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Furman

Furman University

One 350-word supplement on how The Furman Advantage fits your future, plus your Common App personal statement.

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Supplemental essays

1 (350 words)

Personal statement

Common App, 650 words

Testing

Test optional

Application fee

None

What Furman rewards

Furman keeps its writing light. Beyond the 650-word Common App personal statement, you have one short supplemental essay of 350 words built around "The Furman Advantage," the school's promise of academics paired with real-world experience and self-discovery. There is no application fee, and Furman has been test optional for over a decade, so the essays carry real weight in how admissions reads you.

The supplement is technically recommended rather than strictly required, but treat it as required: skipping it at a school this focused on fit reads as low interest. The core challenge is that 350 words is tight. You cannot ramble about how pretty the campus is. You need one or two concrete plans that only make sense at Furman and that connect to who you already are.

01Demonstrated, specific interest. Furman is a mid-size school that watches yield closely. The supplement rewards applicants who name actual programs, faculty work, or experiences rather than generic praise. Show you did the homework.
02Purpose over prestige. The prompt literally asks about a life of purpose, community impact, and career success. Furman wants students who think about why they want a degree, not just where it ranks. Lead with motivation.
03Engaged hands-on learners. The Furman Advantage is about doing: research, internships, study away, community work. The school rewards essays that show you as someone who acts, not just someone who plans to act someday.
04Community-minded character. Furman is small and residential, and it reads for people who will contribute to that community. Essays that connect personal growth to lifting up others land better than pure self-advancement.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Furman, each broken down with annotated examples.

The Furman Advantage350 words

The Furman Advantage guarantees every student an educational experience that combines excellent academics with real-world experiences and self-discovery. Describe how you believe The Furman Advantage will prepare you for a life of purpose, community impact, and career success.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 1
Early ActionNovember 1
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$79,924
Avg net after aid$32,901
Meets full needMost
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Furman weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $32,901/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Furman interview? Format, tips, and practice The Furman Reader ProScore your draft against Furman's exact prompts
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Furman FAQ

What is Furman's acceptance rate?

Furman admitted 47.9% of applicants for the Class of 2029, taking 4,571 students from a pool of 9,527 and enrolling 557. The middle academic profile centers on a 3.63 unweighted core GPA, and Furman has been test optional for more than a decade, with about 55% of enrolled students choosing not to submit scores. At Furman, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Furman require?

Furman requires 1 supplemental essay 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 Furman cost?

Furman's published sticker price is about $79,924 per year, but the average family pays $32,901 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Furman require SAT or ACT scores?

Furman 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 Furman's application deadlines?

Furman's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 1; Early Action November 1; Early Decision II January 15; Regular Decision January 15. Add Furman to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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