Amherst College

Supplemental prompts (2025-26)

• Choose one of the following quotations, and respond to the question posed, in an essay of not more than 350 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.
• Prompt 1
• “Hope and curiosity — these are qualities that are the foundation of what Amherst College means, of everything that we do here. Curiosity is at the core of a liberal arts education — a spirit of inquiry that shapes not only what our students do in the classroom, but also how they learn from and about each other.” — Michael A. Elliott, 20th President of Amherst College, address at Amherst College’s 203rd Commencement
• Prompt 1 Question: What does curiosity mean to you? How do you experience curiosity in your own life?
• Prompt 2
• “We seek an Amherst made stronger because it includes those whose experiences can enhance our understanding of our nation and our world. We do so in the faith that our humanity is an identity forged from diversity, and that our different perspectives enrich our inquiry, deepen our knowledge, strengthen our community, and prepare students to engage with an ever-changing world.” — from the Trustee Statement on Diversity and Community
• Prompt 2 Question: In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world?
• Prompt 3
• “We are working together to build a community that makes room for both true disagreement and true connection, one that practices the kind of recognition and robust negotiation that the everyday life of democracy requires, and one that explicitly prepares our students to work for the greater good in their professional and personal endeavors.” — Presidential Priorities: Serving the Greater Good
• Prompt 3 Question: Tell us about a time that you engaged with a viewpoint different from your own. How did you enter that engagement, and what did you learn about yourself from it?
• ## Admissions Counseling
• While answering additional essay questions might seem challenging, the supplements give students a chance to show a different side of themselves to admissions offices and emphasize their demonstrated interest. Since supplements are such an important component of the college application process, we always recommend that students start working on these essays early on to save themselves the stress of working down to the wire. If you’re looking for guidance on writing supplements — or with any other part of your college prep journey — our team of admissions experts is here to help you craft the most compelling and impactful applications.
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Source: IvyWise 2025-26 Common App supplements