Dickinson College essay prompts
2025-26verified Dickinson College 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.
Common App — Character
Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
650 words max · Required
Common App — Gratitude
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
650 words max · Required
Coalition App — Belief Challenged
Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
No limit listed · Required
Supplement — Something New
What is something new that you'd like to experience, learn or try that might surprise your friends and family?
50 words max · Required
Common App — Open Topic
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
650 words max · Required
Common App — Interests
What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
650 words max · Required
Common App — Impact on Others
Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others.
650 words max · Required
Common App — Personal Growth
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
650 words max · Required
Common App — Intellectual Passion
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
650 words max · Required
Coalition App — Interests
What interests or excites you?
No limit listed · Required
Coalition App — Impact
Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
No limit listed · Required
Coalition App — Advice
What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
No limit listed · Required
Coalition App — Open Topic
Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
No limit listed · Required
Supplement — Pride
What are the qualities that make you proud to be you?
50 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Dickinson College essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Dickinson College lists Common App — Character (1 prompt); Common App — Gratitude (1 prompt); Coalition App — Belief Challenged (1 prompt); Supplement — Something New (1 prompt); Common App — Open Topic (1 prompt); Common App — Interests (1 prompt); Common App — Impact on Others (1 prompt); Common App — Personal Growth (1 prompt); Common App — Intellectual Passion (1 prompt); Coalition App — Interests (1 prompt); Coalition App — Impact (1 prompt); Coalition App — Advice (1 prompt); Coalition App — Open Topic (1 prompt); Supplement — Pride (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Dickinson College require?
- Dickinson College requires 14 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 14 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Dickinson College supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 650 words max, 50 words max.