Purdue Essay Guide

Applying to Purdue 

There are two options for first-time college students applying to Purdue. The first being Early Action, due by November 1st, and Regular Decision which is due by January 15th.  

Depending on whether you want to be considered for admission into the honors college or any Purdue scholarships, early action may be for you.  Early Action is also the deadline for the Veterinary Nursing and for priority in Computer Science, Nursing, and Professional Flight Technology applicants. Early Action also allows applicants to get a decision by Jan 15th, while regular decision applicants get a decision in mid-March. 

Supplemental Essays & Examples

Other than the Common Application essay which many other colleges use, Purdue requires three supplementary essay prompts to be answered within your application. 

1. Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.) 

In this prompt, they are not looking for the most glamorous or impressive activity. They just want to see something that has meaning to you as a person. Sometimes writing about a sport or a musical activity may be seen as generic, so I recommend branching out. Have you ever been a part of an organization that left a mark on you as a person? What were some responsibilities you had? What lessons did you learn? Use these kinds of questions to guide your thinking when deciding on an activity or work experience to write about. 

Example Essay: 

“During my sophomore year of high school, I started a non-profit organization called “Metumi” which aimed to raise money for students back in my parents’ hometown in Ghana. This money was to fund the different passions that these students had. Whether this would be art, reading, music, computer skills, etc. Raising money for this non-profit through dinners and talking to people in the Ghanaian community of my area allowed me to see how willing people were to help those in need. All it took was me stepping out my comfort zone and communicating the mission effectively. A lasting impression this non-profit had on me was one of gratefulness. I have had the opportunity to go to school for free and pick up different hobbies and extracurriculars on the side without worrying how my parents would be able to afford everything. But for these students back in Ghana, extracurriculars and passions aren’t a possibility…” 

2. How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (Respond in 100 words or fewer.) 

This prompt requires a bit more research. Read up about what kind of classes are available for you to take at Purdue and how they fit, regarding your own interests. You could even name professors you would want to learn from, clubs and traditions you would want to be a part of at Purdue. However, because this prompt is quite short, try not to get too detailed in your explanations. 

Example Essay: 

“As a black woman interested in studying Computer Engineering, the MEP or Minorities in Engineering Program that Purdue offers will greatly benefit me in becoming the best student and future engineer I can be. I am also excited about learning how to branch the problem-solving and technical aspect of engineering with different avenues which is why I believe that the EPICS Engineering Learning Community would allow me to connect my engineering skills with the needs of local communities…” 

3. Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 100 words or fewer.) 

Finally, this last prompt is directed to your interests towards the program you are applying to. The important part of answering this prompt is to be colorful in the reasons why you wish to pursue the specific program. Some guiding questions to use to answer this prompt include “Why is Purdue the best place to pursue your dream” and “What is it about your major makes you want to pursue it? What do you wish to achieve?”. Readers of your essay want to see the passion you have for the major you have selected. And specifically, how Purdue will allow for that passion to be fostered. 

Example Essay: 

“My interest in math and science gave me the opportunity to go to a Engineering Magnet High School. While I loved the different projects and computer software we were exposed to, I soon came to realize that many people there didn’t look like me. My motivation for studying engineering shifted from not only bringing solutions to problems that marginalized groups have, but to encourage other black women to study engineering and bring those voices to the forefront of the industry. Purdue’s dedication to diversity and collaboration is why this school is the best opportunity for my passion to foster.” 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it’s important to give yourself time to write your essays and to get a second opinion from counselors, peers, or parents to help you out! But most importantly, speaking from your heart and being yourself will make the essay writing process much easier! Good Luck! 

Written by Insherah A Neizer-Ashun, PathIvy Purdue University Ambassador