Georgia Institute of Technology Supplemental Essay Prompts & Writing Guide 2025-2026

Your essay should answer two distinct but interwoven parts: why this major matters to you, and why Georgia Tech specifically is the right place to pursue it. Start by anchoring your response in a genuine, personal moment or experience that sparked your interest in the major. For instance, if you want to study engineering, perhaps you encountered a real-world problem that fascinated you, collaborated on a project that shifted your perspective, or had a conversation that inspired you. Make this origin story brief but vivid; it demonstrates authenticity and helps admissions officers understand who you are, not just what you want to study. Then connect this experience directly to your chosen major, making clear the link between your past and your academic future. This narrative foundation shows thoughtfulness and self-awareness, both of which Georgia Tech values highly in its essays.

Once you've established why the major itself calls to you, pivot to Georgia Tech specifics. Research upper-level courses in your department, specific faculty members whose research aligns with your interests, and distinctive programs or labs that set Georgia Tech apart from other schools. Rather than listing reasons, weave two or three specific details into your narrative to demonstrate genuine research and fit. For example, mention a particular professor whose work excites you and why you would want to engage in research with them, or describe an advanced course that connects to your long-term goals in ways that only Georgia Tech's curriculum offers. This specificity signals that you've done your homework and aren't simply applying to a prestigious school; you're applying to Georgia Tech because it uniquely supports your intellectual trajectory. Remember that Georgia Tech emphasizes its mission of "improving the human condition through advanced science and technology," so subtly connect your major and goals to this institutional value.

Given your 50 to 300-word range, be economical with language but leave room for your personality to shine. Avoid generic praise like "Georgia Tech is prestigious" or "I love STEM." Instead, make purposeful word choices that reveal why you belong at this specific institution. Before submitting, proofread carefully for grammar and clarity, since Georgia Tech's admissions team evaluates both content and writing quality. Have a trusted mentor or friend review your essay to ensure it reads as authentically you and that you've answered both parts of the prompt completely and compellingly.