If you’re applying to universities in the US, chances are you’ll encounter a supplement asking about your background, culture, or community. The Culture/Community Essay is an opportunity to showcase how your experiences and connections have shaped you and how they might help you contribute to the university’s community. This guide will help you navigate this important supplement, so that you can show admissions officers the community-driven side of you.
What is the Culture/Communities Essay?
The Culture/Communities Essay is a type of college supplement that encourages applicants to reflect on the communities they are part of, how they identify with certain cultures, and the impact these experiences have had on their lives.
Common Culture/Communities Prompts
Community and culture prompts can look many different ways, but these are some examples of what to look out for.
- Princeton:
- Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (Please respond in 500 words or fewer.)
- Brown:
- Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)
- Harvard:
- Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (100 words)
These prompts are open-ended and allow for a variety of interpretations, which makes them a great space to show your individuality. At the same time, they all hint at a very similar thematic link. More generically, colleges want to know about communities you’re a part of and your place within them. They also want to know how your background or identity influenced who you are today.
What Admissions Officers Look For in the Culture/Communities Supplement
Admissions officers want to understand more about who you are beyond your academic achievements. This essay gives them insight into your life experiences, values, and how you’ll fit into the university environment.
Learning your background
Officers are looking for a story that illustrates your upbringing, traditions, or cultural identity. Whether it’s a large, well-known community or a smaller, more niche one, they want to see how your background has shaped you.
Understanding your connections to culture and community
Universities value students who are aware of their place within the larger social fabric. How do your connections to these communities inform your decisions and values? This essay is your chance to demonstrate that.
Seeing where you fit into a college community
Admissions officers aren’t just interested in your past—they want to see how your background informs how you will contribute to their campus culture. They want students who are not only active participants in their current communities but also excited about joining and enriching the university’s own social and academic scene.
Components of the Culture/Communities Essay
Authenticity and links to communities—big or small
Whether you’re part of a large cultural group or a small community, the key is to show genuine engagement. Admissions officers can spot insincerity a mile away, so focus on a real connection, even if it’s to a less common or unconventional community.
Personal significance
Describe why this community or culture is important to you. What does it mean in your life? How has it shaped your choices, values, and actions?
Connection to university culture
Show how your experiences and background will allow you to contribute to the university’s own culture and community. Highlight aspects of the university that align with your values or community engagement.
From our University Admissions Consultants: How to Approach the Culture/Communities Essay
H3 Get personal
This is your chance to give admissions officers a glimpse of who you are beyond grades and test scores. Be personal and tell a story about how your background has shaped your identity.
Mention how you’ll contribute
Make it clear how your unique experiences will allow you to add to the diversity and community on campus. Universities love to hear about what you’ll bring to the table.
Show what community means to you
Everyone has a different definition of what community is. Make sure you convey what community means to you—whether it’s your cultural background, a group of friends, or a cause you’re passionate about.
IvyPrep Essay Support
At IvyPrep, we understand how challenging writing the Culture/Communities Essay can be. Our experienced consultants are here to help you develop a powerful and authentic narrative that highlights your personal connection to your communities. With our tailored feedback and proven strategies, we can guide you in crafting an essay that reflects who you are and makes you stand out in the admissions process.
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