Westmont Supplemental Essays 2026–27: Prompts & Tips

Westmont College requires one main supplemental essay of about 500 words for all first-year applicants [1]. Depending on the specific programs or activities you select on your application, Westmont may ask for additional short answers. This guide covers the core story prompt every applicant writes, followed by the supplemental question required for prospective instrumentalists.

Everyone has a story. Every story matters. What’s your story? Use the space below to share your story in 300-500 words. For inspiration, you may wish to watch… (500 words)

Everyone has a story. Every story matters. What’s your story? Use the space below to share your story in 300-500 words. For inspiration, you may wish to watch or listen to "Own Your Story," a podcast by John Ortberg - a friend and frequent speaker at Westmont. We look forward to learning more about you! 4. Own Your Story | John Ortberg - John Ortberg | Become New becomenew.buzzsprout.com

What this prompt is really asking: Westmont uses this broad question to understand your personal trajectory and how you synthesize your background with your current values. The admissions committee wants to see a cohesive narrative that aligns with their mission as an interdenominational Christian college, focusing heavily on authentic self-reflection rather than a list of achievements.

A strong approach:

• Anchor in a specific moment: Do not attempt to summarize your first seventeen years sequentially. Open with a distinct memory or realization that reveals your character and sets up your narrative arc.
• Connect to your core values: Westmont College emphasizes spiritual and personal growth alongside academics. Weave in how your personal ethics, community ties, or faith actively shape the way you interact with the world around you.
• Show your trajectory: The phrase "What's your story" implies movement and evolution. Structure your essay to highlight how past experiences have prepared you for the communal and intellectual life you want to build in college.
• Reference the suggested tone: You do not need to quote John Ortberg directly. Understanding his themes of vulnerability and spiritual identity will give you a clear sense of the authenticity Westmont values.

Most common mistakes:

• Writing a resume in prose: Listing accomplishments under the guise of your story completely misses the introspective, relational focus of this specific prompt.
• Skipping the reflection: Narrating an event vividly is only half the assignment. Ensure the final third of your essay explicitly connects your narrative to your present identity.
• Overthinking the broadness: It is easy to freeze when asked to explain your entire life. Narrow your scope to the single thread that feels most central to who you are today.

Program-specific essays

If you select Instrumental Ensemble as an activity on your application, you must answer this additional question.

"If you have chosen Instrumental Ensemble as an activity, please list the instrument(s) you play, in order of highest to lowest proficiency." (150 words)

What this prompt is really asking: This is a logistical question used by the music department to gauge ensemble needs. It requires no narrative storytelling, relying instead on pure clarity about your current musical background.

A strong approach:

• Be precise and hierarchical: List your primary instrument first. Follow it with any secondary instruments, noting exactly how many years you have played each one.
• Include relevant context: If space permits, briefly mention key ensemble experience to back up your proficiency ranking (e.g., first chair in state orchestra or jazz band section leader).
• Detail your doubles: If you play auxiliary instruments like a piccolo or an English horn, clearly group them with your primary instrument to demonstrate versatility.

Most common mistakes:

• Wasting words on origin stories: The music faculty does not need to know why you first picked up the violin in kindergarten. Keep the focus entirely on your current capability.
• Overstating your abilities: Only list instruments you can play at a collegiate ensemble level. Listing an instrument you barely know will backfire if you are asked to audition.