Purdue: Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 engineering schools in the nation. In fact, 31% of undergraduate students at Purdue study in the College of Engineering, one of its 11 schools offering over 200 majors.

For the Class of 2028, Purdue had an overall acceptance rate of 49.84%. Of the 11 colleges at Purdue, the College of Veterinary Medicine had the lowest acceptance rate — 31.7%. The most competitive major was professional flight technology, with a 10.9% acceptance rate.

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TTA Top Tip: The first of Purdue’s supplemental essay questions is a variation of the classic “Why Us?” prompt while the second is the “Why This Major?” question. Aim to showcase your genuine connection to the school by going beyond general compliments. For the “Why This Major?” question, think about the journey that led you to this field. Explain the experiences that deepened your interest, and how the major aligns with your future aspirations. Avoid clichés; instead, share concrete examples that illustrate your passion and commitment to this path. Together, these essays should paint a picture of how you and the college are a perfect fit.

PURDUE: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS 2024-2025

Required for all students (250 words or fewer)

1. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom?
2. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected.

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Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

Interested in learning more about Purdue?

• Purdue University Admissions
• Strong Programs in Engineering
• Top 10 Scary Mistakes Students Make on Their College Applications (and How to Avoid Them)
• A Mindful Approach to College Admissions
• College Admissions Trends and News

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Siena Swift

Creative Content Coordinator at Top Tier Admissions

Siena is a Pomona College graduate and award-winning student journalist with a passion for impactful communication and global education. After guiding prospective students as a tour guide at Pomona and spearheading sustainability initiatives across the Claremont Colleges, Siena honed her skills in social media strategy and event programming as an admissions office intern. Since graduating, she has worked with Top Tier Admissions, where she now serves as the Creative Content Coordinator. In this role, Siena manages social media strategies, creates engaging content, and supports webinars. Her work combines her love for communication, education, and creativity, all while contributing to the growth and engagement of the Top Tier Admissions community.

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