Undergraduate Admission
- Application Review Process
- Academic Preparation
- Course Requirements by Major
- Grade Point Average
Personal Essays
- Contribution to Community
- Major Selection
- Institutional Fit
Two essays of 300 words each (max) are required as part of the transfer application. The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing ability and, more importantly, to learn more about you as an individual. This portion of the application helps us get to know you, assess mutual fit and better understand what you could contribute to Georgia Tech.
Essay Questions
Required Essay
Why do you want to study your chosen major at Georgia Tech, and what opportunities at Georgia Tech will prepare you in that field after graduation?
Choose one from the following:
Describe a time when you were able to lead and inspire by example to solve a problem or project. What was the outcome?
Georgia Tech is a diverse campus community that seeks to educate and engage students with a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, perspectives, and talents. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity at our institution?
Georgia Tech is committed to developing leaders to improve the global human condition. Tell us how you have made a meaningful contribution or transformative change in your community.
Describe a challenge, setback, or failure you have faced and overcome. What did you learn from this experience?
What Are We Looking for in Your Essays?
Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:
Demonstrate authenticity
Brings you to life on paper
Are excellent in topic, style, and grammar
Demonstrate thoughtfulness
Our Advice for this Portion of the Application
Get started early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essays!
Write and edit your essay in a document editor. Once you have the final draft, you can cut and paste it into your online application.
Don’t overthink it. It may not be easy to write about yourself, but just write what you feel most comfortable with.
Don’t write what you think we want to read. Write what you want to say!
Per Georgia state law and Georgia Tech policy , all admission staff are mandatory reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate authorities. Any statements in written materials, including anywhere in a student’s application or supporting materials, that give admission staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to the Georgia Tech Police Department. Learn more about reporting requirements .
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How to Write the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay: Examples + Guide 2022/2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is the georgia tech supplemental essay prompt.
- How to write the supplemental essay prompt for Georgia Tech
- Prompt #1: "Why us” + “why major” essay
Georgia Tech is popular with STEM students, as it’s one of the leading research universities in the United States. There’s no doubt a Georgia Tech education can prepare you for diverse careers in engineering, medicine, business, and design. But here’s the deal: Georgia Tech asks for only one supplement, so it's important to make yours as informative and impactful as possible.
BTW: Tech has a really awesome blog. Check it out here .
Want to know what it values most? Find its Common Data Set here (scroll down to section C7 in particular), and you can find its strategic plan here .
On the blog, Tech offers the following application guidance:
Essays are evaluated for both content and writing/grammatical skills. So, before submitting your application, you should take the time to edit and review your essay thoroughly. The traits of a strong essay include ones that:
Demonstrate authenticity
Brings you to life on paper
Are excellent in topic, style, and grammar
Demonstrate thoughtfulness
How can you write an essay that does all that? Let’s take a look at some examples below, then dissect what makes those essays work.
Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompt #1
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (max 300 words)
How to Write the Supplemental Essay Prompt for Georgia Tech
How to write georgia tech supplemental essay prompt #1.
Think of this as two essays in one: a “Why Major” + a “Why us?” And maybe consider devoting about half to each—roughly the first 100-125 words or so on why you’ve chosen your major, then the rest on how you want to explore that field at Georgia Tech. Since the prompt leans strongly on “specifically at Georgia Tech,” we recommend devoting more of your word count to Georgia Tech specifics.
To get you started, here’s a complete guide to the “Why Major'' essay . And here’s the full guide on how to write the “Why us?” essay . When you read through that one, pay close attention to the “Why Cornell” and “Why Penn” examples (our favorites).
Action Items:
Read the “Why Major” guide. What mini-movie moments do you envision exploring?
Reflect on what you want out of your college experience. Collect those insights using this chart . Identifying specific or niche interests and needs will help you find equally specific resources at Georgia Tech and make your “we’re a perfect match” case (see more on this in the “complete guide” link above) more compelling.
Spend at least an hour researching 10+ reasons why Georgia Tech might be a great fit for you, mapping them out in the third column of the chart.
Remember: The best “Why us?” pieces don’t celebrate how “x” school is the GREATEST SCHOOL OF ALL TIME. They’re more an explanation of why you and the school are the perfect match. Make sure to connect each of your Tech examples to your goals and interests.
Create an outline that combines your mini-movie moments for the “Why Major” top, then outline the “Why us?” portion based on either Approach One, Approach Two (recommended), or Approach 3 (as explained in our “Why us?” guide).
Georgia Tech changed this prompt this year to add the “Why Major” element, so our GT examples don’t have those mini-movie moments we’d recommend for top of this updated prompt. But we still feel like they’re strong representations of essays that offer solid “Why Georgia Tech” specifics. So take a look at two such examples, and read our analysis for why they work, then keep scrolling for two more bonus examples, written for a combined Why Major/Why Us prompts for other schools.
Example Georgia Tech Essay 1:
Ever since participating in the InVenture Challenge, I fell in love with Georgia Tech. I was exposed to the school’s principal philosophy of “creating the next” when a guest speaker who had won the collegiate-level InVenture Prize spoke about a new portable toilet designed for developing countries with poor access to clean sanitation. I was so blown away by the innovation taking place that I decided to walk around campus and found a group testing a new device for transmitting a certain signal frequency that could map any environment targeted. I needed to know more. The students were eager to share their prototype with me. I learned that one was majoring in computer science and the other industrial design. On the way home, I researched the industrial design program at Tech and was immediately hooked on the possibilities. Not only would I learn to design and build devices but learn principles of human interaction with design philosophy. After touring other colleges that offered industrial design, none matched the level Georgia Tech offered. Not only does Tech offer a strong program on how to sketch high-quality designs, but it also teaches students how to prototype and manufacture functional devices. Touring spaces like the Interactive Product Design Lab, run by Noah Posner, showed me the importance Tech places on creating devices that connect to users. I really hope to take a class with Pr ofessor Chininis, who I met while touring Tech. By learning from his example in creating toys for brand companies, I’ll learn to create products that address people’s needs. The emphasis Tech places on startups and innovation is unmatched. From its maker spaces to its help with patent filings, the opportunities Tech provides will teach me skills that will help me make an impact in my field after graduation. — — —
Tips + Analysis
Specifics, specifics, specifics. This student packs his essay with examples that demonstrate he has done his research. Check out the types of specifics he offers (and the kinds of things you can include in your essay):
School philosophy + mission statement: This student names Tech’s mission of “creating the next.” You can often find a school’s mission and values on its website under sections like “Our Mission” or “Who We Are.”
Guest speaker: Hearing about a portable toilet that will improve the health of people in developing countries not only demonstrates that the student is tuned into what’s happening on Tech’s campus; it subtly demonstrates that he is interested in using what he learns at Tech to help others.
Experience on campus: Sharing the story of hearing a guest speaker, touring the campus, and witnessing student innovation in action drives home the message that this student has already invested in being a part of Georgia Tech. If you’ve visited the campus, consider sharing a quick and focused story about something you saw or heard. Haven’t visited campus, can’t, or won’t visit? Don’t worry. You can write a similar story about “exploring” the campus website, course catalogue, or a student publication.
Campus resources: The InVenture Challenge. The Interactive Product Design Center. These are unique to Georgia Tech, and show that this student will arrive on campus ready to make the most of the resources available.
Professors: This student refers to professor Chininis’ work in toy design. Use the course catalogue to find a professor who teaches a class that aligns with your interests. Even better, use the college website to find a professor doing current research that relates to the work you hope to do on campus or as a career.
Classes: The classic. Almost every student will include classes they hope to take in their “Why us?” essay, and you should too! But make sure to flesh out your essay with non-class examples (like the ones listed above).
Connect Georgia Tech’s specifics to you and your interests . On top of showing that Georgia Tech is a great school for you, show how you will be a great fit for the school. A great way to do this is to refer to specific interests and “stuff you’ve done” that you’ll build on once you’re a Yellow Jacket.
This student, for example, mentions his involvement in Tech’s InVenture challenge, and a desire to “create products that address peoples’ needs.” He also implies an interest in start-ups and innovation. By mentioning these things, we start to understand how he’ll make the most of his time on campus.
Let’s take a look at another example that even more directly emphasizes connections between the author and the school.
Georgia Tech Example 2:
At Georgia Tech I'm excited to explore both the small and the large. I want to work with professor Fedorov at Georgia Tech and study engineering on the nanoscale. I’ve been working on finding potential materials for solar cells by comparing and improving their bandgaps and am interested in participating in the research on the micro-capillary injector. The vibration-powered robots, investigated by Azadeh Ansari and Jun Ueda as well as graduate students DeaGyu Kim and Chris Hao, also attract my interest, for it may be possible for it to swim in the human body, combating diseases. Science also can be seen in the largest things. Through NASA’s Exobiology Program and working with scientists in Tech’s School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I’ll learn more about the hydrate crystallization process under high-pressure, and further explore the structures of methane clathrates, understanding the habitability on the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Moreover, the course Nuclear Astrophysics and Stellar Evolution with Dr. Sowell will give me a deeper understanding on the topic of stellar structure and evolution, as well as nucleosynthesis and degenerate objects. Studying this course that also focuses on the Boltzmann & Saha Equations will take my understanding of the relationship between ionization of an atom and its ground and excited state to another level. Besides science, Tech offers opportunities for me to make connections with those around me. With my experience and interest in video recording and editing, I would love to explore the Filmmakers to work with peers and produce shorts to share with the community. Also, having volunteered for my school’s GiveBack 5K and learning about people’s acts of kindness, I’d love to be a part of the Break Free from Poverty 5K Run/Walk, as sometimes small things can make a big difference. — — —
Connect Georgia Tech’s specifics to you. This student does this in a few effective ways:
As a framing device. This student begins with a statement of her interests: exploring things both small and large. By opening this way, we know that every specific example she gives about resources and opportunities at Tech will relate to her interest in exploration. It’s also a great hook— What kinds of things?
In relation to work she has already done. Right after name-dropping professor Fedorov, she backs it up with some details on her work to find “potential materials for solar cells.” She follows that up with details on the type of research done by Fodorov, research she implies is connected to her own projects.
As a way to learn more about topics she’s just starting to learn about. The student has an “understanding of the relationship between ionization of an atom and its ground and excited state,” but wants to take that understanding to another level. This implies that she a) already knows something about the topic (seriously, you have to know something to reference Boltzmann Equations…), and b) already has a plan for developing that knowledge at Tech.
As an opportunity for her to tap into new and budding interests. Just because you haven’t done something amazing in a certain area doesn’t mean you can’t include it in a “Why us?” essay. This student mentions her interest in video recording and editing, and implies that she can have a greater impact on Tech’s campus (producing shorts to share with the community). She also mentions the volunteer work she’s done and the type of volunteer work she hopes to do as a student at Tech.
Use geeky language. Nanoscale. Bandgaps. Microcapillary. Hydrate crystallization. Methane clathrates. Without having to explain any of these concepts explicitly, this student shows us that she knows her stuff and will show up on campus ready to jump right into her academic and research work.
Show more than one side of yourself. The first two paragraphs make it clear that this student is a science stan. But this student makes a point of rounding out her interests. While some people may envision a serious scientist living in the lab, she’s the kind of scientist who prioritizes making “connections with those around [her].” By mentioning her video-editing and volunteer work, the reader’s vision of her as a Tech student shifts to more accurately capture the full range of her interests and abilities.
Here’s a great “Why Major” + “Why us?” example from Brown. Note how this student brings their mini-movie moments to life with crisp, clear examples, told in chronological order. Consider doing the same with yours—only, as noted above, consider spending a bit more of your word count on Why Georgia Tech specifics.
Example 3: Brown
My whole life, storytelling has shaped me. When I lived in London, my parents would read me The Lion King every night until I’d memorized the whole book. In elementary school, I would curl up in my bed, warm lamplight making my room golden, listening to my dad bring to life classics like Wilderness Champion and Tom Sawyer . Later, I found audio storytelling, laughing hysterically at Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on the car ride to school and connecting to a radio network of humanity through This American Life . It wasn’t long before I got hooked on visual narratives, mesmerized by the cinematic intensity of Whiplash and the whimsical world of Moonrise Kingdom , alternate realities I could explore as if they were my own. By high school, I was creating my own array of stories through satirical school newspaper articles, analysis of mise-en-scene in film class, podcasting, and my own locally-broadcasted radio series. A concentration in the Literary Arts or Modern Culture and Media is the next step in my life of storytelling. The dynamic world of connection and vulnerability a well-told story can create is what continues to fascinate me. At Brown, I would explore how engaging narratives have been told in the past and can be innovated in the future through new digital platforms. Whether researching radio’s historical impact on public opinion during World War II or the Vietnam War, developing screenplays, producing my own documentary or learning from Writers-In-Residence, I hope to pioneer networks of connection. (250 words) — — —
And here’s a fourth example, written for a similar but much longer prompt for Babson. You’ll have 150 fewer words to use, but this essay is a great example of what it looks like to show how your interest in your major developed over time, to then fold those insights into how you expect to explore your interests further, with college-specific examples.
Example 4: Babson
When I was four, my family lived on the top floor of my dad’s newly established company. A young and curious inspector, I frequently made tours of the offices, and observed my dad and his staff as they worked. I have always admired my father. As a former doctor, he used his passion for medicine to found vaccine and medical equipment companies. Every year, we travel to rural Vietnam, to donate part of the company’s profits to underprivileged people. As a child, I knew that I wanted to be in business, like my dad. At my boarding school in Massachusetts, students were required to keep the school running. Two years of cleaning the Health Center and working in the Kitchen showed me how effective management and communication are essential for operations. When I built close connections with the staff and other students, I was happier and more productive. I realized that creating opportunities for employees to engage in teamwork and relationship building is critical for morale and for the efficiency of a business. Last summer, I took the USC online Introduction to Business course. There, I gained additional insight into how companies are run. During group projects, each department gave feedback on other departments’ ideas. From this, I saw how the different areas of a business intersect. In one of the projects I led, we designed a protective outfit that allows the elderly to hug their loved ones during Covid-19. Like my dad, I was able to use creativity and innovation to solve a social problem. I realized then that I want to be just like him: a social entrepreneur, who helps address social problems. Babson will be able to help me achieve my goals. I want to co-concentrate in Entrepreneurship and Global Management. I am eager to collaborate with other students to create and manage an actual business, and receive valuable advice through FME and CLTP in my freshman year. Similarly, I am excited to foster enduring bonds with other students and faculty through the First Year Seminar, and give back to the community by participating in CAP. I value how Babson encourages students to donate at least 50% of their profit to local organizations; this is a type of business model I aspire to create in the future. By taking courses such as Living the Social Entrepreneurship Experience and Global Strategic Management, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills to develop a sustainable and impactful global business. Likewise, Babson liberal arts courses will shape me into a well-rounded person who has the tools to create change; I want to dive deeper into Justice and Inequality issues in the AHS course, to comprehend the causes and find solutions to injustices like poverty. Taking courses like East Asia Cultures and studying abroad in London will also help me expand my perspective. Babson College is where I belong, and it is a place that can nurture me into who I want to be―a dynamic changemaker and a successful entrepreneur. — — —
Special thanks to Calvin for contributing to this post.
Calvin is an ardent reader, writer, and all-around communicator with a deep love of stories. He has a dog, Seymour, whom he loves—in fact far more than Seymour loves him.
Top values: Adaptability | Meaningful Work | Fun
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Georgia Tech 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
Georgia tech 2022-23 application essay question explanations.
The Requirements: Why
Supplemental Essay Type(s): 1 essay of 300 words
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (50-300 words)
Admissions wants to know how you plan on using a Georgia Tech education to accomplish your career goals. Some schools ask students why they want to attend or why they like different offerings, but Georgia Tech isn’t messing around. They’re asking you to specifically speak about academics here, so don’t waste your time researching the dining halls. Why study here? Why study this subject? And finally, why study this subject at Georgia Tech, specifically? Spend some time learning about Georgia Tech’s majors, classes, professors, resources, and alumni network. Pore over the website for the department you’re interested in and soak up information about faculty, research, guest speakers, and special opportunities for undergraduates. Jot down the details that appeal to you and by the end of your research session, you’ll have everything you need to plead your case. Connect the school’s offerings to your personal interests and goals and you will demonstrate your fit and commitment to the school. What career path do you see for yourself? Is Georgia Tech known for producing successful graduates in that department? The more details you can provide, the better.
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2 Georgia Tech Essay Examples
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Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the foremost schools in the country for STEM-related majors, such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Situated in Atlanta, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get real-world experience in their field through internships and study abroad.
While writing any college essay can be intimidating, admissions officers at Georgia Tech are especially selective, so make sure your essays are top notch! In this post, we will be going over two essays real students submitted to Georgia Tech. In addition, we will explain what each essay did well and where they could improve to inspire your writing.
Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.
Read our Georgia Tech essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.
Essay Example #1
Prompt: Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)
I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.
The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.
In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.
What the Essay Did Well
The strongest part of this essay is the hook. It captures the attention of the reader and immediately draws them into the story. Yet, still, the reader is left with a desire to know how the anecdote ends; this sets a great flow and general outline for the essay. Another important aspect of the in medias res technique is how to “zoom out” from the story to the main point of the essay in a way that remains personal to the author. This essay does this very well by tying the computer game into the student’s passion for computer science in the second sentence.
This essay also does a great job of answering the prompt. “Threads” are something unique to the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, and this student makes it clear that the path they want to pursue is only possible through this program. We can also see their personality shine through in this essay. This student is someone who is invested in equality and justice, as evidenced by the reference to Spiderman, their past as an English tutor, and their interest in the People thread.
What Could Be Improved
This essay does a good job covering the basics of the prompt, but it could be elevated with more nuance and detail. The biggest thing missing from this essay is a strong core to tie everything together. And no, the student’s major is not enough of a core. So what do we mean? We want to see a common theme, anecdote, or motivation that is weaved throughout the entire essay to connect everything. Take the Spiderman quote for example. If this was expanded it could have been the perfect core for this essay.
Underlying this student’s interest in AI is a passion for social justice, so they could have used the quote about power and responsibility to talk about existing injustices with AI and how once they have the power to create AI they will act responsibly and help affected communities. They are clearly passionate about equality of education, but there is a disconnect between education and AI that comes from a lack of detail. To strengthen the core of the essay, this student needs to include real-world examples of how AI is fostering inequities in education. This takes their essay from theoretical to practical. In addition to establishing a current issue, they also need to include concrete details about their aspirations, more than simply a hope to “ integrate AI technology into the teaching process .”
Bringing details to every level of your essay makes it infinitely easier for your reader to conceptualize what you are saying, thus allowing them to see how the entire essay fits together as one.
Essay Example #2
Climate change is a human rights issue.
There the headline was, screaming on my phone screen. I think about those suffering from a lack of clean water. I think about those suffering from a lack of clean air.
I often think back to that headline – it’s what drives my passion for environmental engineering. As an environmental engineer, I can mitigate air pollution and design water treatment systems that address the water injustices that people face. However, it’s not just about creating a technology that cleans water; it’s about changing people’s lives. New technologies can make a lasting difference in humanitarian issues worldwide; Georgia Tech’s research on creating a toilet that turns human waste into clean water for those in need of improved sanitation aligns perfectly with my interests.
At Georgia Tech, through the student-led organization, Engineers for a Sustainable World and the InVenture Prize, I can translate the knowledge gained from my classes into a concrete vision. I can design and implement hands-on sustainability projects around Atlanta and invent a water sanitation system for the on-site acquisition of clean water.
Georgia Tech can also provide me with ample research opportunities, such as the broad area of Healthy Communities in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. I can further pursue my interest in developing solutions to deliver clean water while welcoming new areas of inquiry. An area I would like to explore would be the controlling of dangerous matter in the air to reduce health hazards; reducing the impact of climate change is of utmost importance to me.
Studying environmental engineering at Georgia Tech would well prepare me to develop solutions to climate-related issues. With the countless opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know there is nowhere else where I can receive a better environmental engineering education.
This essay immediately tells the reader exactly what this student is passionate about with the attention-grabbing phrase “ Climate change is a human rights issue ,” and each subsequent line delivers on that statement. The student was true to themself and picked a particular environmental issue that they cared about—clean water—and they thoroughly demonstrated how they will make that their primary goal at Georgia Tech.
Choosing one specific issue that you care deeply about and finding unique programs at a school that directly relate to your social problem makes for a vastly stronger essay than one that generally talks about climate change and the need to address it. Because this student honed in on clean water, they could talk about the sanitation toilet designed by Georgia Tech (demonstrating a high level of research on the school), Engineers for a Sustainable World (showing the hands-on experience they will gain with water sanitation), and the intersection of their interest with the topic of Healthy Communities (illustrating their intellectual curiosity).
This student knows exactly what they want and how Georgia Tech will get them there. Their direct tone makes them sound confident, driven, and determined to make the world a better place.
The biggest thing that stands out in this essay is the lack of a personal connection to the student. Especially when they begin the essay with a statement that climate change affects human rights, meaning the rights of everyone, it is ironic that this student never discusses their personal rights. Instead, they “ think about those suffering from a lack of clean water ” and the “ water injustices that people face. “
One downside of separating yourself from a global humanitarian issue like climate change is that it paints you as a savior, which isn’t always received in the best light. Even more importantly, you miss out on the perfect chance to include personal anecdotes and your emotions—the best way to reveal your character to admissions officers!
Rather than telling us how this student thinks about others suffering, they should have shared a story about the polluted water in a nearby stream they can’t swim in or acid rain that corroded the playground that was a staple of their childhood. These are just examples, but they get at the idea of including concrete examples about the way polluted water has personally affected this child and the mental toll seeing the world around them be threatened has on them.
Where to Get Your Georgia Tech Essays Edited
Do you want feedback on your Georgia Tech essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.
If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!
Related CollegeVine Blog Posts
2022-23 Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays – Prompts and Tips
Georgia Tech has always been an excellent university where one could receive a top-notch educational experience. However, it was not always a highly-selective institution on the admissions front. In fact, back in the days of the Clinton White House, Georgia Tech accepted over two-thirds of those who applied. In 2022-23, this is a school that only admits 13% of out-of-state applicants and 29% of freshmen were the valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class (let that sink in a moment…). It’s fair to say that an applicant to Georgia Tech today is playing a completely different ballgame than applicants in 1995, 2005, or even 2015. Even students with nothing lower than an A- on their transcript and an SAT/ACT score above the 95th percentile still need to offer a compelling application in order to have strong odds at becoming a Yellow Jacket.
(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgia Tech? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into Georgia Tech: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)
Although it only has one general essay prompt, Georgia Tech’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay for the 2022-23 admissions cycle. The College Transitions team also dishes advice on how to pen a winning essay.
2022-2023 Georgia Tech Essay Question
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max)
This is part “Why Us?” and part “Explain Your Major” and your aim is to seamlessly touch on both topics in a tightly-woven 300-word composition. Georgia Tech is very forthcoming in its essay-related advice to applicants. They wisely advise all applicants to demonstrate “authenticity & self-awareness,” “thoughtfulness”, and to “display attention to topic, style, and grammar.” For a deeper dive, let’s examine list of common pitfalls followed by a list of characteristics of a winning Georgia Tech supplemental essay:
Common components of a mediocre “Why Georgia Tech?” essay
- Georgia Tech’s engineering/business/computer science program is atop the U.S. News rankings, is prestigious, and has a great reputation.
- Generalities about why Atlanta is an ideal location for your college experience.
- Generalities about why Atlanta is an exciting/cosmopolitan/diverse/culture-filled city.
- Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g. I know with all my being that Georgia Tech is the school for me…).
- Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
How to write a needle-moving “Why Georgia Tech?” essay
- Demonstrate how your goals align with the school’s mission statement. “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.”
- Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities , internship/externship programs, study abroad programs , student-run organizations , etc.
- How will you be an active, contributing member of the academic community at Georgia Tech?
- Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Georgia Tech’s campus.
- How will you take advantage of Georgia Tech’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom?
- Lastly, address why Georgia Tech is the perfect fit for you. Also, touch on why you are the perfect fit for Georgia Tech.
Big-picture thoughts on a “Why this Major/College” essay
In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. Yet, you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled ten minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).
In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar Georgia Tech essay will involve connecting the classes, professors, opportunities, etc. of interest that you have uncovered to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.
How important is the essay at Georgia Tech?
Eight factors are “very important” to the Georgia Tech evaluation process. The Common App and supplemental essays are among them. Additional factors considered “very important” are: rigor of coursework, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and the level of applicant’s demonstrated interest.
Personalized Essay Assistance
If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Georgia Tech supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote today.
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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College Info , College Essays
Before you envision yourself getting settled in at Georgia Tech, you must get over the hurdle of writing the Georgia Tech essays. The Georgia Tech supplement requires you to write a short essay specifically for Georgia Tech. But what is the essay prompt? And what should you include in your Georgia Tech essay?
Keep reading to learn exactly what the Georgia Tech essay is, what kinds of topics you can write about (and what kinds of topics to avoid), and how to ensure you're submitting a quality essay.
Feature Image: Wally Gobetz /Flickr
What Are the Georgia Tech Supplement Essay Prompts?
The Georgia Tech application includes a total of two essays . For one of these, you'll choose one of the seven Common App prompts to respond to, and the other is specific to Georgia Tech. Here's the Georgia Tech prompt:
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?
How to Write the Why Georgia Tech Essay
This prompt is a version of the "why this college" prompt . Specifically, this prompt is a "why us" prompt, as it's asking you to elaborate on why this college and the major you've chosen are best suited to you and your aspirations. In other words, what about Georgia Tech and the field of study you want to pursue there will help you achieve your future goals?
To answer this question, you'll need to do some research on Georgia Tech and the academic program you're applying to. The easiest way to do this is to go to the Georgia Tech website to get an overview of what's offered by your program, including the kinds of classes, study abroad options, professors, and internship opportunities.
If possible, I suggest visiting the campus to sit in on classes and meet professors so you can get a clearer feel for the academic program as well as the environment at Georgia Tech as a whole.
In your essay, try to pick a specific characteristic to focus on —don't just say you want to attend Georgia Tech because it's prestigious or well known. Lots of colleges are!
Next, you'll need to know how your education at Georgia Tech will help you after college. For example, you could write about how you think Georgia Tech's cooperative education program will help you gain relevant professional experience and make connections with like-minded peers.
Regardless of what aspects of Georgia Tech and your major you want to write about, make sure to clearly connect the essay back to you and your own interests and goals.
Here are some possible topics you could use for your "Why Georgia Tech?" essay:
- An anecdote relating some sort of positive personal experience you had at Georgia Tech (such as while on a campus tour)
- A positive interaction you had with someone affiliated with Georgia Tech, such as a current student or professor involved with the major you're applying for
- Your excitement about getting to work with a particular faculty member, and how this opportunity will help you further your career goals
- Your enthusiasm for getting to study in a program or major/minor that's not usually offered at many schools or that has a unique, interesting angle at Georgia Tech
- A special facility or piece of equipment you're looking forward to being able to work in or with, and that isn't offered on other campuses or is very rare
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Georgia Tech Essay Examples + Analysis
We've written two Georgia Tech essay examples to help give you an idea as to what and how you could write your Why Georgia Tech essay. Additionally, we go over what makes them good essays for a Georgia Tech application.
Georgia Tech Essay Example 1
"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to Georgia Tech."
Katrina was a few years older than me and the sister of my best friend, Troy, who'd given me her email address so I could ask any questions I had about her time at Georgia Tech. This was the last line of her response—and by far the most memorable.
Like Katrina, I can't imagine myself not attending Georgia Tech. As an aspiring environmental engineer, I see Georgia Tech as a gateway to not just learning but also professional success. The flexibility of the major would allow me to focus specifically on my passion for reducing the negative effects of climate change and securing access to clean water. As a senior, I plan to take several hydraulics-focused electives.
In addition, through the InVenture Prize, which I hope to participate in at least twice, I'll be able to utilize the knowledge I've gained through my classes, projects, and fieldwork by translating it into a concrete vision—specifically, an invention that will increase the availability of fresh, healthy water for disadvantaged communities.
After graduation, and as a proud Georgia Tech alumnus (ideally with an InVenture Prize), I plan to implement the skills I've gained through my environmental engineering major in the nonprofit sector.
I haven't met Katrina yet, but I feel as though I know her—perhaps it's that shared sense of joy at having discovered the perfect school for the paths we've chosen.
Here's why this Georgia Tech essay works:
- It's got a creative hook that draws you in. This Georgia Tech essay opens with a quotation that immediately makes it feel as though you're reading a compelling story. It then goes on to connect this hook directly to the narrator who "can't imagine … not attending Georgia Tech," ensuring the focus remains on the applicant and not Katrina.
- It mentions specific features of Georgia Tech. The applicant doesn't just write about how prestigious Georgia Tech is but specifically mentions opportunities she's interested in taking advantage of, such as hydraulics courses and the famous InVenture Prize competition.
Georgia Tech Essay Example 2
Atlanta has been my home all my life, and I've always known that I want to be one of the people who help make it such a wonderful place to live. My dream is to create my own business that makes it easier for other start-up businesses to get up and running. Georgia Tech is my dream school because I know it will give me the absolute best chance of achieving my goals.
The course catalog for Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business makes it clear that all business students receive a top-notch and comprehensive business education no matter what area they choose to focus on. However, what really interests me is Scheller's emphasis on entrepreneurship. I'm so excited to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, like LBAT and study abroad programs that focus on starting a new business, the certificate in entrepreneurship, and the Enterprise Innovation Institute where I hope to collaborate with professors, business leaders, and peers to learn how to create and grow and successful business of my own.
Growing up in Atlanta, learned early that it has many resources for people hoping to go into business, and I know Georgia Tech will help me take advantage of them. Under the school's internship program, I hope to work for a start-up company, learning about what makes some new companies thrive while others fail, and getting on-the-ground experience learning what new companies need to do well and avoid common pitfalls. I'll also use Georgia Tech's extensive connections with local business leaders to continue to expand my business acumen outside the classroom.
I have so many ideas for what I want to do with my career, and I can't wait to attend Georgia Tech to learn the skills I need to make these dreams possible.
- It goes in-depth on what Georgia Tech offers. Like the first essay, this one also gets specific on exactly which parts of the school the writer plans to take advantage of the most. From mentioning the course catalog, specific business programs, and the school's connections with the community, it's clear the writer did her research and knows which of Georgia Tech's resources will be of most value to her.
- It has a clear vision of a career path. You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate college, but having a general idea can really help you show the admissions committee how you're going to take advantage of what Georgia Tech offers. In this case, it's the entrepreneurship and business opportunities at the school, which will help the writer start her own business after graduation.
How to Write a Great Georgia Tech Essay: 3 Essential Tips
Now that you know the specifics of the Why Georgia Tech essay prompt, here are three key tips to use while writing your essay.
#1: Be Specific and Concise
The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so tight on length, you'll need to make sure you're using the space you have wisely. Don't write super flowery, verbose descriptions or rely on overly vague examples.
Instead, be as specific as you can be so that you're emphasizing only the most important parts of the story you want to tell. Specificity will make your essay more concise and easier to follow.
#2: Show, Don't Tell
You've probably heard this refrain a million times, but it's especially important for college essays: show your experiences, emotions, and perspectives instead of simply telling them to your readers. Doing this will make your Georgia Tech essays sound vibrant and alive rather than dull and boring.
One of the very best ways to catapult your descriptions to a whole new level and to lend a stronger voice to your writing is to use a variety of literary devices , including flashbacks/anecdotes, imagery, and euphemisms.
#3: Polish and Proofread
Before you submit your Georgia Tech essays, make sure to take some time to read them over, edit them, get feedback, and proofread them.
The best way to do this is to start by writing a rough draft. Once finished, put your essay away for a little while—anywhere from a couple of days to a week or so depending on the amount of time you have left before college applications are due —and then take it out again.
As you read your essay, mark any areas that are unclear, awkwardly worded, or irrelevant. You should also proofread your essay for any glaring typos and errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Once you've repeated this process a few times, it's time to get a new set of eyes to look it over for you. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor, to read your essay and offer comments and corrections on it.
Doing all of this will ensure that your essay is completely polished by the time you turn it in to Georgia Tech!
What's Next?
If you're reading this, you're likely not only applying to Georgia Tech. Get more tips with our expert guides to the Stanford essays , the Northwestern essay , and the Harvard essay .
Applying through the Common App? Check out this comprehensive list of schools that accept the Common App , and learn more about how to write the Common App essay .
To learn more about Georgia Tech and how to get in, take a look at its admission requirements page .
Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.
Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.
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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.
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How to write the georgia tech supplemental essays 2021-2022 (with examples).
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Tech is a school well-known for its engineering and computer science programs.
Its admissions rate has decreased over the years, hitting 21% in 2020 as it becomes more selective.
As such, you need a great application to be considered for admission to Georgia Tech.
While your academic success and extracurricular activities are all important aspects of the application process, Georgia Tech takes your essay responses seriously and treats them as “an important way to get to know you, and what you have to bring to Georgia Tech.”
Luckily, you don’t need to be a future English major to create a personal, powerful essay.
Georgia Tech takes both the Common Application and the Coalition Application.
- On top of the Common or Coalition App general essay , you are expected to write one short answer response.
In this article, we will guide you through Georgia Tech’s short answer question to give you an idea of how to approach it .
Click above to watch a video on Georgia Tech Supplemental Essays.
General Guidelines: Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay
The essay response is 300 words long, translating to about 2-3 paragraphs in length. However, you need to be economical with your words and make every single one count. That means there is no room for generalities.
- You need to be specific and get straight to the point.
- Every word should contribute to showing your personality, your motivations, your ambitions, or your successes.
You should also focus on topics that you haven’t covered elsewhere in your application.
Georgia Tech wants the essay to bring out what they can’t already figure out from your transcripts and club participation.
- Georgia Tech wants the essays to bring out what they can’t already figure out from your transcripts and club participation.
Above all else, be authentic. Don’t write what you think the admissions officers want to read. Be honest in your interests and your accomplishments, and show Georgia Tech what you have to offer them.
Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay – Why This Major at Georgia Tech?
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (Max. 300 words)”
The wording of this question is a little tricky. At first, it seems like it’s asking why you’ve chosen your desired major. While this is a point you’ll want to make in your essay, you’ll want to keep it brief. The real answer Georgia Tech wants here is why you want to study your major at Georgia Tech.
- It’s more of a “ Why This College ” essay than a “Why This Major” prompt.
However, it’s not just about why you love Georgia Tech. They want to know specifically why you love Georgia Tech’s version of your major program.
If you’re planning to major in Chemistry, did you choose Georgia Tech for their outstanding research opportunities?
- If you’re going for engineering, is the school’s “best of the best” reputation your main selling point?
Think about why your field of study will be special at Georgia Tech, and craft an essay from that.
- Tip: It’s always a good idea to show Georgia Tech that what you’re doing now will carry over to your major program (if you can squeeze it into the 300 word limit).
For example:
- Share a sentence or two about your research project that won the state science fair last spring, and explain how you’re wanting to continue to challenge yourself through similar opportunities.
- Write a little bit about the club you founded in your high school, and share that you want to take that same entrepreneurial spirit and begin your own business someday. Point out how Georgia Tech’s hands-on business program will prepare you for your goals.
You can approach this question in a few different ways:
The first way is to approach this from an academic perspective. Remember, they don’t want you to tell them they’re highly ranked in engineering and computer science – they already know that. They want you to be specific in your desire to earn a certain major from Georgia Tech.
- What pieces of your major program are unique to Georgia Tech?
- How will these qualities benefit you directly?
Look at some of the research happening at Georgia Tech.
For instance, Georgia Tech is currently researching ways to improve worldwide sanitation by reinventing something that is used by every person multiple times per day– the toilet. They are aiming to create a toilet that turns human waste into clean water, specifically for the parts of the world that do not have access to adequate amounts of clean water or sanitation,
- If you’re interested in new technology and how it can make a lasting difference in humanitarian issues around the world, this type of research may be why you’re interested in attending Georgia Tech.
Second, consider looking into faculty members and their research interests.
If their research interests fall in line with what you plan to do, mention them in your essay. You may even want to reach out to the professor, forming a connection that could lead to future opportunities.
- Doing so shows Georgia Tech that you have both initiative and interest in the research that is happening at Georgia Tech, and that you’re committed to learning from GT faculty.
Third, study your major’s plan at Georgia Tech and how it compares to programs at other colleges and universities.
- Are there any classes that are unique to Georgia Tech?
- Will your program have internships or other hands-on experiences?
Figure out what makes your specific program unique at Georgia Tech, and make a list of all the ways these differences will support you throughout your college journey and in your future career.
- After you show why Georgia’s Tech has standout opportunities in your major , make sure to demonstrate your ambitions or post-undergraduate plans.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do with your life after college – you might not know quite yet, and that’s just fine. Even if you do have a solid plan, it’s possible it will change as time goes by.
With that said, you should have a general idea of the field you want to enter.
With that said, you should have a general idea of the field you want to enter and it should be closely related to the major you choose.
- Overall, you must demonstrate that you know about Georgia Tech’s offerings (within your major) and have a vision for taking advantage of them.
Colleges want students who will utilize as many campus resources as possible to build a personalized education, and to become successful professionals.
Thus, be specific about Georgia Tech’s offerings that you want to become a part of.
A few more tips:
- If possible, try scheduling a campus tour and asking questions about the various aspects you’re interested in.
- Look at Georgia Tech’s website and its various faculty directories for current research and campus events.
- For even more inspiration, check college forums, such as College Confidential, to get perspective from current and former students.
Once you’ve got all of your information and inspiration gathered, you’re ready to write.
Why This Major at Georgia Tech Example Essay 1
We’ve provided you GT essay examples throughout this guide. They will help you visualize your essay outline.
Remember, never plagiarize. Colleges, naturally, frown upon this. You should always create your own work.
After my three-hour commute to Rutgers University, my advisors and I would huddle over a whiteboard, brainstorming mathematical models of pricing strategies. I spent the remainder of the day poring over my laptop, coding and debugging Python programs, translating these models into computational simulations. At the end of my two-year research project, I will determine the optimal pricing strategies for wireless service providers and publish a paper in the Gaugers Conference. I intend to continue my passion for research by participating in ongoing projects at Georgia Tech’s Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. My primary interest is advancing robotically assisted surgery technologies, giving patients access to the best medical minds. By working in the “Medical Robots and Human Augmentation” strategic research area and collaborating with professors like Dr. Jaydev Desai, I aim to provide struggling communities with the resources to utilize sophisticated robotics developments. I wish to further my passion for robotics by leading design teams on the Georgia Tech RoboJackets robotics team. Whether it’s coding an autonomous robot to play soccer or creating powerful mechanisms to break robots, I believe the RoboJackets have a niche for me. My desire to join Georgia Tech was reinforced after speaking with Tomas Osses about the endless possibilities on the RoboJackets. Diving deeper into robotics, I hope to enroll in the intelligence thread of the School of Computing to further my knowledge of autonomous machines and AI. I am eager to enhance my computer science skills as a Yellow Jacket.
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Why this major at georgia tech example essay 2.
I heard my name spoken into the microphone, and my teammates jumped from their seats. We had just taken first place in the New York State Science Fair with our Insulin Resistance research project. Our project had not only won, but it lead to wide open pathways that could someday make a difference in the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. I want to attend Georgia Tech because I know that the Biomedical Engineering program will provide me with access to similar experiences. Professors like Dr. Hee Cheol Chol (with his scholar status in Pediatric Bioengineering) would give me the tools and knowledge necessary to make a true impact throughout my future career in the medical field. Georgia Tech will give me the specific courses, research opportunities, internships, and expert faculty members that I need to become one of the best in the field. With my passion for science and difference-making, I know that Georgia Tech is the only place that will allow me to reach my full potential.”
Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay #2: From Previous Years
In this section, we’ve added essays from previous years. This should give you context into the quality of essays Georgia Tech is looking for.
Each prompt provides you with an opportunity to showcase an accomplishment or passion outside of an academic context. Because of this, it’s important that you choose the essay that shares your best qualities or achievements.
For both of these essays, you should focus on what makes you a unique asset for the Georgia Tech community. It’s not so much about why you want Georgia Tech, but why Georgia Tech wants you .
- Keep in mind that your accomplishments don’t have to be extraordinary. You don’t have to cure cancer or end world hunger to be considered.
- Small differences you’ve made in a person’s life or steps you’re taking to change the world around you can create just as much of an impact.
Georgia Tech Supplemental Prompt A
Georgia Tech is committed to creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Tell us how you have improved or hope to improve the human condition in your community.
This prompt asks what you have done (or what you want to do) to make a difference in your community.
As shown in the question, you can take one of two paths when writing this essay:
- Explain something you’ve already done to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. This can be a large or small task; maybe you’re bilingual and you started an after-school tutoring club to provide direct support to younger kids who are learning English for the first time. Maybe you’ve gotten a group of friends together to make meals for the homeless population in your town.
- If you haven’t had the chance to make a difference directly (or if you’ve got a bursting idea that you dream of bringing to life), pour it out on the page. Write about a problem you’ve witnessed firsthand in your community, and how you want to solve it.
Remember to reflect on the impact this action had (or will have) on the community you live in.
Don’t write about improving life in another country if you don’t live there. This is about fixing the problems that occur on the same streets you grew up on.
- Be sure to share a concrete plan if you’re writing a problem you hope to solve in the future. Be specific and really show how your skills can make a positive impact in your community.
- Keep the description of the issue brief; Georgia Tech wants to know about how you can solve this more than they want to hear about the problem at hand.
When showcasing the skills you used to make a difference, also share what the experience has taught you:
- You learned how much back-end work goes into solving a humanitarian issue.
- You gained leadership skills while providing guidance to a large group of students.
- You found independence and realized your actions can lead to significant change with an intense focus and the correct use of your personal skill set.
While there are a lot of different ways to take this essay, it may not be the ideal essay for every applicant. Make sure your action or plan shows off both your skill and desire to change the world around you.
Georgia Tech Supplemental Prompt B
“If you feel that your personal or community background can provide additional insight to your application that we have not already seen elsewhere, please take this opportunity to share that information with us.”
This is a fairly vague prompt, but it provides you with an excellent opportunity.
It eliminates the problem that arises when applications only show your academic successes, and lets you showcase anything you want the admission team to see.
Maybe you have a health condition that has motivated you to succeed in academics, so you can someday work toward finding a cure. Maybe you’re a LEGO expert and want to turn your design skills into a future engineering career.
- Take the first part of your essay to explain an important piece of who you are that is not shown on your application.
- Make sure this characteristic or experience shows off why Georgia Tech is the perfect school for you (and why you’d be a perfect addition to the GT student body).
Now, how can Georgia Tech benefit from the characteristic or experience that makes you stand out?
- Does Georgia Tech offer study abroad programs in a third-world country you’ve always wanted to make a difference in?
- Are they currently conducting a long term research study in an area that personally relates to your or someone close to you?
- Is there a club or organization that you’d be a perfect fit for? Or one that would give you the tools you need to make an impact in the world around you?
Be specific, and show Georgia Tech something unique about yourself. Show them why you need their school, and why they need you as a student.
Make sure to look through Georgia Tech’s website to see if any of their core values, programs, or opportunities line up with a piece of your life that is not already shown on your application.
Georgia Tech Personal Background Essay Example From Previous Year
I moved to the United States when I was just six years old. I started first grade the following week, without knowing a word of English. I had an ESL teacher to meet with once a day and a computer program to teach me a whole new language. I couldn’t make new friends because I didn’t know how to speak to them. I couldn’t participate in class because I did not understand my teacher. Fast-forward to my Freshman year of High School. I’m now fluent in Spanish and English, and I wake up one morning with an idea that I absolutely need to bring to life. I’ll start a club for students in my local elementary school who are learning English as a second language. Fast-forward to today. For the past three years, my club has met three times per week during lunch and recess. My students have had a safe space to share their challenges (with translator apps, so they do not need to feel alone like I did). They have learned English quickly, they have made friends with each other, and they have triple the amount of English language learning time as was previously available. I know my club has made a difference in their lives, and also in my own. I’ve gained independence and leadership skills, and I now know that I am capable of making a significant impact in the world around me.
Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Example From Previous Year
It’s 5:50 a.m. on a Wednesday as I wake up to the shocking blast of the Mission Impossible theme song. It feels like I was up only a few hours ago, slogging through the assignments and projects that are due soon. I hop on the hour-long bus ride and try to get sleep to refresh myself for school. At school, I participate in classes, group projects, and labs, all of which have developed my critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills. On the ride back home, I socialize with friends about the latest sports news and listen to music. After I arrive home, I play piano and get some physical activity to calm my nerves and collect myself. After an hour of playing piano and exercising, it is off to volunteering at the the Iverness Hospital and then Iverness Orchards. Volunteering has taught me that not everything is about my life. I want to help those who cannot help themselves. After returning home and eating dinner, I clean the dishes and kitchen to alleviate my parents’ stress. Now comes the storm. I embark to complete math, physics, and biology projects and read up on literature and history. It’s 11:00 p.m., and while my parents and sister have gone to sleep, I still have so much to do. After working until 1:15 a.m., I finish my assignments and hit my bed. Today was a short Groundhog Day.
Conclusion: Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay
Georgia Tech’s supplemental essay allows you to demonstrate why Georgia Tech is the perfect school for you and why you’re a student that Georgia Tech needs.
Remember, this short answer essay gives you a chance to communicate with Georgia Tech’s admissions officers in a way that your test scores and transcripts can’t. Use this opportunity to your advantage.
Overall, you will write one, 300-word maximum, supplemental essay to show your interest in a specific major at Georgia Tech.
When you show Georgia Tech who you are and what you have to offer, you’ve got a much greater chance of getting in.
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Georgia Tech Essay 2022-2023
Georgia Tech Essay 2022-23
Georgia tech essay: quick facts.
- Georgia Tech Acceptance Rate: 18%— U.S. News ranks Georgia Tech as a most selective school.
- 1 ( ~ 300 word) essay
- Georgia Tech Application: Students must submit their Georgia Tech application through the Common Application . Make sure to double check all Georgia Tech application deadline and requirements.
- Early Action I: October 17th
- Early Action II: November 1st
- Regular Decision: January 4th
- Georgia Tech Essay Tip: In addition to the Common App essay , there is only one Georgia Tech essay to complete. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully and authentically complete the Georgia Tech essay.
Does Georgia Institute of Technology have supplemental essays?
Yes. In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, you will craft a why Georgia Tech essay that explains why you want to attend Georgia Tech. However, there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech supplemental essays.
Applicants must only complete one Georgia Tech application essay and the Common App essay .
Since the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is rather low, you should ensure your essay thoroughly explains why Georgia Tech best fits your goals.
While this task may seem daunting, the Georgia Tech application essay is not intended to trip you up. Make sure your Georgia Tech application essay shares new information while also explaining specific reasons why Georgia Tech is the place for you. Emphasize specific details that help the reader understand who you are and why you would fit in at Georgia Tech. Successful Georgia Tech essays will answer the why Georgia Tech essay completely and thoughtfully.
How to Write Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay–Question 1
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at georgia tech (300 max).
The why Georgia Tech essay gives you the chance to state your educational goals within the context of Georgia Tech. Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays will resemble those of many colleges. This means that while you won’t be able to reuse your Georgia Tech application essay (after all, that defeats the purpose of the “why school” essay), learning to write a strong response to this prompt might help you in your other applications.
Also, keep in mind that your Georgia Tech application essay should largely look toward your future rather than your past. You can—and should—mention specific ways that your academic interests have developed. However, you should devote most of your Why Georgia Tech essay to why you hope to pursue these interests at Georgia Tech. Below are some ways to ground your why Georgia Tech essay:
Focus on Academic Interests
First, and most importantly, you should consider your academic interests. Remember, this Georgia Tech essay prompt asks both why you want to study your chosen major and why you want to do so at Georgia Tech. Your response to the why Georgia Tech essay should address both of these questions—that is, you should explain the origins and development of your academic passions alongside your interest in Georgia Tech.
Think a bit about your future college major when contemplating the Georgia Tech supplemental essays. Which programs at Georgia Tech most interest you? Maybe some courses excite you because they connect to your professional goals. Perhaps there is a professor whose research lights your intellectual spirit on fire. Look for reasons why Georgia Tech is the perfect place for you, and highlight them in your Georgia Tech application essay.
Your Georgia Tech application essay should be grounded in what intellectually excites you about college and how Georgia Tech specifically quenches that academic thirst. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts; so, make sure that your response to this prompt is unique and passionate about your future academic interests.
Consider discussing c ommunity
Second, successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will consider Georgia Tech’s community, particularly in the academic sense. Why does Georgia Tech’s campus culture appeal to you? Why would you thrive in an intellectually engaged community like Georgia Tech?
For inspiration, you might check out Georgia Tech’s admissions office website as well as their YouTube channel . There, you can see what Georgia Tech wishes to emphasize about itself to prospective students. You can also hear from students past and present about their lives on campus. Incorporating these themes will help you prepare an excellent Why Georgia Tech essay.
Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, the Georgia Tech application essay is a snapshot of your current interests. Since there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, students should place special attention on writing strong Georgia Tech supplemental essays.
Many college students change their major, and the Georgia Tech admissions team understands this. Perhaps your future professors will inspire you to change direction. Or, maybe, an internship or volunteering experience might reveal a new passion. Admissions officers know that your prospective major may shift once you arrive at Georgia Tech. Don’t feel constrained by “choosing” a future major —instead, use the Georgia Tech supplemental essay to reflect on your current interests and illustrate your overall intellect.
Georgia Tech Essay Reflection Questions:
- Does your Georgia Tech application essay provide specific examples that show you have researched why Georgia Tech is a good fit for you?
- Do you avoid extended lists of reasons why you want to attend Georgia Tech and instead focus on one or two specific things?
- Will your Georgia Tech application essay stand out amongst a pool of competitive applicants?
How do I write the Georgia Tech essay?
Writing the Georgia Tech essay can seem challenging at first, especially because you don’t have multiple chances to get the essay right with various Georgia Tech essay prompts. Still, there is a method to the madness. Students should begin these Georgia Tech supplemental essays by brainstorming what about Georgia Tech appeals to you. As you draft responses to the Georgia Tech essay prompts, a structured outline will help focus your thoughts.
Keep in mind that your Why Georgia Tech essay isn’t just about Georgia Tech—it’s about you. Your Why Georgia Tech essay should not only highlight the specific resources and opportunities that draw you to the school; it should also speak to how you hope to develop your interests and passions in college. Georgia Tech supplemental essays should demonstrate that students have thought intentionally about their ideal college environment and how it relates to their goals. In evaluating your Georgia Tech essay, the Georgia Tech admissions team will consider both what sort of student you will be and what you will bring to their college community.
As the Georgia Tech acceptance rate continues declining, admissions officers sift through more and more applications. As there aren’t various Georgia Tech essay prompts, this makes it even more important that your one Georgia Tech essay shines. Your Georgia Tech application essay should capture your accomplishments, your goals, and why Georgia Tech is an ideal next step.
Why School Essay: Three tips for researching Georgia Tech
When writing your why Georgia Tech essay, or any why school essay, you should be as detailed as possible. The biggest mistake students can make when writing Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being too general. Therefore, one of the first steps in writing your why Georgia Tech essay is to do some research on Georgia Tech. You may have some useful information from your college search that led you to complete a Georgia Tech application. For their Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students can use that initial research as a base for the why school essay, especially if a certain academic program initially caught their interest.
Your why Georgia Tech essay should aim to impress Georgia Tech admissions while still being authentic. Georgia Tech admissions is selective. Your why Georgia Tech essay is only a small portion of your overall Georgia Tech application, albeit a very important portion. Before even beginning your why school essay research, check out our guide on how to get into Georgia Tech. You’ll also want to read all about Georgia Tech admissions to understand the selection process. Without multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, you have time to put all of your focus on this why Georgia Tech essay.
You may already have an idea of a major or program that you want to pursue. That’s great. Students who know their intended major have an easy place to start researching when starting their Georgia Tech essays. However, maybe you’re still choosing a major . That’s no problem. Georgia Tech essays aren’t meant to be a formal declaration of your major. Rather, Georgia Tech admissions just wants to get to know you and your academic interests in relation to Georgia Tech and its programs.
Three tips to get you started when researching for Georgia Tech essays:
#1- start with the mission statement.
Georgia Tech admissions wants you to show in this why Georgia Tech essay how your goals align with their values. Georgia Tech states that the institution is “ committed to improving the human condition through advanced science and technology. ” You’ll need to demonstrate, through your chosen major, how you would fulfill that mission. Students who write successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays will keep that mission statement in mind as they research academic programs for the Georgia Tech application essay.
#2- Find a major
When writing your Georgia Tech essay, search through the majors offered at the university. You’ll likely have an area of interest even if you are still undecided on a major. In order to write impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, students should lean into those intellectual interests in order to find a major that they can passionately and authentically write about. Students should use their Georgia Tech essay prompts to reference specific opportunities only offered at Georgia Tech. These could be the research facilities, faculty, or internship opportunities.
#2- Learn about the campus culture
Georgia Tech admissions wants to see through students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays how you align with their mission and values. Showing how you would excel on the campus is important. Georgia Tech supplemental essays may reference clubs or organizations that you would get involved in. How would those opportunities add to your intended major?
Take your time
Once you’ve done all the research, focus your attention on answering the prompt in its entirety. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts so give yourself all the time it takes to answer exceptionally. Expand on your most relevant research for your why Georgia Tech essay by relating it back to you and your goals. How do the specific values, programs, and campus community relate to you? What will you bring to this academically rigorous program? How will you apply that to your future career? Students should think about all these questions as they write their Georgia Tech supplemental essays.
It may be helpful to look at what works when writing a why school essay. Many schools require a why school essay. Students responding to the Georgia Tech essay prompts will make their answers specific to Georgia Tech, however, the basic goal and structure of the why school essay will be the same. Check out the why school essay examples for Yale , Northwestern , and NYU to see how to ace the Georgia Tech application essay.
Is the Georgia Tech essay required?
Yes—all students must complete the supplemental Georgia Tech application essay.
The Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic application review process. This means that your how to get into Georgia Tech strategy will require presenting a cohesive application narrative. When reading Georgia Tech supplemental essays, admissions officers want to understand your academic potential as well as who you are as a person.
In addition to thoughtful Georgia Tech supplemental essays, the Georgia Tech admissions team wants to see demonstrated interest (DI) from you. Demonstrated interest is a tool of measurement that universities use to gauge how enthusiastic students are about attending a particular school. Essentially, if an admissions officer has two similar candidate profiles in front of them—similar test scores , extracurriculars , and achievements—the final decision may come down to which student better demonstrates their interest in attending. In a Forbes article on how best to use DI in your college applications, they highlight the power of the essay. In this case, your Why Georgia Tech essay can be a powerful tool to demonstrate your interest in attending.
Recently, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive. Many students are vying for a spot at this top science , technology, and eng i neering school. Given that there aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, make sure to make the most of the 300 word count as you show the Georgia Tech admissions team what makes you unique. Remember, well-written Georgia Tech supplemental essays can make or break your admissions odds.
Is the Georgia Tech essay important?
Students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays are absolutely important. The Georgia Tech application essay helps readers understand who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. In fact, Georgia Tech supplemental essays can even provide important context to grades and activities. This can help you stand out to admissions officers.
As you write the why Georgia Tech essay, remember to share both the exciting features of Georgia Tech and how they connect with your own experiences and goals. Georgia Tech admissions are not only looking for your academic credentials in this Georgia Tech application essay—they also want to see who you are and how you can contribute to the campus culture. Given the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate, students want to do all they can to maximize the impact of their Georgia Tech supplemental essays.
What is the Georgia Tech acceptance rate?
As a public institution, Georgia Tech has a commitment to educating Georgians as well as students from all over the country and the globe. This means the Georgia Tech acceptance rate is twofold.
For in-state applicants, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate this past year was 35% . As for non-Georgians, the Georgia Tech acceptance rate was only 13%. Georgia residents may also want to consider applying to Georgia’s HOPE scholarship , as it’s only available to them. It’s a merit-based scholarship largely based on your GPA.
How to Win a HOPE Scholarship
Whether or not you’re a resident of Georgia, students who make the most of the Georgia Tech application essay, will have a better chance against the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate. Since the competition is so keen, you should give it your all when crafting your Georgia Tech essay. There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts. That makes it even more important for applicants to write the best Georgia Tech essays possible. It’s your chance to show admissions who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the Georgia Tech community.
What are the admissions requirements for Georgia Tech?
As a globally recognized research university, Georgia Tech provides excellent educational opportunities to its students. The Georgia Tech acceptance rate has decreased in recent years, and Georgia Tech admissions have become increasingly competitive. Successful applicants will not only have impressive Georgia Tech supplemental essays, but also strong GPAs, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars.
Considering applying to Georgia Tech? Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions exclusively accepts undergraduate applications (including students’ Georgia Tech supplemental essays) via the Common App .
The Georgia Tech admissions requirements include:
- Strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- High grades/ GPA
- Evidence of academic rigor in high school courses
- Strong Common App Personal Statement and Georgia Tech application essay
- Evidenced contribution to your community
- Optional recommendation letters from your high school counselor and one teacher in a core academic subject
While many schools have opted to go test-optional , Georgia Tech does require standardized test scores. Be sure to plan early in order to get the strongest score possible. Extracurriculars are another vital piece of your application narrative. Check out tips on crafting the best extracurriculars list possible.
Acing the Georgia Tech admissions requirements
Want to stand out in Georgia Tech admissions? Make sure to take challenging courses at your high school to demonstrate your academic drive. You should also consider including optional recommendations from your high school counselor and a teacher (ideally from a core academic subject, which generally is a course you need to take to graduate, such as English or math).
Keep in mind that Georgia Tech admissions officers use a holistic application review process. This review process includes your contributions to your community and, importantly, your personal essays . You will submit all materials for your Georgia Tech application—including your Georgia Tech essay—through the Common App.
You will also submit letters of recommendation from your teachers through the Common App platform. Additionally, the Common App will allow you to address any notable disruptions due to COVID-19, if applicable.
Keep in mind that although the Georgia Tech admissions process considers all aspects of your application, a weak Georgia Tech application essay can prevent you from getting in—even if you have high grades and scores. To maximize your admissions odds, you should put as much thought into your Georgia Tech essay as possible. Well written Georgia Tech supplemental essays will maximize your chances of admissions.
Five Tips for Writing the Georgia Tech Essay
The why Georgia Tech essay can seem vexing. You don’t have multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so you may feel even more pressure to get this one right. How do you craft an answer that reflects both your own interests and specific details about Georgia Tech?
Five tips for writing the Georgia Tech Essay:
Start early.
There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts for applicants to answer. There is only one Georgia Tech application essay (in addition to the Common App personal essay ). However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your Georgia Tech essay the time and care that it deserves. Successful Georgia Tech essays will take more than a night to complete. Your essay is extremely important when considering how to get into Georgia Tech. You need time to brainstorm, research, draft, edit, and repeat. To stay organized, check out these tips on building your college application timeline .
Do your research
The key to successful Georgia Tech supplemental essays is being specific. To make your essay count, research how you can explore your interests at Georgia Tech. You might incorporate a quote, a specific course, or a faculty member to boost your essay’s impact.
Connect the dots
In your “Why Georgia Tech” essay, make sure each detail about your interest in Georgia Tech that you include to highlight your interests also gives the reader a sense of your identity. For instance, the courses you mention could link back to ideas you have studied outside the classroom. A professor’s research that excites you could connect to a club you run or a project you did. By building these connections, you can use your Georgia Tech supplemental essay to show both the depth of your intellectual engagement and how you’ll fit in at Georgia Tech.
Be authentic
While understanding what Georgia Tech admissions is looking for in its applicants is important, you don’t want to write a Georgia Tech essay that is just what you think admissions wants to hear. Write about your genuine interest in academic programs at Georgia Tech. And show through your authenticity and passion why you’re a perfect fit for the program.
Make sure to proofread
Georgia Tech supplemental essays are evaluated not only for content, but also for mechanics and writing style. Make sure that you carefully proofread your final draft of the Georgia Tech essay before submitting. Have someone else read it over for grammatical errors and content. If implementing someone else’s feedback, be sure to maintain your own voice and style.
Georgia Tech Essay – Final Thoughts
Grades and numbers can only do so much. Your Georgia Tech application essay has the power to illuminate where you have been, where you are, and where you hope to go. Without various Georgia Tech essay prompts to respond to, admissions will be carefully examining each why Georgia Tech essay. Do everything you can to make it stand out. It may be helpful to find inspiration in other successful essay examples .
It is natural to see the low Georgia Tech acceptance rate and wonder how to stand out. Still, keep in mind that the Georgia Tech admissions team uses a holistic review process that extends beyond grades and test scores. This gives you the power to curate a strong Georgia Tech essay—and application—that sheds light on why you’d be a great fit on campus.
Who you are and what matters to you
The Why Georgia Tech essay lets you share both who you are and how your passions align with Georgia Tech’s offerings. Going in with a plan, such as an outline or brainstorming sheet, can help you get off to a strong start. You might also ask another person to proofread your Georgia Tech application essay and offer feedback.
Remember that outstanding Georgia Tech supplemental essays can lead to an acceptance letter . There aren’t multiple Georgia Tech essay prompts, so admissions is looking for excellent responses to this one essay. Keep focused on creating the best Georgia Tech essay possible and hopefully you’ll be looking into Georgia Tech enrollment by spring. Good luck!
This Georgia Tech essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. 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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Common Application Personal Essay: First-year applicants will choose one of seven essay prompts provided by Common App. · Georgia Tech Short-Answer Question (max
Personal Essays. Two essays of 300 words each (max) are required as part of the transfer application. The purpose of the essays is to assess your writing
How to Write Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompt #1 · Read the “Why Major” guide. · Reflect on what you want out of your college experience.
Admissions wants to know how you plan on using a Georgia Tech education to accomplish your career goals. Some schools ask students why they want to attend or
Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words max) · 1. Describe your interests and background. · 2. Connect
Essay Example #2 ... Climate change is a human rights issue. There the headline was, screaming on my phone screen. I think about those suffering
How to write a needle-moving “Why Georgia Tech?” essay · Demonstrate how your goals align with the school's mission statement. · Cite specific
The Georgia Tech supplemental essay only gives you room for up to 300 words. That's a pretty short essay! Since you're so tight on length, you'
General Guidelines: Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay · You need to be specific and get straight to the point. · Every word should contribute to showing your
Make sure your Georgia Tech application essay shares new information while also explaining specific reasons why Georgia Tech is the place for you. Emphasize