villanova supplemental essays

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How to Write the Villanova University Essays 2023-2024

Villanova has two supplemental essays, one that asks you to explain why you want to attend Villanova, and an option prompt that allows you to write about equity and justice, your identity, an important life lesson, or the power of leaning on others. In this post, we’ll break down each and every prompt available to you, so that no matter which one you choose, you can be sure the approach you’re taking is a strong one.

Read these Villanova essay examples to inspire your writing.

Villanova University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: Why Villanova? Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and become part of our community? (about 150 words)

Prompt 2: Please select one of the four essay prompts listed below to fulfill the writing requirement and respond in about 250 words.

• Option A: St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?
• Option B: As an Augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. Please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background.
• Option C: In the Villanova community, we learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?
• Option D: At Villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” In a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others?

How to Approach the Villanova University Supplemental Essays

You should be thoughtful about which prompt you select here. You want to take advantage of the fact that Villanova is giving you some flexibility, particularly since all five options are fairly different from the standard supplemental prompts. 

First, read all of the options carefully, even if you think you are sure about which one you will choose. Second, note which one(s) stick out—for example, perhaps Option 3 reminds you of a meaningful reconciliation with a friend. If you immediately feel an emotional connection to one of the prompts, that can be a good sign that you’ll be able to write a strong response. 

Finally, think about how each prompt would add to your application as a whole, and make sure that the prompt you choose won’t lead to redundancies. For example, say you are drawn to Option 1, however, your Common App essay is about your advocacy work through your school’s Feminism Club, so you might be better off with one of the other options so you don’t repeat yourself. If you do still choose Option 1, make sure that you approach the topic from a new perspective, such as, for example, by describing your wide-reaching work in club social media management rather than your weekly volunteer work at the local women’s shelter.

Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community? (about 150 words)

This is more or less your standard “ Why This School? ” essay. Here, you’ll simply have to explain not only why you would love to go to Villanova, but also why they should love to have you! In short, you are demonstrating fit .

For a typical essay of this type, we recommend that you do plenty of research about the school, its traditions, and if known, your major within the school. Make a list of things that stand out to you as true, legitimate reasons to attend the school, as well as ways you can contribute. For example, Villanova is the only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation and the school values its duality between faith and learning. A few of the Augustinian values that Villanova references are Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas (meaning truth, unity, and love). What do these values mean to you? How attending a University with these values will impact your learning? 

Additionally, we recommend sticking with only a few talking points in this essay, as your space is limited and you may want to draw from personal experiences to explain how your past work will make you a great addition to the school. In short, how can you make this campus better? How can you stand out, and how can you fit in? Keep your writing specific, concise, and highly personalized. Which traits, or combination of traits, make you a uniquely good fit for this school?

Here are some examples: 

1. An applicant is drawn to Villanova because the Augustinian values resonate with her Catholic upbringing. She has always been passionate about both agricultural science and environmental sustainability, but has struggled to find a major that aligns with her academic interest.. She decides to apply to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at Villanova and leverage the school’s Individually Designed Major (IDM) program where she can create a unique major in the study of EcoGastronomy (the study of food, agriculture, and environment). 

2. Coming from a rural conservative community, a student wishes he could become a more informed ally to help educate his peers. He is excited to learn that Villanova offers in-depth DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training through a course called the Advancing Equity & Justice Curriculum. This program will give the applicant the tools that he needs to be a better advocate for diverse individuals. 

For more tips on this prompt archetype, check out our stellar essay examples , research tips , and video guide !

There is a bit of a difference between this essay and your typical “Why This School?” essay, however. They’ve implied an emphasis on community and a sense of home , so it will be helpful to explain why these themes are important to you. Explore them in your essay, perhaps by talking about groups you would like to start or join. Sports teams, student-led magazines, and theater productions are all great examples of places where you can express your collaborative nature. The focus shouldn’t be on the opportunity itself, but on how you will take advantage of it.

This personal connection is what will make your essay stand out, because Villanova receives over 20,000 applications per year. As a result, it’s very likely that someone else is writing about the same thing as you. That’s okay! The committee isn’t reading these essays to learn what opportunities their school offers—they’re reading them to learn about how you specifically will take advantage of these opportunities. If applicable, briefly describe teamwork and leadership experience and how you would now like to apply it to Villanova’s campus.

Prompt 2, Option A

St. augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.”  how have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities (about 250 words).

It seems that Villanova greatly values community and group efforts. It’s important to do a little bit of research about the key values of the schools you’re applying to, which are often made evident by their application prompts, mottos, marketing messages, and even conversations with current students. 

In this essay, highlight your concern for fairness, community, and selflessness through concrete and specific details. When possible, reference specific organization names, people you have worked with, and raw numbers (i.e: number of people served, amount of money raised, total attendance of a charity event, etc.) Avoid vague generalities and consider starting off your essay with a lively, brief anecdote to bring your story to life. 

Many applicants may write about posts they shared or reposted on social media during times of social crisis. Although these are valuable forms of activism to raise awareness on important issues, sharing a more unique experience may help you stand out! Did you write or speak to any local authorities, for example? Attend/organize a protest?

Here are some questions to consider as you brainstorm: 

Advocacy specifically refers to the act of speaking on the behalf of or in support of another person, place, or thing. How did you speak up? Whose voices have you amplified?

Example: A student writes about her experience attending the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C with her mother and sisters to protest sexual harassment and advocate for women’s reproductive rights. 

What community service work have you done? Who did this work serve, and how did it help bring them closer to justice? Remember, your response doesn’t have to be directly related to the social, economic, racial or political justice of human beings; advocacy for animals and the environment counts as well!

Example: A student illustrates how his family’s tradition of volunteering at a soup kitchen every Thanksgiving, has sparked a passion in him to research and combat food insecurity and food deserts in the US in his city.  

Are you a part of a group that has historically suffered injustice? How have you advocated for yourself and your community?

Example: A Native American student from the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico narrates the injustices her community has faced in cultural erasure. She creates content on social media to increase awareness of her tribe’s rich history and fading language. 

The most important thing to remember when approaching this prompt is to focus on an issue that really resonated with you. Sometimes social media can make it seem like there is a right and wrong way to approach activism – stay true to yourself! The way you advocate for equity and justice in your community may differ from other applicants. Allow these differences to let you stand out and illustrate what you’re truly passionate about. 

Prompt 2, Option B

As an augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background. (about 250 words).

This option, which has some overlap with the common “Diversity” prompt, has two pieces to it. First, you need to choose an aspect of your identity or background, ideally one you haven’t yet had a chance to dive into elsewhere in your application. Then, you will discuss a time you were misjudged because of this aspect of yourself, and how you responded or what you learned from this experience. Let’s break down each of those pieces. 

Usually, in writing about identity, you would want to choose a feature of yourself that is important to you and/or affects how you see the world. For this prompt specifically, however, you may want to channel your brainstorming less towards what’s important to your own self-image, and more towards features of your identity that affect how others see you. Of course, there may well be overlap between the two, but if you aren’t sure where to start, the latter category is a better jumping off point.

If you’ve experienced prejudice in the form of racism, sexism, homophobia, or something of the sort, this is a good place to talk about it, but you also don’t have to have experienced bigotry to answer this prompt effectively. Here are some examples of essays that could fit this prompt.

• A student who struggles with people asking him if he fits the stereotype of the neglected, forgotten middle child. 
• A student writing about how after she started lifting, her mom warned her that she wouldn’t like the way she looked with muscles, because muscles look weird on women. 
• Another student could write about how the GSA at his school assumed that he could not be religious because he was gay. 
• Another student wrote about how he was considered weird for asking his older sister to teach him to sew. 

All of these stories involve identity, but they come at the topic from unexpected angles. As you write your essay, try to think about times that you’ve surprised the people around you, or even surprised yourself. 

After you’ve chosen the moment of misjudgment that you’re going to write about, the second piece of this essay is discussing how you felt about this experience, and what you learned from it. In the moment, it likely didn’t feel great. But were you able to talk your feelings out with the person you had the interaction with, or debrief with friends or family after? Did it strengthen your resolve to keep doing what you were doing, or make you decide to work towards changing people’s perceptions of you? Or maybe it made you more aware of the way that snap judgments can hurt. 

This kind of reflection should be the real focus of your essay – the aspect of your identity you’ve chosen to write about may be important to you, but this essay is asking you to see people for who they truly are, and the impact it can have when others don’t do that. So, the majority of your essay should discuss how it felt to be misjudged, how you got past it (if applicable), and how you plan to take what you’ve learned from this experience into your future. 

Finally, we’d like to note that this prompt is asking you to reflect on an experience that was undoubtedly painful, and sharing that pain with a bunch of strangers thousands of miles away can be hard. But this is also a chance to showcase your resilience and capacity for reflection, so we would recommend not focusing merely on the experience of prejudice, bigotry, or simple misunderstanding. Rather than prioritizing the negative feelings associated with this encounter, center your own ability to learn from it, and apply your new knowledge in the future.

Prompt 2, Option C 

One of the themes in st. augustine’s book, confessions, is the idea of redemption. tell us your story of being given a second chance. (about 250 words).

Though this prompt is a little similar to your classic “ Overcoming Challenges ” essay, it’s still quite different from those you normally come across, so unless you immediately feel a connection to it, it will likely be the hardest to brainstorm for. On the other hand, it gives you a chance to write a genuinely unique essay that can take your application to the next level.

The most important thing is to pick a story that is genuinely about redemption. Remember, redemption is about paying back debt, being saved from true error and wrongdoing. For example, getting a B+ on one test and an A on the next is not redemption. The prompt is asking you to write about a genuine low point in your life, not a success disguised as a failure. Remember, the essays are your chance to be interesting and impressive, not necessarily perfect! If you’re having trouble being vulnerable because you’re worried about not looking good, remind yourself that you have the rest of your application to show off!

Here are some examples of true low points: being overconfident for a debate tournament and not preparing properly, losing your best friend’s trust, or getting rejected for a job you really wanted. Whatever you choose, you should tell your reader not only what happened, but also what you were feeling: disappointment, frustration, embarrassment, etc. At the same time, pick something you’re comfortable writing about. If your emotions about something are too raw, you probably won’t be able to write a strong essay about it.

Don’t overload your story with repetitive content about your failure or difficult emotions. Essays concerning difficult experiences should be primarily concerned with how you grew and bounced back. Therefore, the second half of your essay is where you show that this story is about redemption, not failure. Show your reader not only what you learned, but also what you did differently with your second chance.

Take the example of being overconfident for a debate tournament. Because of the opposing team’s poor reputation, you barely prepared, and fully expected to wing it and win the debate. However, your opponent ended up being incredibly skilled, and you stumbled all over your words. As a result of your loss, your team didn’t advance to regionals. While there was nothing you could do about that, you organized a tournament for all the teams that didn’t make it, so your team could still compete. You didn’t completely win over your teammates again, but you came back the next season and fully prepared for each tournament.

For another example, perhaps you did something that really upset your best friend. At first, you were angry at her, but after talking to your sister, you realized that you had to take accountability for your actions, so you baked her a cake as a peace offering.

This essay is a great chance to showcase your humility and willingness to take positive action. End your essay on a positive note to leave your audience interested and inspired.

Prompt 2, Option D

At villanova, we often say “each of us strengthens all of us.” in a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others (about 250 words).

In responding to this prompt, you get to showcase how you use your network of support, and in what circumstances. How do you make this a unique essay? Here are some questions to help you brainstorm.

• Are there particular friends or family members who you go to with certain issues, or for certain kinds of advice? What qualities make these people especially good in these situations?
• Have you ever been having a hard time, and someone did or suggested something that was unexpectedly helpful?
• Did a person or community help you acquire or develop your current coping skills? 
• Are there people whose stories, values, or personal traits you find particularly inspiring? Has someone else’s story or strategy for handling challenges ever pulled you out of a rut?

These questions all frame potential approaches to this essay, or can help you think of your own unique angle. The important thing to remember is that you want to center yourself, even as you talk about borrowing from the strengths of others. This sounds challenging, and a bit self-centered, but Villanova wants to get to know you, not the people around you. After all, you’re the one they’re thinking about accepting, not anybody else.

You can give information about yourself in a few different ways, but ideally you want to use a story or a few stories to convey your message. To do that effectively, you’ll need to choose your challenging situations with an eye towards demonstrating what’s important to you. 

Maybe you’re an environmentalist who can get discouraged over the state of carbon emissions, but you’re inspired by the number of organic, energy efficient coffee shops opening in your town. Or perhaps you’re a member of the school band, and bad performances used to throw you into a funk, but then your friends started blasting Taylor Swift music after every performance, good or bad, which helped you keep a more level head regardless of performance.

Try to avoid cliché stories , like a sports injury and how your team helped you come back from it – while that can absolutely be an incredibly formative experience, many other high school students across the country can and will write that same essay, and you want yours to stand out. 

In writing about your support system and your challenging situation, you should have used up about half of your word count, or maybe a little more. The rest of your essay should be devoted to explaining what you learned from these encounters in which you borrowed the strength of others. To figure out what you want to say here, you can ask yourself questions like the following:

• Have you adopted some of the traits that you admire in the people you lean on?
• Have you developed coping strategies of your own? 
• Has seeing your problem through someone else’s eyes changed your perspective? 

Finish your essay strong by talking about how borrowing from the strengths of others makes you, and all of us, stronger, so that the Villanova admissions team learns not just about the supportive community around you, but about you and your values too.

Where to Get Your Villanova University Essays Edited

Writing essays takes a lot of time and focus, and after seeing the same essay time and time again, it can be hard to tell what to change. Going through the editing process with another pair of eyes can help identify areas where your essay could be stronger, as well as areas that you’re already doing well. CollegeVine has created a free Peer Review Essay Tool , where you can get feedback on your essay, and give feedback to other students just like you!

CollegeVine also offers essay review by our team of experienced advisors, who have helped hundreds of students submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you and get the feedback you need to make your application a success!

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5 Tips for Writing an Amazing Villanova Essay

Villanova University is a private, Catholic research university in Pennsylvania. With a 20 percent acceptance rate, it's considered moderately competitive —but even that level of selectiveness has an average GPA just shy of 4.0. But acceptance to Villanova isn't just about your test scores and GPA; you'll also need to nail the Villanova supplement essay, rounding out your application with a strong representation of yourself.

In this guide, we'll cover all of Villanova's essay prompts and how to best answer them, including potential topics and pitfalls.

Feature Image: abbike18 /Wikimedia Commons

What Are the Villanova Essay Prompts?

Villanova University only accepts the Common Application . In addition to the required Common Application essay question, you'll be writing additional supplemental essays specifically for Villanova.

Two more supplemental essays are required as part of your application. The first essay, called Villanova Free Choice, gives you five options, and you only have to answer one. You'll have about 250 words to work with!

No prompt is inherently better than the others—pick whichever appeals to you most. Each one is unique to Villanova, and they all add their own flair to the expected essay format.

The second essay is a "Why This College" essay. Essentially, admissions counselors want to know why Villanova is the perfect school for you...in about 150 words, which isn't very much space!

Now, let's take a closer look at these essay prompts and how to answer them.

For the first essay, you'll get to choose which prompt you answer. Read on to make sure you're picking the Villanova prompt that gives you the best chance of getting in!

Essay Prompt #1: Villanova Free Choice

This section gives you five essay prompts. You'll only have to answer one!

The Villanova website suggests that you answer this essay in 250 words even though you have a maximum of 300 words on the Common App. Our recommendation? Keep your response as close to 250 words as possible!

Free Choice Option #1: The Equity and Justice Prompt

St. Augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” How have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities?

What Is This Essay Asking You to Do?

Essay prompts addressing equity and justice are very common in the college application process. Why? Because equity and justice are core values of many schools! This means that your response needs to show that you value equity and justice too. 

To show that you hold these core values, you’ll need to tell a real story about a time when you advocated for equity and justice in a community you belong to. The community you choose to write about is up to you, but your response should focus on the actions you took to promote the well-being of your “neighbors,” and why.

What Makes A Good Answer?

#1: Focus on your communities. To answer this question well, think about where you come 

from. What communities are you a part of? Who are the people in these communities? Your act of advocating for equity and justice should involve people who you consider to be your “neighbors”--and that ultimately means that your response should be personal. Pick a scenario in which you advocated for equity and justice for people you truly care about. Your passion will definitely shine through in your response!

#2: Explain what equity and justice mean to you. While there's a generally accepted definition of what constitutes "equity and justice," you may have had life experiences that have infused these words with some specific meanings to you. If you have a definition of equity and justice in your own words that you feel is powerful, include it in your response, and explain how you arrived at that definition.

#3: Place yourself at the center of the action. A good response here will highlight how you have been directly involved in or impacted by equity and justice as you understand it. For example, maybe you realized your high school English reading list included no texts written by people of color, so you got with other students to advocate for changes to the reading list. Highlight something you've done or experienced firsthand to showcase how, like Villanova, equity and justice are at the core of who you are.

What Are Some Potential Essay Topics?

In addition to the essay topics above, consider these possibilities: 

• You realized that many students at your school didn’t have a working understanding of what “equity” actually means! You organized a production with your school’s theatre department that put on a dramatic portrayal of what equity looks like in real life. Proceeds from the production went to a nonprofit organization that students in your school collectively chose.
• You worked with the students who are in the top 10 percent of your high school class to offer summer tutoring sessions to lower income elementary school students who struggled with standardized testing.

Are There Pitfalls You Should Avoid?

#1: Avoid shallow answers. This question isn't really asking you to write about the time that someone was left out on the playground and you invited them into your jump rope game. You'll need to think a bit deeper about what "equity and justice" can mean, and you'll have to show that you understand these concepts on a cultural, social, and/or political level. Think about the implications of equity and justice beyond just inviting someone "in" who was on the outside, and your answer will show Villanova admissions that you have a complex understanding of one of the school's core values.

#2: Don’t brag. Yes, you need to make your actions the centerpiece of your response to this question. But don’t exaggerate the effects of your efforts! Just be truthful about what you accomplished and what the outcome was. There’s no need to brag about your advocacy. The facts of your active participation in efforts for equity and justice will speak for themselves in your response.

Free Choice Option #2: The Truest Thing Prompt

What is the truest thing that you know?

Everyone has principles that guide their life, and this free choice essay prompt is asking you to describe one of yours. In about 250 words, you'll need to respond to this prompt--if you choose it--by selecting the one truest thing you know, and explaining how you came to that conclusion.

Now, don't get bogged down worrying about whether Villanova admissions will agree that your "truest thing" is actually the truest: the prompt asks about the truest thing that you know because they want to see what values guide your life to make you who you are. To "justify" your answer, you'll just need to tell the story of how you came to the conclusion that your truest thing is true.

#1: Tell a story. Think about an experience or situation that showcased the truth of the thing you decide to write about. For example, say you decide that your truest thing is Mr. Rogers' claim: "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Maybe there was a situation where your community was hit hard by a natural disaster and you were encouraged by working alongside the helpers who worked to restore your community. Whatever truest thing you choose to write about, telling the story of how you saw the truthfulness of it in a real situation from your life will make this response memorable.

#2: Pick something that 's t otally you. There are probably a lot of things you find to be true that guide your life, but for this response, write about the one that is most likely to showcase one of your core qualities or values. For instance, maybe you've been working hard to practice meditation, and you've become known for your ability to keep calm in tough times. So your truest thing is that through mindfulness, we can find peace in the world around us. Whatever the case may be, write about a "truth" that exemplifies who you are.

#3: Think outside the box. Consider "truest things" that aren't necessarily super serious. Can funny things be true? Can truest things be said with a touch of sarcasm? Yes, and yes. Remember that the point of these free choice essays is to show the person behind the application. As long as you can provide meaningful context for your "truest thing," it's totally fine if yours is funny, ironic, or just kind of kooky.

On top of the essay options above, consider these potential topics:

• You pick a quote from your favorite literary character and tell the story of how that quote became true to you. Maybe that happened through a tough situation with a friend, but it taught you the value of learning from literature...and the insight helped you patch up the situation!
• You tell the story of how you went into a challenging situation believing one thing to be true, but came out on the other side of the situation with a whole new perspective. You explain why that new perspective informs your everyday life choices in the present.

#1: Don't get too cheesy. Your "truest thing" can be something basic to human existence, an ironic quote from Friends, or a principle taken from a philosophical or religious perspective that guides your life, but don't get too cheesy if you're picking a quote. Maybe leave the Dr. Seuss quotes for graduation ceremonies and try putting your "truest thing" into your own words instead.

#2: Don't obsess about finding a quote. Instead of getting caught up trying to think of some pithy quote to talk about, let your memories of meaningful moments in your life guide you to what to write about here. Your "truest thing" doesn't have to be some flowery statement from Bill Gates or John F. Kennedy. You can use your own experiences as your "truest thing," too!

This prompt is all about your relationship with technology!

Free Choice Option #3: The Second Chances Prompt

One of the themes in St. Augustine's book, Confessions, is the idea of redemption. Tell us your story of being given a second chance.

This essay prompt is asking you to explain your understanding of the idea of redemption based on your personal experiences and/or observations.

This question is tied to Villanova's core values, so it's going to be important to them to see that you're a person who has thought through the value of second chances. Telling a story about your experiences with second chances will show admissions counselors that you understand the positive potential of mistakes.

#1: Tell a personal story. The prompt is explicit here: you’re being asked to tell a story about a time you were given a second chance . For instance, maybe you got super busy in high school and neglected your younger sister. When she told you her feelings were hurt, you apologized and made a commitment to spend more time with her. In your response, you could explain how receiving a second chance from a family member taught you that not all hurt is intentional, and you now give others the benefit of the doubt when you're upset.

#2: Reflect on your experience. Like with most of the essay prompts here, you also need to explain what you learned from the experience. Specifically, you need to reflect on what your experience of being given a second chance taught you about redemption. You don’t have to get too philosophical, but you should tie in some explanation of what redemption means to you after being given a second chance in your life.

On top of the possible topics mentioned above, here are two more sample topics to consider:

• You decide to describe your first ever memory of being given a second chance when you were a young child. You describe how that experience laid the foundation for your current definition of redemption.
• You had an experience when you let your team down, but when you came to apologize, the team welcomed you back with open arms. You explain how the experience taught you the transformative power of unconditional love and how second chances make communities stronger.

#1: You forget the personal aspect. Yes, there are plenty of stories about second chances in religious literature and folklore, but chances are that Villanova admissions is already familiar with those stories. You need to tell a story that is more personal or current than that—a real experience or observation of a second chance that has impacted you.

#2: Keep it personal, but not too personal. If you choose to tell about a time that you were given a second chance or that you gave someone else a second chance, don't go too far into the gory details. While you want your response to be genuine and personal, you also want to leave out any details that may put the other people involved in an uncomfortable position.

Free Choice Option #4: The Lessons Learned Prompt

In the Villanova community, we believe that we all learn from one another. What is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others?

Do your core values and life choices line up with Villanova's values? If yes, can you prove it? That's basically the crux of what this free choice prompt is asking. Villanova has strong community values that they want to see their future students exhibiting in their own lives. This is your time to show that the lessons you’ve learned in your life have led you to similar values--and that you’re willing to share them with others.

Specifically, this prompt is asking you to tell your story through the lens of a lesson you’ve learned. In other words, you'll need to explain what you learned, how you learned it, and back that up through a description of your real life experiences.

#1: Focus on your background. To answer this question well, dig into your experiences with others in your life. This question emphasizes the idea of learning from your community. Think of a time in your life when you learned something meaningful from a person in your community, whether that’s a friend, mentor, or even someone you didn’t necessarily connect with previously. Use your personal experience as a way to answer this prompt.

#2: Emphasize the experience that taught you the lesson. A good response to this question will show the lesson you learned rather than telling. Did you learn that it’s okay to lean on others when you’re struggling? Did you learn how to find contentment despite difficult circumstances? Whatever you choose to write about, you need to focus on your feelings and actions surrounding what you learned . Delving into the details of the experience that taught you the lesson--and how you felt about it--rather than waxing philosophic about the lesson itself will make a compelling response to this question. 

#3: Pivot to Villanova at the end. Like most of these prompts, this one is asking you to provide some insight into what kind of a student you’ll be at Villanova. This means that part of your response must include your thoughts on why you’d want to share your lesson with the Villanova community. So, think about more universal applications of your lesson. If you were sharing your lesson with fellow students at Villanova, how would you make it relatable to their lives as well?

If you're looking for topic ideas, in addition to the two mentioned above, try these on for size:

• You tell the story of a time when you pushed for a change that would make a policy or experience inclusive of a group who was being left out … but despite your efforts, the change didn’t happen. Then you explain what that experience taught you about how inclusion/exclusion affects people's lives.
• You tell the story of a lesson you learned due to your life circumstances in your home. You explain how those conditions helped form your core outlook on persevering through difficult life circumstances in your response to this prompt.

#1: Avoid cliches. This essay isn’t the place to write about how you learned to never judge a book by its cover or that a penny saved is a penny earned. Don’t invoke idioms or common catchphrases here--they’ll come across as shallow and insincere. The best way to avoid this is to come up with a real example from your life and put what you learned in your own words.

#2: Avoid answers where you aren't an active participant. There have probably been times in your life when you learned something, but you weren’t an active participant in the situation. But this isn't the time to write about situations where you were just a passive observer. Instead, think about a time in your life where you were involved in the action and explain how you participated. This free choice option is your chance to show Villanova that you are willing and able to learn in a wide range of circumstances.

Free Choice Option #5: The Technology Prompt

Augustine's “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Tell us about a societal issue that you believe the wonder of technology is well-poised to help solve.

This essay prompt is a classic problem-and-solution question, but with a twist: it’s asking you to think of a problem affecting society on a broad scale and explain how you think technology could help solve it. 

This prompt isn’t just for tech experts, though. If you choose this prompt, this is your opportunity to write about a societal issue that you truly care about and use the knowledge you have about technology to imagine a solution . Yes, you want your response to be grounded in reality, but this is also your chance to dream about how real technologies could bring about a better future.

#1: Write from the heart. The best response to this question will be rooted in things you’re already familiar with. Choose to write about a societal issue that’s close to your heart, whether that’s something that affects your local community, a cultural community you’re a member of, or an issue affecting people all over the world. Writing about an issue you truly care about will help your response read as genuine and sincere.

#2: Focus on what you know. The second piece of your response should propose a solution to the societal problem you care about--a solution that involves technology. The technology you propose as a solution to that problem should be something you have experience with in some way. For instance, maybe you’ve spent hours researching cutting edge tech for renewable energy, or you brought a little joy to your high school by doing the daily announcements on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Choosing an application of technology that you can write about with confidence will make a convincing response to this question.

In addition to the examples above, consider the following possible topics:

• You explain how the limitless connectivity on social networking sites has given you a global perspective on art and culture. You describe how you've connected with other teens from different parts of the world to collaborate on art projects and share them online, and how you would scale this collaboration up for teens around the world.
• You describe how seeing hashtags used in the #MeToo movement and the movement to end gun violence helped you understand a whole new way to create social change. You explain that these examples have motivated you to explore channels for political activism through social media in your own life, and how you would use hashtags to mobilize your peers for political action in the future.

#1: Don't trash social media. Everyone knows that technology has its drawbacks. But this free response question isn't the place to harp on the ethical issues wrapped up in social media. Instead, focus your response on the potentials of social media and other technology to solve real problems.

#2: Don't lose track of your goal. You don't want to waste your response by talking on about all the different ways you use social media and technology in your life. That's not the point of this question. Instead of focusing on technology itself, focus on explaining how a particular condition created by technology could be applied to existing societal problems.

(Sophia J/ Wikimedia )

The "Why Nova" Essay

The second Villanova essay you'll have to write for your Villanova supplement is the " Why This College " essay. Here's the prompt:

Why do you want to call Villanova your new home and how will you become part of our community? (About 150 words)

You'll need to get to know the Villanova community in order to respond to this required essay prompt. In approximately 150 words, you need to do one main thing in your response here: explain what it is about Villanova that makes you want to call it "home."

Since the prompt uses words like "home," "community," and "history," you want your response to show that you've done your research about Villanova . This means that your response should go beyond praising Villanova's great academics or religious affiliation to highlight specific things that you've learned about the school's history, culture, and identity that make you feel like you'll fit right in as a student there.

#1: Go into specifics about "Nova." This prompt is inviting you to show what you know about Villanova by touching on specific aspects of the school that appeal to you . For example, maybe your research revealed that undergraduate students at Villanova can partner with faculty for research projects, and that makes you feel like you'll be welcomed into a community of scholarly collaboration. Think about who you are and who you hope to be at Villanova, then write about one or two aspects of Villanova that make you think, "This is a place where I can achieve my goals."

#2: Explain the why. In addition to describing specific aspects of Villanova's offerings that appeal to you, you want to explain why those things are appealing. For example, maybe you're thrilled to find out that the English department offers an annual Literary Festival, so you explain that that aspect of Villanova is appealing to you because you're an aspiring author. Pairing your "what" with a "why" shows that your decision to apply to Villanova is based on thoughtful reflection.

#3: Connect everything to the future. Picture yourself at Villanova in the context of the things that appeal to you about the school. If you're excited about the Literary Festival, mention in your response that you can't wait to help organize the festival when you are a student. Positioning yourself as an active future member of the Villanova community in your response will help admissions see that you're serious about your education and about Villanova.

In addition to the examples above, here are a couple of potential essay topics:

• Your research reveals that Villanova has come out strong in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. You write about how this stance for justice makes you feel that your dedication to racial justice will be supported by the school when you are a student there.
• Your research reveals that Villanova lives out the Christian Mission by engaging in tangible, ongoing service toward creating a more equitable society. You write about how you feel excited about participating in these efforts as a member of the Nova Nation.

#1: Avoid talking about academics only. This essay is your chance to show that you're attracted to Villanova for more than just its stellar academics. Take this chance to show that "education" means more to you than just sitting in a classroom making good grades. Think about things about Villanova community life that foster learning outside of the classroom and write about them here.

#2: Don't include too many talking points. Yes, Villanova's athletic programs, and their outreach programs, and their undergraduate research opportunities might all be things that draw you to the school, but it's best to pick just one thing here and write about it. This will keep your response from being chaotic and all over the place. Consider choosing the one thing about Villanova that gets you the most excited and go all in for explaining why and how you'll fit into that niche once you get to campus.

Key Tips for Writing the Villanova Essay

Though Villanova's essay prompts are targeted specifically for their school, there are quite a few guidelines you can follow to make your essay strong regardless of what school you're applying for.

Brainstorming doesn't have to be an intensive process. Beginning a project is often the hardest part; taking a minute or five to get a bunch of ideas down on paper, regardless of their quality, lets you get to work without pressure. Take a deep breath, set a timer, and start jotting down as many ideas as you can think of. Once you're done, pick the ones that sound most appealing and move on to the next step.

Now that you have some ideas, you can start spinning them into outlines. Take a few of the ideas that are most appealing to you and start answering the supplemental questions that should come up in your essay. For example, if you're answering the first prompt, you should not only be thinking about your personal experiences with diversity, but also how you hope to support equity at Villanova.

Sketch out a brief plan for each topic. If you find you don't have enough points to make, it's probably not the right idea. Repeat until you have a few outlines to choose from, and then choose the one that you feel strongest about.

Now that you already have an outline, it's far easier to actually write your essay. On your first draft, don't worry too much about staying within the page limit. Don't even worry about word choice or having something you're ready to show somebody else. Just focus on getting all of your ideas down on the page so that you have something to do for the next stage.

Now comes the point where you start taking what you've done and turning it into gold. Editing isn't just about fine-tuning your grammar and spelling ; read your draft aloud to find places where your sentences run on too long, or places where you've used the wrong word. Cut extra words and take out sections that aren't serving your thesis. Be brutal; you can always add things back in if you find you miss them!

Get Feedback

Once you've done a few editing passes on your essay, it's time for the scariest part: showing it to others. Ask a few people who are invested in your success but who aren't likely to be too harsh or overly kind in their suggestions—teachers, coaches, and other authority figures are generally good choices—to take a look at your essay and let you know what they think.

Let them mark up your draft with any mistakes that they find, and set all that feedback aside for a bit. It's a good time to take a break from your essay so that you can come back to it with fresh eyes.

Now that you've had some time away from your essay, it's time to revise. Take all that feedback you received and consider it. You don't have to fix anything that doesn't feel right to you, but do consider why your reviewers may have made that suggestion. Does your essay lack clarity? Could you have chosen a better word? Why are they confused?

Always be sure that your essay sounds like you wrote it, though. Remember: your essay is meant to showcase the things that make you unique. If it reads like every other student's application, it's not working right! If one of your readers has made big suggestions that don't sound like something you'd say, rephrase them until they do, or just don't use them. It's more important that your essay represents you.

What's Next?

A great essay is just one part of a successful Villanova application. Find out what ACT scores and GPA the admissions office is looking for with this handy guide !

If you're seeking financial aid from Villanova, this guide to their tuition and financial aid will help you figure out how much you need and how much you can expect to get .

Though Villanova has some unique considerations for their essays, there are some common tricks and strategies you can use to write your college essay . This guide covers some of the best ways to ensure your application essay is a success!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Villanova Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Villanova supplemental essays 2023-2024.

Villanova University is one of the top colleges in its home state of Pennsylvania and in the United States. With over 64 majors and 260 student organizations, Villanova University is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.  To stand out among over 23,000 applications , you’ll need strong Villanova supplemental essays. Students who ace the Villanova essay portion are highly likely to join the 6,700-strong Villanova enrollment

Here’s a little secret: While having a solid academic record is important for admissions, well-written Villanova supplemental essays are one way to set your application apart. 

In this guide, we’ll provide key details about the Villanova supplemental essays to illustrate what the Villanova admissions team looks for. Beyond the Villanova supplemental essays, we will also provide you with the Villanova application deadlines and how to choose one. Furthermore, we’ll analyze Villanova supplemental essay prompts to provide insights for building the best Villanova supplemental essays!

Villanova Essay: Quick Facts

Quick facts on villanova essay.

• Villanova University Ranking Overall: #94 College Overall 
• Villanova University Acceptance Rate: 25%– U.S. News ranks Villanova University as a most selective school . 
• Total: Approximately 6,700 students
• Freshmen: Approximately 1,700 students
• 1 (~ 250 words) Villanova free choice essay
• 1 (~ 150 words) “why Villanova” Essay
• Common Application Essay
• Villanova Application: Villanova University is a Common Application member institution. Therefore, students must complete their application using the Common Application . 
• Early Action: November 1st
• Early Decision I: November 1st
• Early Decision II: January 15th
• Regular Decision: January 15th 
• Villanova Supplemental Essays Tip: Besides the Common Application essay, Villanova supplemental essays have a very limited word count. Therefore, make sure your Villanova essays are clear and concise.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

Does Villanova have supplemental essays?

Students applying to Villanova University must complete two supplemental essays.

The first of two required Villanova essay prompts allows applicants to respond to a specific prompt. This essay is the Villanova free choice essay. This Villanova supplemental essay showcases students’ ability to reflect on their experiences and demonstrate their alignment with Villanova’s values.

On the other hand, the second of the two required Villanova essays is the “why Villanova” essay. Predictably, the prompt asks students to respond to one question: Why do you want to call Villanova your new home, and how will you become part of our community? This Villanova essay prompt allows students to explain how their post-secondary passions and goals align with Villanova University . 

Both Villanova supplemental essays allow students to prove to Villanova admissions that they are the perfect fit for the university. In the next sections, we will explore the differences between the two types of Villanova supplemental essays.

Villanova Free Choice Essay 

The Villanova free choice essay offers applicants the opportunity to select from four thought-provoking Villanova essay prompts. The opportunity to choose from a range of Villanova essay prompts may seem liberating. On the other hand, it can also be overwhelming as applicants must choose the prompt that highlights their unique qualities. Therefore, understanding each of the Villanova essay prompts is crucial in determining which aligns best with your experiences, values, and aspirations. 

In this section, we will dive deeper into each one of the Villanova essay prompts. We’ll discuss how to approach each Villanova essay prompt and why it may work for you. This should help you decide which of the Villanova essay prompts is best for you and your application.

Villanova Essay Prompts #1

St. augustine states that well-being is “not concerned with myself alone, but with my neighbor’s good as well.” how have you advocated for equity and justice in your communities .

The first of the four Villanova essay prompts is inspired by St. Augustine’s belief in caring about others. For this Villanova essay, students should reflect on their efforts to advocate for community equity and justice. This Villanova essay prompt invites applicants to share specific instances where they have taken action to promote fairness and inclusivity.

Whether through grassroots initiatives, volunteering with local organizations, or standing up for marginalized groups, applicants should discuss what they’ve done. These don’t necessarily have to be in an official capacity, either; your work might be outside an organization. Delve into the impact of your advocacy efforts large and small, and the lessons you have learned from these experiences. Convey a genuine commitment to the well-being of others and demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of collective welfare.

Applicants should avoid making generalized or vague statements about advocating for equity and justice. Be sure to provide concrete examples. While giving examples to answer this Villanova essay prompt, avoid exaggerating your involvement or solely focusing on personal achievements. Instead, be genuine and honest about your experiences and how they’ve sent ripples through your life.

Remember: The topic of equity and justice is complex, so don’t downplay challenges that may arise when promoting them in your community.

Villanova Supplemental Essay #2

As an augustinian community, we believe that you should see people for who they are. please share with us a time when you were misjudged based on your identity or background..

The second of the four Villanova essay prompts requires students to recount a personal encounter where they were misjudged. Recall the Villanova community’s commitment to recognizing individuals for who they truly are. Applicants should use this essay to share their resilience and growth in the face of adversity.

It is key to discuss the emotional impact of such experiences and how they have shaped one’s perspective and actions. Think about how being misjudged made you feel, how you reacted, and how you go forward in light of it. Additionally, highlighting how it fostered empathy and a stronger determination to advocate for understanding and acceptance can further strengthen the essay.

Avoid exaggerating or fabricating instances where you were misjudged to gain sympathy or appear as a victim. Be cautious not to blame others or use harsh language when discussing the misjudgment you faced. Instead, focus on the personal growth and resilience you gained from these experiences. Lastly, ensure you do not generalize or stereotype others in your response. The goal is to tap into the need to understand and show empathy for others who may be different.

Villanova Essay Prompts #3

In the villanova community, we learn from one another. what is a lesson in life that you have learned that you would want to share with others.

The third of the four Villanova essay prompts centers on the Villanova community’s value of learning from one another. In this essay, applicants should share a significant life lesson they have learned and would like to impart to others. The key here is to select a lesson that holds personal meaning and has shaped your character positively. Ideally, what you want to share is not simply a lesson, but part of who you are today.

Whether it be a lesson in perseverance, humility, or compassion, students should describe the experience that taught them. How has it influenced your outlook on life and interactions with others? You can showcase your willingness to contribute insights and experiences to the diverse Villanova community by offering an insightful reflection.

Avoid selecting a life lesson solely based on what you think admissions officers want to hear or using clichéd phrases. Instead, choose a meaningful lesson that has genuinely impacted your life and that you can write about with confidence. Be specific in describing how it has shaped your character and decisions.

Free Choice Villanova Essay Prompts #4

At villanova, we often say, “each of us strengthens all of us.” in a time of personal challenges, how do you borrow from the strength of others .

The last of the four Villanova essay prompts requires applicants to discuss how they draw strength from others during personal challenges. At Villanova, the principle of mutual support is celebrated; in times of trouble, community members support each other. Think about times you needed to lean on others; how did you ask for, receive, and respond to support?

In response to this prompt, students should narrate a difficult period or some related struggles. Elaborate on the sources of strength and inspiration you sought from those around you. Whether from family, friends, mentors, or even strangers, applicants should explore the significance of communal support in overcoming obstacles. This essay offers a platform to display vulnerability, resilience, and the capacity to appreciate the power of unity in times of difficulty.

Avoid fabricating stories of personal challenges or borrowing strength from others when it did not occur. Be honest about the sources of support you received, avoiding exaggeration or portraying yourself as entirely dependent on others. Focus on the positive outcomes and personal growth that emerged from seeking help rather than dwelling on the difficulties.

Why Villanova Essay

As shared in the previous section, the first Villanova supplemental essay allows students to choose from one of four prompts. In comparison, the second supplemental essay is the infamous “why school” essay.

Why do you want to call Villanova your new home, and how will you become part of our community?

Although the concept of a “why school” essay appears simple, it could be one of the most challenging essays to write. After all, you want your “why Villanova” essay to stand out among over 20,000 candidates. 

The “why Villanova” essay is a powerful opportunity to amplify your application by illustrating how Villanova aligns with your aspirations. Research is crucial—connect your preferred major , passions, experiences, and long-term goals with the opportunities at Villanova University. You should highlight aspects of Villanova that will support you in achieving your goals. Obviously, you should avoid reusing essays submitted to other colleges, and ensure this essay is explicitly tailored to Villanova. 

What can you offer?

In addition to focusing on your desire to attend the university, a successful “why Villanova” essay goes beyond personal gains. The essay must showcase how your acceptance to the university is mutually beneficial. Therefore, explain how you can enrich the campus community and the unique qualities and perspectives you will contribute. This essay is your chance to demonstrate that you are the perfect fit for Villanova University. Show that your presence will enhance the academic environment and foster a vibrant community.

Ultimately the “why Villanova” essay holds great significance in the application process. It demands thoughtful reflection and a representation of your passion for the university’s values and opportunities. You must communicate your potential to impact the campus community positively. Use this essay to convey why Villanova University is the ideal place for your academic and personal growth.

Check out Villanova Admissions’ YouTube channel for testimonials from real Villanova students on why they chose Villanova University!

How to write Villanova supplemental essays

A strong Villanova supplemental essay can enhance your application and catch the admissions committee’s attention. You can showcase your personality, experiences, and potential contributions to the Villanova community—all  incredibly important for a first-year student . Accordingly, your Villanova supplemental essays should be crafted with care and close attention. Consider the following strategies and tips to make your supplemental essay truly stand out.

Research Villanova University’s values, mission, and programs. Gain a complete understanding of Villanova majors, academic offerings, campus culture, and initiatives. Incorporate this knowledge into your essays to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit with Villanova. 

Authenticity and Personal Voice

Craft your essay to reflect your genuine self. Share personal anecdotes and experiences that have shaped your values, passions, and goals. Avoid generic responses and instead focus on unique aspects of your journey.

Engaging Writing Style

Narrative style is pretty standard for college essays these days. Make your Villanova essay engaging and captivating with strong storytelling. Hook the reader by using powerful imagery and thoughtful language. Maintain a strong narrative flow that keeps the reader hooked from the introduction to the conclusion. Consider incorporating creative elements such as metaphors or anecdotes that leave a lasting impression.

Proofread and Refine

Take the time to proofread and edit your essay carefully. Ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Check for clarity and coherence in your ideas. Due to the limited word count, you must choose every word wisely and remove redundancy.  

By incorporating these strategies in your Villanova supplemental essays, you can show off your unique qualities and potential contributions to the Villanova community. Ultimately, the Villanova supplemental essays are your chance to shine and convince the admissions committee that you’re an ideal fit . Keep these objectives in mind throughout your writing process.

How important are the supplemental essays for Villanova?

In short, very. Admissions officers eagerly anticipate reading Villanova supplemental essays because they serve as a window into applicants’ unique perspectives, passions, and character. The admissions committee understands that the Villanova supplemental essays offer an invaluable opportunity for students to dig deep. Writers must showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and ability to articulate their thoughts effectively. Therefore, Villanova admissions dedicates significant time and consideration to thoroughly evaluating each Villanova supplemental essay. Make sure your essays are error-free and impactful before submitting them!

Now more than ever, Villanova supplemental essays are important to admissions decisions. Villanova admissions prides itself on taking a holistic approach when reviewing applications. As such, for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Villanova University is test-optional . Not requiring applicants to submit their test scores places greater emphasis on Villanova supplemental essays, which makes them incredibly important. Think carefully about going test-optional; if you do, your essays will be weighed more heavily.

Other key Villanova application requirements

By now, we have reviewed the requirements for Villanova supplemental essays. However, there are other application requirements you should know to craft an application that maximizes your admissions chances. 

The first thing students should know are Villanova’s three application types and their deadlines. 

Early Action

Students who want to apply early in their senior year but are unsure which institution they would like to attend might consider Early action. This application strategy is non-binding, so students are not required to attend the university if accepted. The early action deadline for Villanova University is November 1. If your application is good to go by November 1, consider applying early action for higher admissions chances.

Early Decision

Early decision is best for students whose first choice is Villanova University and who know they want to enroll immediately. Be mindful that the early decision application is binding. For Villanova University, there are two early decision rounds: the first deadline is November 1, and the second is January 15. Students requiring additional time to write Villanova supplemental essays—or improve their GPA or test scores—may opt for the second deadline.

Regular Decision

Regular decision is non-binding and is perfect for students wanting to apply but unsure which university to attend. Similar to the second early decision deadline, the regular application deadline is January 15. This provides students additional time to ensure their academic scores and Villanova supplemental essays are as strong as possible.

Another thing potential applicants need to know regarding application requirements is the teacher recommendation requirement. Villanova University requires one recommendation from a secondary school teacher who taught you during high school. Additionally, you may submit an optional letter from a school counselor; any additional letters are not considered, so choose wisely. The teacher must be able to speak about you in detail and your contributions to the classroom environment. In addition to Villanova supplemental essays, the teacher recommendation is another way Villanova can see you’re a great fit for the community.

More Essay Resources from CollegeAdvisor

While writing Villanova supplemental essays can be daunting, the good news is that CollegeAdvisor has many resources to assist you. Here are some of my favorites. 

1. How to Write Better Essays

How to Write Better Essays

This article offers 9 tips for writing better essays for students wondering how to improve their writing. The article breaks down the different types of application essays, including the “why school” essay,  cultural essay, and personal challenge essay. In addition to giving details about each type of essay, the article’s nine tips cover the entire essay writing process. All are helpful tips for any student looking to complete Villanova supplemental essays.

2. Admissions Officer Advice: Making Your Essays Shine

For students who have started their Villanova supplemental essays but are looking to make them shine, this webinar is for you. In this webinar, Admissions Officer Aya Waller-Bey shares advice and insider tips on refining college essays. Her insight will go a long way in helping you create an impactful college application essay to enhance your application.

3. College Essay Mistakes When Writing About Yourself

College Essay Mistakes When Writing About Yourself

When writing your Villanova supplemental essays, it’s important to review resources that tell you what to do. It’s also important to know what not to do. With that in mind, this resource is perfect! In this webinar, a senior advisor shares common mistakes students make in their application essays and how to avoid them. If you’re wondering whether your essays are hitting the mark, check out this free resource.

Of course, these are only three of the dozens of free articles and webinars we have on CollegeAdvisor.com. Whether you’re writing Villanova supplemental essays, researching Ivy League schools , or weighing financing options, we can help.

Villanova Supplemental Essays – Takeaways

This article has provided insights into Villanova supplemental essays and their significance in the admissions process. By examining the essay prompts, requirements, and writing tips, we have identified key steps for crafting compelling and authentic responses.

Here are eight takeaways: 

1. villanova university is highly competitive.

Villanova enrollment for fall 2023 is 6,700 students, with approximately 1,700 freshmen. In total, the university received over 23,000 applications. Due to these staggering statistics, well-written Villanova supplemental essays are crucial in setting applicants apart.

2. Villanova University has two Villanova supplemental essays

In addition to submitting the Common Application essay, Villanova requires two essays. These are known as the Villanova free choice essay and the “why Villanova” essay.

3. Selecting the best Villanova essay prompt requires self-reflection on your experiences and writing ability

The first of the two Villanova supplemental essays allows applicants to respond to one of four Villanova essay prompts. When writing, a focus on strong storytelling to convey personal experiences and values is a must.

4. Focus on Villanova’s values

The “why Villanova” essay requires thorough research so students can make connections between Villanova’s values and their passions and long-term goals. The “why Villanova” essay must identify how the applicant’s acceptance would be mutually beneficial for the student and campus. 

5. Do your research

Before writing your Villanova supplemental essays, ensure you have thoroughly researched Villanova University’s values, programs, and community. This research will provide a solid foundation for your essays and show the Villanova admissions committee you’re enthusiastic about attending.

6. Be yourself

Applicants should avoid generalizations, clichés, or exaggerations in their Villanova supplemental essays. Aim for honest and sincere responses that reflect your true experiences and values.

7. Leave time for drafts and revisions

After completing your Villanova supplemental essays, make sure you proofread to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to the word count. Ideally, you shouldn’t submit your first draft of Villanova supplemental essays; edit them—preferably with outside help—before sending them.

8. Mind the deadlines

Finally, the Villanova supplemental essays are important when applying to Villanova, but the application deadlines are even more important. The one way to guarantee denial is by submitting your application after the application deadline. Therefore, pay attention to the Villanova application deadlines and application types to ensure admissions officers review your application through the best lens.

With these key takeaways, you can craft compelling Villanova supplemental essays that showcase your unique qualities and fit with the college’s community. All told, you’ll certainly increase your chances of standing out. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will feel compelled to apply. After you apply, be sure to check your applicant status page to receive updates regarding your application. Good luck!

This article was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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