How to strengthen your DePaul application

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What DePaul weights most

DePaul favors students who will engage with its urban, career-focused strengths, especially applicants drawn to theatre/performing arts and business programs that use the Loop for internships and industry connections. They weigh demonstrated interest in hands-on, profession-oriented learning and diversity of background or perspective more heavily than elite-test scores; competitive applicants typically show clear curricular alignment (arts, business, or social justice/community work) and consistent extracurricular commitment rather than a laundry list of clubs.

Supplemental essay strategy

Use the why-DePaul response to cite specific Loop resources and Chicago partnerships you will use, for example Steppenwolf/Goodman links for theatre, Kellstadt Center internships, or the Center for Community Service Learning, and name faculty, programs, or clinics you researched. Describe concrete plans: courses you want, internship types you will pursue in the Loop, or neighborhood community projects, showing how DePaul’s urban network and mission fit your career or civic goals.

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Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from DePaul (search official admissions site or Reddit r/depaul). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.