Carnegie Mellon essay prompts
2025-26verified Carnegie Mellon University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Anything Else / Highlight
Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee's consideration? Highlight something that's important to you or something you haven't had a chance to share. Tell us, don't show us (no websites please).
300 words max · Required
Passion for Major
Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that's developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?
300 words max · Required
Why CMU & Major
Tell us about your decision-making process and the factors that led you to apply to Carnegie Mellon, including why CMU and your chosen field of study.
300 words max · Required
Defining Success
Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
300 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Carnegie Mellon essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Carnegie Mellon lists Anything Else / Highlight (1 prompt); Passion for Major (1 prompt); Why CMU & Major (1 prompt); Defining Success (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Carnegie Mellon require?
- Carnegie Mellon requires 4 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 4 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 300 words max.