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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompts
By
Ginny Howey
Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Commonly known as Georgia Tech, this university is known for its top engineering programs. Georgia Tech has a 16% overall acceptance rate, so you will need to really showcase your strengths in order to stand out amongst so many applicants.
After completing Common Application personal essay, Georgia Tech applicants should turn their attention to supplemental essays. Although many schools have multiple prompts to answer, Georgia Tech asks for just one.
For some students, this is great news because it’s less writing. On the other hand, it also gives you less space to elaborate on your story. With proper planning, however, you are sure to communicate your personality and goals successfully.
Let’s take a deep-dive into the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Read on for tips on how to craft a stand-out response!
Also see: Scholarhips360’s free scholarship search tool
Georgia Tech supplemental essays: Prompt #1
“Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)”
This prompt is a classic “why” question. But unlike some other schools’ questions that reference the whole student experience, you need to drill down on academics here. There are two main pieces, asking: What is your biggest intellectual interest? And why is Georgia Tech the best place to study this topic?
You should have chosen your major for a reason. Have you always had a knack for a certain subject? Are you fascinated by the developments in a particular field? Do you have a dream career? Think about what draws you to this major and an anecdote that brings this reasoning to life. For example, say your intended major is Building Construction. You could discuss how your biggest role model growing up was your grandfather, a general contractor. A nice hook could be describing your childhood enthralled with exploring his lots in-progress. Or, perhaps you have your sights set on Biomedical Engineering. Your anecdote could be about a revolutionary medical device that emulates the type of innovation you hope to contribute to.
There are all kinds of ways to elaborate, from sharing a personal story to discussing an individual curiosity. Adding in this detail goes a long way in letting your sincerity shine through. Computer and Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering are GT’s most popular majors. Keep in mind there will be heightened pressure to convey your distinction for these study tracks with so many top-notch applicants.
Also see: How to write an essay about yourself
Do your GT homework!
Now that you have stated why you selected your particular major, do your research. GT consistently ranks as one of the top technology, science, and business universities. Investigate why that may be. Look into GT’s course catalogs, professors, student research, alumni, special events, and more. Make a list of anything that genuinely excites you. Then, see how you can utilize these intriguing offerings to help accomplish your academic and professional aspirations. The more specific you can be, the better.
Finally, keep GT’s mission in mind. It states: The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established by the state of Georgia in Atlanta in 1885 and committed to developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. How will you take advantage of GT’s resources to accomplish these noble feats? What new groundbreaking discoveries do you hope to make? What plans do you have for giving back to the community through your major?
These three components to the prompt should end up telling a cohesive narrative. First, offer a story for why you chose your major. Next, explain why GT is the best choice for pursuing that major and why (with details). And to conclude, how will your studies make a difference?
Questions to consider:
- What fuels your intellectual curiosity?
- How might your major help you achieve your career aspirations?
- Which distinct Georgia Tech resources are you most excited to utilize?
- How can the field of technology be improved?
Final thoughts for students
The Georgia Tech admissions committee offers advice for applicants on their website. Beyond making sure you are addressing the prompt content-wise, don’t forget strong writing skills. Be sure you are submitting a well-written, grammatically correct response. Also avoid repetition. In addition, don’t try to write what you think admissions wants to hear; being true to what your passion is will ensure your voice is authentic. Finally, be confident! Conviction in your path to achieve your dreams will signal to GT that you are a great fit. You can ace this essay!
While you are applying to colleges (and before and after as well!), be sure to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for!
Additional resources
As you’re applying to colleges, you have a lot of decisions to make. While you work on your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, check out some of our resources to help guide you through other questions.
- Finding safety, reach, and match schools
- How many schools should I apply to?
- How to complete the Common App activities section
- Asking for letters of recommendation for college
