Colleges Without Supplemental Essays: 2022-2023

With the extension of test-optional policies at many top colleges and universities for the 2022-2023 application cycle, we can expect another year of flooded applicant pools. This test-optional environment begets a high volume of applications and, in some cases, a larger incoming class. For instance, Princeton’s Class of 2026 is their largest class EVER! Simply put, more students are throwing their hats into the ring at all levels of schools.

Though Princeton has remained test-optional, they do still require supplemental essays. If you are applying through their single-choice early action application round (a non-binding option, though you’re unable to apply to other early round schools), these essays should be near completion, if they’re not already finalized.

But not all schools require extra essays!

If you’re looking for a college or two that doesn’t require any supplemental essays, you won’t have to look far! Check out this sample of colleges and universities that do not require any additional supplemental essays this admissions cycle.

SAMPLE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Albion College (application essay – recommended, not required)   
• Allegheny College  
• Bates College
• Beloit College
• Coe College (personal essay optional for students who meet Coe’s minimum academic standards)
• Colby College
• College of the Holy Cross
• Connecticut College 
• Denison University
• DePauw University 
• Dickinson University
• Drew University 
• Farleigh Dickinson (essays are optional, but welcome)
• Franklin and Marshall College
• Furman University
• Gettysburg College 
• Goucher College
• Grinnell College
• Hamilton College
• Hanover College (application essay – optional)
• Hollins University
• Hope College
• Juniata College
• Kent State
• Kenyon College
• Middlebury College
• Muhlenberg College
• New College of Florida
• Oberlin College
• Ripon College (optional personal statement)
• Rhodes College
• Sewanee—University of the South
• Siena College 
• Skidmore College
• St. John’s University (Personal Essay- recommended, Why essay for Pharmacy program)
• St. Lawrence University
• Susquehanna University 
• Thomas Aquinas College
• Ursinus College (optional short response)
• Wesleyan University 
• Whitman College

SAMPLE UNIVERSITIES WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

• Case Western Reserve University 
• Clemson University
• DePaul University
• Drexel University (essay for Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and custom-designed majors)
• Fordham University (optional personal essays)
• Miami University—Oxford
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (Albert Dorman Honors College has an essay requirement)
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University  (Honors, Scholars, Morrill Scholarship Program and some majors have additional essay requirements)
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology (Accelerated Medicine program has an additional writing question)
• SUNY Binghamton University 
• SUNY Buffalo 
• Temple University (optional essay)
• Tulane University (optional supplemental essays)
• University of Alabama
• University of Arkansas
• University of Colorado -Denver
• University of Connecticut
• University of Dayton 
• University of Delaware 
• University of Denver
• University of Iowa (personal statement required if not submitting test scores)
• University of Minnesota 
• University of Nebraska—Lincoln (personal statement required to be considered for leadership and diversity scholarships)
• University of New Hampshire 
• University of the Pacific
• University of Pittsburgh (personal statement required to be considered for scholarships, essay required for Pitt Honors admission)
• University of St. Thomas (essays recommended, but not required)
• University of Vermont (optional essay questions recommended, but not required)

CUSTOM GUIDANCE THAT SUITS YOU

Even if you choose to apply to schools that don’t require supplemental essays, most still require the personal statement. With the November 1 early decision deadline looming, Top Tier Admissions is here to help you craft a distinctive, compelling, and uniquely you essay. From brainstorming to the writing process to pushing through writer’s block, we can make sure your essay will stand out from the crowd.

Seeking reassurance that your essay(s), application and strategy are on-point? Our trusted team is here to support you with our Application Review Program.