Conquering the Crimson Beast: A Guide to Boston University's Supplemental Essays (Without Getting Eaten Alive)
So, you've set your sights on becoming a Boston University Terrier (mascot, not actual canine). Congrats! But before you picture yourself cheering on the hockey team or getting lost in the labyrinthine library (it happens, trust us), there's a hurdle to jump: the dreaded supplemental essays.
Fear not, future Terriers! This guide will be your survival blanket, your compass, your emotional support pug in this essay adventure.
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| How Many Supplementals Does Boston University Have |
How Many Supplementals? The Short Answer (Because We Know You're Busy)
Boston University requires exactly one school-specific supplemental essay. Phew! That's right, just one chance to showcase your awesomeness in 300 words or less. Compared to some colleges with a laundry list of essays, this is practically a walk in the park (metaphorical park, because Boston is a city, duh).
But Wait, There's More! (Because College Apps Are Rarely Simple)
Of course, there's always a twist. You'll also need to tackle the Common App essay, that universal 650-word behemoth. But hey, that's not a Boston University thing, it's a college application thing. Consider it your chance to tell your origin story, the one that makes YOU a superhero worthy of BU.
Pro Tip: Don't recycle the same essay for both prompts! The Common App is for your epic journey, the BU essay is for showing why BU is your kryptonite (in a good way).
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Decoding the Supplemental Prompts: They're Not That Scary (Probably)
Each year, BU throws you a curveball with two different essay prompts. Don't worry, they're not asking you to solve for x when x is the meaning of life. They're usually about your academic interests, experiences, or why you want to be a Terrier.
Here's the fun part: You get to choose which prompt speaks to your inner rockstar. Think of it like picking your superpower – analytical insight or creative flair? The choice is yours!
Crafting a Winning Essay: It's Not Magic, But It's Close Enough
Here's the secret sauce for a stellar BU essay:
- Be yourself! Don't try to be someone you're not. Authenticity goes a long way with admissions officers (and future friends).
- Show, don't tell. Don't just say you're a great leader, tell a story about a time you led a team to victory (even if that victory involved conquering a particularly challenging group project).
- Proofread like a hawk. Typos are the kryptonite of good essays.
Bonus Tip: Read your essay out loud. Does it sound natural? Does it make you want to cheer? If not, keep tweaking!
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Supplemental Essay FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (with Sass)
1. How long should the supplemental essay be?
A: 300 words or less. Think of it as a haiku about your awesomeness.
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2. Can I write about my cat? (Yes, we know this is a legitimate concern)
A: Maybe. If your cat is the reason you want to study animal behavior at BU, then sure! But unless your feline friend is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, keep the focus on you.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
3. I have no idea what to write about! Help!
A: Brainstorm! Make a list of your achievements, passions, and experiences. See what sparks joy (and a good essay idea).
4. Should I mention my love for the Red Sox in my essay?
A: Sure, if it's relevant! But remember, BU is about more than just sports (though cheering on the Terriers is pretty awesome).
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
5. What if I make a mistake in my essay?
A: Deep breaths. Everyone makes mistakes. Proofread carefully and have someone else take a look too. But don't panic – a minor typo won't be the end of the world.
So there you have it, Terriers-to-be! With a little planning and a dash of personality, you can conquer those supplemental essays and be well on your way to joining the pack at BU. Now get out there and write your heart out (but keep it within the 300-word limit)!
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