Syracuse is a private research university located in Central New York about an hour away from Lake Ontario. Founded in 1870, the university is comprised of thirteen schools and boasts 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs. With nearly 15,000 undergrads, Syracuse is no small school upstate. The University has something for everyone, but they are very proud of their D1 sports. You don’t have to love sports or play sports to go to Syracuse, but you might want to take in a basketball game while you are there. Their acceptance rate is around 45%, though to certain programs it can vary slightly.
Syracuse’s supplement is very civilized. It only asks applicants to write one 250 word question and it doesn’t use any confusing or fancy wording.
They ask:
Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful campus? (250 words)
This question is their version of the essay prompt we see the most, “why do you want to go here?” Their version has a slight twist because they ask you to include something about your values. It’s important to answer both questions asked in this prompt.
Start with the “why?” The first step is to choose a major that they offer at Syracuse to write about. Don’t worry, if you are undecided, no one is going to force you to study this later on. Choosing a major makes this question easier to answer and helps the admissions office plan their class.
Once you have a major, think of an origin story for your love of the subject. This is going to be the opening of your essay. Say, you have chosen psychology. Maybe you went to a science museum as a child or went to a lecture series. After you have quickly told your origin story, state that you plan to major in psychology at Syracuse.
Now it’s time to back that assertion up with some research. Find around 2 higher-level courses in your intended major and write about how you plan to take them. Choosing higher level, think 300 or 400 level, courses are important. 101s are usually the same everywhere. Choosing a 400 level course shows your interest in Syracuse specific classes and shows you have done your research. For example, PSY 420 - Using Robots to Understand the Mind or PSY 379 - The Social Psychology of Stigma allow you to talk more about what interests you specifically than Abnormal Psych. You can also mention a professor whose research you find interesting and would like to work with.
After you have spoken about academics, mention a club or organization that you plan to join. The best clubs build on something you are already doing. For example, if you’re on the dance team at your high school, Syracuse’s Creations Dance Company would be a great choice.
The ending of this essay should speak to the second question: how are you contributing to a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful campus? This is where you get to speak to your values. Read over their values page and think about how you would live these values while at Syracuse. The name of the game is authenticity there. Not being authentic will sound cheesy. You probably only have time to talk about one or two of the values. Make it count and make it concrete. For example, if you were a peer tutor or peer mentor in high school you can talk about equity and feeling passionate about helping others when they need it. Maybe you have a diverse friend group and think that diversity is important both inside and outside the classroom. Find something that feels real to you and what you will bring to your time at Syracuse.
Syracuse’s supplement isn’t long but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to put in some time to research and think. The word count of this essay is pretty tight, so don’t worry about flowery language or poetics. It’s more important to get in, make your points, and get out. There’s a lot to pack in!
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