Scripps is a small private liberal arts women’s college in Claremont, CA, and is part of the 7 Claremont Colleges. Notable alumnae include a variety of artists, Bill Clinton’s house counsel Beth Nolan, and Representative Gabby Giffords. Their most popular majors include biology, social science, psychology, communications, natural resources and conservation, and English.
With a 35% acceptance rate, you’ll want to master these supplements to maximize your chances of admission. We’ve covered Scripps before, and their supplement is unchanged from last year, but we’ve dissected it again to give you some new tips and tricks.
Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? (200 words)
This is a Why Scripps essay, and you’ll start with your origin story that explains how you found your interest area. This should conclude with a sentence that declares your intended major at Scripps. The story should be as descriptive as you can be in the limited space, and bring the reader into the moment with you. No “I want to study XYZ because it’s interesting to me,” in this essay. You’ll then choose one to two upper-level classes that fit into the niche you’re pitching them, and explain how they fit into your goals. Next, find a professor who you want to research with and again, explain how working with them would further your passion. Finally, find an extracurricular or two at Scripps that draws a nice line from what you did in high school to what you want to do at Scripps. Space permitting, expand on why being at Scripps and utilizing the Claremont Colleges would also align with your academic goals.
Chose one of the following (150-300 words):
These are the fun questions. We always say, is a small liberal arts college really a small liberal arts college if they don’t put some goofy questions in their supplement.
(1) If you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why?
Supplemental essays are an opportunity to show off your personality, especially parts that aren’t in your application otherwise or can’t be quantified. It’s important to pick someone that doesn’t have a life similar to yours, and potentially pick someone who has a very opposite personality than yours to highlight your own traits. For example, if you’re introverted, maybe you swap with Leslie Knope. You could also pick someone who has achieved a great deal in your academic interest area. One thing to watch out for is not complaining about what you have or accidentally bragging.
(2) You’ve invented a time machine! When and where is your first destination and why?
Tell a story! Show off that personality! This would be a good place to talk about your area of expertise, maybe go back to an important invention or historical moment. This would be a great question to break form in – maybe try some dialogue, try some creative writing. Don’t say “I’d go back to 19xx and witness XYZ,” instead perhaps describe yourself exiting the machine and seeing all the new sights.
(3) You have just been invited to host your own podcast. What will you talk about and why did you select that topic?
They switched this one from TED Talk to podcast, lol. Teens are way more into podcasts these days, we guess. Think of your favorite podcast and what you like about it. Listen to the trailers for your favorite podcasts to get an idea of how they frame what you’re about to hear, and then think of an interest you have outside of your stated academic interests. Are you super into classic lit, or women in video games, or a particular court case? Write your own trailer for your podcast here. Channel your inner Sarah Koenig (is that too dated?) or Ira Glass.
Good luck! These questions match the vibe of Scripps, so if you found them cringe, you might not like Scripps.
If you need help with your supplemental essays, reach out to us today.