40+ Colleges That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays (2025 Admissions)

Applying to college can be overwhelming, especially when each school tacks on its own set of supplemental essay prompts. If you’re looking to simplify your application process, one strategic move is to focus on schools that don’t require any additional essays beyond the main Common App or Coalition Application essay.

Fortunately, there are many well-respected colleges and universities that make this part easy. Here’s a list of schools that don’t require supplemental essays for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle.

Why Consider Colleges Without Supplemental Essays?

Skipping supplemental essays saves time and stress. It also allows you to focus on strengthening your Common App personal statement, polishing your activities list, and preparing for any interviews or portfolio submissions.

However, make sure to check whether a school requires additional materials for certain programs, scholarships, or honors colleges. Even if a school’s supplemental essays are optional, submitting them can help you stand out.

Colleges That Don’t Require Supplemental Essays

• Colby College (ME)

• Grinnell College (IA)

• Middlebury College (VT)

• Colgate University (NY)

• Temple University (PA)

• Case Western Reserve University (OH)

• Northeastern University (MA)

• Hampshire College (MA)

• DePaul University (IL)

• Drexel University (PA)

• Bates College (ME)

• Clemson University (SC)

• Fordham University (NY)

• Miami University—Oxford (OH)

• New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJ)

• Ohio State University (OH)

• Seton Hall University (NJ)

• Furman University (SC)

• Gannon University (PA)

• Gettysburg College (PA)

• Hamilton College (NY)

• Hanover College (IN)

• Hollins University (VA)

• Howard University (DC)

• Indiana University – Bloomington (IN)

• Kent State University (OH)

• Kenyon College (OH)

• Louisiana State University (LA)

• Stony Brook University (NY)

• Sewanee: The University of the South (TN)

• Albion College (MI)

• Allegheny College (PA)

• Augusta University (GA)

• Coe College (IA)

• College of the Holy Cross (MA)

• Denison University (OH)

• Dillard University (LA)

• Drew University (NJ)

• Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ)

• Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)

• Florida State University (FL)

• Franklin and Marshall College (PA)

• Mercer University (GA)

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to reduce application fatigue without compromising on quality schools, targeting colleges without supplemental essays can be a smart approach. These schools still offer outstanding academics, vibrant campus life, and strong career outcomes.

Remember, even if essays aren’t required, you’ll still need to bring your best to the rest of your application, so make sure your main essay, resume, and recommendations shine.