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Hampshire College

Hampshire's one identity-and-community supplement, decoded, plus the closure news every applicant needs first.

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Supplemental essays

1 (optional)

Word limit

500 words

Common App personal statement

650 words

Test policy

Test blind

What Hampshire rewards

Read this first: in April 2026 Hampshire College announced it will permanently close after the Fall 2026 semester and is no longer admitting new first-year students. If you are mapping your college list right now, treat Hampshire as a school to learn from rather than apply to, and confirm everything at hampshire.edu/closure-information. We are keeping this guide live because the Hampshire supplement was one of the best-designed identity prompts in the country, and the way it rewarded writing teaches you something useful for every other application you submit.

When Hampshire was admitting students, it asked for one optional 500-word supplemental essay about identity and community, on top of the 650-word Common App personal statement. Hampshire was fully test blind, so it did not look at SAT or ACT scores at all, which meant your writing carried even more weight than usual. The core challenge was simple to state and hard to do: show a real, specific self on the page, not a polished brochure version of one.

01Genuine self-direction. Hampshire built its whole model around students designing their own concentrations and being evaluated by narrative feedback instead of grades. Essays that showed you already chase questions on your own, without a teacher assigning them, matched the place. Name a project nobody made you do.

02Specific identity, not abstract diversity. The prompt asked what shaped your sense of identity. Strong answers pointed to one concrete thread (a language, a kitchen, a job, a town) rather than listing categories. Hampshire wanted the texture of a real life, not a vocabulary list about belonging.

03What you give a community, not just what you are. The second half of the prompt mattered as much as the first: how will sharing your experience contribute to campus? Hampshire rewarded students who saw themselves as contributors who add a perspective, start a conversation, or build something for others.

04Comfort with the unconventional. A school with no grades and no required majors attracted people who are at peace not following a standard track. Essays that owned a nonlinear path, a weird obsession, or a self-taught skill read as on-brand rather than as red flags.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Hampshire, each broken down with annotated examples.

Identity and Community (signature supplement)500 words (optional)

Hampshire College seeks to create a diverse environment where many different voices and perspectives enliven and inform classroom discussion and campus culture. What are some factors that have contributed to your sense of identity, and how do you hope sharing your experiences will contribute to the campus community?

Common App Personal Statement (companion)650 words

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (Choose one of the seven Common App prompts; this is the most commonly chosen.)

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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

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Deadlines

Early Decision INov 15 (notify Dec 15)

Early ActionDec 1 (notify Feb 15)

Early Decision IIJan 1 (notify Feb 1)

Regular DecisionJan 15 (notify Apr 1)

Closure noteNot accepting new first-years as of

Cost

Sticker price$72,324

Avg net after aid$27,556

Meets full needMost

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Explore Hampshire

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Hampshire weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $27,556/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Hampshire interview? Format, tips, and practice The Hampshire Reader ProScore your draft against Hampshire's exact prompts

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Hampshire appears in

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Hampshire FAQ

What is Hampshire's acceptance rate?

Historically around 75 percent, one of the more accessible admit rates among small liberal arts colleges. Hampshire was test blind, meaning it did not consider SAT or ACT scores in any way, and read applications holistically with heavy weight on writing and demonstrated curiosity. Note: the college announced closure in April 2026 and stopped enrolling new students. At Hampshire, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Hampshire require?

Hampshire requires 2 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 Hampshire cost?

Hampshire's published sticker price is about $72,324 per year, but the average family pays $27,556 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Hampshire require SAT or ACT scores?

Hampshire is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, even if you submit them.

When are Hampshire's application deadlines?

Hampshire's application deadlines are Early Decision I Nov 15 (notify Dec 15); Early Action Dec 1 (notify Feb 15); Early Decision II Jan 1 (notify Feb 1); Regular Decision Jan 15 (notify Apr 1); Closure note Not accepting new first-years as of. Add Hampshire to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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