your peers. It’s an opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and capacity for reflective thinking.

The second prompt seeks understanding your ability to engage with and learn from diverse perspectives. It’s not just about the conversation but also about your response to and ability to grow from it.

Inspired by Adichie’s talk, the third prompt challenges you to confront stereotypes and assumptions, offering insights into your personal growth and resilience.

The fourth prompt ties your aspirations to a broader context, asking how you plan to use your education to make a difference in the world.

Each prompt requires a thoughtful and reflective response that reveals different facets of your character and intellectual prowess.

Brainstorming Your Response: Essay Questions 1 to 4

When approaching Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, brainstorming is a crucial step that sets the foundation for your responses. It’s about delving deep into your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations to find authentic and compelling stories that resonate with each prompt.

This process helps not only generate ideas but also align your responses with the values and expectations of Boston College. Here’s how you can brainstorm effectively for each of the first four essay prompts:

• For Prompt 1: Reflect on books that have left a lasting impact on you. Think about the books that have profoundly influenced your thinking or worldview. These could be novels, biographies, scientific works, or philosophical texts. Ask yourself why these books resonated with you and consider their potential impact on a diverse group of peers. This reflection is not just about your favorite book; it’s about finding a story that connects with your personal growth and how it can inspire a shared experience or dialogue among the incoming class. Your choice of book and the reasoning behind it will offer the admissions committee insight into your intellectual curiosity and capacity for empathy and connection.
• For Prompt 2: Recall conversations where your viewpoint was challenged. Reflect on the discussions or debates that have significantly impacted your perspective. These could be formal debates, casual conversations, or even online meetings. Focus on who you were speaking with, the topic at hand, and, most importantly, how this exchange led to a shift or deepening of your viewpoint. This prompt is an opportunity to demonstrate your openness to new ideas, your ability to engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints, and the maturity to grow from these interactions. It’s about showcasing your ability to be a part of Boston College’s community, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and integral to the learning environment.
• For Prompt 3: Identify instances where you felt pigeonholed by a single story. Consider moments in your life when you were subjected to stereotypes, or someone made assumptions about you based on a single aspect of your identity. Reflect on how these experiences shaped your understanding of yourself and others. This prompt invites you to discuss the challenges of being perceived through a narrow lens and how you navigated or overcame these situations. Your response should convey resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to challenging narrow narratives, aligning with the values of inclusivity and understanding central to Boston College’s community.
• For Prompt 4: Consider societal issues that you are passionate about. Think about the local or global issues that stir your passion. These could range from environmental concerns to social justice, public health, or technological ethics. Reflect on how your education at Boston College, emphasizing service and social responsibility, could equip you to address these issues. This prompt is your platform to demonstrate your awareness of broader societal challenges and your motivation to be part of the solution. It’s about showing how your personal goals align with Boston College’s mission of fostering agents of positive change in society.

Structuring Your Answer for Essay Questions 1 to 4

When structuring your response to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to have a clear and coherent narrative. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the tone and provides a glimpse into what the essay will cover.

For the body, delve into the specifics of your response, ensuring that each paragraph flows logically into the next and supports your overall thesis. Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, making your essay both personal and relatable.

In your conclusion, tie back to the central theme of your paper, reflecting on how your experiences and perspectives align with Boston College’s values and how they will contribute to your future endeavors at the university. Remember, a well-structured essay demonstrates your writing skills and helps the admissions committee understand and remember your story.

Essay Question 5

For students aspiring to join the Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) program at Boston College, the fifth prompt of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offers a unique opportunity to showcase their passion for engineering and their commitment to societal betterment.

Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

This prompt is a convergence of technical understanding and a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the world. Applicants are asked to reflect on the societal problems that resonate most with them and to articulate how they plan to use their HCE education to address these challenges.

This question is not just about stating a problem and a solution; it’s about demonstrating a thoughtful understanding of the complexities of societal issues and showcasing an innovative, humanistic approach to solving them. It’s a chance to show how your engineering aspirations are not just career choices but are driven by a deeper, more meaningful purpose aligned with the Jesuit tradition of serving the common good.

Understanding Essay Question 5

Understanding the essence of the fifth prompt in Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 requires a blend of introspection and vision. This prompt is rooted in the core philosophy of Human-Centered Engineering – integrating technical expertise with a commitment to addressing human needs and societal challenges.

Applicants must demonstrate their technical interests and competencies and understand how these can be applied to real-world problems. The prompt seeks to gauge your awareness of societal issues and your motivation to be part of the solution.

It’s about illustrating your ability to think critically about the role of technology in society and how, as a future engineer, you aim to use your skills for the greater good. This question invites you to present a nuanced perspective that combines your passion for engineering with a deep understanding of its potential impact on society.

Brainstorming Your Response: Essay Question 5

A thorough and reflective brainstorming process is critical when preparing your response for the fifth prompt of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, specially tailored for Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) applicants.

This prompt is not just about your technical understanding; it’s an opportunity to weave together your passion for societal issues, your engineering aspirations, and how Boston College’s HCE program can catalyze your journey. Here’s a structured approach to brainstorming for this prompt:

• Identify Societal Challenges You Are Passionate About Begin by reflecting on the societal issues that resonate deeply with you. These could be challenges you’ve encountered or issues you’ve become aware of through your experiences or the media. Consider why these issues matter to you and how they align with your values and interests. This step is crucial as it lays the groundwork for an intellectually engaging and emotionally compelling response. It’s about showing the admissions committee what drives you and how your passion for societal change is a core part of who you are.
• Reflect on How These Problems Can Be Addressed Through Engineering Once you’ve identified the societal challenges you’re passionate about, consider how they can be tackled through engineering solutions. Consider specific technologies, innovations, or engineering approaches that could be applied to these problems. This reflection should demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively about the role of engineering in societal advancement. It’s an opportunity to showcase your understanding of how engineering can be a powerful tool for positive change and how you envision being a part of it.
• Consider How Your Background and Experiences Have Shaped Your Understanding of These Issues Reflect on your personal journey and how it has informed your understanding of your identified societal challenges. This could include relevant projects, coursework, extracurricular activities, or personal experiences. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your perspective and prepared you to address these challenges. This part of your brainstorming should highlight your unique experiences and how they have contributed to your growth as an individual and budding engineer.
• Consider How a Human-Centered Engineering Education at Boston College Can Further Your Ability to Tackle These Challenges Finally, focus on how Boston College’s HCE program aligns with your goals with its unique blend of technical expertise and humanistic approach. Think about specific aspects of the program that resonate with your aspirations and how they can enhance your ability to make a meaningful impact. This is your chance to connect your personal and professional aspirations with Boston College’s offerings, demonstrating a clear and thoughtful alignment between your goals and the HCE program’s offerings.

Structuring Your Answer for Essay Question 5

When structuring your response to the fifth prompt of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, start with a clear and engaging introduction that outlines the societal problem you are passionate about. This introduction should state the issue and explain its significance to you.

In the body of your essay, delve into your previous experiences and how they have shaped your understanding of the problem. Discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you have undertaken, highlighting how they reflect your commitment to using engineering for societal good.

Then, transition to discussing how an education in Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to address this issue effectively. Be specific about aspects of the program that resonate with your goals and how they will help you develop as an engineer committed to the common good.

Conclude your essay by reiterating the importance of the issue and your dedication to contributing to its resolution, emphasizing how your journey aligns with the values and objectives of Boston College’s HCE program.

Understanding Boston College’s Stance on Generative AI

In higher education, generative AI has sparked a significant discourse, and Boston College is no exception in addressing this evolving landscape. As a leading institution that values academic rigor and integrity, Boston College’s stance on generative AI, particularly in the context of Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, is grounded in a commitment to original thought and intellectual honesty.

The college recognizes the potential of AI as a tool for learning and exploration but remains cautious about its implications on the authenticity of student work. This perspective is crucial for applicants to understand, especially when considering the use of AI in preparing their application materials.

Boston College encourages students to engage with AI responsibly, ensuring that the core of their work reflects their insights and perspectives. This approach aligns with the college’s broader educational philosophy, emphasizing the development of critical thinking and personal expression skills essential in an increasingly digital and automated world.

The Ethical Implications of AI in Academic Integrity

The integration of generative AI into academic practices brings forth complex ethical considerations, especially in the context of academic integrity. Boston College, in its dedication to fostering an environment of honesty and authenticity, scrutinizes the use of AI in academic submissions, including Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024.

The primary concern lies in AI’s potential to undermine the genuineness of student work. When students rely heavily on AI for content generation, it raises questions about the originality and ownership of their ideas. This is particularly pertinent in the application process, where personal essays are expected to reflect the applicant’s experiences and thoughts.

Boston College advocates for a balanced approach where AI can be used as a tool for assistance and enhancement but not as a substitute for a student’s intellectual efforts. The institution encourages students to engage with AI in a way that upholds the principles of academic integrity, ensuring that their work accurately represents their abilities and perspectives.

Generative AI and the Jesuit Educational Tradition

The Jesuit educational tradition, which forms the cornerstone of Boston College’s philosophy, offers a unique lens through which to view the use of generative AI in education. This tradition emphasizes the formation of the whole person – intellectually, morally, and spiritually – and encourages students to engage with the world around them thoughtfully and ethically. In this context, the use of generative AI in preparing Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 and other academic endeavors must be aligned with these values.

The Jesuit approach to education is about acquiring knowledge and developing the capacity for critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and personal reflection. Generative AI, while a powerful tool, should be used in a manner that complements these objectives rather than detracts from them.

Boston College encourages students to use AI responsibly, ensuring that it aids in their intellectual development while maintaining the integrity and personal engagement central to the Jesuit tradition of education. This approach underscores the importance of using technology not just for efficiency or convenience but as a means to enhance the depth and breadth of one’s learning journey.

Strategies for Crafting Compelling Responses

Crafting compelling responses to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 requires a blend of introspection, creativity, and strategic thinking. The first step is to thoroughly understand each prompt and what it seeks to uncover about the applicant. This understanding forms the foundation of a response that is not only relevant but also insightful.

Next, brainstorming is crucial. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations and how they align with the prompt. This process will help identify unique angles and personal stories that can make your essay stand out.

Once you have your ideas, create a coherent and engaging narrative. Your essay should have a clear structure – an introduction that hooks the reader, a body that delves into your story and reflections, and a conclusion that ties everything together.

Throughout your essay, be mindful of your language and tone. Use vivid descriptions and a confident voice to convey your message effectively. Finally, revision is critical. Review your essay multiple times, seeking feedback from mentors or peers, to ensure it is polished, concise, and impactful.

Engaging the Reader: Techniques for Effective Storytelling

Crafting an engaging narrative in your Boston College supplemental essays for 2023-2024 is essential to captivate the admissions committee. Storytelling is not just about relaying events; it’s about creating an immersive experience for the reader. By employing effective storytelling techniques, you can transform your essay from a simple narrative into a compelling and memorable journey. Here are some strategies to enhance your storytelling:

• Start with a Hook Your opening sentence or paragraph should grab the reader’s attention immediately. Consider starting with a provocative question, a surprising fact, or a vivid scene. This hook is your first opportunity to engage the reader and set the tone for your essay. It should be intriguing enough to make the reader eager to know more about your story. A well-crafted hook can differentiate your essay in a sea of applications, making it stand out in the minds of the admissions committee.
• Use Vivid Descriptions Utilize descriptive language to create vivid imagery in your essay. This technique helps to transport the reader into your world, allowing them to see, hear, and feel what you experienced. When describing events, people, or places, be specific and detailed. However, be mindful of not overloading your essay with excessive description. The key is to strike a balance that enhances your narrative without overshadowing the message you want to convey.
• Show, Don’t Tell “Show, don’t tell” is a fundamental principle in effective writing. Instead of merely stating facts or telling the reader how to feel, use specific examples, actions, and anecdotes to demonstrate your point. This approach allows the reader to draw conclusions and connect more deeply with your story. It’s about making your experiences come alive through the power of storytelling, enabling the reader to engage with your narrative on a more personal level.
• Create an Emotional Connection Sharing personal reflections and emotions can significantly enhance the impact of your essay. By expressing your feelings, you invite the reader to empathize with your experiences. This emotional connection can make your essay more relatable and memorable. Be genuine in your reflections, as authenticity resonates more than contrived emotions. Remember, the goal is to give the reader a glimpse into your inner world and how your experiences have shaped you.
• Maintain a Strong Narrative Flow A well-structured essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end is crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Each part of your essay should contribute to the overall narrative, with transitions that smoothly guide the reader through your story. A strong narrative flow ensures that your essay is coherent and cohesive, making it easier for the reader to follow and understand your message. Pay attention to the pacing of your story and ensure that each element adds value to your narrative.

Authenticity and Voice: Making Your Essay Uniquely Yours

The essence of a standout essay for Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 lies in its authenticity and voice. Authenticity means being true to yourself in your writing. Your essay should reflect your genuine thoughts, experiences, and aspirations.

It should give the admissions committee a clear sense of who you are, what you value, and how you see the world. To achieve this, write in a voice that is distinctly yours. Avoid clichés and don’t try to emulate someone else’s style.

Instead, use your unique voice to express your ideas and stories. This authenticity of voice will make your essay resonate more deeply with the reader, as it offers a sincere glimpse into your personality and potential as a Boston College student. Remember, the goal is not to impress with grandiose statements but to connect and communicate in a way that is inherently you.

The Art of Persuasive Writing: Convincing the Admissions Committee

Persuasive writing is an art that can significantly enhance the impact of your responses to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. The key to clear writing is to articulate your points clearly and convincingly. Start by presenting your ideas logically and coherently.

Each paragraph should build upon the last, forming a persuasive argument throughout the essay. Use robust and confident language to support your assertions with specific examples and experiences. It’s also important to show how your experiences and aspirations align with Boston College’s values and offerings.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the college and how you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from its community. This alignment shows the admissions committee why you are a good fit for Boston College and why Boston College is the right place for you. Lastly, end your essay with a powerful conclusion that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Essays

When crafting responses to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, applicants often need help to avoid common traps that can detract from the effectiveness of their essays. One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to answer the prompt directly.

It is crucial to stay focused on the question and ensure that your essay addresses it entirely. Another common error is resorting to clichés or overused phrases, which can make your essay sound generic and uninspired. It’s also essential to avoid being overly verbose. While using complex vocabulary and elaborate sentences to impress is tempting, clarity and conciseness are far more impactful.

Additionally, neglecting to proofread can lead to grammatical errors and typos, which can detract from the professionalism of your application. Remember, your essay reflects your attention to detail and commitment to presenting your best self. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure that your essay is clear, engaging, and effectively represents who you are and why you are an excellent fit for Boston College.

Pitfalls in Essay Writing: What Not to Do

When crafting your responses for Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to include. Certain common pitfalls can detract from the quality and effectiveness of your essay, potentially undermining the hard work you’ve put into your application. Awareness of these pitfalls is the first step in ensuring your essay stands out for all the right reasons. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the Prompt One of the cardinal sins in essay writing is not adhering to the prompt. Each question is carefully designed to elicit specific information about your experiences, thoughts, and aspirations. Failing to address the prompt directly can lead to a disjointed and ineffective essay. It’s crucial to read and understand what each prompt is asking and ensure that your response aligns with it. The admissions committee wants to see how well you can follow instructions and how your experiences relate to the question.
• Overusing Clichés Clichés are the enemy of originality. While using well-worn phrases and ideas might be tempting, they can make your essay sound generic and uninspired. Admissions officers seek fresh perspectives and authentic voices, not recycled thoughts. Avoiding clichés requires you to dig deeper into your experiences and express your story in a way that is uniquely yours. This approach keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates your ability to think creatively and independently.
• Being Too Wordy Overcomplicating your language with unnecessary jargon or excessively long sentences can make your essay difficult to read and understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effective essay writing. Your goal should be to express your ideas in a way that is both articulate and accessible. Remember, the admissions committee reads thousands of essays; a clear and concise essay is much more likely to hold their attention and convey your message effectively.
• Straying Off-Topic It’s essential to stay focused on your essay’s central theme or point. Deviating from the topic not only confuses the reader but also dilutes the impact of your narrative. Keep your writing centered on the prompt and ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall message you are trying to convey. A focused and well-organized essay demonstrates your ability to think logically and coherently.
• Forgetting to Proofread Submitting an essay with spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors can give an impression of carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Proofreading is a critical step in the essay-writing process. It’s not just about correcting mistakes; it’s about ensuring your essay is polished and professional. Take the time to review your essay multiple times, and consider having someone else read it as well. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors you might have missed.

Ensuring Your Essay Aligns with Boston College’s Values

To truly resonate with the admissions committee, your response to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 should reflect an understanding and alignment with the college’s values. Boston College, rooted in Jesuit traditions, values intellectual rigor, ethical and moral reasoning, and a commitment to serving the broader community.

Your essay should demonstrate how your values and experiences align with these principles. Show how your educational and life experiences have prepared you to contribute to and benefit from the unique environment at Boston College.

Whether it’s through discussing your approach to learning, your commitment to social justice, or your desire to engage in community service, your essay should convey a clear connection between your journey and the values that Boston College upholds. This alignment strengthens your application and shows that you are a candidate who will thrive in and contribute positively to the Boston College community.

Going Beyond the Prompt: Adding Depth to Your Essays

When responding to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to answer the prompt and add depth and dimension to your response. This means going beyond a straightforward reply and weaving in layers of insight and reflection.

Depth can be achieved by connecting your experiences to broader themes or demonstrating how they have shaped your worldview. For instance, if a prompt asks about a significant experience, don’t just describe what happened; delve into why it was impactful, how it changed your perspective, and what it says about your values or aspirations. This approach shows the admissions committee that you are capable of deep thinking and self-reflection, qualities highly valued in the Boston College community.

Adding depth to your essays transforms them from mere narratives into compelling reflections of your character and potential.

Demonstrating Intellectual Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Intellectual curiosity and critical thinking are core aspects that Boston College looks for in its applicants, and your supplemental essays are an ideal platform to showcase these traits. To demonstrate intellectual curiosity, talk about times you went beyond the classroom to explore a fascinating topic.

This could be through independent research, engaging in advanced coursework, or pursuing extracurricular activities related to your interests. Critical thinking, on the other hand, can be highlighted by discussing how you approach complex problems or controversial topics.

Reflect on instances where you had to weigh different perspectives, analyze data, or challenge your beliefs. By showcasing these qualities, you answer the essay prompts and show that you are a thinker and a learner – essential for success at Boston College.

Connecting Your Narrative to Boston College’s Ethos

To truly stand out in your application to Boston College, aligning your narrative with the institution’s ethos is crucial. Boston College values a commitment to service, a passion for learning, and a dedication to the community.

In your essays, highlight aspects of your life that resonate with these values. Discuss how your experiences and goals align with the Jesuit tradition of education, which emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and ethical leadership.

For instance, if you are passionate about social justice, discuss how you have pursued this passion and how you plan to continue it at Boston College. By weaving your personal story into the larger tapestry of Boston College’s values, you answer the prompts effectively and demonstrate that you are a good fit for the college’s community and mission.

Final Review and Polishing Your Essays

The final review and polishing phase is critical in completing your Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. This stage is about refining your essays to ensure they are coherent, compelling, and polished.

Start by reading your essays aloud; this can help you catch awkward phrasings or inconsistencies you might need to catch when reading silently. Look for areas where your arguments or narratives can be tightened or expanded for more significant impact.

Pay attention to the flow of your essay – each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical progression of ideas. Also, consider the overall impression your essay leaves. Does it reflect the best version of yourself? Does it convey your enthusiasm for Boston College and readiness to contribute to its community?

Polishing isn’t just about correcting errors; it’s about fine-tuning your narrative to ensure it resonates with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

Fine-Tuning Language and Tone for Impact

The language and tone of your essay play a significant role in how your message is received. In fine-tuning your Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, aim for a confident yet humble tone and clear, concise, and engaging language.

Avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary that might obscure your message. Instead, use language that is accessible yet vibrant, bringing your experiences and perspectives to life. The tone should reflect your personality and adapt to the content of your essay.

For instance, a more severe anecdote might require a reflective tone, while a lighthearted story could be presented more playfully. The key is to be authentic and ensure that your language and tone enhance, rather than detract from, the substance of your essay.

The Importance of Revision and Feedback

Revision is an indispensable part of the essay-writing process, especially for Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. It’s through revision that your initial drafts are transformed into refined, impactful writing pieces.

Feel free to rewrite sections that seem weak or off-topic. Often, your best ideas come to the forefront in the second or third draft. Equally important is seeking feedback. Share your essays with teachers, mentors, or peers whose opinions you trust. They can provide valuable perspectives on how others perceive your essay. They point out areas needing clarification, suggest improvements, or even catch errors you’ve overlooked.

Remember, constructive criticism is not a negative reflection on your abilities; it’s a crucial step in crafting an essay that truly stands out.

Ensuring a Flawless Submission: Grammar and Syntax Checks

Before submitting your Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s imperative to conduct thorough grammar and syntax checks. This step goes beyond correcting typos and basic errors; it involves ensuring your sentences are structurally sound and grammatically correct.

Utilize tools like grammar checkers, but only rely on them partially. These tools can miss nuances in language and sometimes fail to catch contextual spelling errors. Read each sentence carefully to ensure it flows well and makes sense.

Pay attention to punctuation, as improper use can change the meaning of your sentences. Also, be consistent in your use of tense and point of view throughout the essay. A grammatically flawless submission reflects your attention to detail and commitment to presenting a professional and polished application.

As we wrap up our comprehensive guide on Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to reflect on the journey of crafting these essays. Writing these essays is not just about securing admission; it’s a journey of self-discovery and articulating your dreams, experiences, and aspirations.

Your effort in these essays is a testament to your dedication and desire to be a part of the Boston College community. Remember, each essay is a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your personality, intellectual curiosity, and life experiences.

The care and thought you invest in responding to these prompts can significantly influence the admissions committee’s understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table. As you finalize your submissions, take pride in your hard work and the growth you’ve experienced through this process.

Summarizing Key Strategies for Successful Boston College Essays

In summary, the key strategies for crafting successful responses to Boston College’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 revolve around authenticity, reflection, and clarity. Start by thoroughly understanding each prompt and aligning your answer with your narrative.

Be authentic in your storytelling, using your unique voice to share genuine experiences and insights. Reflective depth is crucial; go beyond the surface details to explore the significance of your experiences and how they have shaped you.

Clarity in your writing ensures that your message is conveyed effectively. This includes organizing your thoughts coherently, using language that is both accessible and engaging, and fine-tuning your essays to ensure they are free of grammatical errors. Remember, these essays are your chance to personally connect with the admissions committee, so make every word count.

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Writing BC Essays? Get an Edge with These Tips

Here are a few points we’re looking for when it comes to these boston college-specific essay questions..

Required Essay: Please discuss how you plan to achieve your short and long term career goals following graduation from Boston College. What challenges will you face and how will you leverage your academic and professional experiences to achieve these goals?

Our tip:  Be specific. Show us that you’ve taken the time to consider this question by providing detailed answers. Think about challenges that are specific to your candidacy, and how your strengths will balance them. This is one of our required essays (we read a lot of them), so authentic, thoughtful answers will stand out.

Optional Essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the BC community. Feel free to be creative in expressing your message.

Our tip:  Admissions essays (even when optional) are a great way to creatively share your personal interests, outside commitments, or passions with the admissions committee. Writing an optional essay shows that you’re serious about Boston College, and also gives you the opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates. By telling us about yourself, you’ll become more than just a representation of your resume or scores. Feel free to portray your uniqueness, but ask a friend or colleague to proofread your essay before you submit it to keep it free of embellishments.

Optional Essay 2: If you have not had coursework in core business or if your standardized test scores are low, how you plan to prepare for the quantitative rigor of the BC MBA, MSF, or MSA curriculum?

Our tip:  This essay is an opportunity to highlight quantitative skills that you may have developed through professional experiences—that might not be reflected in your test scores or transcript. If you’ve taken an online course, say in statistics, in preparation for the quantitative aspects of our curriculum, you can also highlight this in the essay. From online courses to management books, the resources are endless. Tell us how you are making use of these to prepare yourself for business school.

Optional Essay 3: Explain an aspect of your candidacy in more detail.

Our tip:  At Boston College, we value both honesty and integrity. Take this opportunity to give context where it might be beneficial. Perhaps you’re worried that a low test score or a gap in your work history will jeopardize your chances of acceptance. Rather than listing excuses, provide background, tell us how you’ve grown from it, and why it will or will not affect you in your pursuit of a graduate management degree. (Or, use this as a chance to talk passionately about something on your resume—volunteer work, a previous internship, or anything else that you think makes you the perfect business school applicant.)

Optional Essay 4: What unique perspective will you bring to the Boston College community?

Our tip: As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Boston College seeks to foster among its community a “care for the whole individual” ( cura personalis ). BC’s mission is rooted in the Jesuit principles of equality, respect, and care for everyone. Our students and alumni share a desire to positively influence and impact communities and organizations they serve by sharing their unique backgrounds and experiences with those around them. Taking into consideration your educational, cultural, social, economic, and/or other life experiences, share how your unique perspective will make an impactful contribution on our community.

Now that you know what to expect—and what we expect from you—start planning out your essays if you haven’t already. Once you’re finished, proofread, and proofread again, then send them our way. We look forward to hearing from you.

Looking for more admissions advice? You can take the following steps:

• Contact us at  bcmba@bc.edu  with your questions.
• Schedule a one-on-one appointment  with a member of the Graduate Admissions team.
• Register to attend App-y Hour  application support sessions.

Boston College Essay Guide 2020-2021

In this Boston College Essay Guide, we will cover how to approach the 2020-2021 Boston College supplementary essays. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Students have the best of both worlds, living in a suburban area, but residing only six miles from the city of Boston. With a 24% acceptance rate, the Class of 2024 was Boston College’s most selective applications cycle. The average SAT score for admitted students was 1457, and the average ACT score was 34. Boston College has an undergraduate student body of approximately 9,500 students. There is no Greek life, but students engage in intentional community through extracurriculars and other facets of residential life.

Boston College draws on the heritage of St. Ignatius and the school’s Jesuit Catholic identity is apparent in nearly every facet of the student experience. Through courses such as “PULSE,” students study theology and philosophy while engaging in service to the community. Boston College also has a course series called “Perspectives” where freshmen develop answers to philosophical and theological questions. Regardless of intended major, every Boston College student engages in a core curriculum that not only broadens their intellectual horizons but also aids in the major discernment process.

Interesting Statistics:

• 96% of students participate in some form of service during their four years
• 70% of the student body is Catholic
• 50% of students study abroad

Choose one of the following prompts (400 word limit):

Option a: great art evokes a sense of wonder. it nourishes the mind and spirit. is there a particular song, poem, speech, or novel from which you have drawn insight or inspiration.

In this prompt, Boston College is asking for insight into what inspires you, what is important to you, and what makes you curious. The admissions readers want to know what is meaningful to you , not what you think is meaningful to them , so take time to brainstorm this prompt prior to writing. Don’t expect an idea to jump out at you right away or force a work of art that isn’t significant in your life.

Although the prompt asks for a song, poem, speech, or novel, you should focus on yourself , rather than writing an expository essay on the work. The whole purpose of your application is to tell the reader more about yourself, not the piece of art. Is there a work that has changed or challenged a perspective you have? A song with sentimental value? Did a character in a novel teach you something particularly interesting?

I recommend selecting a work from the categories provided, unless there is another work of art that is incredibly significant in your life. There is already an abundance of content to choose from within these four categories.

Try not to choose a book that you read for class, such as To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby — these will be overused and do not reflect your initiative or personal motivations. Well-known speeches such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” should also be avoided. If the message of a typically overused selection is inspiring to you, there likely exists another work that conveys a similar message.

To avoid being vague in your writing, try to hone in on a specific part of the book, line in the poem or song, or section of the speech.

Option B: When you choose a college, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Boston College’s community?

This prompt is the most open-ended prompt that Boston College provides, but that makes it all the more important to give your answer a focus by establishing a central message. Look at your application holistically, and reflect on what else you want to tell the admissions officers about you.

In your essay, describe both what you would bring to the Boston College community and what the community can offer you; college “fit” is a two-way street. The first step to determining how you can enrich the Boston College community is to understand the community ’s values . Their mission statement, marketing materials, current students, and alumni are great resources.

This question hints at efforts to increase the diversity of the student body, but this can be exhibited in a variety of ways — background, ethnicity, religion, or ideology. Portray your true self; no one else can tell your story! Do you have an interest, passion, or hobby that most peers your age don’t have? Did you have a moment where you realized a key difference or similarity between yourself and someone else?

Think about the defining moments in your life. What are the stories that get told and retold about you around the dinner table? Was there a pivotal interaction with someone in your life? Did you overcome an adversity? Many stories and personal connections stem from community membership, so is there something about your community that has helped make you who you are? Something unique about your hometown?

This prompt is broad, so start brainstorming on a smaller scale, then extrapolate a broader message from that moment. Keep in mind that Boston College is looking to build a class of “well-angled” rather than “well-rounded” students; they don’t want a class of students who do everything, but rather a class of students who are each special in their own way and contribute something unique to the student body.

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

It can be daunting to dream up an entire course, so I suggest asking yourself “What would the topic be for my TEDtalk?” This is a great approach to help you think about what interests you, and that’s the very thing Boston College wants to know. Put yourself in the shoes of someone scrolling through the course catalog. What course would intrigue you? What would you be interested in learning?

There are two primary ways to go: You could talk about something you know a lot about and are very interested in, or you could talk about a topic you don’t know much about and want to learn more.

The crucial part of this prompt is, “enduring question or contemporary problem.” While your course by no means needs to be on a strictly academic topic, you should give careful thought to the gravity of the content of the course. Use this prompt as an opportunity to demonstrate your social conscience and engage with the big questions in life and the world through a specific, personal lens .

Is there a problem you want to solve? An idea you have for making the world a better place? Boston College offers a large variety of courses that are interdisciplinary and unique. Whether you take one of the Perspectives courses by Dr. Kerry Cronin on the philosophy of dating, or study the intersection of Islam and Liberal Democracy, you will be intrigued by the breadth and depth of Boston College’s course offerings.

Most importantly, don’t forget the “why” component of the prompt. Clearly establish the personal connection between yourself and the topic of your course. If you choose a broad topic such as climate change, education reform, or racial justice, for example, be sure to connect the content to yourself. Weaving your personal story into the narrative is crucial to making your course memorable and meaningful. You probably haven’t selected the topic of your course at random, so use your limited word count to elaborate on the significance of the topic to you, rather than detailing the nitty-gritty details of the course. Finally, come up with a creative title!

Option D: Jesuit education considers the liberal arts a pathway to intellectual growth and character formation. What beliefs and values inform your decisions and actions today, and how will Boston College assist you in becoming a person who thinks and acts for the common good?

This prompt is essentially asking, “Why are you applying to Boston College?” Those who have a really specific reason for wanting to attend — whether academic, extracurricular, or otherwise — should feel encouraged to write this essay.

However, it might be more challenging for someone who does not know Boston College well. Applying to college is a two-way street: Boston College wants you to articulate what you will gain from attending and what you will contribute to the campus community. If your values do not align closely with the Jesuit ideology, it might not be in your best interest to respond to this prompt. To learn more about Boston College, I recommend reading their student newspaper, The Heights .

When brainstorming, figure out what Boston College values. As a Jesuit institution, they care deeply about their students’ morals, beliefs, and characters — more so than the average university. Pay careful attention to the buzzwords in the prompt: “character” and “common good.” The school’s Jesuit roots also indicate a focus on interdisciplinary study and education of the student both inside and outside the classroom. Boston College wants to know what you are going to do with your education and who you are going to be when you graduate.

Avoid the trap of trying to cover too much when answering the prompt. I recommend writing about 1-3 beliefs or values, rather than trying to touch on too many. Use specific, vivid examples from your life, rather than simply telling the reader what your values are. Articulate how you gained the beliefs and values you hold and discuss how they may have grown or changed. Is St. Ignatius a role model in your life? Did your parish priest have an impact on how you view your faith? Be sure to completely answer the prompt by detailing how Boston College will assist you in promoting the common good.

This essay guide was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘20. If you want to get help writing your Boston College application essays from Caroline or other CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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How to Write the Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

August 18, 2023

Are you ready to tackle the Boston College supplemental essay prompts? As one of the top universities in the country, Boston College is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community. But before you can become a part of the Boston College family, you'll need to impress the admissions committee with your writing skills. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of writing the supplemental essay prompts for Boston College, helping you showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you're a perfect fit for this prestigious institution. So grab your pen and get ready to dive into the world of Boston College supplemental essays!

Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

We would like to get a better sense of you. Please respond to one of the first four prompts below (400 word limit). Students applying to the Human Centered Engineering major should respond to Prompt #5 instead.

Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read, and why would this be an important shared text?

When considering this prompt, think about what the purpose of this prompt is, outside of the question itself. What are admissions officers really trying to get you to speak about?  InGenius Prep’s Former Admissions Officer Zak Harris says, "For me, it’s very easy to take away that BC cares about community engagement and shared goals/values." So when you are selecting the book that you recommend for your incoming class to read, consider the underlying themes that would resonate with the values of Boston College. For example, look for a book that explores the power of bringing people together. Think about how the book promotes growth and shared perspectives, fostering a sense of community and understanding among your peers.

While it may be tempting to choose a book directly related to your college major, think outside the box – especially if you've already discussed your major in your personal statement. Look for a book that aligns with your application persona and showcases your unique interests and passions. Zak also adds, “Avoid controversial authors, books, and topics. This is true for most prompts, but especially as you are thinking about the very specific nature of the question.” By choosing a book that can be appreciated by a diverse range of perspectives, you can ensure that your recommended book will resonate with your incoming class and promote a sense of unity and shared experience among your peers. 

At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.

For this prompt, Zak says, "All of our stories and backgrounds are different, but if you choose this prompt, the person and the viewpoint need to be objectively important." The conversation you reference needs to be one that you can fully flesh out in 400 words – if not, this prompt might not be the best option for you. 

As you brainstorm potential candidates, reflect on the role they have played in your life and the impact they have had on your beliefs and values. Think about those who have acted as inspirational figures in your life that have sparked personal growth and transformation – it could be a family member, a close friend, a teacher, or a mentor who has helped shape your worldview. This reflection is important because you want to be very intentional about the person you choose and the conversation you reference. Consider the pros and cons of choosing each person, evaluating their ability to foster meaningful conversations and encourage personal development.

Then, take your time to fully flesh out the experience, highlighting the nuances and insights gained from the exchange. By providing vivid details and examples, you will paint a compelling picture of the intellectual and emotional growth that occurred during this conversation. E xplore a topic that is deeply meaningful to you and be specific in your storytelling, providing detailed examples and insights gained from the conversation. The goal of this prompt is to convey the depth of your intellectual curiosity and your willingness to engage with differing viewpoints, so choose a person who has played a vital role in challenging your perspectives and fostering personal growth.

In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “ The Danger of a Single Story ,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background.  Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?

Similar to the last question, you want to identify an interaction that matches the complexities of this prompt. Don't force it if this prompt doesn’t fit within your experiences or you can’t think of something to write about! The bright side here is that you have three other prompts to choose from.

But if you do choose this prompt, rely on emotion and become vulnerable in your writing. Show the admissions officers the depth of your experience and allow them to truly understand how it has shaped you since then. It's not just about recounting what happened, but also about reflecting on the impact it has had on you and your personal growth. Zak also adds, “When discussing difficult topics, it’s not about having all of the answers, but more so about letting the reader into your story, so they can feel how you’re feeling.” Letting admissions officers into your emotions and experiences will create a stronger connection and make your essay more impactful. The goal is to convey the significance of this single story and how it has shaped your perspective, values, and outlook on life.

Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

This pr ompt is a great opportunity for you to not only showcase your passion for your intended college major but also to highlight any relevant experiences you've had in high school. Zak points out, "The fact that Boston College emphasizes the importance of "people" in this prompt shows that they genuinely care about the issues that matter to you. They want to know what you are truly passionate about."

Additionally, you have the option to choose between a local or global issue, indicating that Boston College has no preference – you have the freedom to choose whichever issue is closest to your heart. The key is to ensure that the issue you focus on comes from a genuine place within you. Keep in mind that admissions officers can easily tell when an issue is chosen just because it "sounds good." Instead, focus on selecting an issue that truly resonates with you on a personal level. Incorporate personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your perspective on the chosen issue. Share how you have been directly impacted by it or how you have witnessed its effects in your community. By adding these personal touches, you can create a more engaging and impactful essay.

Remember, the goal is not to provide a generic response but to showcase your unique perspective and demonstrate how your Boston College education can be a catalyst for addressing the issue you care deeply about. Let your passion and genuine concern shine through in your writing, and the admissions committee will be able to see the potential impact you can make with your education.

One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

For Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) applicants, you want to make sure that your response aligns with your intended major and showcases real evidence from your activities list. This could include projects, research, internships, or any other relevant activities that demonstrate your passion and dedication to solving societal problems. Highlight the outcomes achieved through these experiences, emphasizing the positive impact you have made on the individuals or communities affected by these problems.

Remember, admissions officers are not looking for a perfect solution and definitely do not expect you to have all the answers to these societal problems. Instead, they want to see your commitment and innovative thinking when it comes to addressing these problems. Share your ideas, strategies, and approaches for how you plan to use your HCE education to contribute to the solution. Showcase your ability to think critically and creatively, and how you can leverage your technical knowledge and humanistic perspective to make a difference.

By demonstrating your passion, commitment, and ability to think outside the box, you can show the admissions committee that you are not only prepared to tackle societal challenges but also eager to do so with the help of your Human-Centered Engineering education.

Additional Tips for the Boston College Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Here are a few additional tips to help you write your supplemental essays: .

• Vulnerability will always lead to a compelling essay. When you embrace vulnerability in your writing, you give the admissions officers a glimpse into your true self. You show them that you are not just presenting a polished image or trying to impress them with achievements and accomplishments. Instead, you are willing to reveal your vulnerabilities and share the lessons you have learned from them. And when the admissions officers can feel what you felt, they are more likely to remember your essay and understand the impact that particular experience had on your personal growth.
• But stay authentic! Your vulnerability should never be forced or exaggerated. It should come from a genuine place within you. While it's important to be honest about challenges and hardships, it's equally important to reflect on the growth and resilience that resulted from those experiences.
• Avoid controversial topics. While it may be tempting to choose a controversial or polarizing subject to make your essay stand out, it's important to consider the potential consequences of doing so. Remember, the purpose of these essays is to showcase your ability to think critically, reflect on your experiences, and contribute positively to the Boston College community. By focusing on topics that are inclusive, respectful, and aligned with the values of the university, you can create an essay that stands out for all the right reasons.
• Don't stress about a "right" or "wrong " answer. Admissions officers understand that you may not have all the answers or have solved all the world's problems. They are more interested in seeing how you think and reflect on your experiences. They want to see your commitment to making a positive impact and the steps you have taken to contribute to the world around you, no matter how small or big. It could be as simple as volunteering at a local shelter, starting an awareness campaign, or even initiating a community project. So don't stress about having the right answers, but rather focus on expressing your thoughts, reflections, and steps in a genuine and compelling way.

When choosing a topic for the Boston College supplemental essay 2023-2024 , select one that holds personal meaning and reflects your unique journey the best. Use vivid details and examples throughout your response to bring your story to life. By doing so, you will not only showcase your intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage with differing viewpoints but also demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on the world around you as a future Boston College student.

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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Does anyone have any advice or tips for crafting a solid Boston College supplemental essay? I want to make sure my essay stands out and reflects my personality well. Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

As you work on your Boston College supplemental essay, here are some tips to help you create a unique and attention-grabbing piece that reflects your personality:

1. Understand the prompt: Before you start writing, carefully read the essay prompt and make sure you understand what it's asking. This will help you create a focused and relevant response. If Boston College offers multiple prompts, choose the one that resonates most with you and to which you feel you can provide the most genuine and insightful answer.

2. Research the school: Show that you've done your research on Boston College by incorporating specific aspects of the school and its programs that align with your interests, values, and goals. This demonstrates genuine interest and commitment to the institution, which can make a difference in the admissions process.

3. Be yourself: Share your genuine thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Stay true to your voice and personality – don't try to imitate someone else or be overly formal if it doesn't feel authentic. Essays that are sincere and convey the students' unique perspectives are often the most memorable and impressive.

4. Show, don't tell: Use vivid details and anecdotes to engage the reader and make your essay more memorable. Instead of simply telling the admissions committee about an experience or quality, show them through examples and stories that illustrate it. This will help your essay come to life and make a lasting impression.

5. Be concise and organized: While you want to showcase your story and personality, it's important to do so in a clear and concise manner. Create an outline of the main points you want to cover and use transitions to guide the reader through your essay. Additionally, stay within the word limit.

6. Avoid clichés: Many applicants write about similar topics or use clichéd phrases in their essays. To make your essay stand out, try to think of a unique angle or experience that sets you apart from other applicants and demonstrates your individuality.

7. Revise and proofread: Give yourself enough time to revise and polish your essay. Edit for clarity, flow, and consistency, and pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Having someone else – like a teacher, counselor, or friend – read over your essay can also provide valuable feedback and help catch any mistakes you may have missed.

8. Connect to your main application: While your supplemental essay should be unique and self-contained, it's also helpful if it complements the rest of your application by reinforcing your strengths, interests, and goals. This can help create a coherent and well-rounded picture of who you are as an applicant.

For more information on these essays click here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-boston-college-essays/

By keeping these tips in mind as you work on your Boston College supplemental essay, you'll be well-prepared to craft a piece that stands out and truly reflects your personality and passions. Good luck!

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How to Write the Boston College Supplemental Essay 2024–2025

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Boston College is a private research institution with a Jesuit history. Founded in 1863, Boston College began as an undergraduate liberal arts college, hence the name, but today maintains a graduate program as well. Their accomplished alumni include John Kerry, Lulu Wang, Lesley Visser, and Amy Poehler. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to write your Boston College supplemental essay. Let’s dive in.

Boston College’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Boston College has set five prompts for its undergraduate applicants. But don’t worry, you only need to write a response to one of them. If you are applying to the Human-Centered Engineering major, you must select the fifth prompt. All other applicants can choose between the other Boston College supplemental essay prompts. In addition, each essay has a maximum length of 400 words.

Without further ado, here are the prompts:

• Each year at University Convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. What book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read and why would this be an important shared text?
• At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.
• In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?
• Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?
• Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

General Tips

Unless you are applying to the Human-Centered Engineering program at Boston College, you will need to choose between these prompts in order to write your essay. Let’s dive into why you might want to choose one of the prompts over the others.

Prompt 1 should be chosen by students whose worldviews have been impacted by texts they’ve read. If you’re a prospective student of Political Science who looks to Chomsky for inspiration on the regular, this might be the right prompt for you. Alternatively, if you are actually a prospective STEM student who loves to read and wants to demonstrate their textual analysis skills.

Prompt 2 is the right choice for students who seek to understand others’ points-of-view and foster meaningful discussion on controversial topics. Students interested in finding middle grounds, staying open-minded when speaking to people whose life experiences and perspectives are vastly different from their own, and letting their opinions evolve will be able to answer this prompt effectively.

Prompt 3 should be chosen by the student whose identity or identities have significantly impacted their life, whether repeatedly or on one significant occasion. If you have had to show resilience in your life in the face of discrimination, false assumptions, and so on as a result of your identity or identities, then this might be the chance for you to share that experience with the reader.

Prompt 4 is the right prompt for individuals who feel called to enact social change. If you see your Boston College education as a stepping stone toward your goals of bettering the world, then here’s your chance to share that experience with the admissions team.

Now that you have a sense of which prompt(s) might be right for you, scroll ahead to read the breakdown of each of the Boston College supplemental essay prompts!

Choose One: Boston College Short Essays

1. each year at university convocation, our incoming class engages in reflective dialogue with the author of a common text. what book by a living author would you recommend for your incoming class to read and why would this be an important shared text.

This prompt seeks to understand what kind of books you read, how you reflect upon them, and what lessons you have learned. Then, the reader hopes to learn why you wish to share these lessons with your classmates. Therefore, you’ll need to do some textual or literary analysis in order to effectively respond to this prompt. You may also want to provide a brief summary, a description of the text’s main points, or an illustration of whatever topic in the text is most important to your essay.

In other words, you need to clarify why you think this text should be shared with the reader, and to do this, some context about the text more broadly will be necessary. Remember, although you need to choose a book written by a living author , there will still be some context that the reader may not have. For instance, when was this book written? Where was this book written and/or where does it take place? And if it’s not already clear, in what language was it written?

Lastly, take some time to reflect upon the lessons you have learned from reading this book. Before you begin writing this essay, you may want to make a list of the main takeaways you hope to share with your peers. Then, structure the latter half of the essay around these takeaways. You can specify why, specifically, you think your classmates would find meaning or value in this text. Alternatively, you can explain why you think this text is worth reading.

2. At Boston College, we draw upon the Jesuit tradition of finding worthwhile conversation partners. Some support our viewpoints while others challenge them. Who fulfills this role in your life? Please cite a specific conversation you had where this conversation partner challenged your perspective or you challenged theirs.

In this essay, you should focus on one individual in your life who supports some of your viewpoints and challenges others. In addition, you should explain your relationship with this person and what you mean to each other. You may also want to describe briefly how your relationship with this person has evolved over time.

Then, focus on one specific conversation between you and this person when you disagreed about something. Explain how you disagreed, how this conversation began, and how it ended (or how it continues to this day). Did this person change your perspective? Did you change theirs? Have you found a middle ground, or are you at a standstill? Whether you ended the discussion agreeing to disagree, or both of your perspectives have evolved somewhat but not completely, it’s important that you express your open-mindedness and willingness to listen to others’ perspectives. These are the qualities that the admissions team is looking for.

3. In her November 2019 Ted Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warned viewers against assigning people a “single story” through assumptions about their nationality, appearance, or background. Discuss a time when someone defined you by a single story. What challenges did this present and how did you overcome them?

If this prompt speaks to you, select a specific occasion when someone defined you by a single story. Because the prompt says “a time” and “someone,” you should write focus on one occasion and one person . In other words, a pattern of experiences is not what this essay prompt is seeking.

As you write this essay, you can either employ a narrative structure or a more expository structure. This means you can either write about this occasion in your life as though it is a story (with dialogue and scenes), or you can write the whole essay as a reflection on this experience. If you choose to write the essay as a story, then you should leave room for reflection upon the experience at the end of the story.

Lastly, you’ll need to leave room in your essay for discussion of the challenges presented by this experience, how you faced and overcame these challenges, and what you learned from the experience (this last topic can be the focus of your reflection). College admissions officers seek resilient students who can face the challenges the world throws at them and come out of the experience with knowledge. Demonstrating how you overcame these challenges and learned from them will give the reader confidence that you will also succeed in a challenging university environment.

4. Boston College’s founding in 1863 was in response to society’s call. That call came from an immigrant community in Boston seeking a Jesuit education to foster social mobility. Still today, the University empowers its students to use their education to address society’s greatest needs. Which of today’s local or global issues is of particular concern to you and how might you use your Boston College education to address it?

This prompt requires multiple pieces of information from you, both explicit and implicit. Let’s break it down:

• What local or global issue particularly concerns you?
• Why is this issue important? Why should it be addressed?
• Why is this issue important to you?
• What do you need to address this issue?
• How will Boston College help you address this issue?

In summary, what specific aspects of the Boston College education will give you what you need to address this issue that is important to you?

After answering each of these questions, you should have the components to compose this essay. Although not explicitly, this prompt seeks to understand why Boston College is a good fit for you. In other words, it’s a “Why Boston College?”-type essay. In this type of essay, it’s important to clarify not only why you want to attend Boston College, but also why it is the right school for you specifically.

5. Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) Applicants only: One goal of a Jesuit education is to prepare students to serve the Common Good. Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College integrates technical knowledge, creativity, and a humanistic perspective to address societal challenges and opportunities. What societal problems are important to you and how will you use your HCE education to solve them?

If you are applying to the Human-Centered Engineering program at Boston College, you must answer this prompt. If you are not applying to HCE, then you must choose one of the other prompts.

This prompt asks you to provide a list of societal problems that are important to you. Then, you must explain what aspects of the HCE will enable you to solve them. Of course, if a societal problem as broad as “world hunger” is important to you, you may be able to solve this issue for a group of people, or help society get closer to solving this problem, but the admissions team at Boston College does not expect you to have an entire solution to this vast, complex problem all mapped out and envisioned. After all, if it were that easy, a Boston College alum would have solved world hunger by now!

Instead, the admissions team anticipates that you will either have some societal problems in mind whose scope is small enough for you to reasonably tackle them upon graduation from Boston College; or, you are inspired to help work on solving some larger problem(s), but with the understanding that you as an individual will not solely invent and enact the solution.

You should focus only part of this essay on the societal problem(s) you wish to solve. Then, focus the rest of the essay on the aspects of the Boston College HCE education that will help you get closer to your goals. This prompt may not look like it at first glance, but it is actually a “Why Boston College?” essay. To be specific, it’s a “Why HCE?” essay that should zero in on the education’s applications to solving societal problems.

If you need help polishing up your Boston College supplemental essay, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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How to write impressive boston college essays 2020-2021: the practical guide.

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 32% and is located in one of the most desirable cities in the United States. Students are just a short distance away from America’s oldest treasures, including the college itself.

Boston College has been providing students with a world-class education since its Catholic founding in 1863.

The college holds onto its Jesuit beliefs in its “ mission of faith and service; to continue to develop model programs to support students in their formation; and to seek solutions—as researchers, educators, leaders, and caregivers—that directly address the world’s most urgent problems.”

This mission statement is reflected in the essay you will be writing for your application to Boston College.

Click above to watch a video on how to write BC Supplemental Essays.

What are the Boston College Essay Requirements?

The school requires students to apply through the Common App . If you’re applying to several other colleges using this process, this should come as a relief!

• In addition to the standard freshman writing prompt, you will have to answer one additional writing supplement in 400 words.

In your application, you will choose one of the four prompts below:

1.Great art evokes a sense of wonder. It nourishes the mind and spirit. Is there a particular song, poem, speech, or novel from which you have drawn insight or inspiration? 2. When you choose a college, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Boston College’s community? 3. Boston College strives to provide an undergraduate learning experience emphasizing the liberal arts, quality teaching, personal formation, and engagement of critical issues. If you had the opportunity to create your own college course, what enduring question or contemporary problem would you address and why? 4. Jesuit education considers the liberal arts a pathway to intellectual growth and character formation. What beliefs and values inform your decisions and actions today, and how will Boston College assist you in becoming a person who thinks and acts for the common good?

Planning Ahead: How Do I Choose a Topic?

When faced with several different topics to choose from, resist the temptation to choose the one that seems most appealing on your first read. It’s worthwhile to spend time brainstorming ideas for all four options.

After thinking through each topic, jot down notes for each question.

What could you potentially write about?  You may realize that a choice other than the one you liked initially suits you best.

You should also consider the following questions when narrowing down your topic ideas:

Which of these topics…

• …could you write the most about?
• … highlights information about you that is not apparent in other parts of your application?
• …connects most closely to your goals/aspirations in your future (both near and far)?
• …makes the most interesting story?

BC Essay 1: Art and Inspiration

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

To write an effective essay, think backward. Here’s how to approach this prompt:

• Before you choose the song, poem, speech, or novel, think about your personal life and the actions you have taken.
• Think about a time you responded to a need in a creative way.
• Or, brainstorm situations during which you took action.
• Then, evaluate those stories by asking which of them exemplified your values, personal themes,  and lessons learned.
• Pick one story that is most powerful and speaks volumes about your character.
• Connect that story to a song, poem, speech, or novel.

See how that works? Instead of forcing yourself to write about a favorite work of art that might not have been consequential in your life, you’ve instead picked both the art and the story behind the essay.

Now, get started on writing.

In a prompt such as this one, it’s easy to get caught up in explaining the work of art and not spend enough time describing how it has changed you or affected your decision making.

You should aim for a good balance. The beginning of this prompt describes “wonder” as springing from an investment in art. This “wonder” manifests itself in “insight” or “inspiration.”

In plain English, that means how has it changed your life? What actions have you taken because this poem, book, or song influenced you?

• Think, what are you invested in?
• What are you passionate about?

Since creativity is the main focus of this essay, it’s important that you be descriptive and use emotional language.

• Show your readers why the action you took was important to you.
• Then, describe your thought process as you came up with and executed your actions.

The college admissions committee can’t read minds. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member peruse your essay for clarity.

While something may make perfect sense to you (the person who lived the experience and has all the facts), you might discover that there are holes in the story that need to be filled.

Finally, don’t forget to check that your essay responds to the prompt.

• Was your response to the need you write about both effective and creative ?
• Did you drive the decision making in your story? (The answer should be “yes.”)

It’s important to note that you should spend a limited portion of your essay describing the situation and what you did.

Spend more time writing on the following:

• Why you made certain decisions
• What came of the decisions
• What you learned during and after the process

Don’t get caught up in the process of describing what happened or explaining the backstory to the work of art you chose.

Instead, spend more time explaining why the inspirational spark from the work of art drove your creative process and how that process contributed to your growth.

• At least 40% of your essay should involve explaining the personal significance of your creative response.

This ensures the essay is about you , and not the event itself.

• Did reading “The Lord of the Rings” inspire you to help a school club raise money when members were having trouble fundraising? Did you want to come to the club’s aid when no one was offering help? Explain how your actions speak to your willingness to help out and try new ideas.
• Did perusing “Porcelain” convince you to help when a younger student was struggling to learn an instrument? Did you step in and find an interesting way to help her learn the basics? Show the reader how you’re interested in mentoring and cultivating other young people who are struggling.
• Does “We choose to go to the Moon” speech empower you to take ownership of the way you spend your time? Maybe you tutor elementary and middle school students in math and science after school. You might have encountered a problem where a lot of the students were missing the same fundamental building blocks to understanding a critical concept. You are choosing to help those students dream big.
• Does the poem “Bookshelves, Breaths, and Battles” inspire you to teach others? Instead of teaching the material like most teachers would, perhaps you found an engaging hands-on activity or project to help students truly understand the fundamental principles they were missing. You might have also extended this to include fellow high school students or other educators. By addressing a problem in an effective, non-traditional manner, you exercised creativity.

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Bc essay 2: diversity essay.

When you choose a college, you will join a new community of people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories. What is it about your background, your experiences, or your story, that will enrich Boston College’s community?

This is the standard “diversity” question that many colleges ask you to write.

Simply put, the college is asking “What about your life will lead you to contribute to our campus?”

Here are some brainstorming tips:

• Think of a time you made an important decision.
• Delve into your personal life and recall formative moments that influenced who you are today.
• Did you grow up in poverty? Are you a military child?
• Experience racism or ableism as a result of a disability you were born with?
• Witness and endure hardship due to your family’s limited financial resources?

Once you have chosen a story, think about what  you  did. This is important: Regardless of your circumstances, a foolproof essay is one that features action steps.

Put another way, the admissions officer wants to hear about what you did and how it changed you.

This essay can have a major impact on your application or, conversely, it could be a simple “ho-hum” response. In order to have a significant impact on your readers, you should ask yourself:

• Does this essay reveal important information about me?
• Does this decision reflect values that the university seeks in its students?
• More important, does this decision reflect my own values and lessons learned?

Simply put, you don’t want to write about a story, no matter how politically, economically, or socially significant, if it has nothing to do with how you view and interact with the world.

In your 400 words, be sure to leave plenty of room to describe why you chose to write about this story, especially if it is controversial. You want to be crystal clear with your readers so that they do not walk away from your essay misunderstanding your intentions, rationale, and values.

Double check your essay, and ask yourself, “Were the decisions and action steps that I took sound choices? Describe your lessons and growth moving forward.

You want to highlight weighty and important steps that strike the core of your belief system.

• Dedicate only a small portion of the essay to describe the situation.
• Afterward, dedicate another small portion of the essay to explain your interpretation of the events around you.
• Spend 40% or more of the essay explaining what you did, and how those choices are a reflection of your values. If you made mistakes in the past, that’s totally fine. Explain to the reader what you learned from those mistakes.

Spend the rest of the essay describing how your growth would help you contribute to Boston College’s campus.

• What are your ambitions, and how will you chase them on campus?
• Do you want to start a humanitarian club or political activist group?
• Perhaps you’ve been working on space robotics in high school. Connect this decision to your passion for blending responsibility with risky exploration. You now want to take the curiosity for exploration to campus and start a NASA fellowship.
• Did you grow up in a community that did not celebrate recycling or caring for the environment? Were your calls for increased cleanliness unpopular? How have you learned to make decisions in the face of adversity and criticism? Do you want to take up public speaking on BC’s campus?
• Did your best friend face an ethical dilemma and make a decision you disagreed with? Explain why her ethics don’t always match yours and connect this with your sense of morality. How would you spread this morality at BC?

Boston College Essay 2 Example

I was just trying to buy a Sprite and pay my hundred rupees. The cashier was starting to look as hassled as I felt, speaking urgently in a language I couldn’t understand. We were both frustrated and the cashier stormed off to another counter and grabbed a plastic plate from under it. At this point, I’m thinking “Why would I need a plate for my Sprite?” Normally at shops, the employees know enough English and I can understand the gist of the Tamil words with my own Telugu background. This time, however, we were both extremely confused. Eventually, after a lot of non-verbal communication and pointing, I realized she was supposed to offer me a free plate with my Sprite because of a deal written on the packaging.  Most people are surprised to learn that moving to India was a huge adjustment for me even though I’m Indian. Yet, considering I was moving to a country I never lived in, a state whose language I don’t speak, and a culture I’m not fully part of, it has been a definite challenge. From the language barrier to the culture change, and even the conservative manners and customs, I have had to adapt to a new way of living. All of that and living in a country that is different culturally and socially from the United States has given me a new perspective of viewing my place in the world.  Another aspect of the experience of living in India has been accepting and embracing my cultural background even more. While I have always celebrated religious occasions, holidays, festivals, and other aspects of being Indian, living in India taught me to be proud of who I am as a global citizen. I am a multicultural student who has spent their time living abroad and entrenching themselves in their native culture. I am just as much Indian as I am American, and I’m proud to be able to bring a diverse and rich background and perspective to the table at Boston College.

BC Essay 3: Creating Your Own Course

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

Many high school classes focus on a broad topic (English, for example), and, as you progress through the years, the classes advance to teach higher-level concepts on the same subject (English history, AP Literature).

In college, classes are often structured to tackle an important question or idea.

In this prompt, you have the opportunity to “create your own college course” that hopes to answer or discuss a question/topic that is important to you.

Your topic could address a contemporary problem or an enduring issue.

In your essay, you should:

• Name your course
• Describe the problem
• Explain why you believe it is important to talk about your issue.

There is a lot of potential for flexibility and creativity in this prompt. Therefore, take your time fleshing out several topics that you are passionate about before choosing one.

Choose a topic that is meaningful to you personally and not just an important issue to the public.

The point of writing a supplemental essay for Boston College is to learn more about you. Perhaps choose a subject that reflects your personal interest in the subject:

• The course is on the crumbling infrastructure of America. You care about this issue because your mother and father take the train to work every day. You have seen how badly average Americans need reliable infrastructure and want your classmates to learn about the understated but critical importance of public transportation systems.
• Your course covers the intricacies of dog fur and veterinary care. Of course, you’re connected to this issue because the family dog was your best emotional support growing up, and you think we should take great care of man’s best friend.

Although tempting, the prompt (and word count) don’t allow for you to go into too many details about the class itself.

• Instead, focus your essay on the topic and rationale.
• If the topic is something that readers are probably familiar with, keep it brief.
• If not, you may need to spend more time on providing context.
• As always, avoid providing too much context. No more than 15% of your essay should go into describing the problem itself.
• At least 40% of the essay should focus on the topic’s personal importance to you.

This essay option is a great choice, especially if you consider yourself an activist or advocate for a cause.

Our last piece of advice is to focus less on coursework and other course specifics. Instead, focus on relating the course studies to your personal journey.

You never know, your suggestion might become a class one day!

BC Essay 4: Why Boston College?

Jesuit education considers the liberal arts a pathway to intellectual growth and character formation. What beliefs and values inform your decisions and actions today, and how will Boston College assist you in becoming a person who thinks and acts for the common good?

The last essay option is another version of the “Why This College” essay. It is fairly similar to those provided by other colleges but with some added context.

Here, Boston College outlines their values and then asks you to describe your own.

When writing this essay, you should focus on how your goals and academic interests fit in with your plan to grow intellectually and personally at BC.

The Boston College is looking for more than just what your goals are but also how BC itself will help you achieve them. Essentially, show your work by making the connections between your goals for the common good and Boston College.

In other words, describe aspects of Boston College that you want to utilize. Here’s a step-by-step outline:

• Think about where you are in life now and where you would like to be four years from now. What about 10 years from now?
• Think deeper than “I want to graduate and have a well-paying job.”
• Consider ideas such as “I want to become more informed about my personal impact on the environment so I can learn to make conscious decisions as a consumer.”
• Intellectually, you might have goals such as “I want to become fluent in Spanish in order to spread literacy in Latin America.”
• Perhaps you see yourself pursuing a career in academia working in a particular field with particular faculty members from BC. You might want to pursue translational medicine research, and the opportunities at BC and the surrounding greater Boston area would be ideal for getting one step closer to fulfilling your goals.
• Specifically discuss a few projects, professors, grants, fellowships, and classes you’d want to take as a BC student.

As a final tip, don’t write about the following:

• Your love for BC sports teams.
• The beauty of Boston. It’s beautiful, but there are other schools there. Make sure this essay cannot be recycled for other Boston schools.
• That your parents graduated from BC. They will already see this on your Common App.

Like the previous prompts, this is an opportunity for you to show Boston College that you are a serious, passionate, and driven student who cares more about education beyond earning a piece of paper.

While the degree is important, there is a journey to that degree you consider valuable.

Conclusion: Writing the Boston College Essays

When you are on the “Writing Supplements” tab in the Common App, you will notice that you must select which of the four topics you chose.

Be sure that you make your selection carefully; submitting an essay on the wrong prompt would reflect poorly on you.

Proofread and read your essay aloud.

An essay that is stylistically and grammatically strong often holds more weight than an essay featuring intellectually complex content.

As always, make the essay about you – explain why certain topics and decisions relate to your values and lessons learned. The admissions officer wants to learn about your “why.”

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5 Successful Boston College Essay Examples

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• college application essays

Are you applying to Boston College this fall? This Jesuit-affiliated college is one of few schools that don’t require any supplemental essays, which puts more emphasis on your personal statement. Here are 5 essay intro examples that were successful:

When describing my home of—-, I would define it as a typical English village. But what is typical for me is not normal to everyone else. My normal is growing up in a village with a pub that can fit only ten people. It is going to boarding school in an area of ‘outstanding natural beauty’. Normal is joining a primary school, attended by Winston Churchill, which was built around a 14th century manor house, and had only 138 students. It is having the closest town of—- being named ‘one of the strangest places to live’ due to its many converging religions. Some might not call this normal, but I’ve always called it home. Keep reading .

A frizzy mane of unruly ringlets crowns me as the owner of the Hair That Cannot Be Tamed. With corkscrew curls poking out freely from every inch of my head, I am quickly given the nickname “Fro-Fro”—half lovingly and half mockingly—by the children in my 5th grade class. Believing that there is truth in their ridicule, I decide to try out a new ‘do. I make a valiant attempt to tame my curls by creating two buns atop my head in a Minnie Mouse-like fashion, in what I thought would become the be-all and end-all fad of 2007: View full essay .

Eringriffin

From the bright orange Indian tapestry and the intricately woven Iranian prayer mat hanging on the wall to the Romanian tea kettle perched precariously among piles of ungraded papers and tests, Ms. Moore’s World Literature classroom can more accurately be likened to a room in the Museum of Natural History than a 10th grade English classroom. Contrasting with the typical “hang in there” and “math is fun!” posters plastered on the walls of my other high school classrooms, the unconventional décor of Ms. Moore’s room is the first clue to any visitor that Room 187 is a unique learning environment. Darting from one end of the room to the other, a just under five-foot woman with cropped brown hair and glasses greets me as soon as I walk in the door. Calling me a biscuit, a nickname she reserves for her students, Ms. Moore makes coming into English feel like coming home. The room is warm and filled with excitement, a community of people passionate about literature and global issues presented in our readings. Although 10th grade has come and passed, the room and its owner still welcome me and all other students. The room itself, the teacher, and the community of Room 187 make it a place where I was and still am completely content. Read more . 

As I slow my stride to look around, I see others on my track team working through their exhaustion and keeping a steady pace. Most of the time I can push forward, as the track is where I find solace and really feel alive. Sports have always been a large part of my life, but today I can’t help imagine running off the track straight into my home to fill the mold of my bed. I normally don’t concede to my fatigue, but sometimes the early wake ups, long train rides, and hours of work at school leave me wanting nothing more than to go home to recharge and come back rejuvenated another day. Unfortunately, home has not always been the best place for me to do this. Continue reading . 

I’m afraid of everything. I’m afraid of the dark. I’m afraid of getting sick. I’m afraid of ghosts in my basement. I’m even afraid to eat my Grandma’s cooking – those expiration dates are there for a reason! Being home alone frightens me because I never know what could happen. A robber could break in. A tree could fall and crash through the roof. The electricity could go out and I could fall down the stairs in the dark. I was never afraid of elevators until I went on the Tower of Terror at MGM Studios. Now I’m afraid of ending up in the “Twilight Zone” instead of the hotel lobby. All of these fears paralyzed me for years and I was unable to fully enjoy life. View full . 

Are you looking to apply to Boston College  or just starting to build out  your college list ? Make sure to search through  profiles of students  accepted to see essays, stats, and advice. See how they got in, and how you can too!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Boston University (BU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

Boston University (BU) 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it.

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires, trans rights, or accessibility issues in your community. The scope and scale of your problem can vary. With this prompt, it’s a good idea that you touch on when or where your passion first began and how it developed over time. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on (in one to three innovative ways). This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions—and huzzah for that!

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

With this prompt, BU is marrying two classics: the Why Essay and the Community Essay. The point of this sort of prompt is twofold: to learn what makes you tick and to gauge your commitment to the school. So, the more time you spend researching the school and their unique offerings, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate both. Spend some quality time poring over the school website. Take notes on anything and everything that appeals to you across all aspects of student life: classes, professors, labs, clubs, speakers, location—literally everything! The point is to paint a picture for admissions that clues them into your passions and demonstrates how BU will help you cultivate them. Once you’ve completed your preliminary research, narrow the list to your top five or so items to focus on. Remember, your essay should not only reveal information about your interests, but also your vision for engaging with the campus community from your first day on campus.

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3 Strong Boston University Essay Examples

Boston University is a top research university in the heart of the city. With a fairly low acceptance rate, admissions is pretty selective, and writing strong essays is essential to standing out.

BU requires one essay for all applicants, and has an additional information prompt that is optional. Applicants to the Accelerated Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine have another essay, and Honors College applicants have two additional essays.

In this post, we’ll then go over example essays from a real applicants, analyzing what they did well, and what could be improved.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our BU essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words)

I am most excited by Boston University’s Societal Engineer vision. As an aspiring engineer with a strong interest in government, I love that BU encourages engineering majors to strengthen their communication skills and global awareness. 

Academically speaking, I would explore political science courses through BU Hub requirements like Historical Consciousness and Ethical Reasoning. In addition, I would explore the world through the semester-abroad programs offered by BU for engineering majors. If admitted, I would love to study in Grenoble (and brush up on my French!) as a sophomore.

Beyond academics, BU’s student groups also align with the Social Engineer vision. BU’s Engineers Without Borders mission spans both engineering and communication, as their project in Zambia involved both in developing sanitation systems and presenting posters on these systems to the community. Given my strong desire to help others through engineering, I would devote my time and energy to EWB’s projects at BU. 

I am also intrigued by BU’s political student groups, and I appreciate that BU’s student government offers students from all colleges leadership as Senators. I work closely with my high school’s administration as the vice president of our honor society and the overseer of student elections, and I would enjoy doing something similar at BU.

At BU, I can see myself tinkering with Autodesk Inventor late into the night and petitioning legislatures to fix gerrymandered districts. Because BU’s Societal Engineer vision would encourage both my STEM and humanities interests, I am very excited about being a student at BU. 

What the Essay Did Well

This essay is a strong response that adequately conveys what the student hopes to obtain from an education from Boston University. The applicant begins with a straightforward statement that expresses their interests in engineering and government.

Establishing this cross-disciplinary interest immediately sets the candidate apart from other engineering majors and makes their response more unique. By mentioning the intersection of engineering and government, the candidate hits upon a rare niche that demonstrates a willingness to bridge two seemingly disparate subjects. 

The student also mentions a study abroad opportunity specific for those within their major. They mention a specific study abroad destination, which further underscores their interest in this offering. The inclusion about brushing up on their French establishes a personal connection to their location choice, which also strengthens this portion of the response.

Next, the applicant discusses BU’s relevant extracurricular opportunities:

This inclusion is a good example of taking a BU-specific offering and expanding on what specific project the author intends to work on. They do a good job of connecting an engineering-related club to their humanities-related passions. 

The applicant then concludes with the following: 

These final sentences do a nice job of wrapping up the response in a way that allows the essay to flow smoothly until the end. The mentions of Autodesk Inventor and petitions provide readers with specific details that corroborate the points made earlier in the response. The applicant ends with a forward-facing sentence that solidifies their desire to attend BU. Similarly, you should aim to wrap up your response with a final statement that encapsulates your essay thus far and also points ahead to your future at the university.

What Could Be Improved

This essay could be strengthened in that the candidate does not necessarily establish a personal connection to BU’s Societal Engineer vision. To improve this, they could briefly elaborate on what drew them to this academic intersection. Perhaps volunteering at a homeless shelter opened their eyes to housing inequalities, which stem from issues with both finding cheap building materials and their city’s budget. Or, perhaps their interest in creating sustainable plastic substitutes drew them to explore both materials engineering and environmental policy. This personal connection would strengthen the overall authenticity of this essay and provide a flow for admissions officers to follow. 

The next portion of this response could also be improved. It centers on BU’s academic opportunities:

The applicant demonstrates that they have researched their major and mention a specific requirement. This is a good start; however, they should elaborate more on why they chose to mention this specific category. They can talk about how they hope to learn more about specific courses within this category. 

For instance, maybe they want to learn about security in America to inform their sense of national politics, or delve into the representation of the Holocaust in film, as they feel current policies on religious diversity should consider this topic. This further elaboration will round out this portion of the response rather than leaving it underdeveloped.

Essay Example #2

Prompt: What about the Kilachand Honors College resonates with you, and how would Kilachand’s curriculum fulfill your academic, creative, intellectual, and/or professional goals? (600 words)

I am an example of societal rejection. My lack of adherence to gender constructs breaks traditional expectations as my queerness takes over any sense of “normality” that society could see in me. As a queer, nonbinary person of color and an Indian immigrant, I’ve moved away from expectations that demand a definition of my characteristics and have begun to explore who I am on a profound level. It’s this concept of exploration that I aspire to integrate into my education so that I can learn more about others and understand the incomprehensible by any means, whether it be through interacting with different aspects of humanity, connecting with new communities, or increasing my knowledge on a topic. 

I’ve found this same ring of curiosity and educational passion that distinguishes Kilachand Honors College and have come to resonate with it, whether it be through the different community based circle meetings, the dissimilar seminars focused on developing critical and creative thinking, or the focus on experiential learning. However, Kilachand takes this interest for learning one step further, adding another dimension to the challenging liberal education through building on layers of global, social, corporate, and geopolitical challenges within the classes. This interdisciplinary aspect of the Kilachand curriculum provides me with the chance to understand issues from different perspectives, which I’d take advantage of to fulfill my professional goal of directing a human rights campaign. 

Specific classes like KHC HC 401: Epistemologies and the Process of Inquiry and KHC HC 301: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Challenges offer new intellectual opportunities I have been seeking while also supporting me in utilizing my education in a way that benefits my community. The emphasis placed on exploring the real life impact of students’ work in Kilachand’s integrated curriculum is empowering and would help me use education as a tool to build on my global perspective and make a meaningful difference.

It is my goal to learn more about the unfamiliar so that I can apply that knowledge to “unsolvable global issues” that are only labeled as such because of a cultural disconnect or societal difference. Kilachand supports this goal through offering co-curricular events and residencies where I can connect with other cultures through visiting different cultural institutions or having enlightening discussions with leading professionals. I am inspired by the passion behind the Kilachand community; events such as the POC and LGBTQIA+ Circle meetings are features of the Kilachand community that I hope to contribute to and learn from. By learning about others’ experiences and sharing my own, I aspire to be a part of the intellectual curiosity that is shared among Kilachand students.

The copious academic, cultural, and social opportunities at Kilchand all connect back to the same pillar of change that I have continuously been drawn to. Even though my interests are diverse and follow multiple tracks, the diversity of opportunities at Kilchand resonate with my varied passions and offer an accepting community connected through curiosity, which I hope to contribute to. 

The essay starts out with a bold, unexpected first sentence that hooks the audience into continuing to read the essay. This well-crafted writing seamlessly leads into an introduction about the writer, their values, and what they are looking for in a college education. The following paragraphs show how the Kilachand Honors College is an ideal fit for them.

The key to writing any “Why This College?” essay is to highlight specific resources that the college offers. This essay does that well by mentioning a wide range of BU resources by name, including classes, the integrated curriculum, the interdisciplinary educational philosophy, and extracurricular activities. By directly stating that they want to take “specific classes like KHC HC 401: Epistemologies and the Process of Inquiry,” the writer shows that they have done thorough research into the Honors College. More than anything else, evidence of this research demonstrates interest in the offerings of the Honors College and a strong “why” for applying.

The writer has not created a laundry list of resources with their essay either. They show that they have a personal interest in each resource by using “I” statements and explaining their ideas for making the most of the Honors College in the future. Instead of simply stating “I am looking forward to joining clubs related to social justice at BU,” the writer presents a much clearer and more confident vision for their academic future with the phrase “…events such as the POC and LGBTQIA+ Circle meetings are features of the Kilachand community that I hope to contribute to and learn from.”

Though the essay is highly specific with the resources it mentions in most parts, several sentences in the second paragraph could be strengthened:

However, Kilachand takes this interest for learning one step further, adding another dimension to the challenging liberal education through building on layers of global, social, corporate, and geopolitical challenges within the classes. This interdisciplinary aspect of the Kilachand curriculum provides me with the chance to understand issues from different perspectives…

Many other colleges offer an interdisciplinary curriculum, so the writer should write additional details here about Kilachand’s “interdisciplinary aspect.” They should ask themselves, is there a specific university value which encourages professors to tie many academic disciplines together in the classroom? Does BU require Kilachand students to take an honors core curriculum that covers many areas? Answering these questions would add the right level of specificity to the writer’s point about Kilachand’s educational philosophy. 

The essay would also be stronger if the writer explained exactly how Kilachand fosters curiosity. If curiosity were a core value of the Honors College, the writer could clarify by changing part of the essay’s last sentence to “an accepting community connected through the value of curiosity.”

Essay Example #3

Prompt: Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward? (600 words)

“The last 10% is 90% of the work.”

It was written on a small, ripped-off piece of yellow legal paper in fading blue ink. And now, it still sits in my desk drawer, four years after it was given to me by my band director, Mr. Laghari. It was one day in ninth grade, about two weeks before I was to perform my very first audition, that Mr. Laghari strolled over to where I was sitting.

“Alright Kat, let’s hear this district piece!”

What followed, looking back, was absolutely the most mediocre performance you’ve ever heard.

“Well done! I have a few comments for you though. Mainly, it seems like you have the notes and rhythms down, but you gotta add some musicality!”

I had no clue what he was talking about; it showed in my face.

“Expression! Dynamics! You know!”

But I didn’t.

“Oh come on! It’s the last part, right before the audition, the hardest part. You know, my high school band director once told me…”

He took out his yellow legal pad and began writing.

“The. Last. Ten. Percent. Is. Ninety. Percent. Of. The. Work.”

He ripped it off, and gave it to me. And I took it to heart. I looked up musicality, expression, dynamics, and worked to map out phrases in the music. I recorded myself to see what I could add to make it musical .

When the audition came around, I was ready. When they called euphoniums, I enthusiastically left my school’s group and walked with the rest of the auditionees to the holding room. But it was a long walk. Not only did I start to miss the safety of my school group, I started to get in my own head. What if I put in all my hard work for nothing? What would people think? My parents? Mr. Laghari? In the holding room, I squirmed in my seat, waiting for my name to get called. The clock on the wall ticked and ticked, my anxiety building all the while. Finally, my name was called, second-to-last, and as I followed the volunteer to the audition room, I suddenly remembered Mr. Laghari’s slip of paper. I just needed to give my ninety percent. I focused myself, and did just that.

So it came as a surprise to me when Mr. Laghari told me that I placed seventh, and they took the top six players, on the bus ride home. Not only was I surprised, I was crushed. “We’ll get ‘em next year!” he said. But all I heard was “You didn’t make it this year.” It was a bitter trip.

It took me about a week to realize what he said, and that I would crush it next year. I told myself it wasn’t a matter of auditioning to see if I could make it. I told myself auditioning was a formality. And as I looked at the blue ink on that slip of paper, with all of those crushing memories now attached, I told myself that I would give my ninety percent not just on the last ten percent of the work, but on all of it: every year. And with that mindset, I’ve not only placed first in All-Districts on trombone and euphonium, but have made it all the way to All-State. 

So, whenever I need inspiration for a project, motivation to finish my homework, determination not to give up, I just open up my desk drawer. And one day in the near future, when I move off to Boston University, that slip of paper is what I’ll be taking with me.

This essay is a moving example of how to tell a story with dialogue. Beginning the essay with dialogue is unexpected, which automatically makes for a gripping hook. At the same time, dialogue is an excellent way to organize the essay and convey main ideas in a succinct, yet creative way. The one-sentence introduction of the essay summarizes its entire message more effectively than a paragraph.

The writer then shows how they felt out of their comfort zone and responded by focusing on several specific moments of their journey to become a better musician. Writing about a few parts of a story with vivid detail will result in stronger narrative than a more general, big picture account. 

Lastly, the essay is cohesive and moving because of its motif, or recurring theme, of Mr. Laghari’s slip of paper. This one detail ties the whole essay together from start to finish. The motif makes the essay flow well and stay on topic, which are among the greatest challenges for any college essay writer. Of course, the motif makes for an awe-inspiring concluding sentence as well!

The writer could strengthen their essay by responding further to the last question of the prompt about how their moment of discomfort informed their actions moving forward. The writer certainly touches on this, but only talks about working harder as a musician and high school student. Adding a few more sentences to the second-to-last paragraph about their plans for the far future would answer the prompt more completely. For example, they could expand the final sentence of that paragraph to the following:

And with that mindset, I’ve not only placed first in All-Districts on trombone and euphonium, but have made it all the way to All-State. I’m now inspired to put 100% into my dream of becoming a professional musician in a philharmonic orchestra.

Where to Get Your BU Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your BU essays? 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. In fact,  Alexander Oddo , an essay expert on CollegeVine, provided commentary on the essays in this post. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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