Scripps College is a small, liberal arts women's college in Claremont, California. It is one of the Claremont Colleges, which also includes Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. Students at the Claremont Colleges can use resources and take classes across campuses. So, while Scripps might be a women's college with only around 1,000 students, it is part of a much larger non-gendered community of 8,500 students across campuses.
Scripps doesn't publish an acceptance rate, but it has been around 30% in the past. We have written about Scripps before, and their supplement has been the same for a couple of years. However, we still wanted to revisit it and share our tips and tricks for approaching the Scripps supplement.
Why have you chosen to apply to Scripps College? (200 words)*
We have a bit of a formula for answering "why do you want to go here?" questions.
You should start this answer with a story about when you fell in love with the subject you want to major in at college. Think of this as your origin story. For example, if you want to study Art History, maybe it was volunteering at a museum one summer. Show us your passion and then state that you hope to major in that passion at Scripps.
One quick note for our "undecided" students: please don't say you are undecided. Look back on your resume and transcript and take an educated guess. No college wants to hear, "I don't know yet." They are looking for candidates who are passionate about their academic goals. It is ok to fake it a little… we promise they won't hold you to this essay when it comes to declaring a major.
Once you have introduced your major, discuss specific department opportunities. Talk about two higher-level classes and a professor's work that fits your interests. Explain why these opportunities fit perfectly with what you hope to study. Try to steer clear of intro courses. They are usually similar everywhere, and you want to show why Scripps specifically is great for your academic journey.
Then, add an on-campus opportunity that speaks to you. Try to connect it to something you already do so that you can talk about yourself. Maybe you do a monthly beach clean-up and now want to join the Ocean Initiative Club. Show the overlap between who you are and who you hope to be at Scripps. It also isn't a bad idea to mention why you want to attend a Women's College. This can be a lot to pack into 200 words, so use them wisely. You want to leave the reader with the vibe that Scripps is the perfect choice for you and that you are the ideal choice for Scripps.
While the first question is one we see all the time, the second question is far more unique. Scripps asks you to choose one of three fun prompts. These are all opportunities to have some fun and show off your personality. Usually, when colleges give prompt options, some are better than others, but in this case, all are good. If you immediately gravitate to one, that is great, but if you feel lost, let's break them down.
Choose one of the following 150-300 words
(1) If you could trade lives with someone (fictional or real) for a day, who would it be and why?*
Don't make this a pageant answer. Have you ever watched a beauty pageant of the 2000s classic, Ms. Congeniality? Have you noticed that contestants say that if they had one wish, they would ask for "World Peace?" World Peace is fabulous, of course, but it feels like a platitude more than an answer. Some answers to this question will feel the same. For example, "I would be the president and stop all wars."
Your answer should be quirky and connected to at least one of your many interests. Sometimes, it's easier to start with a dream job or experience. Maybe you love theater; you could trade places freaky Friday with the actor who originated your favorite role. Perhaps you love food; you could trade places with a famous food critic. Take us through what you would do with your day, and make sure to explain "why?" This essay should feel specific and unique. You want to think of an interesting person and an interesting "why?" Your answer could also be to trade lives with someone who has a skill you don’t have—for example flying or breathing underwater.
(2) You've invented a time machine! When and where is your first destination and why?*
A lot of our advice for the question above also holds true to this prompt. You want to be unique. Don't say any of the "go-to" Time Machine answers. Yes, killing Hitler would feel great, but you want to stand out and showcase an interest of yours here.
Look at your interests, both inside and outside of the classroom. Have there been any iconic moments in history connected to that interest that you would love to see? Consider if you want to see it or if you want to change something about it. Would you interact with anyone? Warn anyone about their futures? For this question, you need a good "why." Convince us that your answer is an excellent one by showing us your reasoning.
(3) You have just been invited to host your own podcast. What will you talk about and why did you select that topic?*
This is a fantastic opportunity to nerd out about something you love. Don't be afraid to get specific here. For example, "a podcast about movies because you love movies" doesn't feel special. "A Podcast about movies that have been banned or edited during international releases due to cultural differences and sanctions and the implications of that, because as a Queer international student, you grew up fascinated with these changes and tracking them," now we are listening. It should feel like a mouthful.
Bring us into the world of your podcast. Feel free to give it a name or even guests. Tell us why you are the best person to host it because of our background in that subject. Let us know why this topic fascinates you.
All of these questions are looking for creative and unique answers and great explanations; make sure your answer fits those parameters.
The Scripps supplement gives you some excellent opportunities to discuss your interests, both seriously and with a bit of whimsy. Give yourself time to research and brainstorm.
And if you need help with supplements, reach out here!