Applying to Westmont College for the 2025–26 admissions cycle requires navigating a unique, deeply reflective supplement. While the application presents two distinct text fields, your primary focus will be a single 300–500 word essay that asks you to unpack your personal narrative.

Our analysis shows that Westmont prioritizes self-awareness, authenticity, and personal growth over a standard highlight reel of accomplishments. Below, we break down exactly how to approach the specific prompts covered in this guide, including how to decode the supplemental podcast material Westmont recommends.

Date

Date:

Word Limit: 2026 words

What the prompt is actually asking: While the massive 2026-word limit might cause panic, this is simply an administrative placeholder field on the application [1]. The application platform has assigned it an arbitrary high character count, but you are not expected to write an essay here.

A strong approach:

• Keep it literal: Just enter the current date as requested (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) or provide the standard signature information required.
• Don't overthink: You do not need to use this space for additional information, an addendum, or a hidden essay.

Common mistakes:

• Pasting an essay: Do not treat this as an extra "Why Westmont" essay; admissions officers use these fields for data tracking, not evaluation.

Share Your Story

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 Newbecomenew.buzzsprout.com

Word Limit: 300-500 words

What the prompt is actually asking: This is the heart of your Westmont College supplement. By pointing you directly to John Ortberg’s podcast, Westmont gives you a massive hint about the exact tone they are looking for. In the recommended episode, Ortberg talks about owning the "raw material" of your life—your family of origin, genetic inheritance, opportunities, and struggles [2]. Westmont wants an authentic, reflective essay showing how you are coming to terms with who you are.

A strong approach:

• Focus on your "raw material": Pick one specific element of your background—like a family dynamic or unexpected challenge—that has shaped you.
• Embrace vulnerability: The referenced podcast emphasizes that every story has restlessness and brokenness [2]. Don't fear discussing a difficulty you are learning to accept.
• Connect it to a larger purpose: Discuss how your personal story integrates with your spiritual journey, or how you are growing into your core values.
• Stay focused: With a 500-word cap, you cannot tell your entire life story. Choose a narrow, defining vignette that reveals your broader identity.

Common mistakes:

• Ignoring the podcast context: Treating this like a standard resume-rehash prompt misses the reflective, soulful tone Westmont explicitly requests.
• Being overly broad: Starting from birth and summarizing 17 years of life will result in a superficial, rushed essay.
• Sounding too perfect: Avoid wrapping up your story with a neat, cliché bow if the reality is still an ongoing work in progress.

Next Steps

• Listen to the source material: Before you brainstorm, take 15 minutes to listen to John Ortberg’s "Own Your Story" episode. It will perfectly calibrate your tone and expectations.
• Audit your "raw material": Make a quick list of the unchangeable facts of your upbringing, both positive and challenging, and trace how they have molded your current perspective.
• Draft for depth, not breadth: Aim for about 400 words on your first draft, ensuring your narrative zeroes in on one specific theme rather than trying to summarize your entire high school career.