2026–27 application cycle
Dickinson College supplemental essays
Every writing prompt on the Dickinson College application, with word limits. All of it taken from the application itself. 3 prompts.
- Prompt 1Optional50 words max
Endless topic
What topic or idea could you write or converse about endlessly?
- Prompt 2Optional50 words max
Something new to try
What is something new that you'd like to experience, learn or try that might surprise your friends and family?
- Prompt 3Optional50 words max
What makes you, you
What are the qualities that make you proud to be you?
Common questions
What do students ask about these essays?
How many essays does Dickinson College require?
Dickinson College lists 3 writing supplements for the 2026–27 cycle, and 0 of them are required. That’s on top of the main personal statement.
How long are the Dickinson College supplemental essays?
Word limits across the listed prompts add up to about 150 words. Budget real time for them. Supplements are where admissions sees your real interest in Dickinson College.
Do the Dickinson College supplemental essays matter?
Yes, and more so at the hardest schools to get into. Grades and scores put you in the pool. Supplements are one of the few places you control what the reader learns about you. A generic why-us essay is one of the most common mistakes students make.
What Spike does with this
Get help planning Dickinson College essays.
Spike helps you tie each prompt to something you’ve actually lived. It helps you outline and revise, and it won’t write the essay for you.
The full counselor launches in November.