​The College Essay and Additional Writing Samples

Common Application Essay

The Common Application requires all applicants to complete one essay. The essay is an important piece of your college application as it allows you to reveal something meaningful outside of the academic realm to the committee on admission. Currently, the Common Application provides five broad essay prompts and the opportunity to write on a "topic of your choice."

At Providence College, the admission staff uses the college essay in two ways: to learn more about you on the personal level and to get a sense of your writing ability. From your essay, we hope to gain an understanding of what issues are important to you and the things you are passionate about. In the strongest essays we receive each year, we also receive a glimpse of the student's personality, and have a better understanding of the student's personal fit to the Providence College community.

As a liberal arts institution, a student's ability to express himself or herself in writing is important to the committee on admission. Remember that spelling and grammar "count," and you should work to make sure that your essay is well-written and well-presented. 

Common Application Short Answer

In addition to the college essay, the Common Application requires students to complete a Short Answer section providing further information on one of their co-curricular activities or work experiences. Although this writing sample is shorter than the college essay, it is no less important. Be sure that you check your spelling and grammar, and make certain that your Short Answer response is the best representation of you that it can be.

Regardless of the activity you choose to elaborate on in your Short Answer response, try to provide the admission committee with an in-depth understanding of why this activity is of particular importance to you, and the influence that it has had on you during your high school career.

Providence College Optional Statement

The Providence College Supplemental Form provides applicants with the opportunity to complete an Optional Statement speaking to their specific interest in PC. While completing this statement is optional, we encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity to explain why they see Providence College as an appropriate match and fit.

Currently, the Providence College Optional Statement prompt reads as follows:

Please attach a statement with any other information regarding your interest in Providence College that you believe would be helpful to the Committee on Admission in the consideration of your application.