Brandeis University is a private research university located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1948 with a mission to provide education to everyone, Brandeis University has become a prominent liberal arts college. If this university is at the top of your list, keep reading to learn how you can best respond to the Brandeis supplemental essay!
Note that as of 2025-2026, Brandeis does not include a supplemental essay for all applicants. However, they do ask for an essay for applicants who want to be considered for the Myra Kraft Achievers program. Read on to find our guide on how to apply to this program!
A little history before we start…
Before you start on your Brandeis supplemental essays, it’s a good idea to get some background on how the school started. This way, you can make connections in your essays that connect you and Brandeis on a deeper level.
Founded by Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the first Jewish justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Brandeis University is steeped in history. Since opening their doors in 1948, Brandeis has accomplished a lot. In 1961, Brandeis achieved Phi Beta Kappa accreditation, a prestigious honors society that began in 1776. Only 10 percent of colleges or universities ever receive this accreditation. In addition, Brandeis is home to the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. The Heller School was one of the first educational institutions to make a connection between social policy and social welfare.
The Brandeis prompt for applicants to the Myra Kraft Achievers program
This is a program to guide you toward adjusting to the rigors and challenges of the college experience with a small cohort of peers. What strengths will you bring to the group and in what areas will you benefit from the strengths of others? (250 words max).
This is a great opportunity to discuss your experience in extracurriculars and in your community. Discuss lessons you’ve learned, projects you’ve accomplished, and meaningful anecdotes from group settings.
You might pull from your experience on a sports team, in a church group, at a summer camp, or even a group project at school.
Remember to show, not tell. Instead of spending your essay describing your strengths and what makes you unique, describe the impacts that your strengths had in these group scenarios. Whether that was helping you to accomplish a task or teaching something to another member of the group, tell your story and let the facts speak for themselves.
It’s also worth researching the program and referencing a specific aspect of the Myra Kraft Achievers program you’d like to take advantage of at Brandeis.
