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Lafayette

Lafayette College

One short Why Lafayette essay of 20 to 200 words, where every word has to earn its place.

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Required essays

1 supplement

Length

20-200 words

Prompt type

Why Lafayette

Testing

Test-optional

What Lafayette rewards

Lafayette keeps it short and serious. You write one supplemental essay of 20 to 200 words, the classic Why Lafayette prompt, on top of your Common App personal statement. There are no extra identity or community supplements for first-year applicants, so this single paragraph is your whole chance to show you know what you are applying to.

The challenge is the length. 200 words is tight, closer to a strong paragraph than an essay, so there is no room for throat-clearing or flattery that could apply to any school. Lafayette is test-optional for fall 2027 and fall 2028 entry, which means readers lean harder on what you actually say. Every sentence has to point at something real about Lafayette and tie it back to you.

01Specific fit over generic praise. Lafayette literally tells you to be deliberate and specific. They reward students who name a real program, course, professor, or tradition and connect it to something they actually do. Vague admiration reads as a copy-paste.
02Evidence you did the homework. A small school notices when you understand it. References to things like the EXCEL Scholars research program, the engineering-plus-liberal-arts model, or the intimate class sizes signal that you looked past the rankings and into the catalog.
03A two-way fit. The strongest answers show what you would take from Lafayette and what you would bring to it. Readers want to picture you in a seminar, a lab, or a club, not just admiring the campus from a brochure.
04Economy of language. With a 200-word ceiling, precision is itself a virtue. Lafayette rewards writing that is concrete and unpadded, where each detail does a job and nothing is there just to sound impressive.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

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

Why Lafayette20-200 words

Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why Lafayette?

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Your chance

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

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Deadlines

Early Decision INovember 15
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15
RD to ED II switchBy February 1

Cost

Sticker price$90,318
Avg net after aid$37,061
Meets full needYes
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Lafayette weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $37,061/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Lafayette interview? Format, tips, and practice The Lafayette Reader ProScore your draft against Lafayette's exact prompts
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Lafayette FAQ

What is Lafayette's acceptance rate?

Lafayette admits roughly 31% of applicants. The college is test-optional for fall 2027 and fall 2028 matriculation, so scores are one input among many, and a sharp, specific Why Lafayette essay carries real weight at a school this size. At Lafayette, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Lafayette require?

Lafayette 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 Lafayette cost?

Lafayette's published sticker price is about $90,318 per year, but the average family pays $37,061 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Lafayette require SAT or ACT scores?

Lafayette 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 Lafayette's application deadlines?

Lafayette's application deadlines are Early Decision I November 15; Early Decision II January 15; Regular Decision January 15; RD to ED II switch By February 1. Add Lafayette to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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