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Purdue Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

June 25, 2024

Purdue is a school where the non-scary acceptance rate figures are not truly indicative of just how competitive the admissions process actually is. This public land grant research university in Indiana is actually a draw for students from around the world—out-of-staters apply at three times the volume of Hoosier State residents. Highly renowned academic programs in areas such as computer science, engineering, and business are part of the reason that the average enrolled applicant attending Purdue today possesses an SAT of 1300+ and a 3.7 unweighted GPA. This brings us to the topic of the Purdue supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Purdue? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into Purdue University: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

In a competitive admissions environment, Purdue’s essay prompts are viewed by the committee as being “important” to the evaluation process. Therefore, it is vital that all Boilermaker applicants dedicate a significant amount of time to these three essays. Below are Purdue University’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing winning essays.

Purdue University Essay Prompt #1 (Required)

1) How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (250 words)

Purdue’s essay may not directly ask the applicant “Why Us?” but make no mistake—this is very much a classic “Why Us?” essay that will require some research. Luckily, they upped the word count from 100 words to 250 words, which means you can squeeze in twice as many details.

Examples of items that quality “Why Purdue?” essays touch upon include:

• Firstly, opportunities available through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Purdue’s 30+ study abroad programs .
• The 600 student organizations on campus.
• The Pathmaker Internship Program.
• Numerous combined degree opportunities for ambitious students.
• Unique academic opportunities available through your department/major of choice.

Of course, these are just five out of countless features that could be part of a successful essay. You may also wish to address items like specific courses you are excited about, particular professors, or internship/co-op placements that you would aim to take advantage of. Finally, be sure to explain why each program/offering is appealing to you.

Purdue Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Essay Prompt #2 (Required)

2) Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (250 words)

Share an authentic story here of why you are interested in your selected discipline. What books have you read on the subject? What documentaries have you watched? Which podcasts have you listened to? What subtopics most intrigue you? Did a teacher excite you about a topic or was it a parent or outside mentor? Do you know where you want to take this knowledge post-bachelor’s degree? Do you aim to one day go on to pursue a graduate/professional degree or is there an occupation you are shooting for right out of undergrad? Include as much detail as possible.

You can structure the narrative of this essay as a soup-to-nuts chronicling of your entire journey toward your discipline of interest or share one or two vignettes that illustrate your burgeoning passion for engineering, history, French, computer science, business, psychology, etc.

Essay Prompt #3 (Required if listing a second major)

3) Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the alternate major you have selected. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)

See answer #2 re: your first-choice major. You are essentially repeating this process for a different field. However, avoid having two completely unrelated majors/career goals. For example, if your first choice was business and your second choice was economics, it’s easy to explain the relationship. If the fields are more disparate (e.g. Dance & Chemical Engineering), be sure to provide a thorough explanation.

How important are the Purdue supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and two supplemental essays) are “important” to the Purdue admissions committee, given the same weight as recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, and first-generation status. This places the essays behind only GPA, standardized test scores, and the rigor of your secondary school record, all three of which are designated as “very important” by Purdue.

Purdue Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Purdue supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote today.

Need additional essay writing resources? Check out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• How to Start a College Essay
• How to End a College Essay
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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How to Write the Purdue University Supplemental Essays 2019-2020

Purdue University, home of the Boilermakers, the “world’s largest drum,” and an expert-approved writing lab , remains today as one of the most innovative schools in the country. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue has come a long way since its founding in 1869.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has called Purdue the number one destination for international students studying STEM, and Purdue’s engineering and agriculture programs are also both world renowned. What’s more, Purdue was the first university in the world to offer a degree in aviation, and it even has its own airport on campus (the second largest in the state of Indiana).

Many of Purdue’s 30,000+ undergraduate students describe it as a place of opportunity. Purdue’s reputation precedes it as a haven for undergraduate research, but it also provides students access to a wide variety of pre-professional opportunities like co-ops and Fortune 500 internships.

As a member of the Big Ten Conference, Purdue’s campus lights up with school spirit, especially during rivalry games. Ever since 1891, the winner of the annual Boilermakers vs. Indiana Hoosiers football game has taken home the Old Oaken Bucket, an iconic rivalry trophy.

Purdue is highly coveted among high schoolers all across the nation. With an acceptance rate of 57%, admission is somewhat selective. Writing strong essays will certainly help you stand out, and we at CollegeVine have provided several tips below to help as you undertake the Purdue supplemental essays. Want to know your chances at Purdue? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Purdue University Application Essay Prompts

How will opportunities at purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom (100 words).

The primary purpose of this prompt is for you to pinpoint specific programs at Purdue and why you wish to take advantage of them. The key to answering this prompt will be making sure you balance discussion of your interests/accomplishments and the unique offerings at Purdue.

One easy mistake you could make here would be focusing too much on either one of these two facets . For instance, not focusing enough on Purdue-specific programs might convey a lack of knowledge, but mentioning too many of them would not leave room to explain why they’re relevant to you. Because the word count is so restrictive, concision is key.

Regarding concision, make sure your introductory sentence gets straight to the point. Unless you’re extremely crafty, don’t try to set up an extended metaphor. Additionally, don’t concern yourself with elaborate transitions between sentences (keep them brief). It is best to be direct and methodical here.

In terms of structure, here is a general outline:

Introduction (0-2 sentences).

You most likely won’t need two sentences to introduce your response here. If you’re choosing to write about organizations that relate to just one interest, you might consider making an umbrella statement about that interest here.

For example: “My friends call me a political junkie.” This is a concise statement that allows the writer to pick out different programs at Purdue University that relate to politics and explain their value.

Don’t do this: “Purdue is a great school with a plethora of organizations I want to join.” This sentence is 14 words long, but it adds nothing to the response following it. This author now has an 86 word limit! General statements like this aren’t necessarily bad writing, but it’s much better to just dive right into the content.Unless you feel strongly that the introduction warrants its own paragraph, try to keep the entire response just one paragraph long. If your introduction doesn’t allow you to directly segue into a specific program or interest, it can likely be deleted without changing the meaning of the essay as a whole.

Body (5-7 sentences)

The sentence count here isn’t exact since it largely depends on how long your sentences are. In this section, you need to answer the question point blank. One useful strategy here is to couple specific programs with descriptions of how they relate to your interests. Strive to alternate between the two. Here are some examples:

• “I find the social aspect of singing enriching, so I hope to join one of Purdue’s many acapella groups.”
• “I’ve always been fascinated by the effects of pesticides on crops. That’s why I want to conduct research under one of Purdue’s brilliant agriculture professors. This will enable me to pursue a career as an agricultural specialist.” (Side note: Don’t mention a specific professor for the sake of name dropping them; only do so if you are very familiar with their work.
• “I want to join the Honors College, where I hope to immerse myself in a group of similarly motivated scholars.”
•  “I’m hoping to be the starting running back for the Boilermakers one day. I’ve played football for eleven years, and it’s always been my dream.” This is a good method to ensure balance. The only risk you run here is saturating it with too many disparate interests. While you should avoid complicated transitions, you should still include them, so the essay flows well. Also, make sure you always clearly explain the connection between each respective interest/activity. You might have multiple activities that go with each interest, or multiple interests that culminate in one activity. Both of those are perfectly fine.

Conclusion (0-1 sentences) 

The conclusion is the most skippable part of this supplement. Only make a closing remark if it is powerful and gives the essay a greater sense of overall cohesion. Don’t bother with it if you included a larger variety of interests.

Good example: “Through these medical programs, I will strive to make the world a more healthful place.” This would enhance what is likely a more focused essay by giving it some broader global context.

Don’t do this: “All of these programs will make my Purdue experience truly one of a kind.” This is a sweet sentiment, but it’s just adding extra words. Instead, begin the last interest/program pairing with a transition like “finally” to signal the end of the essay.

Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (100 words)

Ah, it’s the classic “Why Major?” question. This time, however, you hardly have any space to answer it! These types of questions are deceptive, because they actually require you to complete two objectives. Primarily, you need to explain what compelled your choice in major, but you also need to demonstrate that you understand what that major involves moving forward.

Often times, college coursework in a given subject is vastly different than its high school counterpart. Make sure you show that you know what you’re getting yourself into. For instance, psychology in high school might just be learning vocabulary, but it will involve observational studies and statistical analysis in college.

Because of the word constraint, you won’t be able to give the full history of your experiences with the subject at hand. Instead, focus on what motivated you most directly. This inspiration can come in many forms. It is often helpful to frame it within the context of one or two activities, classes, or experiences. Specific turning points in your education (both in and out of class) are often the most powerful.

Here are some examples:

• You had a medical internship where you witnessed a surgeon conduct heart surgery. This inspired your long-term goal of attending medical school and saving lives. Thus, you want to major in biology with a pre-med concentration.
• You always hated math until you got to AP Calculus. You couldn’t believe it at first, but when you caught yourself thinking about velocity graphs while driving, you knew you had discovered your true passion.
• Growing up, you were a huge tennis fan. You loved playing and idolized the pros, but it broke your heart whenever any of them would get injuries. That’s why you want to major in sports medicine and eventually work alongside of them at the ATP World Tour.
• You felt so inspired by your first Model UN conference that you just knew you had to go into diplomacy and international relations. You began reading official UN resolutions in your spare time.

One important caveat to all of this is that you need to focus on how your unique experiences impacted your choice in major. Use lots of emotionally charged language. The more in touch with yourself, the better. It is not enough to superficially mention your involvement in something. For this prompt, depth is better than breadth.

You have more room to be creative with the formatting of this one. If your essay truly has two distinct sections that focus on different ideas/parts of an idea, it’s okay to break it into two smaller chunks. For instance, the first part might be an anecdote, while the second is a declaration of how you plan to act accordingly.

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or experiences. (250 words)

Here’s another college application staple: the “elaborate on an extracurricular” prompt. This time, however, you actually have some breathing room.

Compared to Purdue’s other prompts, this one is more straightforward. For this essay, you should expand one extracurricular activity beyond the scope of what is listed in your activities section or resume. Bonus points if you can convey personal growth.

The biggest challenge here will be choosing the right activity to write about. You don’t necessarily want to choose your most impressive one. Often times, writing about your personal experience with something more grounded can be just as effective.

If your application has a central theme (like commitment to service, intellectual fervor, or social activism), you might consider using an activity that relates to this theme, even if it is only tangentially related. This will uphold the overall cohesion of your application.

On the contrary, it can be good to demonstrate your capacity to engage with the world in multiple, often contradictory ways. A diverse portfolio can be a good indicator of a mature thinker, capable of seeing multiple perspectives.

Which of the following major/activity pairings do you think would be most effective:

• A political science major who writes about student government
• A biology major who writes about ceramics
• A linguistics major who writes about ice skating
• A statistics major who writes about social science research
• An English major who writes about HOSA

The truth is, all five pairings have equal potential to be great! It just depends on your unique circumstances and how you wish to frame your response.

While you have liberty with subject matter, don’t just write anything. Make sure your response to this question provides new information. Adcoms will be able to see what accomplishments are on your application, so you need to focus on specific tasks within these activities and why they were so impactful.

This essay isn’t lengthy, but it’s still a chance to be creative in terms of content/structure. Try to begin with an interesting hook that leaves the reader begging for more.

Two examples :

• Good example – “‘Point of order! The delegate from Germany forgot to state his name!’ In the heat of the moment, I was thankful for those lessons in parliamentary procedure. Model UN certainly taught me to choose my words carefully, but it also bolstered my confidence and informed my overall worldview…” This student begins with an exciting anecdote from their time in committee and proceeds to set up further discussion regarding their personal development through Model UN.
• Bad example – “The decision to join Model UN was the best one I ever made. I learned so many invaluable lessons there. I also learned a number of crucial skills during my time in committee…” This essay is not off to a good start. Not only is it uninteresting, but it’s also lacking in focus. It’s unclear where this essay will go, and it shows no signs of going beyond surface-level observations.

Of the three Purdue essays, this is the one where you have the most freedom. Despite this, make sure your response adds value to your overall application. Purdue admissions are competitive, so you need to capitalize on every chance to present yourself as a complex, mature individual. Essays are a perfect place to do so!

Some Final Words

Writing college supplements can be tricky, but if you follow our tips, you should be just fine. You’re probably really stressed out right now, but just remember to breathe! It might not seem like it, but the college application process does, in fact, come to an end. Everything will work out, and you’ll feel so relieved once it’s all over.

The biggest thing about writing college essays (whether for Purdue or any other school) is to make sure your unique voice resonates. If you’re worried about this, ask friends or family members to read over your essays. They know you best, and they can tell if your work actually sounds like you . Outside opinions are always useful in the writing process!

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Purdue Supplemental Essay 2022-2023

Purdue supplemental essay: quick facts.

• Purdue University acceptance rate: 67%— U.S. News ranks Purdue as a more selective school.
• Purdue application: Purdue only accepts the Common Application , not the Coalition Application.
• 2 (100-word) required essays
• 2 (500-word) Purdue Honors College essays (required if applying to the Honors College)
• Purdue Essay Tip: We recommend answering both Purdue University supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully, highlighting in each of your Purdue essays why Purdue is the perfect school for you.

What are Purdue University’s essays?

In addition to the Common App essay , students must also complete the Purdue supplemental essay prompts. 

Required Purdue supplemental essay prompts:

• How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (100 words)
• Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (100 words)

Required Purdue supplemental essay prompts for Honors College applicants are:

• One Purdue supplemental essay about your vision for your honors experience at Purdue (500 words)
• An additional Purdue supplemental essay about the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study (500 words)

These Purdue application essays represent the final step in the Purdue application process. Strong responses to the Purdue supplemental essays can help your Purdue application stand out among the almost 60,000 applications the university receives each year.

So, if you want to get into Purdue, it’s important to spend time on your responses to the Purdue essay prompts. A solid set of Purdue application essays can make a major difference in the Purdue admissions process.

In this guide, we’ll break down each of the Purdue essay prompts and provide expert tips on how to make sure your Purdue application essays shine. Keep reading to learn how to approach your Purdue University supplemental essays!

Purdue application essay requirements

Many selective colleges require supplemental essays beyond the standard Common App essay, also known as the Personal Statement . The Purdue application requirements are no exception to this. 

There are two Purdue essay prompts required of all applicants. Additionally, Honors College applicants must complete two additional Purdue University supplemental essays. Pay close attention to which Purdue supplemental essays you should complete, as it varies by program. 

So, if you are applying to Purdue University, you must complete at least two 100-word Purdue essay prompts. Each Purdue supplemental essay is designed to give you a chance to show Purdue admissions officers who you are, beyond the rest of your application. You should treat each Purdue supplemental essay as an opportunity to showcase a part of yourself that isn’t highlighted elsewhere within the Purdue application requirements.

Honors College essay requirements

Like many schools, Purdue has additional requirements for the Purdue Honors College. If you apply to the Purdue John Martinson Honors College, you must complete two more 500-word Purdue Honors College essays. These additional prompts help Purdue Admissions ensure that Purdue Honors College applicants go above and beyond the typical Purdue application requirements. 

You should be sure to set aside more than enough time to craft strong Purdue Honors College essays and Purdue supplemental essays.

Purdue Supplemental Essay- Prompt 1 ( Required )

How will opportunities at purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom (100 words maximum).

The first Purdue essay asks applicants to reflect on their academic and personal interests. Then, it asks them to explain how Purdue will help them pursue those interests. In other words, the first of the Purdue essay prompts asks why you want to attend Purdue over any other school. 

You’ve probably encountered similar “why this college?” essay prompts on other applications. So, as you might expect, this Purdue application essay must be specific to Purdue. You won’t be able to copy and paste another school’s essay to answer this Purdue supplemental essay. 

Brainstorming your topic

Before starting to write this Purdue supplemental essay, think about your interest in Purdue. Write down a list of reasons why Purdue made your college list. Does Purdue offer a particular program that interests you? Or does Purdue’s campus culture fit your vision for your college experience? The best responses to the Purdue essay prompts will include specific details.

Building your narrative

Once you have created your list of interests, identify several that you would like to write about in your Purdue supplemental essays. This Purdue supplemental essay doesn’t give you much space; picking one or two interests, therefore, will help you stay within the word count and give your essay some structure. 

When deciding which interests to focus on, remember your other Purdue essay. You can discuss your intended major in the second of the required Purdue essay prompts. With this in mind, make sure you don’t delve into topics better suited for other Purdue essay prompts. Instead, use this Purdue supplemental essay to talk about interests that you have not discussed in other areas of your application. After all, you want each Purdue supplemental essay to showcase a different part of your identity.

Making it specific

Next, research Purdue to see how your interests overlap with opportunities Purdue offers. The Purdue essay prompts are a chance to show off the research you’ve done; for example, talking to Purdue admissions representatives or visiting campus. If any of these interactions relate to one of your chosen themes, mention them in this Purdue supplemental essay. This shows your knowledge of Purdue’s strengths as a university. 

For example, a prospective student could use this Purdue application essay to discuss the state-of-the-art kinesiology labs she visited and how they would help her pursue her interest in physical therapy. Make sure you discuss what you experienced along with how it relates to your interests. Once again, the best Purdue University supplemental essays will use specific details to show why you belong at Purdue.

Writing your essay

Now that you’ve done the brainstorming and research for this Purdue supplemental essay, you can start writing. Because you only have 100 words for this Purdue supplemental essay, you need to make each one count. Avoid unrelated topics, vague wording, and forms of “to be.” Instead, use clear language and strong action verbs in each Purdue essay. Compare these two sentences below:

“There is no school that is a better fit to support my interests than Purdue University.” (16 words)

“Purdue possesses the resources to support my interests.” (8 words)

The second sentence conveys the same message as the first, but it uses much stronger language and fewer words. Specific details and short, powerful sentences will help your Purdue essay stand out. 

Purdue Supplemental Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your Purdue essay refer to 2-3 strong interests from your list?
• Do you present information not found in other areas of your application?
• Does your Purdue supplemental essay contain specific information about Purdue based on your research?
• Do you clearly explain to Purdue admissions how Purdue will help you pursue your interests?

Purdue Supplemental Essay — Prompt 2 ( Required )

Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (100 words maximum).

The second of the Purdue supplemental essays is the typical “why major essay.” The “why major essay” is a common supplemental essay question that many schools require. Purdue is no different—they want to understand why you aim to pursue the field you’ve indicated on your application. 

The reality of the “why major essay” question is that schools want to know you’ve done your research on their programs. As a result of this, your “why major essay” for each school must relate to that school’s unique offerings. While you can include some general details, you should make sure this essay remains school-specific. 

Not all students know what they plan to major in. Choosing your college major is a big decision, and it requires plenty of forethought. This Purdue supplemental essay can be especially daunting if you’re unsure of your major, so let’s explore how to get around that. 

Brainstorming your major

Before starting to write this “why major essay,” think about the school subjects you enjoy. You may already identify as a lover of math or know you have the most fun in English class. However, Purdue University offers more than 200 different undergraduate majors across their 11 different colleges, so check the full list for options. This research will also help you show demonstrated interest in this Purdue supplemental essay.

When selecting a major for this Purdue application essay, think about the career you might want to pursue. You might consider the topics you have liked learning about, both inside and outside the classroom. If you’re having trouble selecting one major for this Purdue supplemental essay, choose the major you have the most compelling reasons to pursue.

Selecting a field of study for this Purdue supplemental essay might feel daunting. However, don’t be stressed about choosing a major. Instead, as you write your Purdue supplemental essay, focus on showing your intellectual curiosity and engagement with your studies. You can always change your major once you arrive on campus.

Using details

In order to write the best essay possible, include experiences that have made the biggest impact on your academic career. Have you had a teacher who drove you to explore more about their subject? Have you had work or volunteer experience that inspired you to pursue a particular major? Do you have a burning passion to support a specific cause? 

Your Purdue application essay should tell a story. So, highlight stories where you’ve engaged deeply with your chosen subject, whether directly or indirectly. In doing so, you’ll help readers understand why your chosen major excites you. This can help your Purdue supplemental essay showcase your intellectual curiosity.

Whatever major you choose, don’t just discuss the basic reasons why you enjoy it in this Purdue essay. Instead, go deeper. Think of this Purdue essay as a short narrative where you share moments in your life that have influenced you. A student who wants to major in electrical engineering might talk about getting a circuitry kit for Christmas and watching his dad repair wires around the house. She might then share how she helped the school robotics club win a competition. Find those formative moments in your life and use them as the foundation of your Purdue supplemental essay. Again, the best Purdue supplemental essay will be the most specific!

• Does your Purdue essay focus on the major that most interests you?
• Do you use specific details about how you came to love that major?
• Does your Purdue supplemental essay help your reader learn something new about you?

Purdue Honors College Essay Requirements

The Purdue Honors College is a separate program within Purdue University specifically designed for high-achieving students. Recently, the Purdue Honors College became formally known as the John Martinson Honors College. According to their website , “Martinson supports new programmatic initiatives which promote undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity, leadership and professional development, global and community engagement, and innovative pedagogies.” 

You should research the Purdue Honors College thoroughly before deciding if you want to apply. Once you make the decision that the Purdue Honors College is right for you, it’s time to crack down on the Purdue Honors College essays.

The Purdue Honors College supplemental essay requirements are:

• 1 (500-word) Purdue supplemental essay about your vision for your honors experience at Purdue
• 1 (500-word) Purdue essay prompt about the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study

Now, let’s break down each of the Purdue supplemental essays for the Purdue Honors College and talk about strategies to tackle each one. 

For more help on writing supplemental essays, click here . For help standing out in the college admissions process, read this article .

Purdue Honors College Essays- Question 1 

Explain your vision, ideas, or goals for how you hope to shape your honors experience while at purdue. please put this in the context of the four pillars which are the foundation of the john martinson honors college. (500 word maximum).

In order to answer the first of the Honors College Purdue essay prompts effectively, you need to reflect on your reasons for applying to the Honors College. Then, you need to connect those reasons to the four pillars that express the Honors College’s values. The best Purdue application essays will directly connect an applicant’s academic goals with the four pillars of the Purdue Honors College.

Understanding Purdue

Before starting this Purdue supplemental essay, you need to have a firm understanding of the four pillars mentioned in the prompt. These pillars are: community and global engagement, undergraduate research, leadership development, and interdisciplinary academics. Reviewing the Honors College mission statement will give you more information about the four pillars. You do not need to reference all four of these pillars in your Purdue essay; instead, focus on whichever ones best fit with your future plans.

Researching the Honors College beyond the four pillars can also help strengthen your Purdue supplemental essay. Start by browsing this year’s Honors College course list . Review some of the research projects done by past Honors students. As you brainstorm for your Purdue admissions essays, look for programs and projects that connect to your interests. You might see a course or research project that lines up with one of your passions. You can use that as evidence in your Purdue essay that the Honors College will provide an ideal learning environment to nurture your interests.

Making it about you

This Purdue essay prompt asks you to imagine how you would spend your time as a Purdue Honors student. That future will likely be rooted in your past experiences. Strong Purdue application essays, therefore, should use the four pillars of Purdue Honors to connect your past experiences to your future at Purdue. 

When you talk about your future, try to be as specific as possible. For instance, saying that you want to travel to India to study their culture is not as powerful as saying that you want to travel to India to research how native fashions have changed due to modern technology in this Purdue essay.

You can begin brainstorming for this Purdue supplemental essay by doing a fr e e-write based on this prompt: “If I could have any academic experience I want in college, what would it be?” Think about the questions you might explore or problems you would like to solve if you had the freedom to choose. Don’t limit yourself—the best way to start writing is to free yourself from any perfectionism. 

Use this Purdue admissions essay to share the subject that you could stay up all night researching or the idea you cannot get out of your head. Let your ambition come across in your writing, using the four pillars of the Honors College as the foundation for achieving your goals. Finally, help your reader envision how you would contribute to the Honors College in this Purdue supplemental essay.

• Does your Purdue essay clearly describe your goals for attending the Honors College?
• Do you include references to at least one of the four pillars of the Honors College?
• Does your Purdue supplemental essay indicate specific projects you might undertake or resources you might use as an Honors student?

Purdue Honors College Essays — Question 2

Please describe the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study and how it complements or supports other fields. (examples: you might describe how your work in a liberal arts career may impact or inform the work of an engineer.) (500 word maximum).

The second of the Purdue application essays asks how your chosen subject connects to other fields. At first, this Purdue essay can seem daunting. After all, most high school classes are separated by subject without much room for interdisciplinary work. However, with a little creative thinking, you can develop relationships between just about any set of subjects and use those relationships to write a strong Purdue essay.

Finding an intersection

To get you started, here are a few examples of interdisciplinary study that would make good material for Purdue application essays:

• Creating a business plan for a health care clinic combines medicine with economics
• Volunteering at a music therapy provider combines Psychology and Music into an interdisciplinary field grounded in helping those with mental illnesses
• A project about the evolution of manufacturing technology combines history with engineering

These example topics for a Purdue supplemental essay represent a tiny fraction of the ways you could answer this prompt. Each of these potential Purdue application essays could also tie in with some of your activities from high school. 

You might also use your Purdue essay to consider what you have learned working with people who have different interests than yours and how you could bring that knowledge to your studies. Strong Purdue admissions essays can come from anywhere, so don’t limit yourself. 

Getting creative

If you struggle to form connections between academic fields based on your personal experience, you can use your imagination to come up with hypothetical situations that might foster collaboration across fields. These imaginary situations can still make for a great Purdue supplemental essay. 

For instance, as a lover of computer science, you might imagine its applications in the world of digital art to create vivid settings for a video game. The best Purdue supplemental essays will be unique and creative. Additionally, strong Purdue application essays will tell a story. The more you can use narratives to illustrate the wide range of uses for your discipline, the more successful your Purdue admissions essay will be.

Essays Reflection Questions for Purdue Honors College :

• Does your Purdue supplemental essay demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen field?
• Do you include a variety of possible connections between your chosen fields and other fields?
• Does your Purdue admissions essay use stories and examples to illustrate the connections between fields?

Want more helpful tips on how to approach your Purdue supplemental essays and other aspects of Purdue University’s application process? Check out this video below from Purdue’s senior assistant director of admissions! 

What does Purdue University look for in essays?

Your Purdue supplemental essays help the admissions team get to know you beyond your demographics, transcript, and activities list. Each Purdue essay also provides valuable insight into what kind of student you would be.

These specific Purdue essay prompts help the Purdue admissions committee understand how you will use your education at Purdue. Purdue looks for students who can articulate their interests and describe how Purdue’s resources will help them pursue these interests. Your Purdue application essays, then, should show the Purdue admissions team how Purdue would help you meet your goals.

Demonstrated Interest

The committee wants to see you show demonstrated interest (DI) in Purdue. DI is a gauge that universities use to determine how interested a student is in attending their school. To take advantage of this, use your Purdue application essays to explain exactly what about Purdue interests you. You don’t need to physically visit the campus to write strong Purdue supplemental essays. However, if you don’t visit , it helps to find other ways of showing your interest. These include contacting admissions officers, reviewing the school’s website, or attending a virtual information session/webinar.

The Purdue admissions team also wants to know if you can write clearly and concisely—an important skill for succeeding in college. So, ensure your writing is strong, clear, and free of any errors. Your Purdue application essays also show your attention to detail and passion for learning. Students who use the Purdue essay prompts to showcase their passions will definitely impress the admissions team.

How do I get into Purdue University?

Getting accepted into Purdue starts with filling out the Common Application and meeting the Purdue application requirements. On the Common Application, you will report your GPA, list your high school activities, and write a 250-650 word Common App essay. 

For the fall and spring of 2023, Purdue is test flexible . This means if you have the opportunity to take the SAT or ACT, Purdue admissions would prefer you do. This is different from test optional because test optional schools truly have no preference for test scores. Purdue, however, makes it clear that they would like to review test scores as part of your application if possible. Strong scores will only enhance your application . 

Purdue application requirements

Your GPA , course schedule, test scores, Common App essay, letters of recommendation , supplemental essays, and extracurricular activities comprise the Purdue application requirements and will all factor into the committee’s decision.

Last year, approximately 60,000 students applied to Purdue University. The median GPA range of accepted applicants was 3.5-3.9, the median SAT was 119-1410, and the median ACT was 26-33. As you can see, Purdue admits students with high scores, which contributes to the U.S. News Purdue University ranking.

Purdue University Application

In 2022, U.S. News assigned its Purdue University ranking among national universities at #51 overall. US News also named Purdue as one of the Top 10 most innovative universities in the last four years. Among public universities , the Purdue University ranking is #18 in the country. Purdue University’s top academic programs include Aerospace Engineering (where the Purdue University ranking is #5) and Biological/Agricultural Engineering (where the Purdue University ranking is #2). This makes Purdue a great fit for students specifically interested in those fields.

Finally, the Purdue University ranking attracts many applicants who view Purdue’s rankings as a sign of prestige. This means that Purdue supplemental essays will be used to determine which students are interested in attending for reasons beyond the Purdue University ranking. Remember, your Purdue supplemental essays are your chance to show the admissions team your genuine interest in the school. 

Looking to put your best foot forward when filling out the Common Application and writing the Common App essay? Check out this guide for helpful tips.

Top 5 Purdue Supplemental Essay Tips

How to write an outstanding purdue supplemental essay:, #1 – start early.

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise each of your Purdue University supplemental essays. You don’t want to be drafting and editing a Purdue supplemental essay down to the wire.

#2 – Look at the big picture

When writing your Purdue supplemental essays, consider your application as a whole. Make sure that each Purdue supplemental essay explores something new about you. 

#3 – Be authentic

Don’t lie or exaggerate on your Purdue University supplemental essays. Each Purdue application essay is a chance for you to showcase who you are.

#4 – Show your unique self

These Purdue supplemental essays are an opportunity for you to stand out to Purdue admissions. Don’t generalize in your responses to the Purdue essay prompts. Instead, get specific about your experiences. Use the opportunity to not only demonstrate who you are, but also to show off your writing style.

#5 – Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Edit your essays . You don’t want to craft a stellar Purdue supplemental essay, only to have it marred by poor grammar or a spelling mistake. Have another person look over each Purdue supplemental essay before you submit it. 

Purdue Supplemental Essay — Final Thoughts

Although each Purdue supplemental essay is short, they are also incredibly important. Don’t think that a short essay will take you less time to write—often, short essays are the hardest to write. Given the Purdue University ranking, you should use every chance you get to stand out. This includes crafting strong Purdue supplemental essays.

Be yourself

The Purdue essay prompts help the admissions committee get to know the person behind the grades and test scores. Make sure that your Purdue supplemental essays are full of anecdotes and stories that show why you will succeed as a Purdue student! Let your readers know in each Purdue supplemental essay that you have done your research and thought about why you want to attend Purdue.

Ask for help!

And finally, seek help from trusted sources with editing your Purdue supplemental essays; sometimes a second opinion can help you improve your Purdue essays in unexpected ways.

This Purdue supplemental essays guide was written by Laura Frustaci.   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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Purdue University Admission Essay Writing Guide

Application Guide

Essay examples, purdue university.

For Bachelor students, Purdue offers a variety of undergraduate majors, including agriculture, business, engineering, humanities, math, and science. It also offers graduate programs in engineering, business, education, and the liberal arts. The university has a solid commitment to research and offers many opportunities for bachelor's students to participate in research projects. Purdue is also committed to providing its students with relevant education. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including loans, grants, and scholarships. It also offers several services, such as tutoring and career counseling, to help its students succeed.

Application Process For Purdue University

The application process for university can be daunting, but it is worth the effort. The university has a long tradition of excellence and offers many opportunities for its students to succeed. If you are interested in attending Purdue, be sure to take advantage of the university's resources and submit a well-crafted essay.

For internship essays and other academic papers, there are several websites that offer writing services. You can use these services to get help with your essay. Be sure to read the reviews before choosing a service. Also, make sure that the service you choose offers a money-back guarantee. It will ensure that you are satisfied with the work you receive.

More so, you should give the details of what is required in the application essay, what the admissions committee looks for when reading them, and some general tips to make your essay shine.

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing your application essay:

Be Yourself

The admissions committee wants to get to know you, so be honest and authentic in your essay. Furthermore, don't try to be someone you're not. The admissions committee can see through attempts to artificially inflate your character.

The essay should be concise and to the point. Don't try to cram too much information into the essay. The committee will read hundreds of essays, so you need to make sure it’s concise and easy to understand.

Be Specific

Choose a meaningful topic for you and be specific in your writing. It is essential to illustrate your points with examples. It would be helpful to write about a personal experience or an event that impacted you.

Be Creative

The admissions committee is looking for creative and talented students, so showcase your best work in your essay. Your essay should be original and reflect your unique personality.

Show Your Research

Purdue is a research-oriented university, so it is essential to show that you are familiar with the research process. In your essay, be sure to mention any research you have conducted and how it has influenced your thinking.

Be Personal

The essay should be personal and reflect your unique point of view. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings in your essay. The admissions committee wants to get to know you as a person. The admission paper should be an excellent opportunity to share your story.

Be sure to proofread your essay before submitting it. A well-written essay will demonstrate your writing skills and impress the admissions committee. However, an error-filled essay will reflect poorly on you and may result in your application being rejected.

Purdue University Admissions Essays For  Bachelor Students

What are the requirements for admission to Purdue University?

For graduate school admission eligibility, students must complete an application that includes a personal essay. Purdue application or personal statement essay is one of the essential parts of the admissions process. Purdue university essays allow the admissions committee to learn more about the applicant. Moreover, the admissions committee looks for intelligence, creativity, maturity, and writing skills.

The Application Essays For Graduate School

For master's students applying to Purdue, the personal essay is an integral part of the application process. The admissions committee looks for intelligence, creativity, maturity, and writing skills when reviewing essays. Purdue offers a variety of undergraduate majors, so be sure to include information about your chosen field of study in your essay. The university is also committed to research, so mention any research experience you have. You will find Purdue essay examples online to help you get started.

The admissions committee also looks for qualities such as leadership and community service. If you have been involved in any extracurricular activities, be sure to mention them in your essay. The essay is your opportunity to shine, so take advantage of it.

Types of Purdue Application Essays

There is a variety of Purdue essay prompts for its applicants. The most common type of essay is the personal statement, allowing students to share their experiences and accomplishments. The admissions committee also asks for responses to specific questions, such as why you are interested in attending Purdue and what makes you unique.

Other prompts may require you to write about your chosen field of study or how you will use your education at Purdue to make a difference in the world. Be sure to read the Purdue university essay prompts carefully and answer all of the questions in your writing. If necessary, you can download a sample from a website.

Admission Essays

In addition to the personal essay, Purdue also asks students to complete an admission essay. The Purdue admission essay allows the admissions committee to learn more about the applicant's academic qualifications. The admissions committee looks for applicants with a solid academic record and who is likely to succeed in college.

Be sure to include information about your chosen field of study in your admission essay. Purdue offers a variety of undergraduate majors, so be sure to highlight your area of study. The admissions committee also looks for applicants with a solid academic record who are likely to succeed in college.

Purdue Supplemental Essays

Does Purdue have supplemental essays? Yes. A supplemental essay explains what you couldn't cover in your introductory article. It could be anything from a gap in your academic record to discussing your reasons for wanting to attend Purdue. Be sure to highlight your areas of interest and explain why you want to attend Purdue University. The admissions committee wants to make sure that the students it admits are a good fit for the university, so mention why you are interested in attending Purdue.

For Professor review, writing Purdue university supplemental essays can be a great way to show that you are a well-rounded applicant and committed to attending the university. Purdue University is a world-renowned research institution, so be sure to mention any research experience you have in your essay. Several Purdue supplemental essay examples online can help you get started. You will buy them at a cheap price. You only need to pay and download one of your choices.

Moreover, Purdue supplemental essays examples are also a great way to get an idea of what the admissions committee is looking for in an essay. Be sure to answer the prompt fully and explain your reasoning clearly.

How to Apply to Purdue University

Purdue University is a highly competitive school, so be sure to put your best foot forward when applying. The admissions process is competitive, and the admissions committee looks for students who are a good fit for the university.

To apply to Purdue University, students must complete an application that includes a personal essay. You can get the form online at the Purdue University website. The form must be completed and submitted by the deadline, typically in early November.

Advantages of Applying to Purdue University

Purdue University’s faculty are leaders in their fields. The university offers a variety of undergraduate majors to find the right program for their interests. In addition, Purdue is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education. The university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, and students can get involved in research projects.

Purdue also has a strong alumni network, which can help students find jobs after graduation. The university is located in a beautiful setting, and the campus is full of amenities. For a professor's research paper writing service, visit a custom writing website.

Writing an application essay can be a daunting task, but it is essential to put your best foot forward when applying to Purdue University. The admissions committee looks for college students who are a good fit for the university, so be sure to mention your interests and why you want to attend Purdue. The admissions process is competitive, but the rewards of attending Purdue are great. If you are interested in applying to Purdue, be sure to start your application early and prepare your essays carefully. Good luck!

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FAQ about Purdue University

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, why purdue essay example.

Hey everyone! For those of you who applied to Purdue, can you help me with some ideas for the 'Why Purdue' essay? If you're comfortable sharing your essay as an example, that would be super helpful too!

Hello! When writing a 'Why Purdue' essay, it's crucial to focus on the aspects that make Purdue unique and how they align with your own interests, values, and goals. CollegeVine has a guide specifically breaking down each of Purdue's prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-purdue-university-essays

Additionally, check out this article, which has three example essays submitted by real students, along with feedback on what worked well and what could be improved upon: https://blog.collegevine.com/purdue-essay-examples

Remember to focus on your individual experiences and goals, demonstrating how Purdue is the right fit for you, rather than trying to replicate someone else's essay. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Undergraduate Admissions

Freshman Admission Criteria

Are you ready to take your next giant leap?

Are you academically prepared to succeed in your desired academic program? Are you a competitive candidate in the context of the overall pool of applicants for the program based on available space?

Purdue applications are reviewed individually and holistically for both West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations with these two primary questions in mind.  There is no definitive answer to 'what does it take to be admitted?'

You can use our Freshman Class Profile Page to see “middle 50%” ranges for GPAs and SAT or ACT tests. 

Those that accept their offer of admission to Purdue must have a high school diploma or receive a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED) unless they are 18 years of age or older. Purdue requires that students submit proof of high school graduation. Purdue will review to confirm that enrollment conditions have been met.

Here's what you need to know when preparing for admission to and success at Purdue:

Complete your application.

For most first-time college students (future freshman) a complete application includes:

• The application itself
• Purdue-specific questions from the application
• Self-reported high school grades
• Self-reported ACT or SAT test scores*
• The application fee (or qualified fee waiver)

Students apply to Purdue using the Common Application.  You will have the opportunity to select the primary location you would like: Purdue University West Lafayette or Purdue University in Indianapolis, as well as your primary major. You will also have the option to select an alternate location and major on the application.

Not all majors will be available at both locations, and you should select an alternate choice only if you are truly interested in the program. Changing majors or locations is never guaranteed.

This application also requires you to provide an essay and answer Purdue-specific questions. View  current Common App essay questions .

We accept SAT or ACT scores and have no preference on which test is taken. You may report the best scores from across different tests. If able, you should take one or the other in the spring of your junior year in preparation for the November 1 Early Action deadline that encompasses scholarship consideration.

When you apply, you are able to report best components from different test dates. School codes for Purdue West Lafayette: ACT – 1230; SAT – 1631.

*Purdue University expects applicants to have SAT or ACT scores. Recognizing that in some exceptional cases, applicants may not have been able to take a test, we allow submission of applications in those cases. 

International undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English will be evaluated for English language proficiency during the application review process. The most common and preferred way for applicants to provide evidence of their English proficiency is through an English proficiency exam .

Don't Miss Deadlines

Meet the minimum requirements and be competitive.

You should meet or exceed these minimum high school expectations.

• Math—eight semesters
• English—eight semesters
• Lab science—six semesters ( for engineering applicants, chemistry experience is expected ; for nursing, pharmacy and veterinary nursing, two semesters must be chemistry and two must be biology)
• Social studies—six semesters
• World language—four semesters

Visit the  high school course requirements page for more specific information.

If you are an Indiana resident, we strongly encourage you to pursue the Academic Honors Diploma. While this does not guarantee admission to Purdue, those who earn this diploma are generally stronger candidates and better prepared for the academic rigor of Purdue classes.

Admission to Purdue is competitive and we’ll use the following factors to evaluate your application:

• High school course expectations
• Overall grades in academic coursework
• Grades related to intended major
• Strength of your overall high school curriculum
• Trends in achievement (If you have weaker grades/courses, were they earlier in your high school record?)
• Grades in academic core coursework (English, academic math, laboratory science, foreign language, social studies)
• SAT or ACT scores (if provided)
• Proof of English proficiency (for citizens of non-English speaking countries)
• Ability to be successful in intended major
• Essay and answers to Purdue questions
• Personal background and experiences
• Information provided by your high school
• Time of year you apply
• Space availability in the desired program
• Check Your Application Status
• Closed Programs
• Maximizing Scholarship Consideration
• Find Your Admissions Counselor
• High School Course Requirements

• Ask a Librarian

Research Guide for Online Communication Students

• Find Sources
• Citing & Writing
• APA Formatting & Style Guide From Purdue's OWL.
• APA Style Help Overviews, tutorials, and FAQs

Online Writing Lab

Organizing and Managing Citations

Citation management software can help you manage your research and easily organize and format your citations in a wide variety of citation styles. Check out the links below for more information about these useful programs. 

• Citation Management Basics This guide provides an overview of citation management software options, including basic functions and the differences between the various options available, including EndNote, EndNote Web, and Zotero. Also provided is contact information for Purdue librarians available to provide citation management support for Purdue faculty, students, and staff.
• EndNote at Purdue This guide provides detailed how-to and FAQ for EndNote citation management software, the desktop version.
• EndNote Basic EndNote Basic is an online citation management program that is freely available for all Purdue users. This guide highlights how-to, key functions, and FAQ, as well as differences between the desktop and online versions of this product.
• Zotero Zotero is a free and open, web-based citation management program. This guide provides info on getting started and carrying out key functions, for students and instructors. It also includes video tutorials.

Avoid Plagiarism

• Types of Plagiarism Plagiarism.org presents Plagiarism 101: What is Plagiarism?
• Citing Sources Plagiarism.org's useful guide to everything about citing sources.
• Avoiding Plagiarism Tips on how to summarize, paraphrase, and quote sources without plagiarizing from the Purdue OWL. Use the links on the left to navigate.
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• Next: FAQ >>
• Last Edited: Aug 26, 2024 4:29 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/onlinecomm

Purdue University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

Purdue University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 short answers of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why , Short Answer

How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (Respond in 250 words or fewer)

This is basically a super short Why essay and the best way to answer it is to do your research. If you set aside an hour to crawl through the school website and jot down the things that appeal to you, you’ll end up with a pretty comprehensive list of things that are relevant to your interests. Write down literally everything: courses, professors, clubs, traditions, you name it! You’ll put this information to good use in this essay and the next one. When you’ve finished your research spree, group your notes thematically, and pick a small cluster to cover in this brief essay. For example, let’s say you love creative writing (we get you). You might describe how taking a combination of English and history classes will help you write the Great American Novel, while joining an improv group in the meantime will sharpen your wit and creative thinking. College is a time to explore, so show admissions just how you plan to do that. Space is limited, so don’t worry about getting too detailed about your major and professional goals. You’ll have an opportunity to do that in the next short essay you write.

Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 250 words or fewer)

We told you! Can we predict the future? Did we read all the questions before writing this guide? Who is to say? At any rate, now is the time to get nerdy. This prompt is all about your intellectual curiosity, but also your ambition for the future. There are so many reasons to pursue a degree in economics: because you’ve always wanted to apply your interest in math to the real world; or because you’re gunning for a career in finance; or even because you want to make policy one day. No one is more or less valid than the other, so first and foremost, be honest about your reasons. Then refer to your notes to fill in the details with colorful examples. In a short essay like this, you’ve got to shoot from the hip, so be specific and succinct. What makes Purdue the ideal place to pursue your dream? How will their offerings and opportunities inch you towards your goal?

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing Essays for Exams

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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What is a well written answer to an essay question?

Well Focused

Be sure to answer the question completely, that is, answer all parts of the question. Avoid "padding." A lot of rambling and ranting is a sure sign that the writer doesn't really know what the right answer is and hopes that somehow, something in that overgrown jungle of words was the correct answer.

Well Organized

Don't write in a haphazard "think-as-you-go" manner. Do some planning and be sure that what you write has a clearly marked introduction which both states the point(s) you are going to make and also, if possible, how you are going to proceed. In addition, the essay should have a clearly indicated conclusion which summarizes the material covered and emphasizes your thesis or main point.

Well Supported

Do not just assert something is true, prove it. What facts, figures, examples, tests, etc. prove your point? In many cases, the difference between an A and a B as a grade is due to the effective use of supporting evidence.

Well Packaged

People who do not use conventions of language are thought of by their readers as less competent and less educated. If you need help with these or other writing skills, come to the Writing Lab

How do you write an effective essay exam?

• Read through all the questions carefully.
• Budget your time and decide which question(s) you will answer first.
• Underline the key word(s) which tell you what to do for each question.
• Choose an organizational pattern appropriate for each key word and plan your answers on scratch paper or in the margins.
• Write your answers as quickly and as legibly as you can; do not take the time to recopy.
• Begin each answer with one or two sentence thesis which summarizes your answer. If possible, phrase the statement so that it rephrases the question's essential terms into a statement (which therefore directly answers the essay question).
• Support your thesis with specific references to the material you have studied.
• Proofread your answer and correct errors in spelling and mechanics.

Specific organizational patterns and "key words"

Most essay questions will have one or more "key words" that indicate which organizational pattern you should use in your answer. The six most common organizational patterns for essay exams are definition, analysis, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, process analysis, and thesis-support.

Typical questions

• "Define X."
• "What is an X?"
• "Choose N terms from the following list and define them."

Q: "What is a fanzine?"

A: A fanzine is a magazine written, mimeographed, and distributed by and for science fiction or comic strip enthusiasts.

Avoid constructions such as "An encounter group is where ..." and "General semantics is when ... ."

• State the term to be defined.
• State the class of objects or concepts to which the term belongs.
• Differentiate the term from other members of the class by listing the term's distinguishing characteristics.

Tools you can use

• Details which describe the term
• Examples and incidents
• Comparisons to familiar terms
• Negation to state what the term is not
• Classification (i.e., break it down into parts)
• Examination of origins or causes
• Examination of results, effects, or uses

Analysis involves breaking something down into its components and discovering the parts that make up the whole.

• "Analyze X."
• "What are the components of X?"
• "What are the five different kinds of X?"
• "Discuss the different types of X."

Q: "Discuss the different services a junior college offers a community."

A: Thesis: A junior college offers the community at least three main types of educational services: vocational education for young people, continuing education for older people, and personal development for all individuals.

Outline for supporting details and examples. For example, if you were answering the example question, an outline might include:

• Vocational education
• Continuing education
• Personal development

Write the essay, describing each part or component and making transitions between each of your descriptions. Some useful transition words include:

• first, second, third, etc.
• in addition

Conclude the essay by emphasizing how each part you have described makes up the whole you have been asked to analyze.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect involves tracing probable or known effects of a certain cause or examining one or more effects and discussing the reasonable or known cause(s).

Typical questions:

• "What are the causes of X?"
• "What led to X?"
• "Why did X occur?"
• "Why does X happen?"
• "What would be the effects of X?"

Q: "Define recession and discuss the probable effects a recession would have on today's society."

A: Thesis: A recession, which is a nationwide lull in business activity, would be detrimental to society in the following ways: it would .......A......., it would .......B......., and it would .......C....... .

The rest of the answer would explain, in some detail, the three effects: A, B, and C.

Useful transition words:

• consequently
• for this reason
• as a result

Comparison-Contrast

• "How does X differ from Y?"
• "Compare X and Y."
• "What are the advantages and disadvantages of X and Y?"

Q: "Which would you rather own—a compact car or a full-sized car?"

A: Thesis: I would own a compact car rather than a full-sized car for the following reasons: .......A......., .......B......., .......C......., and .......D....... .

Two patterns of development:

• Full-sized car

Disadvantages

• Compact car

Useful transition words

• on the other hand
• unlike A, B ...
• in the same way
• while both A and B are ..., only B ..
• nevertheless
• on the contrary
• while A is ..., B is ...
• "Describe how X is accomplished."
• "List the steps involved in X."
• "Explain what happened in X."
• "What is the procedure involved in X?"

Process (sometimes called process analysis)

This involves giving directions or telling the reader how to do something. It may involve discussing some complex procedure as a series of discrete steps. The organization is almost always chronological.

Q: "According to Richard Bolles' What Color Is Your Parachute?, what is the best procedure for finding a job?"

A: In What Color Is Your Parachute?, Richard Bolles lists seven steps that all job-hunters should follow: .....A....., .....B....., .....C....., .....D....., .....E....., .....F....., and .....G..... .

The remainder of the answer should discuss each of these seven steps in some detail.

• following this
• after, afterwards, after this
• subsequently
• simultaneously, concurrently

Thesis and Support

• "Discuss X."
• "A noted authority has said X. Do you agree or disagree?"
• "Defend or refute X."
• "Do you think that X is valid? Defend your position."

Thesis and support involves stating a clearly worded opinion or interpretation and then defending it with all the data, examples, facts, and so on that you can draw from the material you have studied.

Q: "Despite criticism, television is useful because it aids in the socializing process of our children."

A: Television hinders rather than helps in the socializing process of our children because .......A......., .......B......., and .......C....... .

The rest of the answer is devoted to developing arguments A, B, and C.

• it follows that

A. Which of the following two answers is the better one? Why?

Question: Discuss the contribution of William Morris to book design, using as an example his edition of the works of Chaucer.

a. William Morris's Chaucer was his masterpiece. It shows his interest in the Middle Ages. The type is based on medieval manuscript writing, and the decoration around the edges of the pages is like that used in medieval books. The large initial letters are typical of medieval design. Those letters were printed from woodcuts, which was the medieval way of printing. The illustrations were by Burn-Jones, one of the best artists in England at the time. Morris was able to get the most competent people to help him because he was so famous as a poet and a designer (the Morris chair) and wallpaper and other decorative items for the home. He designed the furnishings for his own home, which was widely admired among the sort of people he associated with. In this way he started the arts and crafts movement.

b. Morris's contribution to book design was to approach the problem as an artist or fine craftsman, rather than a mere printer who reproduced texts. He wanted to raise the standards of printing, which had fallen to a low point, by showing that truly beautiful books could be produced. His Chaucer was designed as a unified work of art or high craft. Since Chaucer lived in the Middle Ages, Morris decided to design a new type based on medieval script and to imitate the format of a medieval manuscript. This involved elaborate letters and large initials at the beginnings of verses, as well as wide borders of intertwined vines with leaves, fruit, and flowers in strong colors. The effect was so unusual that the book caused great excitement and inspired other printers to design beautiful rather than purely utilitarian books.

From James M. McCrimmon, Writing with a Purpose , 7th ed. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980), pp. 261-263.

B. How would you plan the structure of the answers to these essay exam questions?

1. Was the X Act a continuation of earlier government policies or did it represent a departure from prior philosophies?

2. What seems to be the source of aggression in human beings? What can be done to lower the level of aggression in our society?

3. Choose one character from Novel X and, with specific references to the work, show how he or she functions as an "existential hero."

4. Define briefly the systems approach to business management. Illustrate how this differs from the traditional approach.

5. What is the cosmological argument? Does it prove that God exists?

6. Civil War historian Andy Bellum once wrote, "Blahblahblah blahed a blahblah, but of course if blahblah blahblahblahed the blah, then blahblahs are not blah but blahblah." To what extent and in what ways is the statement true? How is it false?

For more information on writing exam essays for the GED, please visit our Engagement area and go to the Community Writing and Education Station (CWEST) resources.

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The templates below have been built to ensure a consistent look among most theses and dissertations submitted to OGSPS. These templates should be used as a guide in formatting your thesis or dissertation with the understanding that your department may require modifications of the template to fit your discipline’s style. Please contact your department’s Format Advisor to discuss any necessary changes.

The Thesis & Dissertation Office recommends using the PurdueThesis.cls file.

Please take note that Overleaf SHOULD NOT be used for writing, editing, or publishing documents or research papers that contain data subject to EAR, ITAR, DFARS Clause 252.204-7012, and other controlled data designators due to the increased security required for these types of data.

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Please download one of the following templates to begin your thesis/dissertation. Formatting within each template is already set up for your convenience. Be sure to paste your Word document INTO the template. Otherwise, it can cause formatting issues.

You will need to select the appropriate answer for all dropdown boxes on page 1.  Ex. Thesis/Dissertation, Choose Degree, Choose Department, Choose Campus Location, Choose Graduation Term.

You will need to manually input your committee information on page 2. We ask that you only list your committee member's primary department. The name after "Approved by:" should match the name listed on your Form 9 as "Thesis Form Head".

Follow instructions within the template to complete the rest of your thesis/dissertation. Please be careful when making changes so that you do not override/change the template formatting.

Please contact us if your department is not listed, or with other questions. 

Last modified June 24, 2024.

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