2026–27 application cycle
American University supplemental essays
Every writing prompt on the American University application, with word limits. All of it taken from the application itself. One prompt.
- Prompt 1Optional
What excites you
Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you're excited.
Common questions
What do students ask about these essays?
How many essays does American University require?
American University lists 1 writing supplement for the 2026–27 cycle, and 0 of them are required. That’s on top of the main personal statement.
Do the American University 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 American University 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.