Boston University (BU) is a top-tier research university in the heart of Boston. Their admissions process has gotten increasingly competitive over the years, with an acceptance rate of just 11% for the Class of 2028. To beat over 78,000 other applicants for a spot, you’ll need to make every part of your application, especially your essays, as strong as possible.
Fortunately, you only need to write one supplemental essay for BU, where you can pick from two possible topics. In this blog, we’ll break down how to write Boston University’s supplemental essay and share expert tips and examples to help you craft a standout application.
- Boston University Supplemental Essay Prompts
- How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essay Option #1
- How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essay Option #2
- Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Boston University Supplemental Essays
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Boston University Supplemental Essay Prompts
All first-year applicants must complete the Common App essay and one BU-specific supplemental essay. For the latter, you can choose between two prompts: one asks about a social or community issue important to you, while the other focuses on how you hope to contribute to the BU campus community.
Here are the Boston University supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle:
Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:
- Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it? (300 words)
- What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community? (300 words)
Choosing between these two BU essay prompts is incredibly important. After all, this essay is your chance to showcase a different side of your personality than what’s in the rest of your application. Plus, the prompt you choose will shape the topic and details of your response, so it’s worth thinking through carefully.
Take your time to reflect on which prompt best highlights your strengths or values. A well-written essay can make a big difference to your application, especially if you’re competing with applicants who have similar credentials.
No matter which topic you go with, BU sneaks in some of its core values right into the prompt. That’s already a hint about what they want to see: educational access, community service, diversity, and making an impact in Boston and the world. As you plan your essay, think about how your experiences connect to one (or more) of these themes.
Up next, we’ll break down how to craft a strong response to each essay prompt and share real examples to help inspire your own writing.
How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essay Option #1
| Prompt: Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it? |
| Word count: 300 words |
This is a version of the community essay, and the biggest thing to remember here is to tell a story. Honestly, if you’ve read one or two of our supplemental essay blogs, you’ll know that great college essays are all about storytelling.
Start by thinking about a few problems or challenges that affect or bother you in some way. Maybe it’s wildfires, trans rights, or accessibility issues in your hometown. The issue itself doesn’t have to be huge, but what’s important is your personal connection to it.
For this prompt, it’s a good idea to talk about when and how this issue first became important to you and how your interest has grown. But don’t just say you care, either! BU asks you to show how you’ve taken action, whether through advocacy, hands-on work, or creative problem-solving.
Brainstorming ideas
Here are some ideas to help you brainstorm:
- Educational inequality. Maybe you’ve noticed that your school has fewer resources than others, or you’ve volunteered at a tutoring program for underserved students.
- Disability and accessibility. Perhaps a family member or friend has a disability, and you’ve seen firsthand the challenges they face in everyday life.
- Environmental issues in your community. You might live in an area affected by pollution, deforestation, or extreme weather, and you’ve been involved in local cleanup projects or climate advocacy.
- LGBTQ+ rights and representation. If you’ve been part of a GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) or have worked on increasing LGBTQ+ representation in your school, this could be a meaningful topic.
- Mental health awareness. Maybe you’ve struggled with mental health yourself or supported a friend, which made you lobby for better resources in your school or community.
While brainstorming, ask yourself: What gets you fired up? Why does this issue resonate with you? Do you have any personal experiences related to it?
Remember, they’re not asking for your take on climate change, vaccines, or Roe v. Wade. BU just wants to know what genuinely matters to you and what you’ve done about it.
Essay structure tips + examples
Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to structure your essay in a way that tells a compelling story. Try following these tips:
- Start with a personal anecdote or vivid description. Hook your reader by starting with a moment that made you care about this issue. For example, you can begin your essay with, “I never thought twice about school resources until I visited my cousin’s school. We had brand-new computers, while theirs barely turned on. That was when I realized how unfair it was that not all students got the same opportunities.”
- Explain why this issue is important to you. Make it clear why you care and how this connects to your life. “Ever since that day, I started paying more attention to the differences in schools. Some students had tutors and fancy supplies, while others had to share worn textbooks. Seeing that imbalance made me want to do something about it.”
- Show your involvement with specific examples. BU wants to see that you took action, even in small ways. “I started a book drive in my community and partnered with a local bookstore to donate extra supplies. When I saw students actually using the books we collected, I realized that small efforts can make a real difference.”
- Reflect on what you’ve learned. Talk about how this experience changed how you see the world or what you want to do next. “Before this, I thought making a difference meant huge changes. But I learned that even small actions can have a real impact. Now, I want to keep working on education access and find new ways to help.“
- End with a forward-looking statement. Wrap it up by talking about how you want to keep making an impact in the future. “At BU, I plan to participate in community service tutoring through the Boston University Work-Study program. I want to help students in underserved communities near Boston gain better access to educational resources.”
With only 300 words, less is more. Focus on one specific experience and connect it to an important issue instead of just listing your resume highlights. Then, whatever your story is, tell it! Describe your emotions, actions, and what you learned from raising awareness about an issue you care about.
It’s easy to get lost in writing about the issue and not enough about you. But remember, you’re the one applying for Boston University—not your issue! In the end, reflect on what you took away from the experience and how it made you feel.
Supplemental essay example
Her seat stayed empty for two weeks. No texts, no posts, no explanation. Our group chat kept going—homework reminders, dumb memes—but something felt off. When she finally came back, she smiled like nothing had changed. But during lunch, when it was just the two of us, she told me she’d been in treatment for depression. She said, “The worst part was pretending I was fine before I got help and worrying people would treat me differently after.”
That conversation changed something in me. I realized how many teens struggle quietly, afraid they’ll be judged, labeled, or ignored. Mental health is often treated like a personal flaw instead of a public health issue. In schools, we talk about GPA and college admissions, but not the anxiety and pressure underneath. That gap makes people feel isolated—and silence is dangerous.
Since then, I’ve led wellness workshops at my school through our peer counseling program, focusing on stress, burnout, and social media pressure. I also helped launch a mental health awareness week, where we invited alumni, counselors, and student speakers to share stories and resources. Our goal wasn’t to “fix” anyone but to normalize conversations around mental health and make support more visible. We even partnered with teachers to create a digital resource hub for students unsure of where to start.
At Boston University, I’m excited by the work of the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation and student-led groups like Active Minds. I want to major in psychology and explore how schools can better support mental wellness through early interventions, culturally sensitive peer networks, and community education that makes help feel accessible.
Youth mental health matters to me because I’ve seen how fragile it can be—and how powerful it is when someone feels seen. I want to keep showing up for that.
How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essay Option #2
| Prompt: What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community? |
| Word count: 300 words |
And now, the classic “Why This College?” essay, but with some added details. The admissions team wants to know why you want to go there and how you’ll contribute to their community. In short, you must consider what BU can do for you and what you can do for BU.
To nail this essay, you’ll need to do some research. What about BU specifically stands out to you? Explore the school website, browse their course catalog, or check out their social media pages.
Make sure to mention both academic and non-academic interests. For example, if you’re majoring in computer science, you might also want to join BU Blockchain. Explain whatever excites you about BU, then show how you’ll actively participate and get involved.
Think of it like an argumentative essay, but your main point is, “Here’s why I belong at BU.” Then, back it up with evidence, such as specific programs, clubs, or experiences that match your goals.
Brainstorming ideas
Here are some brainstorming ideas to get you started:
- Academic programs. Think about classes, research opportunities, or professors that interest you. For example, if you’re into interdisciplinary learning, you might be drawn to the Kilachand Honors College, where you can major in neuroscience while taking up creative writing projects.
- Clubs and organizations. Think about extracurriculars that match your passions or hobbies. Maybe you care about the environment and want to join the Environmental Student Organization (ESO) and help lead campus sustainability projects.
- Campus and city life. BU’s lively, urban setting offers the best of both worlds: a strong college community within a major city. Think about how this excites you. Maybe you thrive in a fast-paced environment, and BU’s location gives you access to top internships, museums, and historic spots, all just a short walk from campus.
- School spirit and athletics. If you love sports, whether playing or supporting, BU’s athletic culture could be a great angle to explore. Perhaps you’re excited to cheer for the Terriers at Agganis Arena and be part of the incredible school spirit that unites the BC community.
- Diversity and community. BU’s diverse student body and cultural organizations create an inclusive environment, and if this matters to you, share how you’ll contribute to that sense of belonging on campus. For example, If you’re a first-gen student, you could join the First Generation Students Support Group at the BU Newbury Center and help build a supportive community for students like you.
Try to highlight just one or two BU programs or opportunities that you really like instead of creating a laundry list of everything that sounds interesting. Also, make sure you can explain how you’ll actively engage with these resources once you’re on campus.
Essay structure tips + examples
Now that you’ve narrowed down your ideas, here’s how you can turn them into a strong essay:
- Engaging introduction. Hook the reader with a personal connection or a specific reason why BU stands out to you. “Ever since I built my first mobile app in junior year, I’ve loved using technology to solve problems. BU’s hands-on computer science program seems like the perfect place to pursue that passion.”
- Academic connection. Talk about what excites you academically at BU and how it aligns with your goals. “I’m especially excited about courses like Combinatoric Structures and Algebraic Algorithms. Learning from experienced professors will help me develop the skills to build real-world tech solutions.”
- Extracurricular involvement. Show how you’ll engage outside the classroom through clubs, organizations, or community efforts. “Outside of class, I’d love to join BU Blockchain, where I can work with other students just as passionate about tech as I am. I’m excited to explore how blockchain can be applied in cybersecurity and finance.”
- How you’ll contribute. Again, it’s not just about what you’ll gain from BU but what you can contribute. Show how you’ll make a difference on campus. “I also want to give back by tutoring other students in coding through the BU Spark! program. Helping others strengthen their programming skills will let me be part of BU’s supportive and innovative community.”
- Strong conclusion. Wrap up by reinforcing why BU is the perfect place for you and how you’ll thrive there. “BU is where I see myself growing both in and out of the classroom. The engaging courses, supportive community, and opportunities to make a real impact make it the perfect fit for me. I’m excited to join BU’s culture of curiosity and creativity.”
The main lesson here is that your answer should be specific to Boston University. If you mention “strong academics” or “exciting clubs,” you could be talking about any other school. What specifically about BU makes it the right fit for you? Think about an opportunity, program, or experience that really aligns with your interests, and then be creative in your answers.
We know it might be hard to fit all of this into 300 words, but you’ve got this! Just make sure to polish, edit, and have a trusted friend, mentor, or even a professional editor help you proofread before submitting.
Supplemental essay example
My pen hovered while our high school’s student union treasurer explained why the spring festival had been quietly canceled. “It’s not in the budget anymore,” she said, flipping through a spreadsheet, her voice low. I nodded, scribbling down figures and half-finished quotes, already sensing this story was bigger than just one event. Students were frustrated, but no one seemed to know where the decisions were coming from or why.
By the end of the interview, I felt a mix of pressure and purpose. I wanted to get it right. That’s what journalism has always meant to me: listening closely, asking better questions, and making sure the story reflects the people behind it.
Boston University’s journalism program stands out because of how it combines strong writing fundamentals with public service and real-world application. Courses like COM JO 210: Reporting in Depth and COM JO 300: Media and Democracy – Journalism in an Age of Disinformation push students to examine how journalism shapes institutions, influences civic behavior, and earns public trust. I want to study those questions firsthand, while also strengthening how I report under pressure and write with clarity.
BU’s location is another major draw. As one of the most dynamic cities in the country, Boston is filled with stories about housing, transit, education, healthcare, and BU gives student journalists direct access to those issues. The Daily Free Press and Bostonia are more than student platforms but places where campus meets city. I’m also excited to explore multimedia storytelling through WTBU or BUTV10 and learn how to adapt reporting across formats.
At BU, I see a journalism community that takes the work seriously and pushes students to be thoughtful and responsible. I want to contribute by asking good questions, earning trust, and telling stories that help people understand what’s happening around them.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Boston University Supplemental Essays
Many students trip over common mistakes in their supplemental essays that could weaken their responses.
Here are a few things you need to avoid:
1. Rehashing your resume
Your essay isn’t a list of your achievements; that’s what the rest of your application is for. Instead, use this space to show who you are beyond your grades and activities.
BU wants to see your curiosity, leadership, and what you might add to the community on campus. Maybe you can write a story about a challenge you overcame, a passion you’ve had since childhood, or a recently learned lesson. Whatever it is, make sure it shows the admissions team another side of you, not just a rehash of what they already know.
2. Being too wordy
Don’t try to sound like a walking dictionary! Using big words in every sentence makes your essay harder to read. You might misuse them or come across as trying too hard. Plus, if your writing style doesn’t match your grades or test scores, it might raise red flags.
Admissions wants to hear your authentic voice, so keep it natural. Would most teenagers casually drop words like “myriad“ or “plethora“ into everyday conversations? Nope. Write how you’d normally speak, just in a more polished way.
3. Ignoring the word count
BU’s essay questions ask for 300 words, so don’t submit a 500-word essay. Doing that makes it seem like you don’t know how to follow directions.
If there’s a maximum word count, don’t worry if your essay is on the shorter side, too. What’s important is that it’s clear and well-written. Go over your work multiple times and remove unnecessary details, clichés, or repetitive information. Make every word count!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Boston University have supplemental essays?
Yes, Boston University has a supplemental essay as part of its application. This essay is your chance to impress the admissions team with your creativity and writing skills. So, take the time to make it as strong as possible.
2. How many supplemental essays does Boston University have?
Boston University asks all applicants to write just one 300-word supplemental essay. You can choose between two possible topics: one is about your community service work or social activism, while the other is your classic “Why This College?” essay.
3. How much do Boston University supplemental essays matter?
Your supplemental essay matters a lot because it helps BU understand who you are beyond numbers and stats. No matter which essay question you answer, spend ample time crafting your responses. With BU’s competitive acceptance rate, a strong essay can help you stand out in a sea of applications.
Takeaways
- Boston University has one supplemental essay for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, with a 300-word limit.
- You can choose between two topics: a community or social issue you care about, or what excites you about BU and how you’ll contribute.
- Avoid common mistakes like repeating your resume, using big words, or ignoring the word count.
- Work with a private admissions consultant to make sure your essay showcases your personality and helps your application shine.
