Purdue University

Essay prompts (4)

1. why us2026-27250 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants (required). Purdue groups this and the major/campus question under the heading "Why Purdue?" and instructs: "Respond in 250 words or fewer to each of these required questions." Submitted through Common App — the guide page states "First-year college students use Common App to apply to Purdue."

   How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Purdue University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

2. academic interest2026-27250 words

   Applies to: All first-year applicants (required). Second of the two required "Why Purdue?" questions, same instruction: "Respond in 250 words or fewer to each of these required questions." The question is campus-aware and expects the applicant to address their chosen campus.

   Briefly discuss your reasons for choosing your major and your interest in studying at this campus location (Indianapolis or West Lafayette).

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Purdue University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

3. why us2026-27500 words

   Applies to: Applicants to the John Martinson Honors College only (not required of general first-year applicants). Purdue states: "To apply to the John Martinson Honors College, you will respond to two additional essay prompts. Respond to each in 500 words or fewer." Honors College consideration carries the Nov. 1 deadline.

   Explain your vision, ideas or goals for how you hope to shape your honors experience while at Purdue. Please put this in the context of the four pillars which are the foundation of the John Martinson Honors College.

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Purdue University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

4. academic interest2026-27500 words

   Applies to: Applicants to the John Martinson Honors College only (second of the two additional Honors essays; "Respond to each in 500 words or fewer.")

   Please describe the interdisciplinary nature of your chosen field of study and how it complements or supports other fields.

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Purdue University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

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When you request a review for a Purdue University supplement, the feedback is grounded in exactly what you see here: the prompt itself, its word limit, and what the school publishes about its values and programs. That's the whole claim — calibrated to the prompt and the school's own published guidance, scored against a consistent rubric. Not insider knowledge, and never a rewrite: Second Read is a coach, not a ghostwriter. It flags weaknesses and tells you what to fix and why; it never writes a sentence of your essay.

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