New Ivy Supplementals: How to Write Essays that Captivate Admissions Committees in 2025
Written by The Ivy Institute
In the 2025 admissions cycle, applicants to the New Ivies—those elite universities often just outside the traditional Ivy League—face a new kind of essay challenge. Supplemental essays have evolved beyond simple personal statements into nuanced opportunities for schools to understand applicants’ identities, values, and how they might contribute to campus life. Writing these essays well is now critical to standing out in an increasingly competitive applicant pool.
The "New Ivies" are a group of prestigious colleges and universities that have risen in prominence and reputation, matching or even exceeding the academic rigor, selectivity, and employment outcomes traditionally associated with the Ivy League. Coined in 2006 and popularized by Forbes in its 2025 list, the New Ivies include both public and private institutions known for producing highly employable graduates and offering world-class education with strong faculty, vibrant campus communities, and extensive alumni networks. Unlike the Ivy League, which is limited geographically and by membership, the New Ivies stretch across the U.S. and include schools like Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, and University of Notre Dame, among others. They provide high-quality education with personalized learning environments and emphasize innovation, research, and global perspectives, making them top-tier alternatives to the traditional Ivies.
The importance of supplemental essays
Supplemental essays matter more than ever because New Ivies like Brown, Cornell, and Dartmouth have significantly expanded their use of supplemental prompts. These essays are no longer about reciting achievements or retelling resumes. Instead, they seek reflective, authentic storytelling that shows depth of character, community engagement, and alignment with the university’s mission and culture. Admissions committees read hundreds of applications, and essays that feel formulaic or generic are easily overlooked.
Applicants should expect prompts that explore topics such as identity and personal growth, community impact and leadership, intellectual curiosity, and alignment of personal values with the school’s culture. Schools want to know who applicants really are beyond their accomplishments, encouraging them to share moments that reveal how they have changed, what they value, or how they navigate challenges. Demonstrating thoughtful leadership or service through descriptions of contributions to schools, neighborhoods, or wider communities resonates strongly. Intellectual curiosity is also prized—describing how academic interests have evolved and how students hope to explore them further highlights a passion for learning. Finally, essays that show alignment between personal values and the university’s culture, as well as a vision for future impact, leave a strong impression on admissions officers.
The key of authenticity
When it comes to writing powerful essays, authenticity is key. Admissions readers can easily spot over-polished or insincere writing, so students are encouraged to use their natural voice and write with honesty. Rather than listing activities, it is far more effective to tell stories that describe specific experiences or episodes that shaped the applicant. This approach creates memorable and engaging narratives. Reflecting deeply on why these experiences mattered and what was learned adds meaningful insight beyond surface-level descriptions. Addressing each essay prompt directly and avoiding generic responses helps tailor the application specifically to each school. Moreover, showing how the chosen New Ivy aligns with the student’s goals and strengths helps demonstrate fit and genuine interest.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Many applicants fall into common pitfalls, such as writing overly broad essays that could apply to any college, focusing too much on others rather than their own growth and perspective, or relying on clichés and overused metaphors. Neglecting careful proofreading can also harm the essay, as grammar slips or awkward phrasing distract from the intended message.
The process of proofreading and polishing the essay is crucial. A well-crafted essay typically goes through several revisions. Besides self-editing, feedback from trusted mentors, counselors, or coaches helps improve clarity and impact. The final proofreading stage ensures the removal of grammar errors and maintains a natural, readable flow that feels polished but not artificial.
Supplemental essays are powerful tools to present an authentic self and stand out in the New Ivy admissions process in 2025. When approached thoughtfully, they offer a chance to deepen the application narrative beyond test scores and transcripts. Embracing the prompts as invitations to tell a unique story allows applicants to engage admissions committees effectively and memorably.
