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One thing that keeps high schoolers from applying to multiple schools is college essay. Besides Common App or Coalition prompts, most schools will have their individual supplements where you must answer short questions or even write long essays in response to their prompts. We’ve compiled a list of schools that are popular among recent applicants. These schools do not require additional essays and generally have a good reputation and/or are ranked high in multiple published rankings.
The List
The following list only includes U.S. schools that are in top 200 of the latest US News Ranking. There are thousands of international, regional and liberal arts schools that do not require essays. Do research on your own if you do not see the schools in the list below and look up admissions information on the school websites.
| School | Essay Policy | Other Admissions Criteria | US News Ranking |
| University of Arizona | Optional for “Comprehensive Review” admission | Assured admission for in-state applicants who meet criteria; comprehensive review process for all other applicants | National Universities – #106 |
| Arizona State University | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #115 |
| University of Arkansas | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #152 |
| California State University | None | Primarily by eligibility index; some majors/campuses have more stringent requirements | Vary by campus |
| University of Central Florida | Strongly encouraged but not required | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #165 |
| University of South Florida | None | “Each applicant is considered individually, taking into account grades, rigor of curriculum and standardized test scores” | National Universities – #124 |
| Georgia State University | Optional | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #187 |
| University of Hawaii Manoa | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #157 |
| University of Idaho | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #165 |
| Illinois State University | Optional personal statement | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #171 |
| Iowa State University | None | Primarily through the Regent Admission Index | National Universities – #119 |
| University of Iowa | None | Different requirements for different schools in the university | National Universities – #89 |
| Kansas State University | None | Students must meet GPA/test requirements and complete Precollege Curriculum | National Universities – #147 |
| University of Kansas | Short answers only for those who don’t meet Assured Admission criteria | Meet Assured Admission criteria through GPA/test score requirements | National Universities – #129 |
| Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge | None | Primarily GPA, test scores | National Universities – #140 |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #76 |
| University of Mississippi | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #152 |
| Mississippi State University | None | Assured admission for students who have completed prerequisite coursework and meet a combination of GPA/class rank/test score criteria | National Universities – #177 |
| University of Missouri | None | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #129 |
| University of Nebraska – Lincoln | Required only for scholarship consideration | Assured admission if you meet performance requirements and have completed prerequisite coursework | National Universities – #129 |
| University of New Mexico | None | Primarily test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #187 |
| Ohio University | Optional | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts, class rank | National Universities – #17 |
| Oklahoma State University | Essay required only if you need comprehensive application review | Assured admission by combination of GPA/class rank/test scores; otherwise comprehensive application review | National Universities – #157 |
| University of Pittsburgh | Optional short-answer questions | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #70 |
| Clemson University | Optional | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #66 |
| University of South Carolina | Only required for Honors College application | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #106 |
| University of Utah | Only required for Honors College application | Primarily GPA, test scores, transcripts | National Universities – #119 |
| Washington State University | None | Meet College Academic Distribution Requirements; assured admission for top 10% of class or 3.5+ GPA | National Universities – #140 |
| University of Wyoming | None | Meet GPA/test score cutoffs and have completed prerequisite coursework | National Universities – #183 |
The US News Ranking
The last column on the list is the US News Ranking. The list is published annually and the criteria used to determine the final ranking vary every year. You should NEVER choose colleges based on any rankings because many of them can be misleading or inaccurate. Rankings can be a starting point: Find the schools you’re interested in and do more research either by visiting school websites or asking alumni or current students. If you need any professional advice, feel free to schedule an appointment with us too!
Why Does This List Matter
If you want to apply to more highly-ranked schools but are too lazy to write another essay, you should definitely take a look at this list and do research next. These schools are strong in different disciplines so be sure to not only apply, but also choose the right program. Everyone wants to go to a “good” school but is often hindered by the requirements they need to complete. College essay is a big one, and this list helps you get that out of the way!
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