How to Write the College of Charleston Essays 2025-2026
For more than 250 years, the College of Charleston has offered students an education guided by curiosity, optimism, and innovation. Nestled in one of the most beautiful historic cities in the country, the College offers world-class academics with a tight-knit community and wide-open opportunity.
The College of Charleston has 3 essays. The first is an optional why this college, which we highly encourage you to fill out to show your interest in the admissions. The second is only for students with extenuating circumstances, so only fill that out if that applies to you. The third is required for honors college applicants.
College of Charleston Essay Prompts
All Applicants
Prompt 1: Many students apply to the College of Charleston based on our location, size, reputation, beautiful campus, and nice climate. While these are all important considerations in choosing a college, why is the College of Charleston a particularly good match for you? (350 words)
Prompt 2 (required for some applicants): Are there any anomalies or extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider when we review your application?
Your answer to this question is required if you have 1) graduated early, 2) taken a gap semester or year, or 3) are completing a post-graduate year. If you fit into one of those categories, please describe your activities during that period. If none of those apply to you, answering this question is optional. (400 words) Required for some applicants
Honors College Applicants, Required
Prompt: Consider the following individual identity descriptors: creator, doer, explorer, change agent, seeker. Choose one of these descriptors that best encapsulates your core identity. Provide 2-3 concrete examples of how the descriptor you chose reflects your identity. This is your opportunity to share a meaningful experience, a unique interest, or your involvement in a diverse community. How might this core identity translate into action as a scholar-citizen at the College of Charleston? In what ways do you hope to develop your core identity during college? (500-650 words) Required
Prompt 1 (optional)
Many students apply to the College of Charleston based on our location, size, reputation, beautiful campus, and nice climate. While these are all important considerations in choosing a college, why is the College of Charleston a particularly good match for you? (350 words)
This is a “Why This College” essay, but with more space (350 words) than usual to elaborate on your connection to the College of Charleston. They are asking you to reflect on specific academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and personal experiences that make the College of Charleston stand out for you.
Brainstorming Your Essay
- What academic programs, majors, or professors at the College of Charleston excite you? How do they align with your goals?
- What aspects of the campus culture (clubs, student organizations, or service opportunities) are particularly appealing, and why do you see yourself thriving there?
- How does the College of Charleston’s focus on interdisciplinary learning, study abroad programs, and undergraduate research opportunities match your interests?
- How do Charleston’s historical and cultural settings enhance your personal and academic growth?
- In what ways does the College of Charleston’s mission resonate with your personal values and career aspirations?
What Makes a Good Response
A good response will:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the College of Charleston: Highlight specific programs, professors, or learning experiences that connect with your academic and personal interests.
- Integrate personal experiences: Use your background and interests to explain why the College of Charleston is a perfect fit for your goals.
- Discuss unique opportunities: Focus on resources and opportunities that are unique to the College of Charleston, such as specific study abroad options, research institutes, or the close integration of Charleston’s history and culture into academic programs.
- Explain why you’re a good fit for the college: Show how you can contribute to the College of Charleston community and how you plan to take advantage of what it offers.
- Avoid generalizations: Stay away from praising generic qualities like the nice weather or attractive campus without making personal connections.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Olivia, a prospective History major, has always been fascinated by American colonial history. The College of Charleston’s Center for Historical Preservation and its access to the rich history of Charleston itself appeal to her. She wants to pursue research on antebellum architecture and public history, and the proximity to historical archives and landmarks makes it the perfect place for her studies.
- Daniel is passionate about Marine Biology. Growing up near the coast, he’s always been interested in ocean life and conservation. He is excited by the College of Charleston’s Grice Marine Lab and Fort Johnson Marine Science Program, where he can get hands-on research experience. He’s also drawn to the college’s strong connections to local marine institutes, allowing him to explore Charleston’s diverse ecosystems.
- Amara, interested in International Studies, is drawn to the College of Charleston’s strong study abroad programs, especially in Africa and Europe. She is inspired by the College’s focus on global learning and wants to dive into its International Scholars Program. Growing up in a multicultural household, Amara seeks to continue exploring global perspectives and Charleston’s diverse culture, and the College’s interdisciplinary approach to global issues aligns with her career goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on location and climate: While Charleston’s setting is beautiful, avoid centering your entire essay around its weather or charm. Discuss academic and personal reasons that go beyond the physical attributes of the school.
- Being vague about opportunities: Don’t just name-drop programs, research centers, or clubs without explaining why they are significant to your goals.
- Overemphasizing reputation: It’s tempting to mention the school’s ranking or prestige, but this won’t help admissions officers understand why you are a good fit for the school specifically.
- Listing reasons without depth: Avoid a list-like response where you briefly mention several aspects of the school. Instead, choose a few specific aspects and discuss them in depth, connecting them to your personal goals and experiences.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“Since I was ten, I’ve spent nearly every summer afternoon kayaking through the marshes near my hometown, fascinated by the delicate balance of the coastal ecosystem. As I began to learn more about the environmental pressures facing our oceans, my passion for marine biology grew into a desire to contribute to conservation efforts. When I discovered the College of Charleston’s marine biology program, I felt like I had found the perfect academic home. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to work at the Grice Marine Lab and participate in the Fort Johnson Summer Research Experience, which would allow me to explore the unique coastal environment that has inspired my love for marine life.
Charleston’s diverse marine ecosystems provide an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on research. The College’s proximity to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and NOAA offers unparalleled opportunities to contribute to real-world research on fisheries and conservation. With access to the Charleston Harbor estuary and nearby protected habitats, I can gain practical experience in environmental monitoring and marine conservation that few other schools can offer.
Additionally, the College of Charleston’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning appeals to me. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to take courses through the Environmental and Sustainability Studies minor, which would allow me to understand marine biology in the broader context of environmental policy and sustainability. This interdisciplinary focus aligns with my goal of working in marine policy, advocating for sustainable fishing practices and coastal preservation.
Beyond academics, I’m drawn to the College of Charleston’s emphasis on community engagement. I am eager to get involved with the Sustainability Literacy Institute, where I can help educate the community about marine conservation. The college’s location in Charleston—a historic city with a deep connection to the water—would allow me to combine my academic interests with community outreach, advocating for the preservation of the very ecosystems that sparked my initial interest in marine biology.”
Why It’s Good: This example is strong because it’s specific and personal. The student connects their background in marine biology to the unique resources and opportunities available at the College of Charleston, such as the Grice Marine Lab and Fort Johnson program. The student also shows a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the school’s academic programs by discussing the Environmental and Sustainability Studies minor. Finally, the student demonstrates a commitment to community involvement by expressing interest in the Sustainability Literacy Institute.
Bad Example
“Walking down the oak-lined paths of the College of Charleston, surrounded by historic buildings that date back centuries, I can easily picture myself as a student here. The campus has been called one of the most beautiful in the country, and it’s easy to see why—the Spanish moss, the pastel-colored houses nearby, and the proximity to the waterfront create a picturesque environment unlike anywhere else. Being able to study in such a setting would make every day inspiring.
The College of Charleston is also home to an impressive range of programs. For example, the School of Business offers innovative opportunities, while the marine biology program takes advantage of the coastal location. The Honors College provides small, seminar-style courses and additional resources that would be very appealing. The university also offers study abroad programs in places like England, Spain, and Australia, which I find exciting.
In addition, I’m drawn to the faculty and the resources available to students. Professors such as Dr. Scott Persons in paleontology and Dr. Kate Preissler in marine biology are doing fascinating work, and I would love the chance to learn from them. I also like that the Addlestone Library is one of the largest in the state and offers extensive resources for research.
Charleston itself is another big factor. It’s a city with incredible food, culture, and history, and the College of Charleston is right in the middle of it all. The weather is warm, the beach is nearby, and there are countless opportunities to enjoy life outside the classroom.
Overall, with its combination of history, academics, and location, the College of Charleston offers everything I could want in a college experience. From the Honors College to the marine biology program to the beautiful campus, it stands out as the perfect place for me.”
Why It’s Bad: While this response is vivid and well-written, it still talks about generically appealing aspects of the College of Charleston without diving into why it’s a good choice for this particular student. The mention of specific professors and programs actually undermines this student’s case, because they talk about the very different disciplines of marine biology and paleontology without addressing whether they’re interested in them. In fact, we don’t learn anything about this student at all, not even which specific country they’d want to study abroad in. The essay fails to show why this student is a good fit for the College of Charleston and vice versa.
Prompt 2 (Required for some applicants)
Are there any anomalies or extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider when we review your application? Your answer to this question is required if you have 1) graduated early, 2) taken a gap semester or year, or 3) are completing a post-graduate year. If you fit into one of those categories, please describe your activities during that period. If none of those apply to you, answering this question is optional. (400 words)
This prompt asks for an explanation if you’ve had an unusual academic path, such as graduating early, taking a gap year or semester, or completing a post-graduate year. The admissions committee wants to understand the context behind these choices and how you’ve used that time productively. If none of these circumstances apply to you, the question is optional, but if you have had any other significant disruptions in your academic journey (such as personal challenges, family situations, or illness), this is a space to provide context.
Brainstorming Your Essay
- Did you graduate early, and if so, why? How did you make use of the extra time?
- Did you take a gap year or semester, and what did you do during that time? Did you work, travel, engage in volunteer work, or focus on personal development?
- Are you completing a postgrad year after high school? How has this extra time helped you prepare for college?
- If none of these apply, are there any other anomalies or challenges you’ve faced in your education that might need clarification?
What Makes a Good Response
A good response will:
- Provide a clear explanation: Explain the reasoning behind your decision (graduating early, taking a gap year, etc.), and give the admissions team insight into your thought process.
- Show productivity: Demonstrate how you made good use of the time. Discuss any work, volunteer, travel, or personal development experiences that contributed to your growth.
- Connect to your goals: Highlight how these experiences prepared you for college or helped shape your academic and career goals.
- Remain positive: Even if your reason for taking time off involved a challenge or difficult circumstance, focus on what you learned or how you grew from the experience.
Hypothetical Student Examples
- Maya graduated from high school early because she had completed all her required credits and wanted to start gaining hands-on experience in her intended field of study: environmental science. During her gap year, she interned with a local environmental conservation group and led a project to clean up wetlands in her community. This experience helped solidify her passion for environmental policy and sustainability.
- Jake took a gap year after high school to travel and volunteer. He spent three months teaching English in rural Thailand and another three months working with a nonprofit that builds homes in Costa Rica. These experiences gave him a new perspective on global issues and deepened his interest in international relations and humanitarian work, which he plans to pursue in college.
- Sophia is completing a post-graduate year at a private school where she’s taking advanced math and science courses to strengthen her preparation for a pre-med track. She realized during her senior year that she wanted a more rigorous academic foundation, and this additional year has allowed her to explore more challenging coursework and confirm her interest in medicine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing minimal explanation: Simply stating that you graduated early or took a gap year without elaborating on what you did during that time won’t help your application. The admissions committee wants to understand how this time contributed to your personal or academic growth.
- Focusing on the negative: If your reason for taking time off was due to a challenge, avoid dwelling on the hardships. Instead, focus on how you overcame obstacles and what you learned from the experience.
- Being vague about your activities: Specificity is key. Instead of saying, “I worked during my gap year,” detail the type of work you did, what you learned, and how it relates to your future goals.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
“After graduating a semester early from high school, I chose to use the extra time to focus on professional and personal development. I secured an internship with a local non-profit organization, Project Green Earth, where I worked alongside environmental scientists to help assess the impact of urbanization on local wetlands. This hands-on experience not only allowed me to explore my academic interest in environmental science but also taught me valuable skills in data collection, community outreach, and team collaboration. During this time, I also enrolled in an online course on environmental policy, which gave me a deeper understanding of how legislation impacts conservation efforts.
In addition to my internship, I volunteered at a nearby animal rescue center, which strengthened my commitment to community service—a value I plan to continue fostering in college. This gap semester allowed me to gain practical experience in my field and helped solidify my career goal of working in environmental policy and conservation. I am confident that the skills I developed will serve me well in college and beyond.”
Why It’s Good: This excerpt is specific and demonstrates how the student used their time to gain relevant experience and develop skills. It clearly explains the student’s activities and how these experiences tie into their future academic and career goals. The student also highlights personal growth and community involvement, showing maturity and initiative.
Bad Example
“After graduating from high school, I made the decision to take a gap year. During this year, I spent a lot of time focusing on personal development. I explored different interests, learned new things, and took the time to appreciate life outside of the classroom. I also traveled to Thailand, which has always been a dream of mine and allowed me to experience different places and meet new people. After tasting authentic Thai food, I swore I’d never order generic Pad Thai again, and when I got home, began teaching myself to cook the dishes I’d loved so much. This is just one example of how these opportunities opened my eyes to different perspectives and cultures and helped me grow as a person.
In addition to travel, I stayed busy with various activities. I worked on different home improvement projects, read books I had always wanted to read, and dedicated time to improving my skills in karate. Some of these projects were creative, while others were more practical. Overall, I wanted to keep myself engaged and productive throughout the year, even without the structure of school, and develop my time-management and self-motivation.”
Why It’s Bad: This excerpt is vague and doesn’t provide enough detail about how the student spent their time or what they gained from the experience. They jump from example to example without exploring any in-depth, and don’t explain how or why they came to the decision to take a gap year. The essay also lacks a clear connection between the gap year and the student’s goals for college.
Honors College Applicants (Required)
Consider the following individual identity descriptors: creator, doer, explorer, change agent, seeker. Choose one of these descriptors that best encapsulates your core identity. Provide 2-3 concrete examples of how the descriptor you chose reflects your identity. This is your opportunity to share a meaningful experience, a unique interest, or your involvement in a diverse community. How might this core identity translate into action as a scholar-citizen at the College of Charleston? In what ways do you hope to develop your core identity during college? (500-650 words)
This prompt asks you to select one of five descriptors—creator, doer, explorer, change agent, or seeker—that best reflects your core identity. You’ll then provide 2-3 examples of how this descriptor applies to you, illustrating how your experiences, interests, or community involvement align with this trait. Finally, you’ll discuss how this core identity will influence your actions as a student at the College of Charleston, and how you hope to grow in this role during your time at the college.
Brainstorming Your Essay
- Which descriptor resonates most with you? Why does it feel like an accurate reflection of your personality and experiences?
- What are specific moments or experiences where this identity was evident? Consider academic projects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal experiences.
- How will this identity shape your role at the College of Charleston? How will you engage with the community, contribute to campus life, or pursue academic opportunities through this lens?
- What aspects of the College of Charleston’s Honors College align with or challenge this identity? Are there specific resources, programs, or opportunities that will help you develop in this role?
What Makes a Good Response
A good response will:
- Provide a clear sense of identity: Select a descriptor that truly reflects who you are and offer meaningful examples that show how this trait has been a guiding force in your life.
- Use specific examples: Provide 2-3 detailed examples that demonstrate your chosen identity in action. These examples should reveal something about your passions, values, and unique perspective.
- Connect to the future: Explain how this identity will shape your contributions as a scholar and citizen at the College of Charleston. Discuss how you will use this trait to engage with academics, student organizations, or community initiatives.
- Show personal growth: Highlight how you plan to further develop your identity while in college, demonstrating a mindset of learning, growth, and curiosity.
Hypothetical Student Examples
James chooses “Explorer” as his descriptor. His examples include:
- Organizing and leading an environmental cleanup project in his hometown, where he researched local pollution patterns and designed a route that would maximize impact.
- Studying the history and culture of different cities during family road trips, I developed a fascination with how geography and culture influence each other.
- Writing a research paper on eco-tourism in Southeast Asia for his high school geography class helped him realize the global implications of sustainable travel.
- James plans to continue exploring by studying urban geography at the College of Charleston, where he hopes to contribute to projects involving sustainable urban development and participate in study abroad programs.
Anna identifies as a “Change Agent.” Her examples include:
- Advocating for mental health awareness at her high school by starting a student-led support group, which partnered with counselors to provide peer assistance.
- Volunteering at a local homeless shelter and organizing fundraisers to support the shelter’s services, including one project that raised enough to provide new winter coats for 50 people.
- Lobbying her local government to increase funding for youth mental health services, which inspired her interest in social justice and public policy.
- At the College of Charleston, Anna intends to major in Political Science and wants to join the Honors College’s Public Service and Civic Engagement track. She plans to expand her activism through internships, policy research, and community service initiatives.
Carlos selects “Creator” as his core identity. His examples include:
- Starting his own small business in high school, designing and selling handmade jewelry, and learning to navigate e-commerce and marketing.
- Collaborating with local artists to create murals in his neighborhood involved managing a team of volunteers and raising funds for supplies.
- Producing a short film for his school’s annual film festival, where he wrote, directed, and edited the entire project.
- Carlos hopes to develop his creativity by pursuing a degree in Arts Management at the College of Charleston, where he can connect with local artists and businesses, and possibly intern at one of Charleston’s art galleries or museums.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a descriptor that doesn’t align with you: Avoid selecting a trait just because it sounds impressive or because you think it’s what admissions officers want to hear. Choose one that genuinely represents your identity.
- Being too vague or broad: It’s important to provide detailed, specific examples that demonstrate how your identity has shaped your experiences and actions. General statements won’t stand out.
- Neglecting the Honors College of Charleston connection: You need to make a strong link between your chosen identity and how it will influence your actions at the College of Charleston. This should include academic, extracurricular, and personal growth goals.
- Forgetting about future growth: The prompt asks not only how this identity has shaped your past but also how you hope to develop it in college. Make sure to address this aspect.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example
Seeker
“From an early age, I’ve been curious about how the world works—constantly asking questions, exploring ideas, and diving deep into topics that fascinate me. As a ‘Seeker,’ I’m driven by a desire to understand complex systems and how they intersect with human life. This curiosity has shaped both my academic and personal pursuits.
One defining experience occurred during my sophomore year when I became obsessed with the idea of sustainability. After learning about the environmental impact of plastic waste in my biology class, I started researching sustainable living practices. This led me to design a school project around the creation of a zero-waste household. I experimented with composting, minimalism, and DIY alternatives to common household products. What started as a small experiment soon became a personal mission. I presented my findings to my classmates, encouraging them to adopt some of these practices, and launched a school-wide initiative to reduce single-use plastics in our cafeteria.
Another example of my identity as a Seeker came during my junior year when I spent a summer shadowing a research scientist at a local environmental institute. I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the work, which involved everything from data analysis to fieldwork on local wetlands. During this experience, I discovered the interconnectedness of environmental science, public policy, and economics—fields I had never considered as part of my academic path. This broadened my interests, and I now plan to explore how these systems influence global environmental sustainability.
Finally, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of learning through exploration. My family travels frequently, and I’ve made it a personal goal to immerse myself in each new place we visit, from learning basic phrases in local languages to understanding the historical significance of the landmarks we tour. This has deepened my desire to continue seeking knowledge through experience and reflection.
At the College of Charleston, I hope to further develop my identity as a Seeker by pursuing interdisciplinary studies in Environmental Studies and International Relations. The College’s focus on integrative learning and community-based research aligns with my goals of continuing to ask tough questions and seek solutions to complex global problems. I’m excited to work with faculty in the Urban Studies and Sustainability program and to join student groups like Civic Engagement and Environmental Club, where I can apply my passion for sustainability and global awareness.
Through my time at the College of Charleston, I aim to broaden my understanding of the world’s most pressing issues, particularly how environmental and social systems interact. By working alongside my peers and professors, I’m confident that I will not only seek knowledge but also contribute to tangible solutions.”
Why It’s Good: This response is successful because it offers specific, concrete examples of the student’s identity as a “Seeker.” The examples demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. The student clearly connects this identity to their future academic goals at the College of Charleston, mentioning specific programs and student groups they plan to engage with. The essay ends with a clear vision of how they hope to develop as a scholar and person during college.
Bad Example
Doer
“I would describe myself as a ‘Doer.’ I’m always the type of person to get things done. When my friends have trouble organizing a project or figuring something out, I’m the one who steps in to help. In high school, I always took on leadership roles in group projects, and I made sure everything was running smoothly. I like to stay busy, whether it’s with schoolwork, sports, or volunteering, and I feel most comfortable when I’m being productive.
One example of this is when I volunteered at a local food bank. I made sure that everything was organized and that the food distribution process ran smoothly. I also take pride in my role as the captain of the soccer team, where I help motivate my teammates and lead by example. In both of these cases, being a ‘Doer’ helped me succeed.
At the College of Charleston, I’ll continue to be a doer by taking on leadership roles in student organizations and getting involved in campus activities. I’m excited to help others and stay productive.”
Why It’s Bad: This response is vague and lacks depth. The student doesn’t provide specific or compelling examples of their identity as a “Doer,” and the examples they do give (organizing group projects, volunteering, and leading a soccer team) are too general and don’t show significant personal reflection. The essay also lacks a clear connection to the College of Charleston—there is no mention of specific programs or opportunities that align with their identity. Finally, the student doesn’t elaborate on how they hope to grow or develop this identity during college.
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