Application Tips | Chapman University

Application Tips | Chapman University Skip over carousel to next section Off Undergraduate Admission Application Tips Admission Undergraduate Admission Graduate Admission Non-degree Seeking Students Contact the Office of Admission Activating Your Chapman Account Undergraduate Undergraduate Admission How to Apply Financing Academics Student Life College Counselors Visit Opportunities Request Information How To Apply First-Year Students Transfer Students Test Optional Creative Supplement Application Review Process Application Tips First-Generation Applicants Applicants with Disabilities FAQs Missing Items Tips for Completing Your Chapman University Application Stay in Touch Visit Apply These tips and questions have been updated for those applying to spring or fall 2026. To help you put together a great application, we want you to know some of the questions we ask below, as well as quick explanations of what we're looking for in your responses. Note that you might have additional questions based on your major choice and/or whether you're a first-year or transfer student. You'll have to start filling out your application to see all of the questions we ask! Common Application Questions tips The Common Application sections listed below are required by all colleges/universities. Testing Section Chapman is test-optional . If you want to apply with your test scores, feel free to fill out the testing section of the Common Application. The testing section can be utilized for any exam scores you wish to self-report through the Common Application. This includes scores such as SAT, ACT, AP, IB, and SAT Subject Tests. You can list test scores received for exams that you have already taken and list future test dates you plan to take. After submitting your Common Application, your scores will not be visible on the PDF — that’s okay! If you applied with tests, the admission committee will still receive and review the scores you listed in the testing section. If you're applying as a test-optional applicant, your scores will remain hidden from our admission committee whether or not you filled out this section. If you have questions, reach out to your counselor Activities section This section gives you the opportunity to show the admission committee how you are spending your time outside of the classroom. Our committee is interested in seeing the breadth of your involvements as well as the depth of those involvements. Consider these questions: What are you involved in? How long have you been involved in these areas? What level of impact do you have in each of those areas? We understand that every applicant’s involvement may look different, and we pay close attention to context! For some general tips, you should: ot use acronyms if possible. Highlight relevant leadership roles and responsibilities. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. Personal Essay The Personal Essay is only required for first-year applicants. This is a space to share something central about yourself, whatever that may be! Our committee is looking for students to share their passions, experiences, or stories with us. Make sure to be as honest and open as you can - the more your voice is added to your essay, the better our committee can get to know you. For some general tips: Don’t be school specific - this essay is shared with all schools you apply to through the Common Application, not just us! Be sure to have a couple trusted people take a look once you’ve finished writing it. Students can often miss small mistakes because they’ve been editing and rewriting themselves. Show, don’t tell - give us an inside look into your world. Additional information Community Disruption This is an optional space to share information about how your education or experiences may have been affected by COVID-19, a natural disaster or any other factor out of your control. You can share details about your life, physical or mental health, safety, family situation, etc. It’s a free space to let our committee know about any circumstances you deem relevant. We care about our students and want to better understand their situations and find the best ways to support them. For more guidance, we’d recommend reaching out to your school counselor. Do you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application? Make sure not to overthink this part of the application! It is an optional piece, but this section can be a useful tool if you have additional information or relevant context that you want the admission committee to be aware of as we evaluate your file. For some general tips if you decide to utilize this section: Be concise and specific. Don’t repeat information already stated in other parts of your application. Chapman Admission policy on ChatGPT and AI tools At Chapman University, we understand the appeal of ChatGPT and AI tools for writing assistance, but we trust in your abilities to create thoughtful and genuine essays. If you choose to utilize these resources, we ask that it be used to support your essay and not write it for you Chapman Questions tips The questions below are unique to Chapman's admission process. Toggle Section Q: How have you learned about Chapman University? We'd like to know more about how you've interacted with Chapman. This helps our counselors figure out your familiarity with campus and where our staff and faculty might have interacted with you before applying. Q: What will your declared major be? Telling us about your interests lets us know: More about why you feel the major might be a good fit for you Your familiarity with your potential program An understanding of what you want to study and how it might relate to your career pursuits after college. If you’re applying as an undeclared student, that’s fine! Research our programs first , then tell us about the academic areas that might interest you. Q: There are thousands of universities and colleges. Why are you interested in attending Chapman? (200 words or fewer) We're looking for specifics! What separates Chapman from the other institutions you're considering? What special programs, activities and aspects of campus are most attractive and compelling to you? We're well aware that our campus is in a fantastic location and is aesthetically pleasing (we hear about Disneyland and how beautiful our campus is frequently). Dig a little deeper to show us you know why Chapman could be a great fit for you! Fast Facts Fast Facts are a way for us to get to know you. We want to see who you are as a student and as a person! Feel free to be creative, but remember what we're asking. Just because they're “fast” doesn't mean you shouldn't put some thought into your answers. We spend a lot of time debating the merits of each Fast Fact and voting on our favorites. Seriously. Here's a list of some of our past and current Fast Fact questions: What is your dream job? What is a family tradition that you want to continue What song should we be listening to while reading your application? Name one dish you would cook for our admission team. What is your favorite subject? What is the top thing on your bucket list? Which well-known person or fictional character would you like to have as your roommate If Chapman’s admission team came to visit your hometown, what site would you take them to? What can you give a 30-minute presentation on without any preparation? What are the best words of advice you have received? Letter of Recommendation tips Please note that we only require applicants to submit one letter of recommendation, but will review up to two. Toggle Section Choose a recommender who knows you outside of tests and homework We get a good idea of your academic performance from your grades. Your recommender should speak to you as a person and be able to share why you’re special. Try to find someone who knows who you are, understands what you're interested in outside of academics and can share your story. If you are applying to a major that requires a Creative Supplement , we strongly encourage you to submit a second, additional letter from someone who can specifically speak to your creative abilities. Share new information We already have your application and know which extracurriculars you’re involved in. Finding a recommender who can touch on something that makes you unique beyond your extracurriculars will show just how well rounded you are. Give your recommender ample time Springing a sudden deadline on a teacher willing to write you a letter of rec isn't just rude to them — it'll result in a weaker letter for you. A solid letter of rec takes more than just a day or two to write. Make sure you give your teachers enough time by asking them at least a month in advance Let your recommender know which schools you're interested in Let your recommender know which schools you're applying to, and explain a little bit about them. That way your recommender tailor their writing and let the school know why you're a perfect fit for them. (Hint: At Chapman, we're looking for students who are well rounded, open to exploring new fields and finding new passions. You don't have to be laser focused here.) Remind your recommender who you are Yes, your recommender should already know who you are. But if there are any specific accomplishments of yours that you want them to highlight, remind them. If there are any major wins in your life that they were involved with, remind them. If you wouldn't be where you are today without them, you guessed it: remind them. As long as you don't go into excruciating, essay-length detail, it doesn't hurt to jog their memory. Tell your reminder how to submit your letter Each school has its own process for submitting letters of rec. Letting your recommender know what to do when they're done writing yours will help make sure they're crystal clear on the submission process (and help them actually remember to go through with it). Think quality over quantity Some schools require just one letter of rec but let you submit more if you want (and we're one of them). But focusing on getting one really great recommendation is a fine strategy. That way you can spend more time on the rest of your application. That said, if you are applying to a major that requires a Creative Supplement , we strongly encourage you to submit a second, additional letter from someone who can specifically speak to your creative abilities. Don't ask a family member This one goes without saying, but it's easy to forget: make sure you're not getting your letter(s) of rec from a relative. We know your family's willing to vouch for you, and they're almost certainly right. But we (and most other schools) need letters of rec from outside your family. How to Write Your College Admission Essay The Personal Essay is required for first-year applicants. Writing your essay can be daunting. Here are a few tips that could help you make it stand out. Read Essay Tips Got a question for us? Feel free to anytime at admit@chapman.edu or (714) 997-6711. Want to talk to a student? Use our Ask a Student feature to reach out to a student from the same major or with similar interests as you. Want to talk to your admission counselor? They would probably be your best bet if you have a question relating to your personal situation (academic interests, family or financial situation, etc.). You can find your counselor on our Meet Your Counselor page Application Review Process explained Learn more about how we review (and what we look for) in our applications on our Application Review Process page. Visit Application Review Process How To Apply First-Year Students Transfer Students Test Optional Creative Supplement Application Review Process Application Tips Applicants with Disabilities FAQs Missing Items Contact Admission Email us: Email General Admission Email Transfer Admission Email International Admission Call us: (714) 997-6711 Text us: (714) 942-5474 Send your documents: Chapman University Attn: Office of Admission One University Drive Orange, CA 92866 Follow Us on Social Media Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University: Admission Instagram Admission YouTube Admission Facebook Chapman TikTok Take a Self-Guided Tour Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more! Start the Tour