Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    Webinars
    Empowerly Score®
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Essays

Essay Scoop: How to Answer Carnegie Mellon Essays

Picture of Sophia Minhas

Sophia Minhas

  • February 11, 2017

Andrew Carnegie, a self-educated, Scottish “working boy” who loved books, established Carnegie Mellon University in the early 1900s. Today, it is a top-tier university. CMU holds a reputation for innovation, solving real-world problems, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In order to get a sense of you as a person, Carnegie Mellon looks very closely at the essays you write. Here we provide some tips and traps for responding to these questions for the Carnegie Mellon essays.

Throughout the admission process, Carnegie Mellon selects a highly talented, diverse undergraduate population with high aspirations. This includes students with non-traditional academic backgrounds like veterans; students who are seeking a first bachelor’s several years after graduating from high school; or those who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree.

Since these essays play such an important role, it’s a good idea to start early. In fact, you’ll want plenty of time to draft, revise, and proofread. So, without further delay, let’s get started!

Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s).

This essay should include the reasons why you’ve chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans, and any other information you would like us to know. For freshmen applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and program, your essay can impact our final decision. Candidates applying for early decision or transfer may apply to only one college and department.

This is a very straightforward “why us” question. As a result, your response requires research on aspects specific to Carnegie Mellon that match your interests. In other words, explain what you hope to do with your education! Research academic programs, professors, courses, clubs, student life, school traditions, and other aspects that you want to mention. Be sure to explain the skill/lesson you’d gain as you mention 1 resource (max of 2) per paragraph.

List the books (if any) you’ve read this year for pleasure.

Choose one and in a sentence describe its impact on you.

Provide a short list of books, about 5 and explain their significance to you- this can be a change in thought, change in perspective, or anything with an effect.

If there was an interruption…

… during your secondary school or collegiate experience or between your secondary school and collegiate experience (gap year(s)) when you were not enrolled and as a result, not making normal academic progress, please explain the reason for the interruption.

Only type here if you’ve faced obstacles to academic progress. You can consider this an optional question.

While not a requirement, have you been interviewed by an alumni or on campus representative prior to applying for admission?

If so, indicate the name of your interviewer and tell us how it impacted your decision to apply. (500-word maximum.)

Apart from performing their duty, interviewers can be a great informational resource because of their ties to universities. We always recommend asking questions that unearth a better glimpse of what the university has to offer. If you found your interviewer especially interesting or exciting information about student culture, academic programs, or any other ‘insider’ information then mention it here. The key is to convey your excitement through your explanation of what makes it desirable for you.

Looking for more advice and guidance? We can help with anything from the Carnegie Mellon essays to sending that final transcript. We invite you to book a free consultation with us to learn more about the Empowerly community, and how we help students thrive.

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Sophia Minhas

Sophia Minhas

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

How to Get into Harvard — and Get a Degree that Opens Doors

Learn what it takes to get into Harvard, earn a strong degree, and build a future that stands out. Empowerly is here to help you achieve your dreams!

College Admissions: Regular Decision Dates for 2025

Each spring, millions of high school students eagerly await the big news. Let’s review the major college decision dates for the RD pool in 2025.

Top Medical Schools 2025: Rankings & Admissions Insights

Discover the top medical schools of 2025, what sets them apart, and how to boost your chances of getting in with expert insights.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
Referral
Webinars
Empowerly Score®
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login