georgia tech supplemental essay 2023

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

July 13, 2023

Georgia Tech has always been an excellent university where one could receive a top-notch educational experience. However, it was not always a highly-selective institution on the admissions front. In fact, back in the days of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech accepted over two-thirds of those who applied. In 2023, this is a school that only admits 12% of out-of-state applicants and 29% of freshmen were the valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class (let that sink in a moment…). It’s fair to say that an applicant to Georgia Tech today is playing a completely different ballgame than applicants in 1995, 2005, or even 2015. Even students with nothing lower than an A- on their transcript and an SAT/ACT score above the 95th percentile still need a compelling application in order to have strong odds of becoming a Yellow Jacket. That brings us to the Georgia Tech supplemental essays…

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgia Tech? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Georgia Tech: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Although it only has one general essay prompt, Georgia Tech’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also dishes advice on how to pen a winning essay.

2022-2023 Georgia Tech Essay Question

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)

This is part “Why Us?” and part “Explain Your Major” and your aim is to seamlessly touch on both topics in a tightly-woven 300-word composition. Georgia Tech is very forthcoming in its essay-related advice to applicants. They wisely advise all applicants to demonstrate “authenticity & self-awareness,” “thoughtfulness”, and to “display attention to topic, style, and grammar.” For a deeper dive, let’s examine the list of common pitfalls followed by a list of characteristics of a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:

Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Georgia Tech’s engineering/business/computer science program is atop the U.S. News rankings, is prestigious, and has a great reputation.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an ideal location for your college experience.
• Generalities about why Atlanta is an exciting/cosmopolitan/diverse/culture-filled city.
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g. I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me…).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

How to write a needle-moving “Why Georgia Tech?” essay

• Demonstrate how your goals align with the school’s mission statement. “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”
• Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities , internship/externship programs, study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.
• How will you be an active, contributing member of the academic community at Georgia Tech?
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Georgia Tech’s campus.
• How will you take advantage of Georgia Tech’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom?
• Lastly, address why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you. Also, touch on why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech.

Big-picture thoughts on a “Why this Major/College” essay

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. Yet, you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled ten minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar Georgia Tech essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

How important is the essay at this school?

Eight factors are “very important” to the Georgia Tech evaluation process. The Common App and supplemental essays are among them. Additional factors considered “very important” are: rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and the level of the applicant’s demonstrated interest.

Georgia Tech Admission Essays – Personalized Assistance

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompts

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The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Commonly known as Georgia Tech, this university is  known for its top engineering programs. Georgia Tech has a 16% overall acceptance rate, so you will need to really showcase your strengths in order to stand out amongst so many applicants.

After completing Common Application personal essay , Georgia Tech applicants should turn their attention to supplemental essays. Although many schools have multiple prompts to answer, Georgia Tech asks for just one. 

For some students, this is great news because it’s less writing. On the other hand, it also gives you less space to elaborate on your story. With proper planning, however, you are sure to communicate your personality and goals successfully. 

Let’s take a deep-dive into the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Read on for tips on how to craft a stand-out response!

Also see:  Scholarhips360’s free scholarship search tool

Georgia Tech supplemental essays: Prompt #1 

“Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)”

This prompt is a classic “why” question. But unlike some other schools’ questions that reference the whole student experience, you need to drill down on academics here. There are two main pieces, asking: What is your biggest intellectual interest? And why is Georgia Tech the best place to study this topic? 

You should have chosen your major for a reason. Have you always had a knack for a certain subject? Are you fascinated by the developments in a particular field? Do you have a dream career? Think about what draws you to this major and an anecdote that brings this reasoning to life. For example, say your intended major is Building Construction. You could discuss how your biggest role model growing up was your grandfather, a general contractor. A nice hook could be describing your childhood enthralled with exploring his lots in-progress. Or, perhaps you have your sights set on Biomedical Engineering. Your anecdote could be about a revolutionary medical device that emulates the type of innovation you hope to contribute to.

There are all kinds of ways to elaborate, from sharing a personal story to discussing an individual curiosity. Adding in this detail goes a long way in letting your sincerity shine through.  Computer and Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering are GT’s most popular majors. Keep in mind there will be heightened pressure to convey your distinction for these study tracks with so many top-notch applicants. 

Also see:  How to write an essay about yourself

Do your GT homework!

Now that you have stated why you selected your particular major, do your research. GT consistently ranks as one of the top technology, science, and business universities. Investigate why that may be. Look into GT’s course catalogs, professors, student research, alumni, special events, and more. Make a list of anything that genuinely excites you. Then, see how you can utilize these intriguing offerings to help accomplish your academic and professional aspirations. The more specific you can be, the better.

Finally, keep GT’s mission in mind. It states: The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. How will you take advantage of GT’s resources to accomplish these noble feats? What new groundbreaking discoveries do you hope to make? What plans do you have for giving back to the community through your major? 

These three components to the prompt should end up telling a cohesive narrative. First, offer a story for why you chose your major. Next, explain why GT is the best choice for pursuing that major and why (with details). And to conclude, how will your studies make a difference? 

Questions to consider: 

• What fuels your intellectual curiosity?  
• How might your major help you achieve your career aspirations?
• Which distinct Georgia Tech resources are you most excited to utilize? 
• How can the field of technology be improved? 

Final thoughts for students

The Georgia Tech admissions committee offers advice for applicants on their website. Beyond making sure you are addressing the prompt content-wise, don’t forget strong writing skills. Be sure you are submitting a well-written, grammatically correct response. Also avoid repetition. In addition, don’t try to write what you think admissions wants to hear; being true to what your passion is will ensure your voice is authentic. Finally, be confident! Conviction in your path to achieve your dreams will signal to GT that you are a great fit. You can ace this essay! 

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Additional resources

As you’re applying to colleges, you have a lot of decisions to make. While you work on your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, check out some of our resources to help guide you through other questions.

• Finding safety, reach, and match schools
• How many schools should I apply to?
• How to complete the Common App activities section
• Asking for letters of recommendation for college

Other colleges to consider

• University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
• Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

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College Info , College Essays

Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?

Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.

Feature Image: Wally Gobetz /Flickr

What Are the Georgia Tech Supplement Essay Prompts?

The Georgia Tech application includes a total of two essays . For one of these, you'll choose one of the seven Common App prompts to respond to, and the other is specific to Georgia Tech. Here's the Georgia Tech prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

How to Write the "Why Georgia Tech?" Essay

This prompt is a version of the "why this college?" prompt . Specifically, this prompt is a "why us?" prompt: It's asking you to elaborate on why this college and the major you've chosen are best suited to you and your aspirations. In other words, what about Georgia Tech and the field of study you want to pursue there will help you achieve your future goals?

To answer this question, you'll need to do some research on Georgia Tech and the academic program you're applying to . The easiest way to do this is to go to the Georgia Tech website to get an overview of what's offered by your program, including the kinds of classes, study abroad options, professors, and internship opportunities.

If possible, I suggest visiting the campus to sit in on classes and meet professors so you can get a clearer feel for the academic program as well as the environment at Georgia Tech as a whole.

In your essay, try to pick a specific characteristic to focus on —don't just say you want to attend Georgia Tech because it's prestigious or well-known. Lots of colleges are!

Next, you'll need to know how your education at Georgia Tech will help you after college . For example, you could write about how you think Georgia Tech's cooperative education program will help you gain relevant professional experience and make connections with like-minded peers.

Regardless of what aspects of Georgia Tech and your major you want to write about, make sure to clearly connect the essay back to you and your own interests and goals .

Here are some possible topics you could use for your "Why Georgia Tech?" essay:

• An anecdote relating some sort of positive personal experience you had at Georgia Tech (such as while on a campus tour)
• A positive interaction you had with someone affiliated with Georgia Tech, such as a current student or professor involved with the major you're applying for
• Your excitement about getting to work with a particular faculty member  and how this opportunity will help you further your career goals
• Your enthusiasm for getting to study in a program, major, or minor that's not usually offered at many schools or that has a unique, interesting angle at Georgia Tech
• A special facility or piece of equipment you're looking forward to being able to work in or with that isn't offered on other campuses or is very rare

Georgia Tech Essay Examples + Analysis

We've written two Georgia Tech essay examples to help give you an idea as to what and how you could write your Why Georgia Tech essay. Additionally, we go over what makes them good essays for a Georgia Tech application.

Georgia Tech Essay Example 1

"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to Georgia Tech."

Katrina was a few years older than me and the sister of my best friend, Troy, who'd given me her email address so I could ask any questions I had about her time at Georgia Tech. This was the last line of her response—and by far the most memorable.

Like Katrina, I can't imagine myself not attending Georgia Tech. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I see Georgia Tech as a gateway to not just learning but also professional success. The flexibility of the major would allow me to focus specifically on my passion for reducing the negative effects of climate change and securing access to clean water. As a senior, I plan to take several hydraulics-focused electives.

In addition, through the InVenture Prize, which I hope to participate in at least twice, I'll be able to utilize the knowledge I've gained through my classes, projects, and fieldwork by translating it into a concrete vision—specifically, an invention that will increase the availability of fresh, healthy water for disadvantaged communities.

After graduation, and as a proud Georgia Tech alumnus (ideally with an InVenture Prize), I plan to implement the skills I've gained through my environmental engineering major in the nonprofit sector.

I haven't met Katrina yet, but I feel as though I know her—perhaps it's that shared sense of joy at having discovered the perfect school for the paths we've chosen.

Here's why this Georgia Tech essay works:

• It's got a creative hook that draws you in. This Georgia Tech essay opens with a quotation that immediately makes it feel as though you're reading a compelling story. It then goes on to connect this hook directly to the narrator who "can't imagine … not attending Georgia Tech," ensuring the focus remains on the applicant and not Katrina.
• It mentions specific features of Georgia Tech. The applicant doesn't just write about how prestigious Georgia Tech is but specifically mentions opportunities she's interested in taking advantage of, such as hydraulics courses and the famous InVenture Prize competition.

The mark of a good college essay is an acceptance letter!

Georgia Tech Essay Example 2

Atlanta has been my home all my life, and I've always known that I want to be one of the people who help make it such a wonderful place to live. My dream is to create my own business that makes it easier for other start-up businesses to get up and running. Georgia Tech is my dream school because I know it will give me the absolute best chance of achieving my goals.

The course catalog for Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business makes it clear that all business students receive a top-notch and comprehensive business education no matter what area they choose to focus on. However, what really interests me is Scheller's emphasis on entrepreneurship. I'm so excited to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, like LBAT and study abroad programs that focus on starting a new business, the certificate in entrepreneurship, and the Enterprise Innovation Institute where I hope to collaborate with professors, business leaders, and peers to learn how to create and grow and successful business of my own.

Growing up in Atlanta, learned early that it has many resources for people hoping to go into business, and I know Georgia Tech will help me take advantage of them. Under the school's internship program, I hope to work for a start-up company, learning about what makes some new companies thrive while others fail, and getting on-the-ground experience learning what new companies need to do well and avoid common pitfalls. I'll also use Georgia Tech's extensive connections with local business leaders to continue to expand my business acumen outside the classroom.

I have so many ideas for what I want to do with my career, and I can't wait to attend Georgia Tech to learn the skills I need to make these dreams possible.

• It goes in-depth on what Georgia Tech offers. Like the first essay, this one also gets specific on exactly which parts of the school the writer plans to take advantage of the most. From mentioning the course catalog, specific business programs, and the school's connections with the community, it's clear the writer did her research and knows which of Georgia Tech's resources will be of most value to her.
• It has a clear vision of a career path. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate college, but having a general idea can really help you show the admissions committee how you're going to take advantage of what Georgia Tech offers. In this case, it's the entrepreneurship and business opportunities at the school, which will help the writer start her own business after graduation.

How to Write a Great Georgia Tech Essay: Three Essential Tips

Now that you know the specifics of the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt, here are three key tips to use while writing your essay.

#1: Be Specific and Concise

The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so limited in terms of length, you'll need to make sure you're using the space you have wisely. Don't write super flowery, verbose descriptions or rely on overly vague examples.

Instead, be as specific as you can be so that you're emphasizing only the most important parts of the story you want to tell. Specificity will make your essay more concise and easier to follow.

#2: Show, Don't Tell

You've probably heard this refrain a million times, but it's especially important for college essays: show your experiences, emotions, and perspectives instead of simply telling them to your readers . Doing this will make your Georgia Tech essays sound vibrant and alive rather than dull and boring.

One of the very best ways to catapult your descriptions to a whole new level and to lend a stronger voice to your writing is to use a variety of literary devices , including flashbacks, anecdotes, imagery, and euphemisms.

#3: Polish and Proofread

Before you submit your Georgia Tech essays, make sure to take some time to read them over, edit them, get feedback, and proofread them.

The best way to do this is to start by writing a rough draft. Once finished, put your essay away for a little while—from a couple of days to a week or so depending on the amount of time you have left before college applications are due —and then take it out again.

As you read your essay, mark any areas that are unclear, awkwardly worded, or irrelevant . You should also proofread your essay for any glaring typos and errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Once you've repeated this process a few times, it's time to get a new set of eyes to look it over for you. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor, to read your essay and offer comments and corrections on it.

Doing all of this will ensure that your essay is completely polished by the time you turn it in to Georgia Tech!

What's Next?

If you're reading this, you're likely not only applying to Georgia Tech. Get more tips with our expert guides to the Stanford essays , the Northwestern essay , and the Harvard essay .

Applying through the Common App? Check out this comprehensive list of schools that accept the Common App , and learn more about how to write the Common App essay .

To learn more about Georgia Tech and how to get in, take a look at its admission requirements page .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Master the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024 Admissions

Georgia Institute of Technology, known for its strong emphasis on STEM education and vibrant campus life, offers a host of undergraduate programs to its diverse student body. The admissions team at Georgia Tech is looking for candidates who can best fit into its ethos of progress and service. To make your application stand out, you need to effectively approach the Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompts

Here's a rundown of the 2023-2024 admissions cycle prompts:

Prompt 1: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (250-300 words)

Advice: This question requires a two-part approach. Firstly, explain why you are attracted to your chosen major. Discuss personal experiences, interests, or influences that led to this choice. Secondly, connect this to Georgia Tech's offerings. Maybe it's a particular professor's research, an innovative program, or unique resources that Georgia Tech provides. Show that you've done your homework and can articulate how Georgia Tech will support your academic goals.

Ever since I visited my father's construction site as a child, I've been fascinated by the intricate design and planning behind every structure. My fascination grew into a passion for Civil Engineering. At Georgia Tech, I believe I can transform this passion into expertise.

Georgia Tech's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering's collaborative environment and cutting-edge research are what attract me the most. The school's faculty includes renowned experts like Dr. John E. Taylor, whose research on 'Civil Infrastructure Systems' aligns with my interest in urban planning and sustainable infrastructure. The opportunity to learn from and potentially work under such esteemed professionals is what makes Georgia Tech the perfect place for my academic journey.

Prompt 2: Georgia Tech is committed to creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Tell us how you have improved or hope to improve the human condition in your community. (250-300 words)

Advice: This question is a great opportunity to highlight your service-oriented experiences or ambitions. Start by explaining the issue you addressed or plan to address. Then, discuss your role, actions, and the impact you made or hope to make. Remember, "community" can be broadly defined, from your school to your city. Demonstrate how you reflect Georgia Tech's mission of "progress and service."

Growing up in a rural town in Georgia, I witnessed the struggles my community faced due to limited access to healthcare services. This experience instilled in me a strong desire to contribute positively to my community's wellbeing.

As a junior, I initiated a project named "Healthy Future," aimed at promoting health awareness and providing basic health check-ups in collaboration with local doctors. We organized monthly workshops and check-ups, reaching out to hundreds of individuals. It was gratifying to see our efforts make a tangible impact – the number of people opting for regular health check-ups significantly increased.

At Georgia Tech, I intend to continue my service to community health. Through the Public Health Club, I aspire to organize similar initiatives, catering to the underserved populations in Atlanta. I believe my experiences align with Georgia Tech's commitment to 'progress and service.'

Optional Short Answer: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? (50-150 words)

Advice: Use this space to share something that hasn’t been covered elsewhere in your application. It could be an interesting hobby, a unique family tradition, or a challenge you overcame. Keep it personal and revealing about who you are.

Outside of my academic interests and community service, I am an avid bird watcher. I enjoy the serenity of observing nature and have even started a local Bird Watching Club in my high school to share this passion with others. It's a hobby that instills patience, observation, and appreciation for nature's nuances – values I hope to bring to Georgia Tech's vibrant student community.

To sum up, the key to an effective Georgia Tech supplemental essay lies in showcasing your fit with the university's mission and ethos, demonstrating a clear understanding of your chosen major and how the university supports it, and highlighting your community engagement in line with the university's commitment to improving the human condition.

Now, get started on those drafts!

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Personal Essays

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Two essays of 300 words each (max) are required as part of the transfer application. The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.

Essay Questions

Required Essays

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?

Georgia Tech's Strategic Plan outlines  nine distinct Institute values . Select one and discuss how your past experiences have prepared you to contribute to our community.

What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?

Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:

Demonstrate authenticity.

Brings you to life on paper.

Are excellent in topic, style, and grammar.

Demonstrate thoughtfulness.

Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with  Georgia Tech’s Values . The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

Our Advice for this Portion of the Application

Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays!

Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.

Don’t overthink it. It may not be easy to write about yourself, but just write what you feel most comfortable with.

Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!

In the same way you would not copy directly from any other source you may incorporate into the writing process; you should not copy and paste directly out of any AI platform or submit work that you did not originally create. Instead, approach and consider any interaction with an AI tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Ultimately, we want to read and hear your unique and valuable writing style.

Per Georgia state law and Georgia Tech policy , all admission staff are mandatory reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate authorities. Any statements in written materials, including anywhere in a student’s application or supporting materials, that give admission staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to the Georgia Tech Police Department. Learn more about reporting requirements .

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Georgia Tech Essays 2023-24

Georgia Institute of Technology is a public university in the University System of Georgia , located in Atlanta. As one of the nation’s premier research universities, the Georgia Tech essays form a key part of the school’s admissions process. 

Founded in 1885, the 400-acre Georgia Tech campus is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students. The institution offers majors across 6 colleges and 28 schools focusing on business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences. With an acceptance rate of 18%, Georgia Tech is a highly competitive school, especially compared to other Georgia universities. Ranked #15 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News, Georgia Tech is one of the best colleges in Georgia . 

In this guide, we will walk you through the Georgia Tech essays and application requirements. Keep reading for tips and tricks on how to write the Georgia Tech essays, “why school essay” examples, and gaining acceptance to Georgia Tech!

Georgia Tech Essay Quick Facts:

• Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate: 18%. 
• The Georgia Tech ranking by U.S. news is #15 in Top Public Schools and #44 in Best National Universities. 
• Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App.
• Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max 300 words): Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? This is the only Georgia Tech supplemental essay. 
• Georgia Tech’s Application: Georgia Tech exclusively uses the Common App for first-year admission.  
• Early Action 1 (Georgia students only): October 16th
• Early Action 2 (Non-Georgia students only): November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 4th
• Georgia Tech Essays Tip: Start early on your Common App and Georgia Tech supplemental essays to submit Georgia Tech essays that have good content and writing skills. Don’t write what you think the admission team may want to read; write what you want to say. Take the Georgia Tech supplemental essays seriously. The Why Georgia Tech essay allows the admissions team to get to know you and what you could offer to the diversity of the class. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

What are the Georgia Tech supplemental essays requirements?

In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, you are required to complete other Georgia Tech essay prompts. Specifically, there is only one additional Georgia Tech essay: the Why Georgia Tech essay. 

In 300 words, you will answer the following Georgia Tech essay prompts:  Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? 

Besides the Common App personal statement, you have one other shot to impress Georgia Tech admissions with the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Submissions are limited to 300 words. This means it is vital that you plan your Why Georgia Tech essay ahead of time. Use clear and concise language, and get personal with the details you choose to include. You should put your best foot forward given the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate. 

Writing Georgia Tech essays can be intimidating, but the Georgia Tech essay prompts are not trick questions. Craft an honest and original response to the Georgia Tech essay prompts by sharing information not found on your resume and explaining specific reasoning in your Why Georgia Tech essay. You should help the reader understand who you are and why you would fit in at Georgia Tech. Successful Georgia Tech essays answer the why Georgia Tech essay prompts entirely.

Georgia Tech Essays – Personal Statement

The first of the Georgia Tech essays is the Common Application Personal Essay. For this, students will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App. The current Common Application essay prompts are as follows: 

Common App Essay Prompts

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story., the lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. , how do i write the georgia tech essay.

Nailing the Georgia Tech essays can seem daunting, especially given the limited word count. However, with ample time to prepare, a solid outline, and time to edit and revise, you can write standout Georgia Tech essays. 

Begin your Georgia Tech essays writing process by researching unique aspects of the school and curriculum. That way, you can get a sense of how Georgia Tech will contribute to your overall career goals. You should describe how you hope to develop your interests at Georgia Tech and how the community will help you do so. 

So, spend some time thinking about the Georgia Tech essay prompts. Then, establish a structured outline. This will focus your thoughts and help you write successful Georgia Tech essays.

Why the Georgia Tech essays matter

The admissions team uses your Georgia Tech essays to determine whether you would fit into the campus community. So, your Georgia Tech essays should show that you have thought about your ideal college environment and future goals. The admissions team hopes to enroll a class of diverse, innovative thinkers and problem solvers. So, prove to them how you would contribute to their community in your Georgia Tech supplemental essays.

With a low acceptance rate of 18%, it is even more important that your Georgia Tech essays stand out. Your Georgia Tech essays should capture your accomplishments and goals, highlighting why Georgia Tech is your ideal next step. 

Utilize “show” vs “tell” writing. Your Georgia Tech essays should show readers who you are beyond your academic achievements. To do so, think of stories from your life that capture your identity and values. What have you done that reflects your interests? What examples can you give of your character? Show the admissions team examples that reflect your characteristics rather than simply stating them. Your Georgia Tech essays should paint a clear picture of how and why you would succeed on campus. 

Your readers will assess your Georgia Tech essays for content and quality, so make sure to revise them thoroughly. Brainstorm and draft the Georgia Tech essays well before the Georgia Tech application deadline so you don’t feel rushed. This is particularly important if you are applying by the Early Action Georgia Tech application deadline of October 16th.

For more tips on how to answer the Georgia Tech essay prompts and how to get into Georgia Tech, check out this guide to the Georgia Tech Essays 2022-2023 . It also includes previous Georgia Tech essay prompts. 

Why Georgia Tech Essay

Like many other colleges, Georgia Tech requires a Why Georgia Tech essay. There are not multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so this is the only supplement you will submit. 

Here’s the prompt:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? 

You’ll likely write “why school essays” for many colleges on your list. So, you should understand how to approach the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. The Georgia Tech essay prompts require you to describe why you would like to attend Georgia Tech and how you would contribute to the community. For the Why Georgia Tech essay, you are asked specifically to explain why you want to study your chosen major. To answer these Georgia Tech essay prompts, you should explain how their curriculum, values, and campus environment will help you achieve your academic and career goals. 

Preparing for the Georgia Tech essay prompts

To prepare to write your Why Georgia Tech essay, spend time researching specific aspects of Georgia Tech that align with your goals. As you conduct your college search, you should only apply to schools that meet your needs. Research your schools’ requirements, programs, and offerings. That way, you can submit a well-informed and persuasive application. 

The why Georgia Tech essay is also a “why major essay.” Once again, this is the kind of college essay you’ll likely write for several schools. 

What do you want to major in at Georgia Tech and why? Like choosing a college, choosing a major is a big decision. When choosing your Georgia Tech major, you should consider your academic interests and career goals. In your Georgia Tech essays, talk about what you wish to major in and what makes this subject interesting to you. 

How do I write the Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question?

The Georgia Tech supplemental essays ask you to highlight two things in one 300-word response. First, the Georgia Tech essay prompts you to describe your interest in Georgia Tech. Second, the prompt asks you to discuss why you’ve chosen to pursue your intended major. 

So, how should you approach answering this why school/why major essay? 

The why school essay allows the admissions team to learn more about you and your interests. You should address what you want to major in at Georgia Tech and why. The purpose of your why major essay is to highlight who you are and what you hope to gain from Georgia Tech. Your Georgia Tech essays allow the school to get to know you, assess mutual fit, and understand how you could enrich the Georgia Tech community. 

Your essays are evaluated for content, writing, and grammatical skills. Before submitting your application, you should edit your essay thoroughly, preferably with another set of eyes. Your essays should demonstrate authenticity, self-awareness, and thoughtfulness. You should also show Georgia Tech how you are a good fit for them and how your goals align with their values and mission statement. 

If you are interested in applying to Georgia Tech, make sure to familiarize yourself with their requirements as well as Georgia Tech Why Major essay examples . 

Is the Georgia Tech essay required?

Yes—all students applying to Georgia Tech must complete one of the seven Common App essay prompts as well as the Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question.  

Because the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is highly selective, you should submit an outstanding essay that lets your personality shine through. Make the most of the 300-word limit as you show the admissions team what sets you apart and how you can contribute to the campus community. Your essays should reflect your academic potential as well as who you are as a person. 

Georgia Tech admissions uses a holistic review process, meaning they consider your application taken as a whole—no single requirement will make or break your admissions odds. They consider factors such as academic preparation, standardized tests, contribution to community, personal essays, recommendations, major selection, and institutional fit. Your Georgia Tech supplemental essays should give your readers insight into your academic interests, intellectual curiosity, and unique traits.  

Is the Why Georgia Tech essay important?

Your Georgia Tech supplemental essays may be the single most important part of your application because they are your only opportunity to speak directly to the admissions office. Moreover, the Georgia Tech essays allow you to convince your readers why you are a good fit for the Georgia Tech community. 

The Georgia Tech essay prompts require you to describe specific reasons why you would like to attend Georgia Tech and how you may contribute to their environment.  You are asked to explain why you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech. As you start writing this essay, it can be tough to know where to start.

Before you get into writing your Why Georgia Tech essay, we recommend getting to know more about the school you are applying to. One of the most important things you can do to prepare to write your Why Georgia Tech essay is to spend time researching specific aspects of Georgia Tech that align with your educational and career goals. You should want to be just as good of a fit for the school as it is for you. So, use your passions, interests, and values to your advantage when answering the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt. 

Keep in mind that the Why Georgia Tech essay has a limit of 300 words. It may be helpful to write your initial draft without worrying about the word count. Then, you can edit your draft down to your strongest arguments.

For inspiration on answering the Why Georgia Tech essay prompts, check out this example .

Additional requirements for Georgia Tech application

Beyond the Common Application Personal Essay and Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question, there are other requirements for applying to Georgia Tech. 

The Georgia Tech admission office uses a holistic admission process for first-year applicants. This means that the admissions team considers a multitude of factors when reviewing your application. The process identifies applicants who will benefit from the Georgia Tech learning environment and enrich the overall community. 

The first of many considerations by the admissions office is Academic Preparation . Because Georgia Tech is highly selective, they look for students who have taken the most rigorous curriculum available at their high school, which includes AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment courses. 

As a requirement for admission, Georgia Tech requires these high school credits: 

• English – 4 Units
• Math – 4 Units
• Science – 4 Units
• Social Science – 3 Units
• Foreign Language – 2 Units

Another consideration for undergraduate admission is Standardized Tests. All first-year applicants must submit results of the SAT and/or the ACT to be considered for admission to Georgia Tech. Unlike many other universities, Georgia Tech is not test-optional. 

Georgia Tech also looks for Contribution to Community. This relates to your extracurricular activities and involvement in your communities at school and beyond. Community involvement reflects traits that the admissions team values in the application process, including: 

• Self-motivation
• Personal Responsibility
• Compassion for Others
• Entrepreneurism
• Intellectual Curiosity

If possible, you should try to tie these values and characteristics into your Georgia Tech essays. 

While Recommendations are optional, they are considered in the holistic admissions process if submitted. Georgia Tech accepts one recommendation from your high school counselor and one from a teacher of your choice.

As a part of your Georgia Tech Common Application, you can select a primary and secondary choice major. Georgia Tech admissions considers your Major Selection as an important part of the application review process in order to enroll an academically diverse first-year class. You should provide evidence of your interest in and preparation for the major that you list on your application. This is a key component of your Georgia Tech supplemental essays. 

Five Tips for Writing the Georgia Tech Essays

1. start early.

The first step to writing Georgia Tech essays is starting early. Give yourself enough time to develop ideas, draft Georgia Tech essays, and review them for any contextual or grammatical mistakes. Familiarize yourself with the college application requirements, guaranteeing that you are well prepared and write the best Georgia Tech essays. Your essay is an extremely important component of your overall application, so you need time to brainstorm, research, draft, edit, and repeat. 

2. Do your research

Before you start writing your why school essay, you should learn more about Georgia Tech. Spend time researching their values, mission statement, majors, campus setting, and organizations. The best Georgia Tech essays are full of school-specific details. Your Why Georgia Tech essay should show how Georgia Tech meets your needs and how you plan to contribute to the campus community. Prove to the admissions team that you have invested time and energy into finding the best college for you. 

3. Get personal and be specific

The most crucial aspect of a successful essay is authenticity. To write Georgia Tech essays that stand out, write a solid introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Your essay should make the reader want to get to know you better. Write your essay in a way that authentically reflects who you are and helps Georgia Tech understand why you belong on campus. Use detailed anecdotes to help the reader understand what makes you unique. This will make your essay more interesting and fun to read. 

4. Be clear and concise

Clarity counts for more than creativity of vocabulary, so you should focus on quality over quantity. Remember that your Why Georgia Tech essays have word limits, so you must make every word count. Admissions officers can be easily frustrated by a student’s failure to follow directions, which could reflect poorly on you. Keep your essay concise, clear, and focused. 

5. Leave time to review your essays

Georgia Tech supplemental essays are evaluated not only for content, but also for writing style and grammatical skills. When you think you have finished, you should proofread, edit, and make sure you have answered all parts of the Georgia Tech essay prompts before you submit. Additionally, have several trusted sources review your essay for grammatical errors. However, make sure to maintain your own writing style and voice. 

Georgia Tech Essays Takeaways

While your grades and test scores are important components of the application, your essays have the power to help you stand out in the competitive applicant pool, especially the Why Georgia Tech essay. Therefore, use this opportunity to tell the admissions team where you have been, where you are, and where you are heading.  

Most importantly, start early, create an outline, draft your ideas, revise, and proofread. These steps will help you write outstanding Georgia Tech essays that display your background, experiences, ambitions, and personality. So, use the Georgia Tech essay prompts as an opportunity to make a good impression and get you the Georgia Tech acceptance letter you’re looking for. After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of the Georgia Tech admissions process and how to get into Georgia Tech. If you’re interested in attending Georgia Tech, you should check out our guide to the HOPE scholarship , a merit-based scholarship reserved for residents of Georgia, and Georgia Tech’s financial aid information. For more help, you can look at our other CollegeAdvisor resources or schedule an appointment with one of our advisors. Good luck!

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Application Essays 2023-2024

November 3, 2023

Are you ready to take on the challenge of applying to Georgia Tech? With its prestigious reputation and cutting-edge programs, getting accepted into this top-tier university is no easy feat. But fear not! In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of writing the Georgia Tech application essays, giving you the tools and strategies you need to stand out from the competition and showcase your true potential. From understanding the essay prompts to crafting a compelling narrative, we'll cover it all. So, grab your pen and paper, because it's time to dive into the world of Georgia Tech admissions and unlock the secrets to writing a winning application essay.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompt 2023-2024

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech.

This is an accelerated version of the “why this school” essay, with a more clear focus on your choice of major. Your response shouldn’t revolve around broad categories that make Georgia Tech wonderful - everyone knows it’s a strong STEM college. This essay is not asking you to highlight extracurricular, cultural, or other resources at Georgia Tech; this essay is explicitly asking you to speak in depth about Georgia Tech's academic resources —major, curriculum, classes, professors, and more. When you get started, think about how a Georgia Tech education pertains to your goals, specifically. This means that you have to identify your goals in the first place. Then, whether you are applying for Industrial Design or Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies, demonstrate how Georgia Tech will help you accomplish your specific goals. The key is to connect experiences and aspirations with academic reasons for why  you’ve chosen the school. 

Research is the key to any “why this school” essay. Before you write this response, it’s important to sit down and look through Georgia Tech’s majors and course offerings in great detail. Once you’ve decided which major appeals to you, it’s time to think about your own experiences. How did your love for the field begin? How have you honed your skills in the discipline since then? If you’ve taken any challenging courses or started relevant clubs, how is Georgia Tech the perfect place for you to continue your exploration? No matter which major you’ve chosen, it’s important to show admissions officers why your interest makes sense for you and that your dedication to the field is real. 

Remember to keep in mind what the school is looking for! An important part of doing school research includes digging in to find out what the school wants out of these essays. On its website , Georgia Tech adds that it’s wants your responses to achieve the following:

• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar
• Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s mission statement: “The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”

Make sure your answer fits this bill. If you’ve got any doubts, make sure you ask another reader such as a teacher, parent, friend, or college counselor to see if you’re meeting the criteria. Additionally, cut unnecessary words! It’s obvious that the Georgia Tech College supplemental essay 2023-2024 provides you very little room to write your answers. It can be tricky to get your point across in so little space. But, you can’t change the limit. So don’t waste your time sulking or complaining about the fact that you’re 300 words over on your essay and start cutting words. Use a thesaurus, ask a teacher or friend for feedback, and read sentences out loud to see if they’d still make sense if you shorten them. 

The Georgia Tech application essays 2023-2024 provide you with the chance to tell the admissions officer who you are. While the first prompt is all about showing that you really have done your research, the optional essays enable you to share more about your background and interests. Both are golden opportunities to solidify your interest in Georgia Tech and convince them how you embody the values they look for in students. So, take advantage of the supplemental essay component. Your knowledge of the school and stories exemplifying Georgia Tech’s ideal characteristics might end up getting you admitted.

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How to Write the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University Admissions

Key Takeaway

In addition to your Common App personal statement , Georgia Tech also asks you to write the Georgia Tech essay.

The Georgia Institute of Technology—or Georgia Tech, for short—is one of the best state schools in the country. We know from their Common Data Set that your essays play an important role in their application review process.

In particular, your Georgia Tech supplemental essay helps you show intellectual and school fit.

Let’s take a look at the one and only prompt.

The Georgia Tech Essay

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech* (300 words).

Yep, that’s it! That’s the whole prompt. It’s a straightforward why this major essay.

As with any why this major supplemental essay, your main goals are to a) show academic fit and b) demonstrate good intellectual curiosity. It’s always a plus when you can incorporate tidbits of information about yourself along the way, too.

Be sure to read the prompt closely. Georgia Tech isn’t just asking why you want to study your chosen major. They’re asking why you want to study it specifically at Georgia Tech. That means you’ll need to start with some research.

A safe place to begin is usually the departmental website of the major you’re applying for.

Put on your detective glasses and do some digging. You’re looking for courses, faculty, resources, opportunities, etc. that align with your interests and experiences.

Let’s say you want to major in biology and are interested in going on to a graduate program in microbiology.

Well, Georgia Tech has a wonderful research option within their biology department that would set you up for success and allow you to build on the research you’ve already done in high school. You’re also stoked about the possibility of becoming a Petit Scholar or working with Professor Han , whose research interests align with yours. Oh, and as a cherry on top, you can’t wait to join the GT American Red Cross Club and put all your Red Cross volunteer hours in high school to good work.

See? Spending a little time combing through web pages, following interesting rabbit holes, and reading up on your academic interests can help you find organic connections.

Once you’ve done your research, get to writing.

Key Takeaways

Writing a good Georgia Tech supplemental essay is all about drawing out the specific ways in which you are a good match for your major—and that match goes both ways. Show not only what you’ll gain from being part of the intellectual community but also what you’ll add to it.

You’ve got this.

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Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

Georgia Tech has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a less selective institution to a highly competitive university. In the era of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech welcomed over two-thirds of its applicants. Fast forward to 2023, and the acceptance rate has plummeted to just 12% for out-of-state applicants, with nearly a third of freshmen being valedictorians or salutatorians. This shift underscores the heightened competitiveness of gaining admission to Georgia Tech, where even stellar academic credentials are no longer a guarantee.

With its rigorous admissions standards, Georgia Tech requires applicants to present compelling applications to stand out in the crowded field. Despite featuring only one general essay prompt, the supplemental section offers a valuable opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualifications for admission. Crafting an effective essay is key to making a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Below, we provide insight into Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2022-23 admissions cycle and offer advice on how to craft a winning essay that highlights your strengths and aligns with the university’s values and mission.

Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays Prompt for 2023-2024

For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, Georgia Tech poses a straightforward yet crucial question to applicants: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? With a tight 300-word limit, this essay prompt requires candidates to artfully blend elements of both the “Why Us?” and “Explain Your Major” prompts, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to their passion for their chosen field and their alignment with Georgia Tech’s offerings.

Georgia Tech emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and thoughtfulness in applicants’ essays. Additionally, they value attention to detail in terms of topic, style, and grammar. To help applicants navigate this essay prompt effectively, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls and focus on characteristics that make for a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay.

Also read Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate | Strategies and Insights for Admission Success 2024

Common pitfalls to steer clear of include:

• Generic responses lacking specificity about Georgia Tech’s programs or the applicant’s chosen major.
• Overly verbose or convoluted writing that detracts from the clarity and coherence of the essay.
• Failing to address both aspects of the prompt—why Georgia Tech specifically and why the chosen major.
• Neglecting to tailor the essay to Georgia Tech’s unique culture, resources, and opportunities.

On the other hand, a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of Georgia Tech’s programs, faculty, research opportunities, and campus culture.
• Articulates a clear and compelling rationale for choosing the selected major, highlighting the applicant’s passion, goals, and alignment with Georgia Tech’s academic offerings.
• Showcases the applicant’s self-awareness and authenticity, offering personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate their motivation and fit for their chosen field and the university.
• Is well-organized, concise, and free of grammatical errors, demonstrating the applicant’s attention to detail and communication skills.

By avoiding common pitfalls and embodying the characteristics of a winning essay, applicants can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with Georgia Tech’s admissions committee and enhances their chances of securing admission to their desired major.

Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay include

• Relying on generalities about Georgia Tech’s reputation: Simply stating that Georgia Tech’s engineering, business, or computer science programs are highly ranked and prestigious does not provide any insight into why the applicant is specifically drawn to these programs at Georgia Tech. Without personalized reasons or details, this approach lacks depth and fails to differentiate the applicant from others.
• Focusing too much on Atlanta: While Atlanta’s location may be a factor in choosing Georgia Tech, merely discussing the city in broad terms without connecting it to the applicant’s academic or personal interests does not add value to the essay. Avoiding generic descriptions of Atlanta’s appeal and instead highlighting specific aspects of the city that align with the applicant’s goals or experiences is more effective.
• Overusing generic expressions of feeling: Phrases like “I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me” may sound passionate, but without specific reasons or evidence to support this claim, they come across as cliché and insincere. Instead, applicants should focus on articulating genuine reasons for their interest in Georgia Tech, backed up by personal experiences or insights.
• Recycling statements from other “Why Us?” essays: Copying and pasting content from essays written for other colleges can lead to generic, irrelevant, or inaccurate responses. Each “Why Us?” essay should be tailored to the specific institution and highlight unique aspects of the school that resonate with the applicant. Reusing content without customization diminishes the essay’s impact and undermines the applicant’s genuine interest in Georgia Tech.

By avoiding these common pitfalls and instead focusing on genuine, personalized reasons for choosing Georgia Tech, applicants can craft compelling “Why Georgia Tech?” essays that effectively showcase their fit for the university.

Also see Georgetown Pre-College Online Program 2024

Crafting a compelling “Why Georgia Tech?” essay Requires strategic thinking and attention

Here are some tips to help you write a needle-moving essay:

• Align with the school’s mission: Start by demonstrating how your academic and personal goals align with Georgia Tech’s mission statement. Highlight your commitment to advancing technology and improving the human condition, and explain how your aspirations resonate with the university’s values.
• Be specific: Instead of relying on generic statements, cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities, internship/externship programs, study abroad options, or student-run organizations that interest you. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what Georgia Tech has to offer.
• Highlight your contributions: Articulate how you will contribute to the academic community at Georgia Tech. Whether it’s through your academic achievements, leadership experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact on campus.
• Connect past experiences to future goals: Show evidence of how your past or current endeavors have prepared you for success at Georgia Tech. Discuss relevant experiences, projects, or challenges you’ve faced and explain how they have shaped your aspirations and ambitions.
• Utilize resources: Emphasize how you plan to take advantage of Georgia Tech’s resources, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it’s access to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship opportunities with faculty members, or networking events with industry leaders, illustrate how you will leverage these resources to enhance your academic and professional growth.
• Address fit: Finally, explain why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you and why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech. Share specific reasons why you are drawn to the university’s culture, values, and community, and discuss how your background, interests, and goals align with what Georgia Tech has to offer.

By following these guidelines and crafting a well-researched, thoughtful essay, you can create a compelling case for why you belong at Georgia Tech and why Georgia Tech belongs in your future.

Crafting a compelling “Why this Major/College” essay

Crafting a compelling “Why this Major/College” essay requires more than just regurgitating information you found online. While research is crucial, your essay should go beyond a robotic recitation of facts. Instead, it should demonstrate a genuine connection between your interests, goals, and values and what the school has to offer.

Here are some big-picture thoughts to keep in mind when writing your essay:

• Show genuine interest: Admissions officers can spot a generic essay from a mile away. Make sure your essay reflects your authentic interest in the school and its programs. Share specific details about the classes, professors, opportunities, and campus culture that excite you.
• Make it personal: Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personality, talents, and aspirations. Connect the resources and opportunities offered by the school to your own values, talents, and goals. This will help you stand out and make a memorable impression.
• Connect the dots: Don’t just list off features of the school—explain how they align with your interests and goals. For example, if you’re interested in computer science, talk about specific research opportunities or projects that appeal to you and how they relate to your career ambitions.
• Be specific: Avoid vague or generic statements. Instead, provide concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Show that you’ve done your research and understand what sets the school apart from others.
• Tailor your essay: Customize your essay for each school you’re applying to. Highlight aspects of the program or campus that are unique to that institution and explain why they appeal to you specifically.

How important is the essay at this school?

In terms of importance, the essay is a crucial component of the application process at Georgia Tech. Along with factors like rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities, the essay plays a significant role in the admissions decision. Make sure to give it the time and attention it deserves to make a strong impression on the admissions committee.

In conclusion, crafting a standout “Why this Major/College” essay for Georgia Tech—or any institution—requires thoughtful research, personal reflection, and genuine enthusiasm. By demonstrating your understanding of the school’s offerings and articulating how they align with your goals and values, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions officers.

Remember to avoid clichés and generic statements, and instead, focus on providing specific examples and connecting the dots between your interests and the opportunities available at Georgia Tech. The essay is a crucial component of the admissions process, so invest the time and effort to make it shine. With a well-crafted essay, you can showcase your unique strengths and make a compelling case for why you belong at Georgia Tech.

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How to write the georgia institute of technology essay, updated for 2023-2024, why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech (300 words):.

Before you start working on your application, we recommend that you start by reading the Advice from Georgia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Admission :

What Are We Looking for in Your Essays? Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:

• Demonstrate authenticity & self-awareness.
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness.
• Display attention to topic, style, and grammar.
• Demonstrate a student has thought about why Georgia Tech, specifically, is a fit for them and how their goals align with Georgia Tech’s Values. The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.

Our Advice for this Portion of the Application

• Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays! Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.
• Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!
• Don’t blow off the essay! We wouldn’t ask you to write it if we didn’t find it to be an important way to get to know you, and what you could bring to Georgia Tech.
• In the same way you would not copy directly from any other source you may incorporate into the writing process, you should not copy and paste directly out of any AI platform or submit work that you did not originally create. Instead, approach and consider any interaction with an AI tool as a learning experience that may help you generate ideas, provide alternative phrasing options, and organize your thoughts. Ultimately, we want to read and hear your unique and valuable writing style.

Explanation:

Consider this prompt a combination of the typical “Why this Major” and “Why Our School” questions. As you think about your answer, be sure to provide insight not only about why you wish to pursue your chosen academic interest and any experiences you already have in the field, but also about how the specific resources at Georgia Tech can help support your academic and career goals! Whether it be research opportunities, professors you hope to work with, or the teaching resources at one of their six colleges, the more detailed your answer is, the better. Don’t forget to weave in mention of one or more of Georgia Tech’s core values and how they align with your broader academic and personal pursuits!

As I displayed my vibrant Introduction to Python presentation through the projector, the 30 girls chatting excitedly settled into utter silence.

Since ninth grade, I’ve spent every weekend and school break teaching STEM classes to girls from low-income families at my local library. One of my favorite parts of the program has been designing a Python curriculum and watching the magic of code unfold for my students. From crafting lines that draw silly stick figures to writing looped commands for solving questions like converting our age to days, I’m always overjoyed to witness the growth in the girls’ confidence after successfully solving complex challenges.

Georgia Tech’s BSCS program at the College of Computing and commitment to making a positive impact through innovation present unique opportunities for me to further explore CS and its intersectionality with disciplines like human-centered design, while allowing me to use that knowledge to give back. By following the People Threads Curriculum, I can not only equip myself with the essential skills needed to develop interactive software using a human-centered approach, but also apply my learnings to real world applications. Taking courses like “Human-Computer Interaction” will allow me to develop a thorough understanding of the underlying principles guiding human interactions with computers, while “Educational Technology: Design and Evaluation” provides me the opportunity to practice creating effective educational software.

Beyond the classroom, I look forward to joining organizations like Women@CC, where I can be surrounded by inspiring, like-minded women in a male-dominated field. Through education abroad opportunities such as the Georgia Tech China Summer Program, I can deepen my connection to my cultural background and understand it in an academic context. Georgia Tech’s College of Computing offers the best resources for the undergraduate education I hope to receive, and I can’t wait to further explore on campus.

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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How to Write the University of Georgia Essay 2023-2024

So you have decided to apply to the University of Georgia, where the only thing hotter than your ardor for the Georgia Bulldogs will be your animus toward the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Georgia summer heat. 

While the school is well-known for its back-to-back football national championships, its campus also boasts a wide array of pre-professional career tracks into any one of its specialized colleges, such as the Terry College of Business, the College of Veterinary Medicine, or the School of Social Work. Whichever field of study you end up choosing, you’ll get all the excitement that comes from going to a large research university with almost 30,000 other undergraduates.

Of course, a large student body also means the University of Georgia receives a high number of applications. One of the best ways to help yourself stand out from the crowd is by crafting a strong supplemental essay, which is why we’re going to give you detailed guidance on how to tackle this year’s UGA prompt.

Read this University of Georgia essay example to inspire your own writing.

University of Georgia Supplemental Essay Prompt

The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report)., we are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years. (200-350 words).

This prompt may have caused you to do a double take. What? An essay about a middle school book? Don’t worry, the admissions committee isn’t trying to trick you. You are actually allowed to write about a book that impacted your transition from your tweens to your teens.

The motivation behind asking this question is to see how you approach and handle large changes. The transition from middle school to high school is a turbulent time that in many ways mirrors the transition from high school to college—increased responsibility, new friendships, more academic challenges, finding yourself, etc. Although you are framing your development through the lens of a book, the real core of your essay is about the challenges you faced and how you handled them.

As you start brainstorming your essay, there are two routes you can take.

• Pick a book first and tie it back to your life.
• Pick a challenge in your life and find a book that relates to it.

Either approach is valid, it simply depends on what stands out to you more. If you had a book you were in love with that deeply resonated with you when you were 13 or 14, pick that! Think about what drew you to the book. Did the main character experience a challenge similar to you at the time? Did you find parallels to reality in the social commentary? Was there a prevalent theme that inspired you? Asking yourself these questions can help you recall what was so monumental about the book so you can draw a connection to yourself.

It’s also okay to not have any book immediately jump out at you. In that case, you can start by thinking about yourself during that time frame and ask yourself what big changes or challenges you faced. Maybe you struggled to maintain old friendships when you moved to a bigger school. Maybe you became self conscious about your looks and struggled with confidence. Maybe you found a passion for a particular extracurricular activity. Once you pick something important, you can think about books you read that relate to your experience in some way.

Before we get any further, it’s important to remind you to pick a book you actually read . The prompt isn’t asking for the most impressive book you’ve ever read, so don’t pull out War and Peace just because you think it will make you sound sophisticated. The book you pick should reflect what you read as a 13 year old (give or take a few years), so there’s no penalty for choosing Divergent or a young adult romance book.

When you have both your book and your connection to yourself, you need to ask yourself what role the book played in your development. For some students, it might be that they saw themselves in the main character and drew strength from their actions to act more courageously towards the challenges in their life. For other students, maybe there was a central theme like not belonging that resonated with them and made them feel like they weren’t alone when they read, despite feeling that way at school. Maybe some students were spurred to change their actions upon reading a negative depiction of a character.

The connection you have to the book should be extremely personal. One hundred students could pick The Outsiders , but every student could have a different explanation for why that book helped them through their transition. Describing your unique connection to the book and the impact it had on you is the most important part of this essay, so make sure you go into as much detail as possible.

If you are unsure whether or not your essay explains the impact of the book on your life well enough, you can always use an anecdote to highlight the point you are trying to make. You can also use creative writing to your advantage and write your essay as if you were in the book. Just be careful not to get so creative that you take away from the heart of your essay!

At the end of the day, this should be one of the more fun supplemental essays you get to write. You don’t have to worry about selling yourself as a talented high school student; you are allowed to be young and yourself in this essay. Your book and its impact can be as deep as you want or more on the lighthearted side. Don’t overthink it!

Where to Get Your University of Georgia Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your University of Georgia essay? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

2023 Application Essays

  david graves        june 3rd, 2022 in blog.

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
• The shorter essay prompt will continue to be the following – “The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.”

As I have done in the past, I am including an essay from an enrolling student for Fall 2022 that our office believes is an extremely strong writing sample. Why is this essay strong? It is personal, it gives details and emotions, and it gives insight into the person. It also well written, shows that the student is able to stretch out beyond her comfort zone, and that she is not afraid to grow and learn. And lastly, I now know a great deal more about the student. When you write your essays, let us know more about you and less about the event (The Rocky Horror Picture Show in this case), as it lets us better understand you as an individual.

I am a very basic person, at least when it comes to my personal appearance. If you run across me any day of the week you’ll find I’m usually in a t-shirt, leggings, and some sneakers. That wasn’t the case one Friday night last fall. My outfit consisted of fishnet stockings and Doc Martens, a t-shirt so big I wore it as a dress, a comically large pearl necklace, and bright pink rubber gloves that went up to my elbows. I was way out of my fashion comfort zone.

My friend Emma had convinced me to go see a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with her, and I decided to defy my usual caution and go all in on the experience. I listened to the movie soundtrack beforehand and spent weeks planning my costume: a toned-down version of Dr. Frank N. Furter.

Emma is my opposite in many ways. She loves horror movies and classic rock, wears all black, and chops off her hair every couple of weeks. Where I’m socially anxious and worried about how others might perceive me, she is bold and unforgiving and a fierce protector of her family and friends. We all need friends like Emma who can challenge our assumptions and help us overcome our fears. And who spark us to create some great memories.

The screening was being held at Ciné, a local Athens art house theater, and there were butterflies in my stomach at the thought of venturing downtown in my get-up. As Emma and I walked into the theater, no one spared us a second glance. But we were clearly the coolest kids in attendance. Well, we were the only “kids” in attendance, the only high schoolers there in an audience made up mostly of people who looked well over thirty. Nevertheless, we danced in the aisle, shouted at the screen and had a blast. I’m saving that costume and will be ready to do the “Time Warp” again and again.  – Ella J.

Tags: essays , freshman admission