umiami supplemental essays 2023

University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 28, 2023

In the 1980s and ‘90s, the University of Miami was a football powerhouse; albeit one with its fair share of controversy. In the 2020s, the school has more to brag about on the academic front than on the gridiron. Now attracting close to 50,000 applications and sporting an acceptance rate of just 19%  (and dropping), U Miami has become a highly selective university that is no longer anything close to a sure thing, even for students with excellent grades and test scores. This means that, in 2023-24, the University of Miami supplemental essay is more important than ever before.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Miami? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Miami: Admissions Data and Strategies   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Although it only has one general essay prompt, the University of Miami’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is U Miami’s supplemental prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Additionally, we offer advice on how to pen a winning composition.

2023-2024 U Miami Supplemental Essays

Prompt 1 (250 Words): Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute. Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

Pro tip: the language used in any given prompt provides you with critical information about what your essay should address. As such, note the information that U Miami chooses to share about itself : a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity and strives to create a culture of belonging . Essentially, they want to know how you will contribute to that mission, and how your personal experiences will impact what kind of academic and social community member you might be.

University of Miami supplemental essays (Continued)

As such, you might consider discussing:

• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• An opinion or perspective that has developed over time.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.
• A skill you have that you feel could impact others in a positive way.

Once you’ve chosen a particular direction, think about what you’ve learned from the experience. Also ponder what you think others could learn from you. Most importantly, how will your learnings positively contribute to U Miami’s mission? This is a chance to show that you are an open-minded, curious, and humble young person who is willing to learn and grow from their experiences.

How important is the UMiami supplemental essay?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental one) are “very important” to the evaluation process. Five other factors are also considered as “very important.” These factors are: rigor of coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, the University of Miami places enormous value on the quality of your supplemental essay.

Want personalized essay assistance with the University of Miami supplemental essays?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your University of Miami supplement, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Essay Writing Tips from Charles Cammack

By UM Admission 09-06-2023

Here are three quick things that we all should strive for to improve our writing; check them out below:

Effectiveness

If you had to choose between writing an essay or giving a speech, which would you choose? Or maybe you would rather play a musical piece, play a sport or even perform a dance? Whether you recognize it or not, you are communicating in some way, shape, or form through these activities.

Just because you have convinced yourself that you’re not a good writer or maybe you just don’t enjoy it, does not mean you have a lack of communication skills. The effectiveness of your essay writing might come more naturally if you first identify your best form of communication and then translate what you are communicating in that form to words on the page.

Remember when you needed to explain to the person at the store or at the random gas station that you needed directions to the bathroom? You were specific and straight to the point. The individual knew exactly what you were trying to communicate. Using more words does not always make your story stronger.

So now, imagine that the people who are reading your essay only have a limited amount of time to do so; how can you help them get to the “bathroom” sooner?

Your unique story and perspective are enough. You are enough. I know it is tempting to try to figure out what the college or university wants to hear, but the fit will come with the institution that identifies and appreciates who you are as much as you appreciate who they are. Write your essay as you and for you.

I could absolutely say more, but that wouldn’t be efficient , now would it? Feel free to write me anytime if you are looking for a little more guidance!

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University of Miami (UMiami) Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Miami essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays will show you how to write strong University of Miami supplemental essays and increase your chances in the University of Miami admissions process.  For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on the University of Miami and University of Miami supplemental essays, click here . Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Miami Essay Guide Quick Facts

• The University of Miami acceptance rate is 33%— U.S. News ranks University of Miami as a highly competitive school. 
• We recommend answering all University of Miami supplemental essays with detail and care.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Miami?

The UMiami acceptance rate is 33%, according to U.S. News . Compared to the UMiami acceptance rate, the national average for college acceptance rates is 68% . 

What does the UMiami acceptance rate mean? Well, a few things. First, when you build your college list, you should keep the UMiami acceptance rate in mind. It’s important to apply to a combination of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. UMiami would likely fall in either the “target” or “reach” category, based on the UMiami acceptance rate. 

Want to learn more about how to use data like the UMiami acceptance rate to build a college list? Check out our blog articles on acceptance rates , college rankings , and building a college list .  

Demonstrated Interest

Another way to use the UMiami acceptance rate? Think of it as an incentive to write the best University of Miami supplemental essays possible. When schools have low acceptance rates (i.e. lower than the national average) then demonstrated interest (DI) becomes even more important. Colleges use DI to determine how much a student wants to attend their school. If an admissions officer is looking at two similar students (similar GPAs, test scores, extracurricular profile, etc.), often the decision comes down to which student shows greater DI. And, while there are many ways to show DI, one of the strongest is through your supplemental essays. This makes the UMiami supplemental essays even more important. To read more about DI and how it relates to the admissions process, check out this article in Forbes . 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, you should pay attention to the University of Miami supplemental essays. The UMiami application process is competitive. While the UMiami acceptance rate is lower than the national average, it shouldn’t discourage you from applying. Strong University of Miami supplemental essays will set you apart from applicants with weaker answers to the University of Miami essay prompts.  

Does the University of Miami require a supplemental essay?

Yes. In addition to the Common App Personal Statement, there is an additional University of Miami essay. Some colleges have more than one essay prompt, but you will not find multiple UMiami supplemental essays. 

Given the UMiami acceptance rate, and since there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, we recommend that you compose a thoughtful University of Miami application essay.  

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Then, check out our blog article .  

How many essays are required for Miami?

There is only one short supplemental essay for the University of Miami. It may seem easy to tackle the University of Miami essay quickly. However, you should get an early start on the University of Miami application essay. Even though there are not multiple UMiami supplemental essays, you should not leave the University of Miami essay to the last second. This could decrease the quality of your University of Miami application essay and weaken your application. 

This also means that the Com m on App Personal Statement will play a large role in your admissions results. So, you should ensure you have a strong response to that prompt as well. UMiami will want to know that you are a strong writer, and they’ll also want to see how you have grown throughout high school. Both the Common App essay and the supplemental University of Miami essay let you show those things. Your University of Miami supplemental essay should highlight what makes you unique and how you would enrich the UMiami campus. No two University of Miami supplemental essays will be the same!

The essay matters

Since there are not multiple University of Miami essay prompts, you should approach the University of Miami application essay carefully—especially given the low UMiami acceptance rate. With just one University of Miami essay to write, you don’t have much space to impress your readers. A strong University of Miami application essay can boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Last year, over 40,000 students applied to UMiami. That means that your readers are evaluating 40,000 University of Miami supplemental essays. With so many essays to wade through, the admissions team will be looking for strong writers who clearly and concisely answer the University of Miami essay prompt. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will draw the reader in with a strong opening anecdote and leave the reader wanting to know more about the student.

What are the University of Miami essay prompts?

In this guide, we will discuss how to respond to the University of Miami essay prompts. As noted, there is only one essay for UMiami, not multiple UMiami supplemental essays. This means that you should put extra effort into your one short UMiami essay. 

You can view the University of Miami application essay question here , on the UMiami website. You can also view it on the Common App website . 

Below, we will tell you the University of Miami essay question. We’ll also break down how to write the best University of Miami essay possible in order to boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. You want your essay to stand out from other University of Miami supplemental essays by capturing your unique outlook and personality. Although there are not multiple University of Miami supplemental essays, you should spend a good amount of time writing your University of Miami application essay.  

For tips to make your University of Miami application essay stand out against other University of Miami supplemental essays, read on. Remember, admissions officers read thousands of University of Miami supplemental essays each year. This means you should try to set your essay apart from other applicants’ UMiami supplemental essays. 

University of Miami Supplemental Essays – Question 1

The University of Miami’s official mascot is the ibis. Folklore maintains that the native marsh bird is the last to take shelter before a hurricane hits and the first to emerge once the storm passes, making it an apt symbol of courage and resilience. Considering your ability to control your own motivation and behavior, how have past experiences helped build your courage and resilience to persist in the face of academic and life challenges so that, once these storms pass, you can emerge in continued pursuit of your goals? (Maximum 250 words).

How do I write the Miami supplemental essay? 

The University of Miami essay is a key part of your application. A strong response to the University of Miami essay prompt will boost your chances against the low UMiami acceptance rate. 

Basically, this University of Miami application essay asks you what challenges you have overcome. College can be a stressful place, so UMiami wants to see how you’ll handle the social, academic, and emotional pressures of university life. 

Focus on structure

Start your University of Miami application essay by thinking about structure. With only 250 words, you should structure your essay carefully. The best University of Miami supplemental essays will have three parts: what challenge you faced, how you dealt with it, and how the challenge helped you grow.

First, you must choose a challenge to discuss. Don’t choose something too common or too small, like getting a C on a test. However, you should also avoid choosing a problem too complex to fully address. You only have 250 words for this University of Miami essay question, so try to maximize the impact of each sentence. 

Narrow your focus

The prompt refers to your “past experiences,” so you could choose to discuss more than one experience in this University of Miami application essay. However, you want to make sure you have enough space to address the full prompt. Don’t spend the whole essay discussing many setbacks you have had in your life—instead, keep a narrow focus. 

This essay should discuss a time when you faced a setback but did not let that setback beat you. Admissions officers want to see your resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving skills in this University of Miami essay. The prompt wants to see that you “emerge in continued pursuit of your goals.” Make sure you focus on the how and not just the what . 

After you describe your chosen challenge, explain how you overcame it. Focus on your skills, ideas, and actions. Describe how—in specific terms—you beat the challenge and came out stronger on the other side. You’ll want to show how you learned and grew from your experience. Colleges love to see growth, and UMiami is no exception. 

The long-term effect

The best University of Miami supplemental essays will also reflect on how this challenge affected you long-term. How did this challenge change you? What did you gain from the experience? Think about any skills or traits that you developed from your challenge. Then, in your essay, discuss how you will carry those skills with you in the future. Try to gesture toward your goals; admissions officers want to see that you’re forward-thinking in your response to the University of Miami essay prompt. 

Admissions officers also want to see your creativity and problem-solving. As you start your University of Miami application essay, then, reflect on how you solve problems. How do you address a challenge? Why did this challenge matter to you? What was at stake? Most of all, this essay lets you show what has made you into the person you will be on the UMiami campus. Again, a solid University of Miami essay will boost your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. 

University of Miami  Supplemental Essays—Final Thoughts

The University of Miami supplemental essay can seem daunting, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying. The University of Miami supplemental essays are a great opportunity to show your readers who you are. 

Want to hear more from UMiami’s undergraduate admissions team on approaching the University of Miami supplemental essay? Check out this video from the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions below.

Given the low UMiami acceptance rate, strong responses to the University of Miami essay prompts can help you succeed if you have a lower than average GPA or SAT score . Use this guide as a step-by-step aid to the University of Miami supplemental essays, and start earlier than you think you should. Strong UMiami supplemental essays will help you stand out against other applicants’ responses to the University of Miami essay prompts. Don’t be afraid to ask for edits from someone; it is helpful to have another set of eyes checking your UMiami supplemental essays for grammar, tone, and clarity, especially given the UMiami acceptance rate. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UMiami was written by Laura Frustaci , Harvard, ’21. This guide to the University of Miami supplemental essays shows you how to write engaging University of Miami essays and maximize your chances against the UMiami acceptance rate. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on writing strong UMiami supplemental essays, and on UMiami, click here .

Want help crafting your University of Miami supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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University of Miami Supplemental Essays 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

The University of Miami, once renowned for its football prowess in the 1980s and ’90s, has evolved into a powerhouse on the academic front in the 2020s. With close to 50,000 applications flooding in and an acceptance rate dwindling to just 19%, U Miami has transformed into a highly selective institution, challenging even top-performing students to secure admission. In the competitive landscape of 2023-24, the University of Miami supplemental essay emerges as a critical component of the application process, offering applicants a platform to distinguish themselves in a sea of impressive credentials.

Despite featuring only one general essay prompt, the University of Miami’s supplemental section remains a vital opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique qualifications for admission. As applicants gear up for the 2023-24 admissions cycle, let’s delve into U Miami’s supplemental prompt and offer insights on crafting a winning composition.

Also read University of Miami Acceptance Rate | Strategies and Insights for Admission Success 2024

University of Miami Supplemental Essays

Prompt 1: Contributing to a Diverse Community (250 Words) Nestled within one of the world’s most vibrant cities, the University of Miami prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive community, where every individual is valued and empowered to contribute. In 250 words, share how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would enrich our distinctive university community. Consider aligning your response with U Miami’s mission of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and creating a culture of belonging. Reflect on your familial, social, or personal experiences, highlighting their impact on shaping your perspective and readiness to contribute positively to U Miami’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds.

The language used in the prompt offers valuable insights into what your essay should address. Pay attention to U Miami’s emphasis on being a values-based, purpose-driven institution that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity. Craft your response to showcase how you align with these values and how your experiences will shape your role as a member of the U Miami community.

As you tackle the University of Miami supplemental essays, consider exploring various facets of your identity and experiences, such as:

• Your familial or social role.
• Challenges overcome and lessons learned.
• Formative experiences or realizations.
• Evolving perspectives or opinions.
• Cultural, religious, or community influences.
• Impactful skills you possess.

Once you’ve chosen a direction, delve into the lessons learned from your experiences and how they contribute to U Miami’s mission of diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. Showcasing humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn and grow will resonate positively with the admissions committee, highlighting your potential as a valued member of the U Miami community.

Also see University of Miami Transfer Acceptance Rate 2024 | Strategies and Insights for Success

The Importance of the UMiami Supplemental Essay

The UMiami supplemental essay, alongside the Common App essay, holds significant weight in the evaluation process, rated as “very important” by the admissions committee. Alongside factors like coursework rigor, GPA, class rank, recommendations, and extracurricular activities, the quality of your supplemental essay plays a crucial role in shaping the admissions decision. Thus, aspiring UMiami applicants must recognize the immense value placed on crafting a compelling supplemental essay that aligns with the university’s mission and values.

The University of Miami supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle offer applicants a pivotal opportunity to showcase their unique experiences, perspectives, and readiness to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community. With the prompt emphasizing the university’s commitment to embracing diversity and creating a culture of belonging, applicants are encouraged to craft responses that resonate with these values. As the admissions committee places immense importance on the quality of the supplemental essays, aspiring UMiami applicants must approach this task with diligence, humility, and a genuine desire to share their stories and insights. By thoughtfully addressing the prompts and aligning their responses with UMiami’s mission, applicants can enhance their chances of standing out and securing a place in this dynamic and vibrant academic community.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, university of miami supplemental essay examples.

I'm applying to the University of Miami and I'd appreciate if someone could share their supplemental essay examples or any advice on writing these. I know it's important to be authentic, but examples might help me understand what they're looking for. Thanks!

Hey there! I'm glad you're looking for some guidance on writing your University of Miami supplemental essays. CollegeVine has an article with two University of Miami essays submitted by real students, along with feedback on what works and what could be improved upon: https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-miami-essay-examples

Now for some quick advice—make sure to thoroughly read and understand the prompt, and figure out what aspects of your life, experiences, and personality you'd like to highlight. Are there specific programs or opportunities at the University of Miami that really resonate with you? Make sure to include those!

When writing your essay, remember to be genuine and let your own voice shine through. Admissions officers want to get to know you as a person, so stay true to yourself and your unique experiences. Avoid clichéd topics, overly complex language, or trying too hard to impress.

Finally, always revise your essay multiple times, ask for feedback from others, and double-check your spelling and grammar.

Check out CollegeVine's guide to writing the current University of Miami supplementals: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-miami-essays

Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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2 Magnificent University of Miami Essay Examples

Located in sunny Miami, the University of Miami consistently ranks as one of the top 50 colleges in the country. With over 180 degree programs to choose from, more than 300 student organizations, and a prime location in one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S., there is something for everyone at UMiami—especially those that love the sun!

Given how much UMiami has to offer, getting in isn’t easy: you’ll need more than just strong grades and test scores. Your essays will play a large role in your admissions decision, so they need to be good. In this post, we will share two essays that got students accepted into UMiami We will also go over what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UMiami essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example #1 – Perspective

I had been dreaming of my high school experience since my six-year-old self watched High School Musical. I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth. Although months had passed since the birth, she continuously struggled with c-section recovery. After one of my mom’s surgeries, my sister and I went to the hospital to visit her. Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. 

One day I would be the person carrying on the family name. I worked hard academically to make the family proud, but failed to embody the mindset and values my mother taught me. All her positivity, love for new experiences and family were clouded by my disappointment and frustration. Watching my sister wasn’t the fun, new experience I hoped for, but it was the one I was given and I needed to embrace it with the same happiness and excitement as the other.  

In the previous years, I had failed myself before I even started with my pessimistic mindset. This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold. When I began to embrace and enjoy my time watching my sister, I realized I still lived out my dream. I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile.

What the Essay Did Well

This is a classic “ Overcoming Challenges ” prompt, so the key to writing a strong response is to focus not just on the challenge itself, but also your thoughts and feelings to demonstrate how you grew as a result of experiencing the challenge. This essay does just that.

The shift from context to self-reflection occurs at the end of the first paragraph with the sentence “ Seeing her in such a fragile and vulnerable state shocked me into reality. ” What follows is a description of the student’s thoughts, which shows readers what being shocked into reality meant for them, and why that shock caused them to change their mindset.

We see the student start to see their unexpected high school experience not as a burden, but a responsibility and perhaps even an honor: “ One day I would be the person carrying on the family name.” They also show humility by explaining how they “ failed to embody the mindset and values ” of their mom, and then telling us what those values were by describing her “ love for new experiences and family. ” 

Additionally, opening the essay with the lighthearted, fun image of High School Musical is a savvy choice, as the contrast between the “ fun, new experience [they] hoped for ,” and the serious, mature position they actually found themself in emphasizes the emotional weight of the student’s situation.

It’s also nice that this essay finishes by showing us what the student’s new mindset looks like: “ I cheered her on in games peek-a-boo and created our own, personal coloring club. ” Since the “Overcoming Challenges” essay is usually about a heavy topic, readers will appreciate things ending on an uplifting note.

Although a lot of the focus should be your thoughts and emotions in this type of essay, getting to see how those internal factors affected your choices and actions takes the story out of your head, and proves that this experience changed not just your mindset, but also how you conduct yourself out in the world.

What Could Be Improved

While the first paragraph does a nice job providing context, it could be rewritten to be more engaging by telling the story like it’s currently happening rather than reflecting. This might look something like replacing the line “I saw this dream shatter, as I was tasked with watching my baby sister after school until 5:30 due to my mom’s struggles with her birth” with “Instead of bursting into song and dance at the drop of a hat, however, every day after school I found myself cleaning mushy peas off the floor, dozing off during educational TV shows, and trying anything to keep my baby sister from kicking her socks off.”

The part of this essay that needs the most attention, however, is the last paragraph. As it’s written, the student is telling us in a general sense that this experience was good for them: “ This period in life showed me the importance mindsets hold…Now when things are not going to plan, I take on the challenge of remaining positive with a smile. ” 

While this is a valuable realization, it also comes across as generic, as many people have this realization at some point in their lives. In this kind of essay, it’s okay to have your big takeaway be something familiar, since lots of teenagers learn similar lessons as they’re growing up. But to keep your essay from sounding like a Hallmark card, you want to include enough details that your reader can concretely see how this lesson has impacted your life. The writer could have accomplished this by reworking the last paragraph to something like:

“I’d always considered myself pessimistic, but suddenly I found myself smiling even on my worst days. I replaced counting down the minutes left watching my sister with a giggle-infused countdown that ended in “Ready or not, here I come!” My boredom-induced pencil doodles gave way to an invite-only sisters coloring club with glitter gel pens. Maybe my experience doesn’t look like High School Musical, but with a positive outlook, I’ve enjoyed myself just as much as Troy and Gabriella. ”

Essay Example #2 – Perseverance

Content warning: This essay includes graphic depictions of mental health struggles. If this topic is triggering for you, please read with caution. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

For the past two years, I’ve been more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls.

Given my lengthy hours vomiting in the bathroom weekly, seeing liquid reiterations of each meal is commonplace. When people discuss mental health, they neglect to mention its physical manifestations.

It starts with an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed. Then, the dry heaving ensues. For the rest of the day, I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom as I endure body pains, fevers, and chills that persist even after I’ve finished vomiting. Major Depressive Disorder is more than a mental illness— it’s a physical issue that has affected my attendance for years.

However, despite my class absences, I’ve managed to juggle health, extracurriculars, and grades. From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance. At first, adapting to my limitations was difficult, but today, I work with my condition, not against it. When I launched a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and took on heavy social justice work, I learned setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs was necessary for my health.

At UMiami, my approach to adversity will thrive. Whether my Public Affairs Internship is too demanding, or my slam competition with Speak What You Feel is anxiety-inducing, I’ll remember to prioritize my mental health so my academic commitments don’t suffer.

Most importantly, I hope UMiami’s toilet bowls are decent.

This essay is incredibly well-written. While their graphic descriptions of their struggles may initially be jarring for some people, their detailed imagery is what allows this student to elicit such a visceral reaction from their readers. 

For example, the image of being “ more familiar with toilet bowls than dinner bowls ” is a shocking way to start an essay, but the reader can’t help but immediately be invested. Although we might not like the thought of “ liquid reiterations ” of food, the creative phrasing paints a crystal clear picture in our heads, and that clarity helps us feel like we’re right beside the writer, rather than watching her struggle from a distance.

The student’s descriptions of the physical manifestations of their mental illness, including, “ an intense stomach ache that cements me to the bed ,” “ the dry heaving ensue s,” and “ I alternate between the bedroom and the bathroom ” continue to build our sympathy towards them, as these lines are described so well that we feel like we’re experiencing some of their pain ourselves.

However, this essay’s strength isn’t just in the imagery. This student also provides details that show us how they have overcome their challenge. For example, the line “ From staying after school to complete make-up tests, to receiving study guides and class agendas from friends, diligence and community are the key ingredients of perseverance” shows the student can weather a storm, which is exactly what admissions officers want to see in your response to this kind of prompt.

They also show us how they were able to “ [launch] a POC writers space for marginalized creatives and [take] on heavy social justice work ” by “ setting time boundaries and honoring my own needs. ” This sentence shows that they have not only persevered through their struggles, but actually used the lessons they learned as motivation in other areas of their life.

Another positive aspect of this essay is how the student ties in UMiami in the second to last paragraph. Just because you aren’t writing a “Why School?” essay doesn’t mean you can’t talk about resources at the college that align with your interests—in fact, colleges will be even more impressed if you weave school opportunities into a different essay topic.

That being said, you don’t want the connection to the school to feel forced, so if you aren’t able to figure out how to do it in a way that’s natural, it’s completely fine to just focus on responding to the prompt you actually have.

Finally, the ending is a nice tie back to the opening of the essay, which reminds the reader one last time about the challenges this student has had to overcome. Bringing back the image of a toilet bowl might be a bit of a shock, but it ensures that this essay is memorable.

While this essay doesn’t necessarily need to change anything, one thing to keep in mind is how to approach difficult or possibly triggering topics in a college essay. Although, on the whole, this essay handles the topic of mental health with tact, you never know who your reader is and what perspective they are bringing to the table. It’s important to not be excessive with your depictions of mental health, and to make sure the focus is primarily on how your illness has impacted your personal growth.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Do you want feedback on your University of Miami essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Our Analysis of the 2023-2024 Supplemental Essay Prompts

This year's batch of supplemental essay prompts was released on august 1st. here's what those prompts reveal about the changing priorities at colleges and universities..

Thanks to the perceived essay loophole Chief Justice Roberts’ Supreme Court decision language created—establishing that students can write about racial identity when tied to other experiences and characteristics—there has been much speculation that colleges would scramble to add diversity-related questions to their applications. Now that the Common App has reset for 2023-24, we can see colleges’ new supplemental questions. Did this bear out? So far, we’d say: yes. Yes it did. Here are a few overall trends and changes we’re noticing in the 2023-2024 supplemental essay prompts.

An increase in DEIB-related essays

This comes as no surprise. It’s important to note that many colleges already had prompts that asked students to reflect on their identities, on their communities, or on how they would contribute to diverse campuses; schools like Duke, Michigan, and Syracuse have included questions like this on their supplements for years now. But other schools have made notable changes since June’s decision: University of Miami, for example, replaced their question about the ibis (which, admittedly, we are not terribly sad to see go); American University scrapped their “why AU?”; and UVA retooled the essay questions they had only just retooled last year (even though UVA’s Dean J admitted she really liked last year’s version).

Here are the new versions of those schools’ supplemental essay questions:

University of Miami

“Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute. Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.” (max 250 words)

American University

“At American University, Inclusive Excellence is a cornerstone of the academic experience for our students, and we deeply value the learning that is inspired by the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences that all our community members bring with them. Please share why you would like to join this community.” (max 150 words)

All Applicants (300 words or less):

“What about your background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA?”

(…and read more about UVA’s new legacy-based optional question here ).

More choice for students

Many colleges who have introduced new questions have included these questions as one of several choices. BU, for example, introduced a new question—“Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?”—but kept their classic “Why BU?” as an alternative option. Offering prompt choices—which schools like Tufts, Boston College, Villanova, Emory, and University of Richmond have done for quite some time—allows for students to write about their identities if they wish and on their own terms.

…Except at Harvard

As one of the defendants in the Supreme Court case, Harvard has lots of eyes on its post-SCOTUS decision making. Its response to the decision? Eliminating the previous optional (er, “optional”) essay and instituting five required essays. Very Harvard of them. And yes, one of them is directly about diversity:

“Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?”

Less emphasis on “why us?” essays

While this isn’t true everywhere, we saw a few surprising changes at some “why us?” stalwarts. Perhaps most notably, Tulane’s “why us?” essay—which, for many years, famously had an 800-word limit—is now a mere 250. And while last year Tulane had three different robust supplemental essay questions, now it’s just the one. Truly, our jaws are on the floor (yes, at this time of year, this counts as Very Exciting News. We essay editors don’t get out much in August). Equally shocking: no “why Indiana?” question for Indiana University in Bloomington. In fact, no supplement at all! That’s one way to lower the barrier to entry and boost application numbers (just ask Northeastern).

For tips on how to tackle these essay questions, check out our College Essay Hub . And if you’re looking for more in-depth, one-on-one support, reach out to our college admissions team!

Caroline Hertz

Supplemental Essay Guide 2023-24

What do the 2023-24 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 64 great colleges that don't require essays to apply.

College Info , College Essays

If the thought of writing a college essay fills you with terror, you might be wondering: are there any colleges that don't require essays?

The answer is yes, there are! This guide will give you an overview of colleges that don't require admissions essays, how to find these schools, and whether you should apply to one or not. We'll wrap up with a list of 64 colleges with no essay requirement that you can apply to.

Why Do Some Colleges Not Require an Essay?

In general, college essays help schools get a sense of you as a person—beyond your academic record, GPA, and test scores. They give you a chance to clearly articulate your goals and also give admissions officers a better idea of how you'll fit within the school's community. Finally, essays are helpful because they provide schools with concrete evidence of your writing ability.

However, there are many colleges that don't require essays for admissions. What are some reasons why? Let's take a look at the three biggest ones:

#1: Limited Resources

It takes a lot of admissions officers' time and energy to read and evaluate college essays.

At smaller schools with fewer resources, and even at larger schools that enroll tens of thousands of students, the resource costs associated with reading each essay for every single student might outweigh the benefits of getting additional information on applicants beyond GPAs, test scores, and transcripts.

Schools sometimes balance these concerns by requiring essays only for the most competitive programs (usually things such as engineering and nursing) or for scholarships, for which the additional information might be more instrumental in making decisions.

They need to use those limited resources for coffee.

#2: Specific Admissions Cutoffs/Criteria

Many colleges, particularly public schools, admit students based on a type of selection index, which tabulates some combination of GPA, test scores, and/or class rank.

If students meet the minimum index score cutoff, they will be admitted. In this case, the school might simply feel that additional information from an essay isn't necessary for making a decision regarding whether a student will be successful or not.

Selection indices are also often different for in-state and out-of-state students, with the latter being subject to more stringent academic criteria.

In addition, the selection index is sometimes used for scholarships, with students with higher index scores being awarded more money.

Schools with selection indices do often require or recommend college essays for borderline candidates so that students can provide additional information on why they'd be a good fit at the school in spite of not meeting the stated academic criteria.

#3: Make Admissions Process Easy and Appealing

Some colleges hope that by making the admissions process easy and requiring only a transcript, test scores, and basic demographic information, they'll attract a wider variety of applicants.

By presenting their application process as a simple alternative to more intensive processes that require letters of recommendation, essays, and so on, they can attract students who are on the fence about applying to college at all .

They could even potentially motivate highly qualified applicants to use them as one of their safety or match schools because the students won't need to write additional essays or do extra work to apply.

Some applications seem like you just have to click to apply!

How to Find Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are over 4,000 postsecondary educational institutions in the US, and over 80 of these schools don't require essays for admission.

If you want to know whether a particular school requires an essay for admission, Google "[School Name] freshman admission requirements" or "[School Name] admissions essay." This should pull up pages from the school's official website, with links to guidelines on admission essays.

If, however, you're looking more generally for schools that don't require essays, you can check out our  list of 64 schools below or try one of the following starting places:

Public Universities in Your State

A significant number of public universities don't require essays for admissions.

Even if the major public schools in your state (such as the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign or UCLA) require essays for admission, you might find that the smaller campuses and smaller or more specialized state schools  might not require essays. So be sure to check those out!

You can actually get a pretty robust list of schools in your state by simply Googling "[State Name] colleges." Do this and a list of colleges will appear across the top of your screen. Thanks, Google!

Schools With Automatic Admissions Criteria

A school that has criteria for automatic admission (e.g., if you live in-state and have a particular class rank, GPA, and/or test score profile) might not require applicants who meet the automatic criteria to submit essays with their applications.

However, don't assume that just because you meet automatic admissions criteria that you won't need to write an essay.

At UT Austin, for example, all students must submit an essay , regardless of whether they meet the automatic admissions criteria. Although you could probably write just a straightforward paragraph in the essay section and still get admitted (since you meet the criteria), you'd likely be hurting your scholarship potential, not to mention jeopardizing your chances of being let into your desired major.

Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions

Another group of schools that might not require essays are smaller, private liberal arts institutions. These types of schools often serve a fairly niche market and might simply not get a high enough application volume to need essays to differentiate applicants.

Community Colleges

Local community colleges do not require essays for enrollment, since most allow anyone to enroll. Some even have automatic transfer agreements with local four-year universities. However, if you want to transfer to a particular four-year university after you finish at a community college, you might very well have to write an essay—so you could just be putting off the inevitable!

You can find a lot of no-essay colleges for your basket!

Complete List: 64 Colleges That Don't Require Essays

The following chart contains 64 colleges with no essay requirement, organized by state.  

Note that these are far from the only no-essay college applications —just some of the most notable. Follow our guidelines above for finding additional essay-free colleges.

Should You Apply to a College That Doesn't Require an Essay?

If you're reading this article, you're clearly worried about writing application essays for one reason or another. Maybe you're concerned about having enough time to finish everything. Or maybe you think your writing is terrible.

Here are some reasons to write college essays in spite of your misgivings:

#1: You Want to Apply to the Most Selective Schools

If you're hoping to apply to the most selective schools , you'll almost certainly have to write at least one essay. The most highly ranked no-essay school that I could find was the University of Pittsburgh—a great school. But if you're going for UChicago , MIT , Stanford , or an Ivy League-level school , you'll have to write an essay.

#2: You Want a Scholarship

Even if you do apply to a school that doesn't require an essay, you might still have to write an essay if you want to apply for the most competitive scholarships .

#3: You Have Special Circumstances to Explain

If you have any kind of special circumstance to explain—say, a dip in your grades one year due to a family illness—you definitely want to write about it in an essay. This will help you compensate for any perceived deficits in your academic record and also prevent you from being penalized in the admissions process for the vagaries of life.

There's value in telling your story to the admissions committee.

#4: You're a Good Writer

I'm thinking that most strong writers are going to actively want to write college essays, but just in case: if writing is one of your strengths, definitely write an essay. You want to show off your best qualities to admissions officers, after all! If your primary concern is time, use something like the Common Application so you don't have to write a new essay for every school.

#5: The Essay Prompt Is Short

Some college essays are barely essays at all. Some required essays have just a 250-word limit, and 500 words is pretty standard. For reference, the first section of this article—"Why Do Some Colleges Not Require Essays?"—is about 450 words, including sub-headings. That's not so bad!

#6: You Can Get Help

Although it's important that your college essays are your own work, you're allowed to get help with them! Colleges expect you to put your best foot forward, so if that means discussing ideas with parents and teachers, and having someone else look over your rough drafts and offer suggestions, that's completely fine. You don't have to go at it completely alone.

#7: You Can Reuse an Essay for All Your Schools

For schools that use the Common App , Coalition App , or Universal College App , you can generally use one essay for all your colleges. Some schools might require additional supplemental essays, though, so be sure to look that up in advance to avoid being blindsided later.

So Should I Write an Essay?

If it happens that all the schools you want to apply to don't require essays, then great! But overall, I'd say don't let the fact that a school has one (or even two) essays stop you from applying if you're genuinely interested in going there.

If you find writing essays stressful or if you're time-limited, there's nothing wrong with using some strategies to limit the number of polished essays you need to produce (such as using the Common App) and applying to a mix of essay and no-essay schools.

Key Takeaways: Colleges That Don't Require Essays

There are actually tons of colleges that don't require essays. Here are some common reasons why a college might not require an essay:

• Limited resources—it takes a lot of time and effort to read an essay by each applicant
• They might have certain GPA and/or test score admissions criteria and feel as though the information provided by an essay isn't necessary
• To make it more appealing to students by having an easier application process

So how can you find college applications without essays? Here are some places to start:

• Public schools in your state, especially smaller ones in case the bigger ones do require essays
• Schools with automatic admissions criteria—if you qualify for admission, you might not need to write an essay
• Smaller liberal arts institutions
• Community colleges

When it comes down to it, though, should you apply to colleges with no essay requirement? Here are some reasons you might want to write a college essay, even if you're apprehensive:

• The most selective colleges usually do require essays
• Scholarship applications for particular schools often require essays
• If you have special circumstances to explain, plan on writing an essay
• Strong writers should write essays to put their best foot forward
• Word limits are often very short—think 250-500 words (that's just a few paragraphs!)
• You're allowed (and encouraged) to get help with brainstorming ideas and revising drafts
• If you use an application system that can send applications to multiple schools, such as the Common App, Coalition App, or Universal College App, you might be able to write just one essay for all the schools you're applying to

Don't forget to also check out our list of 64 colleges that don't require essays!

No essay, no tears!

What's Next?

Need more help looking for colleges? See our step-by-step guide to college research . Also, check out how to decide where to go to college and the difference between a college and a university !

Decided to write an essay after all and need some help? Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a college essay and our guide to writing the "why this college" essay . Be sure to avoid these 10 college essay mistakes , too.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

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Moscow city centre.

Visit Moscow City Centre

Popular places to visit.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

State Historical Museum

Take a walk through many different eras of Russian history at this expansive museum on Red Square.

Check Moscow City Centre hotel availability

Other neighbourhoods around moscow city centre.

Central Administrative Okrug

If you're spending time in Central Administrative Okrug, check out sights like Moscow Manege or Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hop on the metro to see more the city at Okhotny Ryad Station or Teatral'naya Station.

Kitay-Gorod

The museums and coffeehouses are just a few things visitors like about Kitay-Gorod. Palace of the Romanov Boyars and Old English Court are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Kitay-gorod Station (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line) or Lubyanka Station to get around the larger area.

You might enjoy the cafes while in Tverskoy. Hermitage Garden is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Mayakovskaya Station or Chekhovskaya Station to see more of the city.

If you're spending time in Arbat, you might enjoy attractions like Pushkin House Museum on Arbat and Arbat Street. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Smolenskaya Station to see more of the city.

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Presnensky. Spend some time visiting top spots like Russian White House, and catch the metro at Ulitsa 1905 Goda Station or Vystavochnaya Station to see more of the area.

You might enjoy the shopping while in Shelepikha. Battle of Borodino Panorama Museum is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Kutuzovskaya Station or Mezhdunarodnaya Station to see more of the city.

• Places of interest

More Hotel Options in Moscow City Centre

• Hotels in top Moscow neighborhoods
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• Armoury Chamber
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Other Hotels near Moscow City Centre, Moscow

• Central Administrative Okrug Hotels
• South-Western Administrative Okrug Hotels
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• Southern Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Kitay-Gorod Hotels
• Presnensky Hotels
• Eastern Administrative Okrug Hotels
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• South-Eastern Administrative District Hotels
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• Meshchansky District Hotels
• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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