Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
University of Dubuque supplemental essays.
All 3 essay questions University of Dubuque asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.
Checked against dbq.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026
What you write: Two short answers, up to 250 words each, plus one optional.
Why Dubuque
Question 1 of 3 · Up to 250 words
Why are you interested in University of Dubuque?
How to approach it
- Name things you could only find at this college: a class, a professor, a program, a tradition.
- Tie every detail to something true about you.
- Swap test: if another college’s name fits your sentence, it’s too general.
Why your major
Question 2 of 3 · Up to 250 words
Discuss your reasons for pursuing academic concentration/major selected above?
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
Optional: who depends on you
Question 3 of 3 · Up to 250 words · Optional
Who in your life is depending on you? What are they depending on you for?
How to approach it
- Say plainly what the community is.
- Show your place in it with one real scene.
- End with what you’d bring to campus.
Want a mentor on your essays?
Clarity Prep members get a mentor who reads every draft with them, knows their whole application and checks in every week until it’s done.