Carnegie Mellon University requires applicants to respond to three supplemental essay prompts. Each response has a maximum limit of 300 words.
Prompt 1: "Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?" (300-word maximum).
CMU 'Why Major' Essay Slides
Q: What does this essay prove?
A:
You have a true passion for your major.
Your interest has a clear, compelling origin story.
You have taken direct action to explore that passion.
You know how to use CMU's resources to further your goals.
Q: What sparked your passion?
A:
Describe a specific moment of discovery.
Show, don't just tell. Use a powerful detail.
Example: "Discovering a flaw in a solar panel's code. This moment revealed my passion for optimizing renewable energy systems."
Q: How did you act on it?
A:
Provide concrete evidence of your engagement.
Example: "Building a miniature wind turbine turned a theoretical passion for physics into practical expertise."
Show a clear link between the inspiration and your actions.
Q: How does CMU fit your vision?
A:
Reference specific CMU faculty, labs, or courses.
Example: "The work of Professor Smith in materials science will deepen my research on new composites for turbine blades."
Connect your personal history directly to CMU's environment.
Q: Final check and what to avoid?
A:
Avoid a generic "I've always been interested in..." statement.
Do not list activities without explaining their connection to your passion.
Prompt 2: "Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?" (300-word maximum)
CMU 'Defining Success' Essay Slides
Q: How do you define success?
A:
Define success as a tangible outcome, not a grade.
Example: "Success is a tangible outcome, such as building a new product, filing a patent, or creating a groundbreaking process."
Q: How will you learn?
A:
Show an active, hands-on approach.
Example: "Collaboration on robotic arm projects will teach me to iterate from each failed attempt. This hands-on experience in the Robotics Institute is key to my learning."
Demonstrate capacity for deep engagement and growth.
Q: Why is CMU the right place?
A:
Reference specific CMU resources.
Example: "The Integrated Innovation Institute will teach me to take a project from concept to market, while the Swartz Center provides a place to fail, iterate, and grow."
Show how CMU’s environment aligns with your unique definition of success.
Q: Final check and what to avoid?
A:
Do not define success as getting a job.
Do not list CMU facts without connecting to your vision.
Prompt 3: "Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please)." (300-word maximum)
CMU 'Additional Information' Essay Slides
Q: What is the most impactful story to tell?
A:
Choose a story that adds a new dimension, not a repeat of your resume.
Not a perfect grade in a class, but a struggle to grasp a concept.
Not just a club officer role, but the difficult process of mediating a club dispute.
The best story showcases your character and perspective.
Q: How to tell, not show?
A:
The narrative must be self-contained.
Do not reference external links.
Use clear, specific language to paint the picture.
Example: "My family's reliance on my coding skills for our small business taught me about project management and real-world stakes."
Q: How to structure your narrative?
A:
Start with a hook that introduces your unique story or value.
Develop the narrative, focusing on the meaning behind the experience.
End with a concise statement about its significance to you and your application.
Aim for direct, impactful sentences.
Q: Final check and what to avoid?
A:
Do not repeat information from other parts of your application.
Do not use generic statements like "I am a leader."
