As of August 1st, college essay prompts for the 2026-27 admissions cycle will be live! As we gear up for this new admissions cycle, let’s take a look back at the weird essay prompts of the 2025-2026 cycle.

Note that some of these prompts are weirder than others. The University of Chicago, for example, is known for taking the cake when it comes to quirky essay prompts. We at Ivy Coach had our pick of unorthodox questions when reviewing its supplement. On the other hand, some schools (like Yale University) are more run-of-the-mill.

Weirdest Essay Prompts of the 2025-2026 College Admissions Cycle

So, without further ado, here are the weirdest prompts coming from the top 25 schools in the nation.

School	2026 US News Ranking	Weirdest Essay Prompt
Princeton University	#1	What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#2	We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
Harvard University	#3	Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience?
Stanford University	#4	Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
Yale University	#4	Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? (
University of Chicago	#6	In an ideal world where inter-species telepathic communication exists, which species would you choose to have a conversation with, and what would you want to learn from them? Would you ask beavers for architectural advice? Octopuses about cognition? Pigeons about navigation? Ants about governance? Make your case—both for the species and the question.
Duke University	#7	What’s the last thing that you’ve been really excited about?
Johns Hopkins University	#7	Over the past 150 years, every monumental discovery at Hopkins has started with a first step: The first draft by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. A prototype that led to a life-changing medical invention. The first pitch that launched a new startup venture. As we commemorate the university’s sesquicentennial—150 years since its founding—we continue to celebrate first steps just as much as final achievements. Tell us about an important first in your life—big or small—that has shaped you.
Northwestern University	#7	Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why?
University of Pennsylvania	#7	Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)
California Institute of Technology	#11	Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like.
Cornell University	#12	We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Brown University	#13	If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?
Dartmouth College	#13	“Be yourself,” Oscar Wilde advised. “Everyone else is taken.” Introduce yourself.
Columbia University	#15	List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy.
University of California, Berkeley	#15	Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
Rice University	#17	The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?
University of California, Los Angeles	#17	Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
Vanderbilt University	#17	Vanderbilt University’s motto, Crescere aude, is Latin for “dare to grow.” In your response, reflect on how one or more aspects of your identity, culture, or background has played a role in your personal growth, and how it will contribute to our campus community as you dare to grow at Vanderbilt.
Carnegie Mellon University	#20	Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?
University of Michigan — Ann Arbor	#20	At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans.
University of Notre Dame	#20	What would you fight for?
Washington University in St. Louis	#20	WashU supports engagement in the St. Louis community by considering the university as “In St. Louis, For St. Louis.” What is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within in?
Emory University	#24	Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
Georgetown University	#24	A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

Weird Essay Prompts Aren’t Just Fun; They’re a Great Opportunity to Drive Home Your Singular Hook!

Faithful readers of Ivy Coach’s blog will know what we are about to say: the weirder the prompt, the better an opportunity to showcase your singular admissions hook! The students who will get into highly selective colleges during this admissions cycle are the experts and specialists who want to change the world in a highly unusual way tied to their specific cause, passion, or artistry. Weird essay prompts are thus the perfect opportunity to showcase the intellectual curiosity underlying your singular hook. Don’t be afraid to take a risk by choosing an unexpected prompt!

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Write the Quirkiest and Most Competitive Essays Possible

Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers, the same professionals who used to help choose the application essay prompts for top colleges, is here to help your child form the most competitive responses possible. If you would like to optimize your child’s odds of admission to a highly selective college, fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.