Essay Prompts

As part of your application to Catawba College, you are required to submit either one essay or three short answer responses. You’re welcome to complete both if you would like to share more about yourself, but only one option is required. Your essay should be approximately 250-600 words (about a page in length) while short answers should consist of approximately 100-250 words per question. Submission instructions are included below

Select from one of the prompts below:

  1. For over 173 years, Catawba College has been recognized for its rich legacy and traditions, sometimes even referred to as a best-kept secret. Could you please share how you first learned about Catawba and what motivated you to apply to our institution?
  2. What are your future plans, and why are you interested in the academic program or major you selected? If you are undecided, please share which academic areas you wish to explore at Catawba and why.
  3. Catawba is deeply invested in the greater good, cultivating a thriving and livable world for all. Our students, faculty, and staff learn, create, research, explore, and grow. Our good goes far. What "good" do you hope to make at Catawba and beyond?


You may also choose to submit the Common Application Essay instead of one of the Catawba Essay prompts.

Below is the full set of Common Application essay prompts for 2025-2026:

  1. 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.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Submissions will be accepted in any of the following ways:

  1. Upload to our admission portal.
  2. Email: admission@catawba.edu
  3. Fax: 704-637-4222
  4. Mail: Catawba College Office of Admissions, 2300 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Note: Please be sure your full name and date of birth are included, so we can accurately match essay to applicant record.