Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
Minerva University supplemental essays.
The essay question Minerva University asks this year, word for word, with the word limit and how to approach it.
Checked against minerva.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026
What you write: One writing challenge, 100–800 words.
Minerva asks for contacts and links that verify your activities.
No AI on this essay
Minerva says you may not use any outside resources for this challenge, including AI tools like ChatGPT, other websites or other people. That includes AI feedback, so our free review is turned off for these questions.
Writing challenge: the community event
(Scenario summarized.) You are spending a semester in a new city with a small international cohort and must make the final call on how to run a one-day community event for a local nonprofit. Noor, a local volunteer, wants a relaxed event that follows the customs residents expect. Eli, also new to the city, has built a structured plan with an agenda and a closing speech. The director hasn't taken a side and residents haven't been fully asked. Minerva's question: In this scenario, what will you decide to do? Given the multiple factors listed in the prompt, would you follow Noor's approach, adopt Eli's structured plan, or find another solution? Explain your final decision and reasoning in as much detail as possible.
Read the full scenario in your Common App. Minerva wants your reasoning about this situation, not a story about your past.
How to approach it
- Answer the exact question asked, in the first few lines.
- Use one real example instead of three general ones.
- Read it out loud before you submit.
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