Colby College
A liberal arts college in Maine with distinctive programs in environmental studies, creative writing, and the Jan Plan short term.
- Next deadline
- Nov 15, 2026Early Decision
- Essays
- 1Prompt
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 8%Highly selective
- Enrollment
- 2,219Small undergrad
Build your Colby College application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement300 words2026-2027
Colby values a community grounded in curiosity, integrity, and respect for others. Share a way you have contributed — or would like to contribute — to a community.
How to approach Colby College's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Use this as a blank structure for a Colby College supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at Colby College, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does Colby College require?
Colby College has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does Colby College accept the Common Application?
Yes — Colby College accepts the Common Application.
What is Colby College's acceptance rate?
Colby College's most recently reported acceptance rate is 8.0%.
When is Colby College's next application deadline?
Colby College's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on November 15, 2026.
What does Colby College's supplement essay prompt ask (300 words)?
Colby values a community grounded in curiosity, integrity, and respect for others. Share a way you have contributed — or would like to contribute — to a community.
Sources and verification
We prioritize Colby College's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →