How to Write a Strong Simon Fraser University (SFU) Supplementary Essay

Why the SFU Supplementary Essay Matters

While many programs at Simon Fraser University (SFU) focus heavily on academic averages, some of the most competitive programs—such as the Beedie School of Business, Education, and Health Sciences—require applicants to submit supplementary essays. These SFU supplementary essays play a critical role in helping admissions officers identify students with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the campus community, even when applicants may appear similar on paper.

The supplementary essay offers applicants the opportunity to demonstrate communication skills, clarify their goals, and articulate why SFU is the right fit. It's also a chance to showcase personal qualities like leadership, resilience, empathy, and initiative—traits that transcripts alone can't convey.

Which SFU Programs Use Supplementary Essays?

Some of the SFU programs known to request supplementary essays include the Beedie School of Business, the Faculty of Education, and the School of Health Sciences. Additionally, students applying for competitive entrance scholarships or selective enrichment programs may be asked to submit essays. While exact questions and formats may vary slightly by program and year, the goal remains consistent: to learn more about you—your mindset, experiences, and aspirations.

Common SFU Essay Prompts and What They’re Really Asking

SFU supplementary essay prompts tend to fall into themes that invite personal storytelling and reflection. For example, you may be asked to describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it, explain why you’re interested in a specific program, or share how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the university.

These supplementary essay questions are designed to assess both your fit for the program and your ability to think critically about your own development. Rather than looking for a perfect answer, SFU is hoping to understand what drives you and how you’ll engage with their learning environment.

How to Write a Strong and Authentic SFU Essay

Start with a Clear Understanding of the Prompt

Before you begin essay writing, take a moment to analyze the essay questions. If you’re being asked to describe a challenge, think beyond the surface and identify what the admissions team is really hoping to learn. Are they looking for resilience? Problem-solving? Empathy? Once you identify the core values the question is targeting, you can shape your story with purpose.

Choose One Focused, Personal Story

One of the most effective ways to answer a prompt is by telling a specific story—an experience that reveals something meaningful about you. For example, instead of listing your involvement in multiple clubs, you might describe the time you helped resolve a conflict in a team project or took initiative to start a fundraiser for a local cause. Stories rooted in real-life experiences tend to leave a lasting impression, especially when they highlight qualities like initiative, leadership, or perseverance.

Structure Your Essay for Clarity and Flow

A strong structure can make even a simple story impactful. Consider beginning with a brief but engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the main theme. Follow that with background information and context to help the reader understand the situation. Then, walk them through the actions you took, the results that followed, and finally, what you learned and how it connects to your goals at SFU.

This type of narrative arc not only keeps your essay organized—it shows maturity and self-awareness.

Make Sure Your Experience Connects Back to SFU

Your supplementary essay should make a clear connection between who you are and why SFU is the right environment for you. Perhaps your experience with community leadership aligns with Beedie’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Or maybe your personal health challenges sparked an interest in public health, making SFU’s Health Sciences program an ideal fit.

Regardless of the topic, be sure to link your story to your future ambitions and explain why SFU is a natural next step in your journey.

Write with Your Own Voice

It’s important that your essay sounds like you. While it should be polished and professional, it should also feel honest and natural. Avoid trying to sound overly academic or using complex words just to impress. Clarity, authenticity, and emotional resonance are far more persuasive than artificial formality.

What to Avoid in Your SFU Essay

Many students fall into the trap of listing achievements instead of telling a story. Instead of repeating your resume, focus on providing context for one or two meaningful experiences. Avoid using buzzwords like “passionate” or “hardworking” without backing them up with real examples.

It’s also important to avoid vague generalizations. Statements like “I want to attend SFU because it has great programs” don’t tell the reader anything new. Dig deeper. What specifically excites you about SFU? Is it the co-op opportunities, the research focus, or the community values? Show that you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about the program.

How Myls Interview Helps You Write an Exceptional SFU Essay

At Myls Interview, we support students in crafting supplementary essays that are not only well-written, but also strategically aligned with what SFU admissions committees are looking for. Whether you’re applying to the Beedie School of Business, Education, and Health Sciences, or for a scholarship, we help you bring your voice, values, and story to life with clarity and confidence.

Our process begins with personalized mentorship to help you identify the most impactful experiences from your background. Through one-on-one mentor brainstorming sessions, our mentors guide you in choosing a story that highlights your strengths, aligns with SFU’s values, and speaks authentically to who you are. You’ll receive structured coaching on how to reflect meaningfully, express your goals, and connect your experience to the program you’re applying to.

Once your draft is underway, our mentors provide detailed, line-by-line feedback. We go beyond grammar and spelling to help you strengthen your structure, clarify your message, and refine your tone. Every suggestion is geared toward making your essay more compelling, memorable, and aligned with your overall application.

To make revisions easier and more efficient, Myls Interview also offers real-time, AI-powered writing tools. These tools help you catch unclear phrasing, passive language, and repetitive sentence structures while suggesting clearer and more concise alternatives—so your writing = stays sharp and purposeful.

We also ensure your essay is fully aligned with your broader application. Whether you’ve submitted a resume, extracurricular list, or reference letters, we help you cross-check your materials so your essay reinforces your core strengths rather than repeating them. This creates a cohesive narrative across your entire application package.

If your program or scholarship at SFU includes an interview component, Myls Interview also supports you with interview prep. We offer timed mock interviews, coaching on how to speak about your story in person, and delivery feedback to help you feel confident and consistent across all formats.

From first draft to final polish—and from page to panel—Myls Interview helps you write with clarity, revise with purpose, and present your best self with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Be Clear, Be Reflective, Be You

Your SFU supplementary essay isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up as your real self. When you approach the question with honesty, choose a specific story, and reflect meaningfully on your growth, your supplementary application becomes more than just numbers and words—it becomes a story the admissions team will remember.

If you want guidance with writing, editing, or planning your SFU supplementary application, sign up for Myls Interview today. With expert mentors, personalized feedback, and practical tools, we’ll help you turn your story into your strongest advantage.