Seattle University Removed Diversity Admissions Essay

The university updated its application to remove an optional prompt centered on diversity and inclusion.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in College Applications

Gouache-painted illustration of an open notebook on a wooden desk, symbolizing the process of updating academic admissions standards. — Seattle University has removed an optional admissions essay prompt regarding diversity and inclusion, part of an annual review of its application process. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should colleges and universities remove diversity-related essay prompts from their admissions applications?

Seattle University has removed a supplemental essay prompt from its admissions application that previously asked students about equity, inclusion, or belonging. The change is part of an annual review process meant to help students share their experiences and goals more effectively.

Why it matters

Schools across the country have been adjusting their admissions materials following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has encouraged institutions to move away from certain diversity initiatives.

The school updated its application, joining 19 other colleges that changed their essay prompts in 2025. These modifications are part of a broader review cycle to ensure prospective students effectively communicate their perspectives and goals.

The players

Seattle University

A private Jesuit university located in Washington state that regularly updates its admissions requirements.

University of Washington

A major public research institution that similarly updated its own application essay prompts in 2025.

U.S. Department of Education

The federal agency that provides oversight and guidance for educational institutions across the country.

The details

Seattle University reviews its admissions applications annually to refresh questions that students respond to during the cycle. The decision follows a national pattern of universities reassessing their application materials to align with evolving federal guidance and legal standards.

The Supreme Court ended affirmative action in 2023.
The University of Washington changed its essay prompts in 2025.
Seattle University removed the diversity prompt in 2026.

Culture Shift

The shift in university admissions reflects a broader trend of institutions recalibrating their processes following the Supreme Court's 2023 affirmative action ruling. Many schools are now navigating new regulatory environments by moving away from specific diversity-focused supplemental prompts.

Prospective students applying to the university will no longer encounter the equity and inclusion question in the supplemental section. This change requires applicants to focus their personal narratives on other aspects of their background and goals during the current cycle.

The takeaway

Students should carefully review updated application portals to understand which supplemental questions remain active for their cycle. Adapting to these changes ensures that applicants can still effectively highlight their unique experiences and strengths to admissions officers.