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Dickinson

Dickinson College

Three optional 50-word short answers that act like the start of a conversation, not a formal essay.

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Supplemental questions

3 (all optional)

Length each

50 words or less

Format

Short answer, answer any/all/none

Common App essay

Required, 650 words

What Dickinson rewards

Dickinson keeps its supplement unusually light. Beyond the Common App personal statement (650 words), the college offers three optional short-answer questions, each capped at 50 words or less. You can answer any, all, or none of them. Dickinson literally frames them as "the start of a conversation" with "no right or wrong answers," which is rare and worth taking at face value.

Dickinson is test-optional (and has been since 1994), so scores never make or break you. Here is the catch hiding inside the low stakes: when something is this short and this optional, most applicants either skip it or pad it with vague self-praise. The real challenge is being specific and human in fewer than 50 words, three times over, without sounding like a resume or a greeting card.

01Genuine curiosity. Two of the three questions are essentially asking what fascinates you and what you want to try next. Dickinson, with its global, sustainability-minded, interdisciplinary bent, rewards students who chase ideas for their own sake, not for the line on a transcript.
02Specificity over polish. At 50 words you cannot hide behind structure or transitions. A single concrete detail (a real rabbit hole, a real fear you want to face) lands harder than a smooth abstract sentence. Dickinson is reading for a person, not a paragraph.
03Self-awareness without bragging. The 'qualities that make you proud to be you' question is a trap if you treat it as a place to list virtues. Dickinson rewards answers that show a quality in action or own a quirk, rather than declaring 'I am hardworking and kind.'
04Authentic voice. Because the college calls these a conversation, a slightly informal, true-to-you tone works better here than formal essay register. They want to hear how you actually talk and think when you are interested in something.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

3 prompts for Dickinson, each broken down with annotated examples.

The curiosity question50 words or less; optional

What topic or idea could you write or converse about endlessly?

The new experience question50 words or less; optional

What is something new that you'd like to experience, learn or try that might surprise your friends and family?

The qualities question50 words or less; optional

What are the qualities that make you proud to be you?

See all 3 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Dickinson and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 15
Early ActionNovember 15
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$93,706
Avg net after aid$40,242
Meets full needMost
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Dickinson weighs most Supplemental essays3 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $40,242/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Dickinson interview? Format, tips, and practice The Dickinson Reader ProScore your draft against Dickinson's exact prompts
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Dickinson FAQ

What is Dickinson's acceptance rate?

About 42% (selective). At Dickinson, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Dickinson require?

Dickinson requires 3 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Dickinson cost?

Dickinson's published sticker price is about $93,706 per year, but the average family pays $40,242 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Dickinson require SAT or ACT scores?

Dickinson is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Dickinson's application deadlines?

Dickinson's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 15; Early Action November 15; Early Decision II January 15; Regular Decision January 15. Add Dickinson to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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