2026–27 application cycle

Marquette University supplemental essays

Every writing prompt on the Marquette University application, with word limits. All of it taken from the application itself. 4 prompts, including program-specific ones.

    These prompts are program-specific.

    They apply only if you’re applying to the named program or school.

    • Doctor of Physical TherapyOptional

      Why physical therapy

      If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, please share why you are interested in physical therapy as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.

      How to approach it

      This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.

    • Doctor of Occupational TherapyRequired

      Why occupational therapy

      If you wish to be considered for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, please share why you are interested in occupational therapy as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.

      How to approach it

      This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.

    • Master of Athletic TrainingRequired

      Why athletic training

      If you wish to be considered for the Master of Athletic Training program, please share why you are interested in athletic training as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.

      How to approach it

      This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.

    • Speech-Language PathologyOptional

      Why speech-language pathology

      If you wish to be considered for the Speech-Language Pathology program, please share why you are interested in speech-language pathology as a profession and what experiences have led to this interest.

      How to approach it

      This is the most literal question on the application. Why this training, for your goals. Answer in that order. Name the goal first. Then point to the two or three parts of the program that serve it. Then show one thing you’ve already done that proves the goal is real.

    Common questions

    What do students ask about these essays?

    How many essays does Marquette University require?

    Marquette University lists 4 writing supplements for the 2026–27 cycle, and 2 of them are required. That’s on top of the main personal statement.

    Do the Marquette 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 Marquette 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.