Featured Supplemental Essay Prompt For Harvard University Applicants:

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. 150 Word Maximum.

Successful Supplemental Essay Example From Our Accepted Alumni Student:

From organizing plays for my first tee-ball teammates to leading the single-file line in elementary school, I dreamed of becoming a leader since I was little. I became more introverted, though, as I got a little older. As I navigated new schools and became part of more competitive athletics teams, I noticed that I started to quiet my voice. I retreated more into my time alone, and immersed myself in my independent piano practice.

Through speaking with those older than me, I reconnected with my confidence and found new ways to cultivate community. During eighth grade, I spoke with my Vice Principal about my piano practice and my ideas for our school to feel more united through showcasing our interests. I organized the inaugural Talent Show at my middle school with his support. As I started ninth grade at [High School], I was able to continue creating community within my hometown through the [NPO] Program. I helped to organize guest speakers, set up events, and build friendships with the veterans each week. Beyond my hometown, I continued to grow as a leader through my summer job, developed skills through my business-focused internship, and got to speak with prospective students and athletes as a [Student Ambassador] at [High School].

Through all of these experiences, I was able to regain my voice—and to help others feel supported, confident, and empowered.

Knowing how much I value both confidence and community, I know that Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business would be the ideal place for me to continue to learn, grow, and lead. I appreciate the team-oriented mindset and global missions of Hofstra’s undergraduate programs, the wider student community, and within the business school.

At Hofstra, I hope to study Finance to explore not only markets and policy—but also ways to help others through ethical leadership, social responsibility, and microfinance initiatives. Through exploration within Law and Economics, I would be able to understand legal considerations of economic and business decisions while embracing a moral, ethical, and global mindset. Through courses like Corporate Financial Policy, I would also be able to learn not only how markets function but also understand the ethical principles behind financial policy.

I also love Hofstra’s emphasis on collaboration. I can’t wait to meet other peers and faculty to collaborate on business-focused projects including investment and business simulations.

Beyond the teamwork that Hofstra’s business, entrepreneurship, and finance classes will bring, I look forward to another life-changing collaboration opportunity: Hofstra’s baseball program. In August of [Year], I was able to visit Hofstra and meet some of my hopeful future teammates. As we spoke, we were able to connect through our love for the sport, community, and teamwork.

At Hofstra, not only would I bring my love for teamwork to the baseball field, but I would also uplift collaboration in every learning experience. I would be thrilled to become part of the Hofstra community next year—and for every opportunity to cultivate leadership, embrace teamwork, and create community.